ProForm Carbon HIIT H14 Review: An Elliptical That Takes Notes from a Stair Stepper
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Key Features and Specs:
- Dimensions: 29 inches wide x 52 inches deep x 66 inches high
- Weight Capacity: 325 pounds
- Machine Weight: 224 pounds
- Stride Length: 10-inch vertical, five-inch horizontal
- Resistance Levels: 26
- Flywheel Weight: 30-pound inertia-enhanced flywheel
- Display: 14-inch smart HD touchscreen
Everyone who exercises at home wants to find the perfect cardio equipment for their home gym. The ProForm Carbon HIIT H14 may be advertised as an elliptical, but in performance, it’s more like the love child of an elliptical and a stair stepper. ProForm has other hybrid trainers that combine different cardio machines, but this one can work on strength and cardio at the same time.
In this ProForm Carbon HIIT H14 review, we dive into the pros and cons of this ultra-quiet, full-body cardio machine. From the 14-inch touchscreen to the heavy 30-pound flywheel and 26 resistance levels, this machine is built for performance and high-intensity workouts. However, it’s not necessarily suited to every space or user. The footprint is smaller than most ellipticals, but it’s not foldable. That’s fine if you have a devoted gym space but might be a big con if space is limited.
Keep reading to see if this machine has the features and specs to complete your gym and help you reach your fitness goals.
ProForm Carbon HIIT H14 Construction and Design
The H14’s design and construction vary slightly from the norm for either an elliptical trainer or a stair stepper/climber. It has a 10-inch vertical and five-inch horizontal step length, creating a step-like motion versus a standard elliptical’s 15 to 20 inch stride length that’s closer to running than stair stepping. This makes it possible to get a more intense workout than you would on a standard elliptical.
Instead of a long machine (like a typical elliptical), the H14 has a tall vertical footprint. If you’re looking to save space, this is a trade-off: It takes up less horizontal space, but it’s tall and a bit bulky. It also doesn’t have any folding mechanism so we wouldn’t call it a compact elliptical.
ProForm is known for the build quality of its fitness equipment, and the designers pull through beautifully with the H14’s construction. This solid machine features a 30-pound flywheel in contrast to the 15- to 20-pound flywheels found on most ellipticals and exercise bikes.
In general, the heavier the flywheel, the smoother and quieter the operation. That holds true with the H14. Consequently, you can easily use it in a shared space. The flywheel is coupled with silent magnetic resistance (SMR) to eliminate any shaking or wobbling, too.
It has steel stabilizers with adjustable feet so the machine stays in place. That also contributes to its ability to hold users up to 325 pounds. Some ellipticals top out at 275 pounds, but we like machines with higher weight limits because people of all sizes should be able to exercise as they choose.
This elliptical machine does have two front-mounted transport wheels on the front of the frame so you can tilt it forward to move throughout the room. Despite weighing 225 pounds, it’s well-balanced, allowing users of almost any size to move it without too much trouble.
Another design feature we like is the multi-grip moving handlebars. They’re tall and long, so users of different heights can find a comfortable position. You can also change your grip to work different upper body muscles. There is also a set of stationary handlebars with heart rate sensors to act as a heart rate monitor if you don’t have another tracking device. They can also be used for any heart rate-controlled workouts.
According to the brand’s assembly video, this machine can take 1.5 to two hours and requires the help of a second person. It’s worth noting that the H14 cannot be used or stored in a garage because it voids the warranty.
ProForm Carbon HIIT H14 Technology
Proform
The H14 falls into the high-tech category thanks to its 14-inch smart HD touchscreen that’s iFit enabled. It comes with a 30-day trial of an iFit family membership, which lets you create up to five profiles. When using certain workouts, iFit trainers can adjust the H14’s resistance, creating an interactive workout experience.
As the name implies, the H14 is primarily designed to deliver high-intensity interval training (HIIT). HIIT training involves periods of intense, all-out effort followed by short periods of rest. Personal trainers and anyone who understands the principle use it to maximize calorie burn in a short time frame.
However, iFit also opens the door to other types of training, like strength training or yoga workouts. You can also download the iFit app to do those workouts at other locations, like your living room or while in a hotel room.
As much as we love integrated training and the variety offered by iFit, the touchscreen is a place where the H14 has had some issues. Amazon reviewers have reported, “I just tried using this thing again. The screen was blank after having used it yesterday... power cycled it... then fought with the Wifi for 25 min before I ran out of time to get an actual workout in.... again,” and “After a week of purchase the monitor stopped working. After two hours on the phone with their support, no resolution.”
Beyond iFit and the touchscreen, the H14 is fully equipped with:
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Dual speakers
- Water bottle holder
- Cooling fan with two speeds
ProForm Carbon HIIT H14 Console and Controls
The majority of the H14’s control takes place on the 14-inch touchscreen. That’s where you choose from and watch workouts. There are manual controls for resistance, volume and the fan below the screen. You can use them at any time during a workout or use them when using the manually controlled workout.
The 26 digital resistance levels are adjusted on the screen or with the console’s manual buttons. An iFit subscription expands what you can do on the H14. There are options to explore various locations, including creating your own routes through cities and mountains across the world. As long as it works correctly, it greatly adds to the value and versatility of the H14.
If you opt for no subscription, you can use the manual mode, which brings us to another of the H14’s downsides. There’s no media shelf, so you can’t watch another device while you work out unless the H14 is parked in front of it.
Some Amazon reviewers have had issues with mounting the console and connecting the screen. There’s no on/off button or switch on the console either, yet the H14 isn’t designed to be on all the time. Users have to unplug the machine after each use to protect the screen.
Working Out With the ProForm Carbon HIIT H14
The ProForm Carbon HIIT H14 elliptical trainer is designed for intense cardio HIIT workouts, which it delivers. You’ll find a similar workout on the Bowflex Max Trainer M6, though the M6 is slightly more affordable. The moving handlebars let you get some strength training too. The pedal movement’s similarity to stepper machines activates the glutes and hamstrings more than a standard elliptical.
You have to be careful when mounting the H14. The handlebars and pedals move whether or not the machine is turned on or plugged in. It takes some getting used to and could throw off your balance at first.
We like the oversized, 15-inch cushioned pedals. Most people will be able to find a comfortable foot position. Once you’re on the machine, it’s a matter of picking your workout through iFit or jumping into a manual workout. The screen has some adjustability so you can get a comfortable angle.
Warranty, Return Policy and Financing
The H14 comes with a 10-year frame warranty, two-year parts warranty and one-year labor warranty. The warranty is fairly standard for the industry. You can purchase a three or five-year extended warranty plan for $239 or $489. There’s also an option at checkout for room-of-choice delivery and assembly for an additional $199.
You have 30 days from the delivery date to request a return. However, there is a nonrefundable return shipping fee of $250 plus a 10 percent processing fee. As soon as you click order, all return fees apply.
ProForm offers financing with zero percent APR for up to 12 months for those with a qualifying credit score.
Pros of the ProForm Carbon HIIT H14
- Can provide an intense, low-impact, full-body workout
- 14-inch touchscreen, an option for integrated iFit programming
- Large, cushioned pedals
- Multi-group handlebars and stationary handlebars with heart rate sensors
- Strong warranty
- Heavy 30-pound flywheel and quiet operation
Cons of the ProForm Carbon HIIT H14
- Weak fan
- Difficult assembly
- Reviewers report problems working with customer service
What Customers Say About the ProForm Carbon HIIT H14
Proform
Customer reviews are a mixed bag. As with some other high-tech cardio machines, there are a good number of users who have tech issues. And unfortunately, ProForm doesn’t seem to respond quickly or in a helpful manner. The screen and access to iFit are one of the big strengths of this machine, but if that technology doesn’t work, that’s a big problem. The H14 doesn’t currently have a lot of customer reviews.
ProForm Carbon HIIT H14 FAQs
Does the ProForm Carbon HIIT H14 work without an iFit subscription?
Yes, the ProForm Carbon HIIT H14 works in manual mode without an iFit subscription. The screen shows a white background with a track that shows distance, speed and calorie burn. Resistance can also be adjusted on the screen or using the manual buttons on the console.
What muscles does the ProForm Carbon HIIT H14 work?
The H14 is a full-body cardio workout machine that can be used for general fitness, weight loss or cross-training. The moving handlebars engage the upper body, while the pedals engage the lower body. You cannot adjust the incline, so it will activate the same muscle groups every time you work out.
Final Thoughts: Is the ProForm Carbon HIIT H14 Worth It?
This ProForm HIIT trainer can definitely provide an intense workout and offers interactive programming worth considering. While there’s a lot to love about the H14, the tech issues are something to consider before buying. Third-party reviewers don’t report problems with tech, but the few Amazon reviews express frustration with connectivity.
You also need to think carefully about whether a hybrid-type machine like this is what you want for your home gym. If you want to get your heart rate up in a hurry, this type of machine can do it. However, you’ll need the space and a strong WiFi signal. Plus, if you want to take full advantage of the H14, you’ll need an iFit subscription. The iFit app adds to the overall value but can cost anywhere from $129 to $400 per year, depending on the subscription. Weight the pros and cons to make sure your money goes behind a machine that will move you closer to your fitness goals.
Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.
