EVO home treadmills are manufactured by the same company that makes Smooth Treadmills: Smooth fitness.
The EVO model lineup was originally Smooth's attempt to sell their treadmills through a network of fitness retailers.
However Smooth also occasionally sells them online direct to consumers, depending on inventories.
EVO treadmills are not as well known as Smooth models. However they do have a reputation for being stable, well-built machines. They're actually very similar to Smooth treadmills.
Originally EVO treadmills had a couple of unique features that set them apart:
Strengths:
1) Motion Control on the Handrails - Some (not all) EVO models offer motion controls on the handrails.
You just wave your hand over the motion sensor to speed up or slow down the treadmill.
This is handy if you're running and don't want to reach over and push buttons on the console to raise or lower your speed.
2) Swing Arm Shock Absorption Cushioning - This is a system designed to minimize the impact from running and walking.
With Swing Arm Cushioning, the impact of your step is dispersed through the swing-arm deck and frame of the treadmill. (instead of sending the shock force through your body)
While this is a great cushioning system, it's no longer exclusive to EVO treadmills - many of the new Smooth models also offer Swing Arm cushioning.
3) Like Smooth treadmills, EVO models come with excellent warranties. Most of them cover the motor and frame for a lifetime and 5 years on parts and 1 year on labor.
These are some of the best warranties in the business. A good warranty helps to protect your investment over the long run and also tells you about the quality of construction.
4) Positive EVO Treadmill Reviews - Despite the fact that EVO is not as well known as Smooth, expert reviews have been positive. There are a few "Best Buys" from Consumer Guide, LA Times and other fitness experts.
Weaknesses:
In general EVO home treadmills (especially when sold through fitness stores) tend to be higher priced than similar Smooth models. For example the EVO FX25 is almost identical to the Smooth 5.45 - but sells for $200 more.
So if you don't really care about features like motion control you may be able to get a similar Smooth model for less.
Conclusion:
EVO treadmills are higher end machines with solid construction, excellent warranties and positive reviews.
They're backed by a well-known, respected name in the fitness industry: SmoothFitness - who have been in the fitness equipment industry since 1984.
While EVO models can be higher priced than similar Smooth treadmills - especially when sold in stores - they do offer a few unique features like Motion Control and Swing Arm Cushioning.
If these things don't really matter to you however, you might want to save some money and consider a similar Smooth treadmill instead
Where To Buy:
You can get some decent discounts on EVO treadmills at Amazon. They sometimes offer free shipping and you can compare a variety of models.
