The centerpiece of the 6.17 is the bright blue LCD console which offers sensitive tap incline and speed changes. No pressing mechanical buttons and getting thrown off your stride while running.
You also get Whisper Weave Treadbelt for quiet operation, Swing Arm Cushioning to protect your joints, nine user profiles and 8 built-in workouts.
Is it right for your needs? Here's a quick review to help you decide:
Quick Stats:
Price: $1499
Motor: 2.5 Continuous Duty HP
Speed: 0.5-10 MPH
Incline: 0-15%
Treadbelt: 20 x 56"
Folding: Yes
Heart Rate Monitor: Yes Hand Grip
Weight Capacity: 325 lbs
Warranty: Lifetime on Frame and Motor, 5 Years on Parts, 2 years on Service
Strengths:
Bright Blue Easy To Read LCD 'Tap' Console - The bright blue LCD console is under a scratch-resistant GE Lexan® surface and the buttons are so sensitive you only need to tap on them to change the incline or speed of your treadmill.
This is handy especially for runners as you don't have to break your pace by pushing mechanical buttons. The LCD console also makes it easy to see your workout stats.
Swing Arm™ Shock Absorption System - This is a well-designed cushioning system that Smooth is starting to incorporate in many of their treadmills.
Separate, heavy-duty base and deck frames – similar to health club treadmills – stabilize the deck for shake-free running. Plus with this type of cushioning, muscles contract at a lower peak intensity for a longer period of time, so they burn 14%-23% more calories.
Quiet Operation - The 6.17 comes with a 2.5 HP motor that works with an advanced Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) circuit board to make speed changes smooth and quiet. The Whisper Weave™ Treadbelt also helps to cut down on noise and gives you a very quiet workout.
9 User Profiles With 8 Built In Workouts - This is a handy feature if there are several people using the treadmill. The Smooth 6.17 can store the user stats (age, weight and target heart rate information) for up to nine people.
So when you start your workout, there's no need to enter this information into the console all over again. You also get 8 built-in workout programs like target time, distance, calories, interval speed, incline, weight loss, heart rate and 5 K competition.
Excellent Warranty - Smooth is known for putting some of the best warranties on their treadmills and the Smooth 6.17 is no exception. You get a lifetime warranty on the frame and motor as well as 5 years on all parts and 2 years on in-home service.
This is a great warranty - particularly the 2 years on service warranty. Most treadmills only give you 1 year on service if you're lucky.
Weaknesses:
Although it's not really a weakness, some people may prefer the traditional treadmill look you get with other Smooth models vs the sleek Euro-style look of the 6.17.
Also note that Smooth is only offering the 2 years on service warranty for a short time. According to Smooth, it will go back to 1 year (still a good warranty) sometime in the New Year.
Overall Conclusion: Recommended
The Smooth 6.17 treadmill is a new take on the treadmill look of the future. While the minimalist, sleek design gives it more of a Euro-style look, the heavy 220 lbs unit weight and commercial grade construction adds a solid, stable feel.
Runners will appreciate the advanced light-tap console buttons and bright blue LCD display. You also get an extra-long warranty, excellent cushioning, 9 user profiles, shock-assisted folding and 8 built in workouts.
While it doesn't have some of the fancier workout gadgets of higher end Smooth models, the 6.17 does give you some great core basics and a solid construction that will last you a long time.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
In order to keep prices low and cut out the store markup, Smooth sells directly from their website. You can save up to 45% off their treadmills.
Plus they're currently offering Free Shipping and an extra year on labor warranty.
