The Smooth 5.65 Treadmill is Smooth's most affordable treadmill coming in under $1000 with Free Shipping.
But this is not your average starter treadmill. The new 2012 model packs a surprising amount value into the price including an extra long warranty, 2.75 HP motor, iPod dock with speakers and heart rate monitor with wireless chest strap.
The backlit console is easy to read and side handrail speed/incline controls can help you change your speed or incline without having to reach up to the front of the console.
Is the 5.65 right for you? Here's a quick review to help you decide:
Quick Stats:
Sale Price: $999 (+ Get Free Shipping)
Motor: 2.75 Continuous Duty HP
Speed: 0.5-10 MPH
Incline: 0-15%
Treadbelt: 20 x 55"
Folding: Yes
Water Bottle Holder: Yes
Heart Rate Monitor: Yes Hand Grip &
Wireless Chest Strap
Warranty: Lifetime Motor & Frame, 5 Years parts and electronics, 2 Years Service
Strengths:
1) Extra Long Warranty
This is simply one of the best warranties you'll find on a treadmill under $1000. The motor and frame are covered for a lifetime. You also get 5 years on parts and 2 years on service.
While most good warranties will give you 1 year on service - to get 2 years on service is rare - and can save you a lot of money should you need to use it.
The extra long warranty also gives you an idea of the quality of construction on this unit.
2) Impression Shock Absorption Cushioning
This is a system unique to Smooth treadmills. It gives you a soft landing where your foot lands on the belt and firmer push-off for the rear foot. This helps return energy to your stride so you can run faster for longer periods of time.
3) Incline / Speed Controls on the Side Handrails
This is a feature you often find in more expensive runner's treadmills. Instead of reaching forward, you can just change the speed or incline from the side handrails controls. It may seem like a little thing, but it can be very handy since reaching forward can throw off your stride.
4) iPod Dock With Speakers
You can plug in your iPod or Mp3 player and listen to your favorite workout music while you workout. There's also a jack for headphones if you want to keep you workout quiet.
5) Gas-Shock Assist Folding
The 5.65 folds up for easy storage with wheels on the bottom so you can move it out of the way. There's a gas-shock assisted lever that you can use to save the strain on your back when folding it up in place.
6) 14 Built-In Workouts
You get a 12 workouts that adjust the speed or incline for you as well as 2 manual workouts you can design yourself.
Weaknesses:
The 5.65 offers strong treadmill value under $1000 - but it still doesn't give you the type of cushioning or strong deck that you get with the higher end Smooth models. The console, while still backlit and easy to read - is on the simple side.
Overall Conclusion: Recommended
The Smooth 5.65 has made lists of the best treadmills under $1000 for several years now. It's not hard to see why. You get strong construction, decent cushioning, bright backlit console and even some fun stuff like the iPod dock and handrail controls.
Overall, if you're looking for a strong starter treadmill, the 5.65 treadmill is worth checking out - especially since they've extended the warranty on the new 2012 model.
How To Save on the Smooth 5.65:
You can buy the new Smooth 5.65 treadmill directly from the Manufacturer. They're currently offering Free Shipping which will save you a few hundred dollars.
