Smooth Treadmills were some of the first treadmills to be sold direct to buyers online at discounts of up to 50%.
Smooth paved the way for many other retailers to sell their treadmills direct and as a consequence have been leading the way in terms of secure online treadmill sales. (They're the 255th largest e-commerce site in the United States as ranked by Internet Retailer)
But what about the treadmills themselves? How do they rate?
Well, despite not being as well known as some other brands, Smooth treadmills rate very highly. They've garnered 'Best Buys' from several experts like Runner's World, Prevention Magazine, About.com, GearAwards and Consumer Guide.
And user reviews (which you can read on any of the product pages at the official Smooth website) are also positive. Users especially like the quietness of the treadmills and their shake-free stability.
Since I own a Smooth treadmill myself, I can agree. I bought the Smooth 9.25X (now replaced by the 9.45) several years ago and still use it almost every day. It's built like a truck and never moves, even when my husband runs on it at high speeds.
And unlike other treadmills I've owned, there's no static charge buildup (even though I don't dust the treadmill as much as I should).
While prices start around $999, most Smooth models fall into the mid-priced category and are really built for people who want a higher grade of construction with their treadmill.
With their large running decks and heavy machine weights, they're especially suited to runners who want a well-built machine that will hold up well over the long run.
Smooth also adds some unique features you won't find elsewhere like:
Motion Control on the Handrails - You just wave your hand over the handrails to increase or decrease your speed. This is handy for runners since you don't have to break your stride to change your speed. (Motion control is not on all Smooth treadmills)
15" LCD TV - While you can find several 7" TV treadmills on the market, it's nearly impossible to find a TV this big (unless you're looking at a $4000 commercial machine).
The 15" LCD TV is found on the 9.45 TV treadmill and is one of the largest TV's you can find on a treadmill. It is attached separately so it can be easily removed without affecting the treadmill's operation. Also because it's attached separately, it doesn't shake or wobble when you start to run.
Power Folding - This is found on the 7.6 model. You just press a button and the treadmill folds and unfolds itself. This is a great way to save the strain on your back and still get a folding unit.
Deluxe Sound System - This can be found on the 6.45 treadmill. You can plug in your iPod and listen to music through the console speaker system. It comes with it's own volume control on the console so you easily turn the volume up or down.
Another bonus is that Smooth offers some of the longest warranties on any mid-priced treadmill. They've even started offering 2 years coverage on service for most models.
Since servicing your treadmill can be very expensive (and most treadmill warranties only offer you 1 year on service - if you're lucky) this can save you a lot of money.
While these treadmills are well built and don't have a lot of weaknesses, one downside is that they don't have the 'bells and whistles' some other brands have. You do get several built-in workouts with each treadmill but they're tend to be a bit simple.
Still, if you really don't care about having 40 built in workouts, carb counters and 3D consoles, you'll probably be very happy with a Smooth.
Bottom Line?
Main strengths of Smooth treadmills are their commercial grade construction, stability, quietness and durability. They will especially appeal to runners or those looking for a solid, well-built alternative to the cheap department store treadmills.
They also offer some unique features you won't find elsewhere like a 15" TV, motion control, power folding and deluxe sound system with console volume control.
Where to Buy At A Discount:
You can buy Smooth treadmills direct from the Manufacturer. They're also offering Free Shipping which will save you about $150.
Plus they're offering our visitors another 5% off any treadmill - use Promo Code smooth5 at checkout (for a short time only).
