Smooth Treadmills are made and sold through the Smooth Manufacturer. Smooth was the first manufacturer to sell direct-to-consumers online - which gave them an early advantage.
By selling factory direct online, Smooth can sell their treadmills considerably cheaper than a normal brick-and-mortar store (up to 45% off).
This is partially what has made these treadmills so popular since people can buy a higher quality treadmill for less than they'd pay at a store.
Plus, with several expert 'Best Buy' reviews this year and some cool new upgrades, Smooth takes the prize for the best updates to their new models.
Strengths:
#1) Commercial Upgrades - Smooth has added some new commercial-quality updates to their models this year - many of which you won't find on other brands including:
- Motion Control on the Handrails - Just move your hand over the handrails to increase or decrease your speed - great for runners since you don't have to break your stride. (Motion control is only found on the 9.35, 9.45 ST and 9.45 TV treadmills)
- Power Folding - Save the strain on your back. Just press a button and the treadmill folds and unfolds itself (found on the 7.6 and 7.1 models)
- 15" LCD TV - One of the largest TV's you can find on a treadmill - similar to health club units. Separately attached so it can be easily removed without affecting the treadmill's operation. (found on the 9.45 TV treadmill).
- Deluxe Sound System - Plug in your iPod and listen to music through the deluxe console speaker system. Comes with it's own volume control on the console so you can adjust the sound to your taste (found on the 6.45 model)
#2) Strong, Stable Feel - According to Runner's World, stability is the most important feature of a treadmill.
While many cheaper treadmills can shake or wobble when you pick up your pace, Smooth machines are known for being highly stable. They also tend to be heavy machines which also adds to their more stable feel.
#3) Excellent Swing Arm Cushioning - Good cushioning is essential in a treadmill to protect your joints and ligaments. Smooth uses one of the better cushioning systems on the market - Swing Arm™ Shock Absorption for most of their treadmills.
Separate, heavy-duty base and deck frames – similar to health club treadmills – stabilize the deck for shake-free running. With SwingArm cushioning muscles contract at a lower peak intensity for a longer period of time, so they burn 14%-23% more calories.
#4) High Expert & User Reviews - Smooth treadmills are some of the best rated treadmills in the industry. Their treadmills have received high ratings from experts like Runner's World, Prevention Magazine, About.com, GearAwards and Consumer Guide.
Plus user reviews - which you can read on the website - are also quite positive. That can give you peace of mind that you're buying a quality well-made brand that will last.
#5) Long Warranties with 2 Years on Labor - Smooth warranties are some of the best in the business and most include a lifetime motor warranty with a lifetime frame warranty.
Plus for a short time they're offering 2 years on labor which can save you a lot of money (most brands only give you 1 year if you're lucky).
#6) Easy To Order Website - The Smooth website reflects the fact that they specialize in online sales, covering all the information you would want to know before investing in a treadmill including:
- Detailed Descriptions, Specs, Pictures and even Videos
- Easy Treadmill Comparison Tools
- Expert Smooth Treadmill Reviews
- User Smooth Treadmill Reviews
- Secure Ordering & Service Information
As an added bonus, Smooth also has one of the fastest shipping times with approved orders shipped within 2-4 business days.
Weaknesses:
While still quite good, Smooth doesn't have as many tracking tools or workout program options as some other brands have - most of the money here seems to have gone into construction.
Conclusion:
Smooth specializes in building high-end, commercial grade home treadmills. These are not your average department store treadmills - and they're better built than even many similarly priced brands on the market.
You get strong motors, commercial grade parts and construction, long warranties and high user satisfaction reviews.
Plus they offer some goodies you won't find on other brands like power folding, speed and incline controls on the handrails and large 15" built-in TV's.
Overall a strong brand with a reputation for building quality treadmills that will hold up over the longer run.
Where to Buy At A Discount:
You can buy Smooth treadmills direct from the Manufacturer and save up to 45% off store markup. They're also currently offering Free Shipping which will save you about $150.
Plus for our visitors, they're offering another 5% off any treadmill (enter Promo Code "smooth5" at checkout).
