Smooth 5.45 Treadmill Review - Best Buy Budget Treadmill

"The Best Value at $1,000"

Smooth Fitness 5.45 Treadmill Review Smooth Fitness has always been a strong contender at the $999 price range. The Smooth 5.45 treadmill is no exception. I rate it a "Best Buy" for being one of the most solid and durable machines at this price.

The 5.45 replaces the popular Smooth 5.25. Both have the same frame, motor and console, however, the Smooth 5.45 has a longer deck, offers better shock absorption and is more stable.

The reason why the $999 Smooth treadmills have been such a good value is not only due to the features, but also because of their reliability and durability. They are generally very low maintenance machines, which is an important consideration when shopping for a treadmill.

Note: As of 7/23/08 the Smooth 5.45 Treadmill was selling for $999 with shipping. A good value! Get the latest price at www.SmoothFitness.com.

Most treadmills selling for around $1,000 are what I consider budget machines. Consequently, you have to be very selective in finding brands that have good service records.

Smooth 5.45 Treadmill Features...

20" x 55" Treadbelt - The Smooth 5.45 has a longer treadbelt than the 5.25. The 55" length of the belt is ideal for average height walkers and joggers.

2.5 HP Continuous Duty Motor - Smooth equips their treadmills with very reliable motors, and that is why they are backed with lifetime warranties. You can expect this motor to run smooth and reasonably quiet, even at higher speeds.

210 Lbs. Unit Weight - The Smooth 5.45 may be one of the heaviest treadmills at this price. The extra weight means you are getting a machine that is stable and feels solid. You'll find that some brands won't even list their unit weights, simple because they are lightweights that shift when jogging or with heavy users.

However, you don't want to have to move this treadmill. Since the standard free shipping is to the curb, opt for the inside delivery option. It is not that much more money.

Swing Arm Shock Absorption System - This patented shock absorption system reduces the impact to your ankles, knees, hips and back. It is built with two pivots in the front that absorbed the impact of your stride, while giving you a solid lift off towards the back of the deck. I've jogged on this deck, and it is definitely an improvement over the typical elastomers decks, which initially absorb the shock, but then bounce a portion of the impact.

LCD Console - Although the guts of the 5.45 treadmill are impressive, the LCD display is very basic, and changing the incline and speed requires scrolling up and down. On the other hand, it is very simple to use. You get six exercise programs and nine storable user profiles.

Warranty - As mentioned, the Smooth 5.45 treadmill comes with a lifetime motor warranty. You also get a 3-years parts and 1-year labor warranty. The 3-years parts coverage is above average.

Our Review - Smooth Fitness 5.45 Treadmill

With every new version of their entry treadmill, Smooth keeps on giving you a better value. With the Smooth 5.45, they took a proven design and beefed it up.

What makes this a value proposition, is the fact that the 5.45 is one of the most solid and durable machines for $1,000. This is not one of those throw away treadmills you get from the giant retailers.

Note: This treadmill is recommend for walkers and light joggers. Runners will want to upgrade.

Customer Reviews (This is on the Smooth 5.25, which is replaced by the 5.45.)

Solid, reliable, comfortable - I have owned and used the Smooth Fitness 5.25 Treadmill for about six months. I've had lower-cost treadmills, and you do get what you pay for. (Though I don't see that spending $3000 gains all that much.) This one is definitely worth the price. It's comfortable and stable, and a pleasure to use. My significant other and I put around 30 miles per week on it, so we're not heavy users like runners in training. We both use the power incline and vary the speed a lot.

I was hesitant to order a treadmill on line. The lack of variety in the local shopping lead me to research the treadmills on line and I did order this unit online. I'm glad I took the chance. This is a great treadmill. I have done some jogging, mostly walking. It compares with some of the treadmills at my local gym. I walk about 10 miles a week on it. So far so good. I paid the extra delivery charge and the box was put in the room I requested. It is a large, heavy box and the extra $49.00 was well worth it. my husband put it together in less than an hour. - Judy

THE WIFE AND I LOVE IT! SO SMOOTH AND HEAVY DUTY. TOGETHER WE'VE LOST OVER OVER 55LBS.IN 10 WEEKS!

For more details go to www.SmoothFitness.com.

*This Smooth 5.45 Treadmill Review is based on personally testing the machine, and from conversations with company representatives and customer reviews.