Smooth 6.25 Treadmill Review

The Smooth 6.25 is an ideal treadmill for jogging. It is a solid performer, with an excellent service record. It received a "Best Buy" rating from the New York Times About.com.

Don't be fooled into thinking you can get an adequate jogging machine for under $1,000. Budget treadmills are not equipped to handle the pounding associated with jogging.

On the otherhand, the Smooth 6.25 is a solid and durable machine, equipped with the components that can adequately accomodate both walkers and joggers. This treadmill has been out for several years and has a very impressive service record.

Note: I talked to the Sales Manager at Smooth and apparently they have an abundance of 6.25 inventory. As of 7/23/08 it was selling for $1,248. This is the lowest price they have offered this model. Go to www.SmoothTreadmill.com

These are the features that make Smooth 6.25 a good value...

Swing Arm Suspension System - One of the reasons people exercise on a treadmill is for the shock absorption. There is less impact than walking or running on asphalt. The Swing Arm Suspension System reduces the impact even further. You can actually see the treadmill deck absorb the impact while you're running.

This is important when you consider running can result in an impact equal to 2.5x your body weight. That compounded impact is what causes injuries to your ankles, knees, hips and lower back.

The Swing arm is designed to absorb the impact of your landing foot, while providing a firm push-off from your rear foot. There is actually more shock absorption towards the front of the deck where it is most needed.

According to Smooth;

Premium Console - Another notable feature is the recent upgraded LED console. The design and layout is well organized and easy to read. You can monitor your speed, distance, calories, time and pulse simultaneously. It is a vast improvement over their LCD display.

The programs are typical for a treadmill, the exception is having the choice between an incline or speed interval program. Interval training is the new trend in exercising. It optimizes your workout by getting the maximum affects in the least amount of time. You alternate from a heart pounding exercise to a cool down period. This training technique is used by professional atheletes because of the optimized results.

You also get nine user profiles - up to nine people can store their age, weight, height, sex and target heart rate.

260 lb. Weight - The Smooth 6.25 weighs a hefty 260 lbs, which contributes to a solid and very stable feel. In general the heavier the machine the more solid it feels, which makes sense. The downside is it is a bitch to move. You will want to consider their inside delivery option for $49..

Large 2.5" Rollers - Few people realize the importance of rollers. The bigger the better. A large roller requires less rotations of the motor and belt, thus reducing wear.

2.75 HP Continuous Duty Motor - Not the biggest motor available, but more than adequate for jogging. You'll notice it does not strain at high speeds and is relatively quiet.

Our Review - Smooth 6.25 Treadmill

The Smooth 6.25 has some excellent features that translates into a good value. This includes the 2.75 hp motor, LED console, Swing Arm Suspension System, 260 lb. weight, 2.5" rollers, and most of all the lifetime motor and five year parts warranty.

It also has heart rate control, but the wireless chest strap is extra ($50). Worth the money.

Note: I talked to Keith Menear of Smooth and he mentioned they are currently overstocked on this model. That is why they discounted the price an additional $100 and are offering free in-room delivery. Overall this is a very good value.

Customer Review

Smooth 6.25 Treadmill specifications (Manufacturer specs):

• 2.75 HP continuous motor. An adequate motor for walking and jogging. Serious runners should consider the Smooth 9.45 or Sole F85.
• Folding Treadmill - Even when folded the Smooth 6.25 has a wide base. However, this makes the treadmill more stable.
• Sizable 20" x 54" treadbelt. Adequate for both walking and jogging. Taller individuals will want to consider a 60" long belt.
• Heart Rate Control - Optional Wireless Chest Strap Available.
• Heavy unit weight of 260 lbs - Gives a very solid feel like a commercial unit.
• Hand grip pulse monitor
• New LED console computer displays speed, distance, calories, time and pulse simultaneously.
• Display has separate speed and incline hill profiles showing a visual display of the intensity of each.
• Six challenging pre-set programs, including heart rate control
• Nine user profiles - users can store their weight, height, sex and target heart rate.
• 2.5" commercial grade rollers - The large size extends the life of the belt, motor and bearings.
• Commercial grade, triple-laminated phenolic deck.
• 0.5-10 MPH. If you are a fast runner you'll want to upgrade.
• 15 levels of incline
• Footprint: 38" x 72"
• Minimal assembly. Not that difficult to assemble, just hard to move.
• Warranty:
  Lifetime Motor
  5 year Parts
  1 year in home service

*This Smooth 6.25 Treadmill Review is based on not only testing the equipment, but also comments, testimonials, reviews and ratings of customers and third parties. We attempt to be as accurate as possible. Warranties, features and prices can change without notice.