Smooth
Treadmills Ratings And Reviews
A
relative newcomer in a crowed field, Smooth treadmills have
been garnering rave reviews and high ratings from experts in
the field (more on this below). Although I do not own a Smooth
Treadmill (or any type of treadmill) myself, I have put this
article together as a result of multiple requests for information
on this company. Here's what I found out...
Smooth
treadmills are only available online -- one of only two brands
available direct from the manufacturer. This allows 1800Treadmills.com
(the distributor, and a division of InternetFitness.com) to
sell their product factory direct -- allowing savings of up
to 45% by eliminating overhead costs typically associated with
retail ventures. Selling treadmills only via an online store
is a pretty interesting strategy -- and you wouldn't suspect
that it could possibly prove to be a successful one.
According
to Steve Kurtz and Fred Waters (director of marketing for 1800treadmills.com),
the strategy is working well -- their company IS the largest
online seller of high-end fitness equipment. Not surprising
considering they've been business for 19 years, and have been
selling online for 5 years. With a dedication to customer satisfaction
that rare on the Net, 1800treadmills.com
sets themselves apart from their competitors. Of course, having
a great product doesn't hurt either...
In
a recent Runner's World analysis of the top treadmills, Smooth
treadmills received a high rating and a great review (within
the top 10 best treadmills available)...
According
to Runner's World, "the Smooth receives high marks for
stability, which we consider the most important treadmill attribute."
In addition it had one of the highest ratings for cushioning.
Our rating for "Actual Pace" was one of the most accurate.
It had the second highest acceleration time. And the Smooth
7.5HR had the lowest decibels rating for noise level.
Of
the Smooth 9.6, TreadmillDoctor.com says...
"A
monster of a motor with an equally impressive motor and deck
warranty of 10 years makes this a contender in the $3,000 price
range. Quite a beast of a treadmill with user friendly controls.
Good cushioning. A must consideration for a runner."
Additionally
(and perhaps what impressed me the most), Smooth treadmills
are warranteed much, much longer than comparable products. Of
course, buying a product you can't test first is a serious detriment,
so providing a long warranty will help 1800treadmills
offset this problem. And for anyone buying a home-quality treadmill
(not the $5000-$7000 models you see in a commercial setting
-- a gym), warranty has to be a concern.
What
else is there to like about this company and their product?
Well,
for one, shipping is already included in the price you see quoted
on the web site. That's a nice touch (no unpleasant surprises
on the other side of the "Buy Now" button). A 30-day
satisfaction or your money refunded (less the usual shipping
fees) is also offered.
They
have a "design your own treadmill" feature -- which
allows users to custom build the machine to their unique specifications.
Nice feature, and generally friendly site.
Bottom
line?
1800Treadmills
does a nice job of qualifying the Smooth Treadmill product on
their web site -- plenty of reviews and comparisons are provided
to qualify their product. My contacts have been professional
and friendly, and I see no reason to believe that their product
isn't all they claim. Check them out for yourself...
To
visit 1800Treadmills, Home of Smooth Treadmills, Click here!
