Smooth
Fitness offers good value in the $1,000-$2,000 price
range. Their machines are solid and durable, with an excellent
service record.
I recently visited their corporate offices in King of Prussia,
PA. In talking to a number of their upper management, I
kept getting the same message. "Our focus is on quality
and service."
These machines are a significant step up from budget models like ProForm, Horizon or Schwinn.
Smooth Fitness was one
of the first to sell quality fitness equipment on the Internet, including elliptical
trainers. They are currently ranked as the 240th largest e-retailer, and the 11th largest in the sporting
goods category.
Note: As of 9/5/08, Smooth had the CE 3.2. on sale for $1,499, with shipping. Better yet is their Smooth CE 7.4 — commercial grade for the home for $1,999. Go to SmoothFitness.com
for the latest prices.
Their value proposition is to sell direct and only online.
Their products are not available through dealers or
large sporting goods stores. Consequently, they do not have
to inflate their prices to match their dealers. And, although
the savings in not near what they claim, you do get more
for your dollar.
Their
other strategy is to offer ellipticals and treadmills equipped with quality components.
Their products have a solid reputation for durability and performance. (Their
treadmills have received numerous "Best Buy" ratings.)
Below are some of the features that make the Smooth ellipticals
a solid value.
Ergonomic
pivotal foot pedals. One of the primary reasons people buy elliptical trainers
is for the low impact stride. The pivotal foot pedal further reduces strain and
impact by aligning your feet with the elliptical motion. Your feet are align with
the motion and never have to raise to adjust to the motion. One complaint people
have when exercising on an elliptical is numbness in their feet. This helps to
alleviate the problem.
Variety of Stride Lengths to Choose From.
The Smooth ellipticals come in different stride lengths. This is important because,
depending on your height, you want a stride length that feels comfortable. I get
reviews from customers who complain they bought an elliptical that has a stride
either too short or long. Smooth offers a .
You input your height and they suggest the appropriate elliptical with the right
stride.
Premium
Console and Display. Smooth has some of the best designed consoles and displays
in the industry. For example, the Smooth CE 3.2 has an LED display with multiple
window read-outs, allowing for simultaneious feedback. In addition, Smooth offers
a great selection of challenging programs. They include an "Interval"
program that combines higher intensity routines with alternative cool downs. An
exercise for optimizing your workout.
Heart rate sensors in the upper
body handle bars. One of the benefits of an elliptical trainer is the dual
upper and lower body workout. Most ellipticals have heart sensors in stationary
grips below the console. To determine your heart rate you have to discontinue
the upper body workout. How can you get a true readout of your heart rate if you
are no longer exercising your upper body? Duh! The Smooth ellipticals have the
pulse monitor built in the moving handlebars, allowing you to always have a heartrate
read-out. (N/A on the CE & Agile)
Overall heavy weight contributes
to stability. The Smooth ellipticals weigh between 175 lbs - 390 lbs. This
is comparable to commercial grade elliptical trainers. For example, the Precor
EFX524i commercial elliptical weighs a comparable 207 lbs. (It also cost over
$5000). You really notice the difference between the heavy elliptical and a light
weight model.
Smooth sells direct to the consumer. As mentioned above,
part of the Smooth Fitness success is selling direct, and not through
any middlemen. Yes, other companies sell direct through their web site, but they
also sell through stores and online retailers. This forces the manufacturer to
inflate the prices on their site in order not to undersell their distributors.
If you go to the Smooth Fitness site you will see some
exaggerate promotions that suggest you can save as much
as 45%. That is typical marketing hype. The reality is buying
direct can potentially save you between 5%-15% over a comparable
model. When you factor the savings in taxes from buying
online, you are getting a better value. You are even saving
more in comparison to purchasing from a fitness specialty
store. They work on hefty commissions.
Smooth
Specializes in Online Fulfillment and Service. Smooth Fitness has been selling
fitness equipment online longer then just about everyone. This has given them
an edge to perfect their customer service. They have a good track record attending
to the needs of their customers. The only problem could arise from shipping. That
is because all fitness equipment companies ship their products through third-party
delivery companies.
Smooth
Elliptical Trainer Reviews
Our Review
When you factor the price, features, engineering, warranties and customer service,
the Smooth ellipticals offer some of the best value available in the $1,000-$2,000
price range. We feel the only other serious contender in this price range is Sole
Fitness. offering a 2-year service and 5-year parts warranty on most models.
Note: In general elliptical trainers can be awkward to move, especially when they are heavy like the Smooth machines. I recommend you get the inside delivery.
Customer Reviews
One
customer referred to the CE 3.2 as "Under promised and over delivered
by Smooth Fitness all the way around." One complaint by another was that
the CE 2.1 weighed too much and was difficult to move. We find that a plus. The
extra weight contributes to the overall stability.
Well
our 3.2 elliptical machine arrived yesterday, just a week from my order and we
live in a very rural area. Assembly was a breeze, great instructions and the inclusion
of required tools is a nice touch. We were up and running - literally - in about
40 minutes. We really like the machine, very well designed and constructed - so
very stable and quiet. We were coming off of a bad experience with a Nordic Track
that failed twice in the first 4 months and was returned, so we were a little
concerned. Now we are relieved and pleased to be back into a routine again. Thanks
for a great product and support system.
Individual
Smooth Elliptical Reviews
Smooth CE 7.4 Elliptical Review
Smooth CE 3.2 Elliptical Trainer Review
Smooth Agile DMT - A New Concept in Cross Training
*This
Smooth Elliptical Trainer Review is based on not only testing the equipment, but
also comments, testimonials, reviews and ratings of customers and professionals
in the industry. We attempt to be as accurate as possible. Warranties, features
and prices can change without notice.