Smooth
Elliptical Trainers are an excellent value. Their machines are solid and durable, with an impressive service record. That is why they can afford to offer a 2-Year service warranty — Their equipment is built to last.
I visited their corporate offices in King of Prussia,
PA. In talking to a number of their upper management I
kept getting the same message. "The Smooth Fitness focus is offering quality
at a value price."
Note: Smooth sells direct and offers free shipping on all their elliptical trainers. They also run daily specials at www.SmoothFitness.com
.
Current Incentives:
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.
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. Therefore, you do get more
for your dollar.
Equally important is the fact their ellipticals are equipped with quality components.
Their products have a solid reputation for durability and performance. (They've received numerous "Best Buy" ratings.)
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 that 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
a number of reviews from customers who complain they bought an elliptical that has a stride
either too short or long. Smooth ellipticals range from 18" - 24" stride lengths. In fact, they have several models that have variable stride lengths.
Dynamic Motion Technology - In addition to their standard elliptical trainers, Smooth offers their patented Agile "Dynamic Motion Technology" cross trainers. This new concept allows you to optimize your exercise and get more results in less time. These machines have become their hottest sellers. (See Smooth Agile DMT, Smooth Agile DMT X2)
Premium
Console and Display. Smooth has some of the best designed consoles and displays
in the industry. For example, the Smooth EVO Rev 400 has an LED display with multiple
window read-outs, allowing for simultaneous 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! Smooth ellipticals have the
pulse monitor built in the moving handlebars, allowing you to always have a heart rate
read-out. (N/A on the CE & Agile)
Overall heavy weight contributes
to stability. The Smooth ellipticals weigh up to 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 a heavy elliptical and a light
weight model.
Note: Due to the weight of the Smooth machines I recommend you opt for the inside delivery.
Smooth Sells Direct to the Consumer. As mentioned above,
part of the Smooth Fitness success is selling direct and not through
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 so they do not 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. However, buying
direct can potentially save you between 5%-15%, in addition to the saving in taxes buying online.
Smooth
Specializes in Online Fulfillment and Service. Smooth Fitness has been selling
fitness equipment online longer than anyone. Consequently, they've had more time to perfect their customer service and fulfillment. They have a good track record attending
to the needs of their customers.
Smooth
Elliptical Trainer Reviews
Our Review
When you factor the price, features, engineering, warranties and customer service,
Smooth ellipticals offer some of the best value online or off. Furthermore, their innovative Agile DMT machines are taking cross training to a new level.
Smooth started as a small chain of retail fitness equipment stores in Philly. Now they are one of the largest online fitness equipment sellers. Their growth can be attributed to giving customers what they want.
A Customer Review — A True Story
I was at a Sears checking out their selection of elliptical trainers and treadmills, which consist mostly of NordicTrack and ProForm. While I was on one of the machines a woman comes up to me and asked if I wanted to know about treadmills. At first I thought she was a salesperson, but instead she was a shopper walking through the store.
She told me if I was considering buying a treadmill or elliptical, I should consider Smooth. She first bought a Smooth treadmill (5.45) and three of her family members use it regularly. She was so impressed with the performance, she bought a Smooth elliptical for her husband, who requires physical therapy.
The point of this story is the fact that this woman was so satisfied with her Smooth Fitness Equipment, she was on a mission to inform others. Now that is an endorsement.
Customer Review
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
(Prices include Free Shipping - Dated 2/7/10)
Smooth Agile DMT - $2,499 (With Coupon)
A New Concept in Cross Training - Commercial Grade
Smooth CE 7.4 Elliptical Review - $1,899
Smooth EVO Rev 400 - $1,299
Smooth Agile DMT X2 - $2,099
Residential Version of the Smooth Agile
with LED Console, Speakers and iPod Input.
Smooth CE 3.7 - $1,599 (With Coupon)
A Value Version of the Smooth Agile
*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.