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Priced at $1799, the 8.35 is Smooth’s best folding treadmill and it has all of their goodies. As you can see from our 2013 Treadmill Comparison Table, though, the $1500 – $1999 category is hyper-competitive and the 8.35 is up against some strong competition. Read on to see how it stacks up.

Among the other features this machine has is the new mySMOOTH Virtual Fitness Trainer, which brings virtual workout scenes to your tablet, which can be secured on the control panel. Enabling this system requires the purchase of a $130 bluetooth adapter, which is mounted on the treadmill and then communicates with your tablet via an Apple or Android app. See more about the system in this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5i72iAl1vX0

Key features of the Smooth 8.35 folding treadmill:

• Category-leading warranty – lifetime on frame & motor, with 7 years on all parts & electronics and 2 years in-home service (Smooth has been an industry leader in providing lengthy warranties – and they have an excellent reputation for responsive customer service)
• Impressive 400 lb maximum user weight rating, indicating the strength and durability this machine offers
• Large 20″ x 62″ running surface, among the largest in this price class (Just make sure you have room for the 82″ L x 35″ W footprint)
• Smooth’s “Im-Pression” shock-absorption system reduces joint impact stress
• Quick-adjust speed and incline control buttons mounted on handrails for convenient access
• Built-in cooling fan and speakers, with MP3 connector
• Pulse grips for heart-rate monitoring & compatible with optional wireless chest strap

Like other SmoothFitness treadmills, the 8.35 gets rave reviews from buyers.

“This is my second smooth, the first lasted us 12 years the reason we purchased the second we didn’t want to pay the shipping cost to move it 25 hundred miles. i would recommend smooth to any one looking for a treadmill.”

“For years, I went to the gym 3 days per week. My home gym has created so much freedom in my workout schedule. My treadmill has amazing shocks, which has made all the difference with my hip and knee injuries. My 835 has excellent features, and everyone in my family enjoys using it. We had one minor squeak and the Smooth Fitness team was very responsive. They coached my husband on how to remedy the problem in less than 5 minutes. I love the warranty and service promises!”

“The cushioning is excellent, the machine is very quiet, and it’s as sturdy as many non-folding treadmills that I’ve used in various gyms. Smooth’s warranty and customer service are second to none.”

Use this link to get more information and purchase the Smooth 8.35 direct from SmoothFitness.

This video demonstrates the features of the Smooth Fitness 8.35 folding treadmill.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmMkqWfFzO8

It takes a solid, capable treadmill to survive in this price range, and the 7.35 is no exception. Check our 2013 Treadmill Comparison Table to see how the 7.35 stacks up.

Pulse grips visible at bottom of photo – Tablet mount visible at top

By the time you get to almost $1500, you are really starting to get the good stuff in a treadmill. Here are the key features of the Smooth 7.35 folding treadmill:

• Largest-in-class 20″ x 62″ running surface – perfect for taller/larger users but make sure you have room for the unit’s 78″ L x 34″ W footprint
• “Im-Presssion” cushioning system provides some give at the front of the running deck to reduce stress on joints
• Robust 350 lb maximum user weight rating, which speaks to the components and construction
• 3.25 Contiuous Horsepower (CHP) motor – more than enough power to provide performance and durability
• 0.5 – 12 mph speed and 15% incline, with quick-adjust buttons on the handrails
• Pulse monitor grips for heart-rate monitoring, compatible with optional wireless chest strap (the 7.35 can control the speed and incline to maintain a target heart rate if you prefer)
• Cooling fan and speakers, with MP3 connector

For 2013, Smooth has upgraded their mySmooth Virtual Fitness Trainer to display virtual workout scenes on your tablet. This function requires you to purchase a $130 bluetooth adapter that mounts on the treadmill and syncs with your tablet through the mySMOOTH app, with both Apple and Android versions available. See more about this new capability here.

Or watch this short video to see the demo.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5i72iAl1vX0

The 7.35 has earned stellar ratings from buyers, averaging 4.7 of 5 stars. Buyers praise the machine’s solid construction and quiet operation. Here are a couple of sample comments:

“This treadmill is built like a tank and the quality is obvious even to those who don’t know everything about treadmills. Unboxing and putting the treadmill was a snap, did it the same day that I received it. Looks exactly like the treadmills in a gym. No adjustments needed, this treadmill just works and that’s the best thing possible. SmoothFitness is a refreshing change from companies with annoying sales people who want to “sell” you expensive equipment and give you a long sales pitch to listen to. My experience couldn’t be better, would definitely buy from SmoothFitness again without a second thought.”

“This treadmill is sturdy and dependable. When I wake up at 5:00am to workout the machine is so quiet it doesn’t wake up anyone in my house. The length and width of the treadmill are perfect. I also like the sleek style of the treadmill with the black and red touches. The quick start button is one of my favorite features. I also appreciated the service level of the company. They are very reliable and helpful. This is a quality product with a good price backed by a reputable company. “

Use this link to get more information and buy the Smooth 7.35 folding treadmill direct from SmoothFitness.

This short video shows the 7.35 in action so you can get a better idea of its functions and features.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=awxCltQY8kU

A review of our 2013 Treadmill Comparison Table reveals that the treadmills in this class have solid features and components at mid-range prices. Let’s see how the 6.75 stacks up against the other recommended treadmills in this price class.

Tablet holder secures your tablet while you exercise

Here are the key features of the Smooth 6.75 folding treadmill:

• 20″ x 60″ running surface – the standard size for almost all treadmills
• Easy-lift “SmoothDrop” folding mechanism makes it easy to deploy and store the treadmill, along with the built-in transport wheels
• “Im-Pression” shock absorption system to reduce stress impact on joints
• 3.0 Continuous Horsepower (CHP) motor – pretty much the standard size in this price class
• 350 lb max user weight rating – only one machine in this price class has a higher rating
• 15 incline levels, adjustable from a convenient handlebar button
• 0.6 – 10 mph speed range, adjustable from a handrail button (Although most treadmills top out at 12 mph, we regard this as a trivial difference because 10 mph is a 6:00/mile pace, which few users will need)
• Lifetime frame & motor, 5 years all parts & electronics and 2 years of in-home service – this very solid warranty has become the standard in this price class
• Built-in 2-speed cooling fan and stereo speakers with MP3 connector
• Pulse grips for heart-rate monitoring; supports optional wireless chest strap
• USB-stick workout tracking system

Buyers of the Smooth 6.75 have given it an average of 4.7 of 5 stars, citing its quiet, durable performance. Smooth has developed a solid reputation for quality, and it shows in these review ratings and comments. Here are a couple of examples:

Use this link to get more information and buy the 6.75 direct from SmoothFitness.

This brief video describes the Smooth 6.75 folding treadmill.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dY24wCHjJWA

Currently priced at $949, the 5.65 is Smooth’s most popular treadmill. For less than $1000, you get a very solid treadmill with basic features and an industry-leading warranty. Dollar for dollar, Smooth Fitness offers the strongest warranties in the industry.

The good news is that the 5.65 has earned an average of 4.7 of 5 stars from buyers. The not-so-good news is that the below-$1000 price range has become very competitive and there are several solid choices at this price point. A review of our 2013 Treadmill Comparison Table will help you see how the 5.65 compares.

Here are the key features of the Smooth 5.65 folding treadmill:

•  Lifetime warranty on the frame & motor, 5 years on all parts & electronics and 2 year in home labor – the strongest warranty in this price class
• 20″ x 55″ running surface – more than adequate for most users, but taller/larger users may prefer a larger unit
• “Im-Pression” shock absorption system reduces impact stress on hips and knees
• 2.75 lb Continuous Horsepower (CHP) motor – most of the below-$1000 category has gone to 3.0 CHP but this motor will get the job done, especially for light-to-moderate use by 1-2 normal size/weight users
• 0% – 15% incline range – the standard for almost all treadmills
• 0.5 – 10 mph speed range – yes, most treadmills top out at 12 mph, but 10 mph is still a 6:00/mile pace, more than enough for almost all users
• Speed and incline adjustment buttons conveniently located on the handrails
• Built-in cooling fan and speakers, with MP# connector
• No heart-rate grips but does support optional strap

Overall, then, the 5.65′s specs and features are equal to or just a little less than its price class competitors. As we see it, there are two powerful reasons to consider this treadmill seriously: First is the class-leading Smooth Fitness warranty, and what that says about the components and build-quality. Second is the high praise this treadmill has received from buyers, who praise its solid construction and quiet operation.

You can use this link to get more information about the Smooth 5.65 entry-level folding treadmill and buy it direct from Smooth Fitness. Shipping to your door is free.

This short video shows the 5.65 in action.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0fljB1mEx0

Like the LSPRO1, the LSPRO2 omits extras such as a cooling fan and built-in speakers in favor of focusing on a premium treadmill experience.

If you are shopping for a treadmill in the $1500 – $1999 price range, you have plenty of options to choose from, and you will get premium features at an attractive price. These ten treadmills will more than satisfy all types of users from beginning walkers to serious runners.

Go to our Treadmill Comparison Table to check out all our recommended treadmills for 2013.

 Here are the key features of the LIVESTRONG LSPRO2 treadmill:

•  20″ x 60″ running surface, the standard size for most treadmills and large enough to satisfy all but perhaps the tallest users
• 3.25 CHP motor
• Top-of-the-line 400 lb maximum user weight rating
• 0 – 12 mph speed and 0% – 15% incline ranges
• Pulse grips for heart-rate monitoring, plus support for wireless chest strap (not included)
• Lifetime frame & motor warranty, 5 years on parts and 2 years on labor – a significant warranty that has become the standard in this price class
• USB-stick workout tracking

The LSPRO2 also comes with the new Passport media player, which transmits virtual workout courses to your TV screen to give you the “you-are-there” feeling. Initial reports on this feature have been spotty so we can’t confidently say this is a big plus as yet.

No doubt, the LSPRO2 is a serious, high-performance treadmill that will provide years of challenging workouts. We don’t worry too much about the omission of cooling fan and speakers, although competing models have these built-ins. Considering the competition, we do feel that the lack of included wireless chest strap is a demerit because other premium treadmills have them, including the LIVESTRONG LS15.0T, which is $100 cheaper than the LSPRO2.

Overall, we think the competition is just too tough in this price class. If it were $100 cheaper, the LSPRO2 would be a terrific buy in the $1300 – $1499 price group. True, some of the competitor machines are $400 more than the LSPRO2, so the price-group comparison might not be strictly apples-to-apples. Fair enough, but the LSPRO2 competes against a Precor and a premium SOLE treadmill, both also priced at $1599.

Use our link to get more information and purchase the LSPRO2 direct from LIVESTRONG FITNESS. For a limited time, you will also get a free fitness mat, a 1-year extended warranty, and free shipping to your door.

Watch this short video to see the LSPRO2 in action.

LIVESTRONG treadmills and elliptical trainers are manufactured by Johnson Health Tech under a licensing agreement with the LIVESTRONG Foundation.

Use our Treadmill Comparison Table to see how the LSPRO1 compares to other recommended treadmills for 2013.

Here are the key features of the LSPRO1 treadmill:

•  20″ x 60″ running surface – the standard size for most treadmills
• 3.0 Continuous Horsepower (CHP) motor
• Robust 375 lb maximum user weight rating
• 0 – 12 mph speed and 0% – 14% incline ranges
• “RunnersSoft” cushioning system reduces impact on hips and knees
• Pulse grips for heart-rate monitoring
• USB stick workout tracking
• Lifetime frame & motor warranty, 5 years on parts, 2 years on labor

As noted above, the LSPRO1 does not have a built-in cooling fan or stereo speakers. Those omissions do not trouble us because those items are marginally effective.

More troubling for us is that the LSPRO1 does not support wireless chest straps for heart-rate monitoring, though other treadmills in this price class do. This deficit may not be a deal-breaker for many casual users, or for serious heart-rate training enthusiasts who have their own heart-rate monitor.

Overall, the LSPRO1 is a very competitive treadmill in its price class. In fact, we favor the LSPRO1 over the LIVESTRONG LS13.0T.

Go here to get more information and buy the LSPRO1 direct from LIVESTRONG FITNESS. For a limited time, they will throw in a free fitness mat, a one-year extended warranty and free shipping to your door – a $250 value.

This short video demonstrates the features of the LIVESTRONG LSPRO1 folding treadmill.

LIVESTRONG fitness equipment is manufactured by well-known manufacturer Johnson Health Tech, in partnership with the LIVESTRONG Foundation.

Use our Treadmill comparison Table to check out all of our recommended $1300 – $1499 treadmills for 2013.

The key features of the LS15.0T are:

•  3.0 CHP motor – more than adequate for performance and durability
• robust 350 lb maximum user weight rating – a useful guide to the strength and durability you can expect from this treadmill
• 20″ x 60″ running surface – the standard size now for almost all treadmills and plenty of room for all but the tallest/largest users
• Pulse grips and Polar wireless chest strap for heart-rate monitoring
• 10-inch color touch-screen (visible in the short video below)
• 0.5 – 12 mph speed and 0% – 15% incline ranges, with convenient quick-adjust toggle buttons on the pulse grip handles
• “MaxComfort” cushioning system, designed to reduce the impacts on knee and hip joints
• Cooling fan and stereo speakers with MP3/iPod connection
• EnergySaver feature reduces power consumption when the machine is not in use

All of the above comes in a very attractive, sturdy-looking package. User reviews praise the LS15.0T for its solid, quiet, smooth performance.

You can use this link to get more information and purchase the LIVESTRONG LS15.0T treadmill direct from LIVESTRONG FITNESS. for a limited time, they will add a free fitness mat, 1-year extended warranty, and free shipping to your door.

This video shows the LS15.0T in action.

LIVESTRONG treadmills are manufactured by global industry giant Johnson Health Tech in a partnership with the LIVESTRONG Founndation. With JHT’s manufacturing expertise, you can be confident you are purchasing a high-quality, well-built machine.

Look at our Treadmill Comparison Table to judge for yourself how the LS13.0T compares to other treadmills on our 2013 recommended list.

Here are the key features and specifications of the LS13.0T:

• 2.75 Continuous Horsepower (CHP) motor – most in this class are 3.0 CHP, but this has more than adequate power to provide effective, durable service
• 20″ x 60″ running surface – the standard size for most treadmills and more than adequate for all  but the tallest/largest users
• “MaxComfort” cushioning system to reduce impact on knees and hips – this is a basic cushioning system that one would expect in this price class
• 350 lb maximum user weight rating – the standard rating in this price class
• Pulse grips for heart-rate tracking
• 0.5 – 12 mph speed and 0% – 15% incline ranges, with quick-adjust buttons located on the pulse grip bars – these are the standard ranges and more than adequate to challenge all users
• Built-in cooling fan and stereo speakers with MP3 connector
• EnergySaver feature to reduce power consumption when the machine is not in use
• USB workout tracking – Livetrack fitness journal
• Lifetime warranty on frame & motor, 5 years on parts and 2 years on labor – the standard warranty in this class

As you can see, aggressive competition in the treadmill market has brought a substantial list of features and a strong warranty to this price class, and the LIVESTRONG LS13.0T matches up well. If you are considering a treadmill in this category, the LS13.0T should be on your short list.

You can use this link to get more information and purchase the LS13.0T direct from LIVESTRONG FITNESS. Right now, they will throw in a free fitness mat, 1-year extended warranty, and free shipping to your door. This is a $250 value in all, so don’t delay.

The short video below describes the features and functions of the LS13.0T. (Reload page if video doesn’t load right away)

LIVESTRONG brand exercise equipment is produced by industry giant Johnson Health Tech in partnership with the LIVESTRONG Foundation and LIVESTRONG equipment purchases help support the Foundation. (Founder Lance Armstrong resigned as chairman of the Foundation in October 2012.)

Johnson Health Tech markets equipment under the Matrix, Vision, AFG and Horizon brand names and has an excellent reputation for building high-quality fitness equipment.

Check out our 2013 Treadmill Comparison Table to see how the LS10.0T matches up to other recommended treadmills.

Here are the key features of the LIVESTRONG LS10.0T folding treadmill:

• 2.5 Continuous Horsepower (CHP) motor – at the low end but serviceable for the type of duty this machine is built for
• 20″ x 55″ walking/running surface – smallish but adequate for all but the tallest/largest users
• 325 lb maximum user weight capacity rating – pretty standard in the below-$1000 price range
• 0.5 – 12 mph speed range – more than enough to satisfy user needs, since 12 mph equates to a 5.0 minute/mile pace, which few people can attain even for brief speed workouts
• 0% – 12% incline range – more than adequate really, but the standard is 15% incline
• Hand-grip pulse sensors for heart-rate monitoring – no chest strap at this price and most people feel the pulse grips on most machines give erratic results
• Speed and incline controls built  into the pulsegrip bars – very convenient
• Cooling fan built into the control panel
• Stereo speakers and MP3 connector
• “MaxComfort” cushioning system – the front of the running surface is suspended to reduce impact on knees and hips – you can see the suspension motion in the video below
• Lifetime frame & motor warranty, 3 years on parts and 1 year on labor – the standard in this price class
• USB workout tracking, called Livetrack fitness journal, records your workout data
• EnergySaver reduces power draw when the machine is not in use

Overall, the LS10.0T has all the basic features and specs needed in an entry-level treadmill. Johnson Health Tech’s manufacturing experience suggests users can expect quality and durability. Use our Treadmill Comparison Table to see how this treadmill compares to others on our 2013 recommended list.

You can use this link to get more information and purchase the LIVESTRONG LS10.0T folding treadmill directly from LIVESTRONG Fitness. Right now they are offering a free fitness mat and free 1-year extended warranty, plus free shipping to your door.

The brief video below describes the LS10.0T. (Reload page if video doesn’t load right away)

The popular $1500 – $1999 price range has become a brawl as manufacturers compete with added features and stronger warranties. Our Treadmill Comparison Table will help you see which one best meets your needs.

With the Pro 9000 you get:

• generous 22″ x 60″ running surface
• Wireless chest strap and grips for heart-rate monitoring
• Built-in iFit technology with 10-inch display
• Cooling fan, stereo speakers and iPod connector
• Up to -3% decline function as well as the 0% – 15% incline. ProForm pioneered the decline function and they claim that walking on the decline uses more calories than a flat surface, and that the decline works muscles differently than flat or incline.
• ProShox cushioning
• iPad holder to secure your iPad at a comfortable viewing angle
• Lifetime warranty on frame, motor & deck, 6 years on parts & electronics and 3 years labor coverage

The Pro 9000 undoubtedly has impressive specs and a full set of premium features. But the stiff competition in this price class complicates the decision. With competition even on almost all features and specs, we believe the Pro 9000 treadmill will primarily appeal to those who are interested in the iFit technology. If you are leaning in that direction, you can read more about iFit here.

 Use this link to learn more and buy the Pro 9000 direct from ProForm.