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- The Smooth 5.25 treadmill has a 2.5-hp continuous-duty motor, which reviewers say is quite impressive for an entry-level treadmill. The Smooth 5.25 also comes with a handrail pulse-grip monitor. Although it has a lot of competition in this price range, most reviewers say the Smooth 5.25 is a good value and a solid choice for walkers.
- Smooth's treadmills are primarily sold online, so you can't try them out in person, and the company has a reputation for delivery delays. Also, although the Smooth 5.25 treadmill's price includes shipping, there are extra charges for indoor delivery and set-up.
Reviewers say the Smooth 5.25 treadmill is a standout in its price range, and an especially good choice for walking. This treadmill can be folded to save space, and it has a heart-rate monitor on the handgrip. At 52" x 20", however, the Smooth's belt is shorter than those on more competitive models, and this treadmill has a comparatively low 275-pound capacity. An alternative in this price range is the New Balance 1400 (*est. $1,000), which has been getting great reviews.
We found the best review of the Smooth 5.25 (*est. $1,000) at TreadmillDoctor.com, which reviews more treadmills than any other source and offers a clear explanation of its testing and ratings criteria. Amazon.com has several customer posts that provide helpful insight into Smooth's customer service. Treadmill-Ratings-Reviews.com and TreadmillTips.com round out our list of reviews. Unfortunately, Consumer Reports did not include the Smooth 5.25 in its recent roundup of treadmills.
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Our Sources
The editors of this site, which reviews more treadmills than any other source, call the Smooth 5.25 "one of the strongest treadmills on the market for less than $1000." They say the 5.25 makes the most sense for those who are just planning on walking, but serious trainers should look at a treadmill in the $1,500 range.
Review: Smooth 5.25 Review, Clark & Jon Stevenson
2. Amazon.com
At the time of our visit, there were only a handful of reviews for Smooth 5.25 treadmills. Overall, owners are happy with this treadmill, but they say that it's not easy to move and that the company's online service could use some improvement.
Review: Smooth 5.25 Ratings, Contributors to Amazon.com
3. Treadmill-Ratings- Reviews.com
Industry consultant Fred Waters bases his ratings on personal testing, as well as comments, testimonials and ratings from third parties. The Smooth 5.25 treadmill is recommended for walking and casual jogging, and it's said to be very stable for a folding treadmill. The Smooth 5.25 is said to be quiet, and its deck provides a decent amount of shock absorption.
Review: Smooth 5.25 Review, Fred Water
4. About.com
About.com's walking guide Bumgardner cites other review sources like Runner's World and TreadmillDoctor.com, but there's no indication that she tried out these machines personally. The Smooth 5.25 is listed as one of the best folding treadmills.
Review: Best Folding Treadmills, Wendy Bumgardner
TreadmillsTips.com offers reviews and recommendations of treadmills, but we can't tell if these machines were thoroughly tested. The Smooth 5.25 is recommended as a good value.
Review: Smooth 5.25 Review, Aaron Co
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