Smooth 7.1 HR Review

What the reviewers like:
Reviewers say the Smooth 7.1 HR treadmill has a great power-fold feature, which automatically lifts its deck to the upright position. Although its belt is shorter than some, the treadmill's heavy 280-pound weight makes it feel very stable. A pulse monitor with chest strap is also included.

What the reviewers don't like:
As with other Smooth treadmills, we found some complaints about delivery delays because of high demand. Like a lot of treadmills, the Smooth 7.1 HR includes free shipping, but indoor delivery and setup cost extra. The Smooth 7.1 HR treadmill's hefty size (280 pounds) makes it sturdy, but also cumbersome to move despite its wheels.

Smooth 7.1 HR review highlights

Reviewers say the Smooth 7.1 HR treadmill is a good value for runners looking for a very stable folding treadmill. At 20" x 54", its belt is about six inches shorter than some of the competition, which could be an issue for taller runners. The Smooth 7.1 HR treadmill includes a heart-rate pulse grip and a wireless chest strap, and it comes with a lifetime frame and motor warranty, a five-year warranty on parts and one-year in-home service. The long warranty is a highlight in reviews.

We found the best reviews of the Smooth 7.1 HR treadmill at TreadmillDoctor.com, which rates treadmills based on build quality, manufacturer reputation and performance. Consumer Reports also includes the Smooth 7.1 HR treadmill in its testing, which simulates a year of use. In addition, posts by owners to Amazon.com describe the Smooth's size and space requirements, and we also found notices at Treadmill-Ratings-Reviews.com, TreadmillTips.com and About.com.

Also see full report: Treadmills

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. TreadmillDoctor.com
Smooth 7.1 HR Review
Clark & Jon Stevenson

The editors of this treadmill accessory site call the Smooth 7.1 HR the "most compelling model" in the Smooth treadmill lineup. In addition to its overall quality, they praise the Smooth 7.1 HR's one-button folding mechanism, calling it a definite improvement.

2. Consumer Reports
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Treadmills
Editors of Consumer Reports
May 2007

Consumer Reports evaluates about 20 treadmills starting at $1,000, basing ratings on tests that simulate a year of use. The Smooth 7.1 HR treadmill is considered for ease of use, ergonomics, exercise range and construction.

3. Treadmill-Ratings- Reviews.com
Smooth 7.1 HR treadmill review
Fred Waters

Former industry executive and consultant Fred Waters bases ratings on casual testing, as well as comments, testimonials and ratings from third parties. The Smooth 7.1 HR treadmill is called stable but heavy. Waters says it's a good value if you can find it on sale.

4. About.com
Top 8 Folding Treadmills
Wendy Bumgardner

About.com's walking guide Wendy Bumgardner compiled this list with the help of Fred Waters, who owns another treadmill-review website. So the picks here, which include the Smooth 7.1 HR treadmill, are somewhat redundant. Still, the short write-ups are useful. No personal testing is cited.

5. Exercise Equipment Expert.com
Smooth 7.1 Treadmill Review
Bret Spottke

While this site (as well as Treadmill-Ratings-Reviews.com and TreadmillTips.com) seems primarily driven by advertising, some of the comments for individual treadmills are balanced and seem based on first-hand knowledge. This short review of the Smooth 7.1 treadmill focuses mainly on specifications, and we can't tell if it was tested.

6. TreadmillTips.com
Smooth 7.1 HR Review
Aaron Co

TreadmillTips.com offers reviews and recommendations of treadmills, but we can't tell if these models were thoroughly tested or why some are rated better than others. The Smooth 7.1 HR treadmill is recommended as a good mid-priced treadmill.

7. Amazon.com
Smooth 7.1HR Ratings and Reviews
Contributors to Amazon.com

At the time of our visit, only two owners had reviewed the Smooth 7.1 HR treadmill on this site, not enough to gauge an overall consensus of owners. Both reviewers comment on its nice folding feature.

Also see full report: Treadmills

Smooth 7.1 HR Review