Smooth 6.75 Treadmill Review

Smooth is replacing their popular 6.45M treadmill with the 2010 Smooth 6.75.  In many cases companies will make a few minor cosmetic changes to an existing model and give it a new name and suggest this is the new and improved version.  In the case of the Smooth 6.75 they did a complete overhaul, with numerous improvements and add-on features.

In my conversation with Jim Mugford, the head of Smooth customer service, he explained to me the difference between the two models and the benefits to the customer...

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Note: As of 9/1/10 the Smooth 6.75 treadmill was selling for $1,399 with shipping. At this price you may want to upgrade to the Smooth 7.35 for $100 more. Go to www.SmoothTreadmills.com for the latest prices.

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Dual Color Backlit LCD Display — In the past LED displays tended to be higher end.  That has changed with the improved graphic quality of the LCD.  An LED display consists of a bunch of tiny diodes.  An LED uses more power and the diodes  can burn out.  The imagery on the higher end LCD display is better, and having two colors makes for an improved graphic presentation of data. They also tend to last longer.

Speaker System with iPod/MP3 Input — The sound system is the same as in the Smooth 6.45M.  The sound quality won't blow you away, but it is much better than having to use headphones as you are running or jogging.

Built-in Fan — This is not a major add-on, as far as cost, but Smooth has learned this features is very popular with their customers.

Toggle Switches on the Handrails — The ability to adjust your speed and incline is conveniently located on the handrails.  You don't have to break you stride and reach forward to make adjustments.  Also, the handrails are now aluminum in comparison to plastic.

Two Shock Folding System — Requires less effort in raising and lowering the treadmill.  The Smooth 6.75 also has larger transport wheels, making it easier to move the treadmill around.

Two Sided Decking Surface — Most treadmills have the phenolic coating on just one site of the deck.  If the coating wears, which will happen with extensive use, you have to purchase a new  deck.  Decks and belts are the two items that are most likely to wear out. With a two-side deck, when one side wears all you have to do is turn over the deck.  You'll find this feature on higher end treadmills.  Note: overall Smooth decks and treadbelts have a high success rate.

Lighter Unit Weight — One concerned I had was with the lighter unit weight of the Smooth 6.75 over the Smooth 6.45M (205 lbs. vs. 270 lbs.).  That is quite a difference.  As it was explained to me, the 6.75 is just as stable as the 6.45M, however they incorporated a more efficient design in the use of components and materials.  Consequently, there were less materials required and there is less waste.  Overall, the unit is smaller - the width is 5" less.  This is another factor that makes this treadmill easier to move. 

Higher Top Speed — The Smooth 6.75 goes up to 12 MPH in comparison 10 MPH, both which are way beyond the speed I could run, but for fanatic runners this is a plus.

Other features include a 3.0 Continuous Duty HP Motor, a 60" treadbelt and 2.5" rollers.  Which are all preferable in a good running treadmill.

I asked Jim if being a new model should we be concerned about any "bugs" or new glitches.  He mentioned that the Smooth 6.75 treadmill was an improvement over previous designs.  They didn't reinvent the wheel, they just improved it using better materials and in the process making it more efficient.  He stated that the motor, electronics, rollers and just about every major component has been improved upon.  The result - a treadmill that is quieter and more reliable. 

Our Review - Smooth 6.75 Treadmill

The above details are the feedback I got from a company representative.  However, I have known Jim Mugford for the last 10 years and he is a straight shooter. He is also proud of the products that his company sells, and Smooth sells some excellent treadmills.  What is interesting is Smooth is not sitting on their past laurels.  They took a popular and successful selling treadmill and made considerable improvements to it.  This shows Smooth is aggressively out to win customers and to be a serious player in the treadmill business.

I have yet to try the Smooth 6.75, I hope to make it out to the corporate headquarters in the next few weeks.  But from my experience, I suspect when I try this treadmill it will feel stable, run smoothly and quietly, and appear to be very durable.  I further suspect it will end up having a very good service record.  I would expect nothing less from Smooth.

Go to www.SmoothTreadmills.com to learn more!