Strengths:
Ergonomic Pivoting Foot Pedals - These pivoting pedals mimic the natural motion of your ankle and hold the proper alignment keeping your ankle, knee and hip from suffering impact.
This can result in less muscle strain and soreness that you sometimes get with cheaper ellipticals.
Bright Blue LCD Console - Although it's not the most advanced console that Smooth makes, the 3.6 console is still pretty good - large, bright and easy to read. You can track your workout stats like speed, time, distance and resistance level.
iPod Dock with Speakers - Smooth has added iPod docks with speakers to a few of the new models like the 3.6 elliptical. You can plug in your iPod or Mp3 and listen to your favorite music while you workout. It's a little luxury that can make your workouts a lot more enjoyable.
Low-Maintenance Rollerless Design Cuts Down On Elliptical Noise - Unlike other elliptical brands, Smooth ellipticals use a rollerless design. This design cuts down on elliptical noise, maintenance and gives you a more quiet running operation.
3 Speed Adjustable Fan - You can stay cool with the 3 speed fan built into the console. Again, this seems like a small thing - but if you've ever worked out on an elliptical with and then without a fan, you'll know there's a huge comfort difference.
10 Built In Workout Programs - The Smooth CE 3.6 elliptical comes with 10 built in workouts like fat burning, endurance, interval and heart rate control. There's also manual programs and programs where you can target the time, distance or number of calories you want to burn.
Weaknesses:
Not as many bells and whistles as the higher end Smooth models - but still sturdy and well made.
Summary: Recommended
The Smooth 3.6 elliptical is a brand new model released this year that takes the old CE 3.2 model and improves on it. You still get the quality Smooth touches like rollerless design and pivoting footpedals. Plus Smooth has also added comfort factors like an iPod dock with speakers, 3 speed fan and a wireless heart rate monitor.
Plus Smooth offers one of the best warranties in the business - lifetime on frame & brakes, 3 years on parts and 2 years on labor. This alone tells you how well the 3.6 is constructed.
And you can beat the current introductory price.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can buy the Smooth 3.6 direct from the Manufacturer. It usually runs around $1499 but Smooth has dropped the price temporarily, which makes it a steal.
Plus they're also offering Free Shipping which can save you about $150.
The Smooth CE 3.6 Elliptical Trainer is a new upgrade on the Smooth CE 3.2 Elliptical - coming in currently at a much lower price than the 3.2 (which ran about $1499).
Smooth has kept some of the great things about the 3.2 while adding a few new extras to make your workout more comfortable.
Highlights include the pivoting foot pedals which help to take the stress off your ankle and foot thus reducing toe numbness and pain after long workouts and an iPod dock with speakers so you can listen to your favorite workout tunes.
Plus Smooth's rollerless design cuts down on noise and maintenance.
Is it a good fit for you? Here's what you need to know about the Smooth 3.6 before you buy:
Features:
Price: $1299
Stride Length: 18"
Resistance Type: Magnetic
Resistance Levels: 16
Built In Workout Programs: 10
Upper Body Arms: Yes
Heart Rate Monitor: Handgrip Pulse Sensors & Wireless
Water Bottle Holder: No
Dimensions: 26" W x 76" L
User Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
Warranty: Lifetime on Frame & Brakes, 3 years on Parts, 2 years on Labor
