Strengths:
21" Stride - Stride is the furthest distance between the foot pedals. A longer stride helps you more fully work your leg muscles. It can also feel more comfortable and natural when you pick up your pace. This is one of the longest strides on the market.
Sleek Touch Screen Console - This is our favorite console from Smooth. First of all, it's adjustable so you can easily read your workout stats no matter what your height.
It's backlit, which also makes it easy to read. It's also touch screen - so there's no buttons to push - very sleek "21st century"-looking.
You can track your workout stats like time, speed, distance, watt, calories, pulse, resistance level, age, height, weight & target heart rate. Finally, there's a built-in reading rack so you can read a book, magazine or store your iPod/iTouch on it easily.
iPod Dock with Speakers - Smooth has added iPod docks with speakers to a few of the new models like the 8.0 elliptical. You can plug in your iPod or Mp3 and listen to your favorite music while you workout.
There's a volume control knob on the console which is handy and there's also a place to plug in your headphones - just in case you have to keep your workout quiet.
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.
21 Built In Workout Programs - The Smooth CE 8.0LC elliptical comes with 21 built in workouts which will definitely keep you busy. There are 12 pre-set workouts, 4 heart rate programs, 1 you can build and customize yourself, random, watt control, pulse recovery and manual.
24 Resistance Levels - While most ellipticals give you 10 or 16 resistance levels, you get a full 24 resistance levels with this elliptical. This gives you a lot of variety but also a lot of room to grow.
Weaknesses:
The Smooth 8.0 elliptical is a large machine - at 86" long, it takes up quite a bit of room. So make sure you have the space for it.
Summary: Highly Recommended
The Smooth 8.0LC elliptical trainer is a brand new model released this year that offers you a light commercial design and construction. So it would be perfect for those looking for a high end gym-type of elliptical, without the $3000 price tag.
The touch screen display is impressive - and adds a health club feel to the elliptical. The extra resistance levels and workout programs give you room to grow and improve (no maxing out on the machine a week after you get it).
The longer 21" stride will help you really work your leg muscles and the iPod dock adds some entertainment to your workout.
Plus Smooth offers one of the best warranties in the business - lifetime on frame & brakes, 5 years on parts and 2 years on labor. This helps cover your investment and gives you an idea of the quality of parts used in construction.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can get the sale price on the Smooth 8.0 elliptical with Free Shipping direct from the Manufacturer.
The Smooth CE 8.0LC Elliptical Trainer is one of the new models Smooth has introduced this year (the 'LC' stands for "Light Commercial" use). However it would also be good for the high end home gym as well.
Strengths of this machine include an extra long 21" stride to give you a more optimal workout, backlit Touch-Screen Console and rollerless design for an extra smooth ride.
Plus, it carries one of the best warranties in the industry - 10 years on parts and 2 years on service (with lifetime on the frame). This gives you an idea of the quality of parts used in this elliptical.
Is it a good fit for you? Here's what you need to know about the Smooth CE 8.0 before you buy:
Features:
Price: $1599 ( + Free Shipping)
Stride Length: 21"
Resistance Type: Magnetic
Resistance Levels: 24
Built In Workout Programs: 21
Upper Body Arms: Yes
Heart Rate Monitor: Handgrip Pulse Sensors & Wireless
Water Bottle Holder: Yes
Dimensions: 26" W x 85" L
User Weight Capacity: 400 pounds
Warranty: Lifetime on Frame & Brakes, 10 years on Parts, 2 years on Labor
