Smooth Ellipticals are manufactured and sold directly through Smooth Fitness. They were some of the first ellipticals to be sold direct to consumers online.
By selling factory direct online, Smooth can sell their ellipticals at a much lower price than a normal brick-and-mortar store (up to 45% off).
This is partially what has made Smooth so popular - since you can get a higher quality elliptical for less than you'd pay at a store.
Although most of their ellipticals fall into the mid-priced category, they carry several features usually only found in commercial machines.
Plus their new Agile trainer models help you burn many more calories than a traditional elliptical - in less time.
Strengths:
1) Heavy 22 - 48 lb Flywheels For Smoother Elliptical Ride - With ellipticals, the heavier the flywheel, the smoother the ride. Smooth uses very heavy duty flywheels in their units from 22 lbs (very good) up to 48 lbs (excellent).
This gives you more of a commercial feel without the jerky starts and stops of some cheaper brands. (Just to give you an idea, a similarly priced brand like Horizon uses 16-18 lb flywheels).
2) Pivoting Foot Pedals Reduce Joint Stress and Post-Workout Pain - The pivoting pedals mimic the natural motion of your ankle and hold the proper alignment keeping your ankle, knee and hip from suffering impact.
This causes less stress on the joints and can help you avoid the muscle soreness and pain that you sometimes get with standard ellipticals that have fixed pedals.
3) New Agile Trainers Offer Enhanced CrossTraining - Smooth has come out with an upgraded type of elliptical - called the Agile Trainer.
Instead of 1 standard elliptical pattern of motion, they give you up to 12 different elliptical motions - from your standard elliptical arc to a more intense extended range of motion.
Changing your elliptical motion uses more leg and core muscles. The advantage is that this burns more calories than a standard elliptical workout. Plus the different stride lengths mean everyone in the family can easily find a stride the feels right for them.
4) Low-Maintenance Rollerless Design Cuts Down On Elliptical Noise - Unlike other elliptical brands, Smooth models use a rollerless design. This design cuts down on elliptical noise, maintenance and gives you a more quiet operation. One buyer commented:
"It isn't quiet, it is SILENT. I am not exaggerating. There is no noise whatsoever, not even a whooshing noise or anything. Silent."
6) Built In Speakers with iPod / MP3 Hookup - Several of this year's new models like the Agile DMT X2 come with built-in speakers and iPod / mp3 plug in ports. You just plug in your iPod and listen to your favorite music or audiobook through the built-in speakers.
Although this is becoming a fairly standard feature, it's still nice to have -and it can make your workouts a lot more fun.
5) Heavier Construction Gives Added Stability - Smooth models are built with a higher grade of components like the heavy gauge oval steel frames and roller-less design.
This, along with high user weight capacities and higher machine weights give a feeling of added stability and solidness - something you want, especially if you're going to pick up your pace while exercising.
6) Extensive Warranties Including 2 Years On Service - Smooth recently extended their warranties even more, including adding 2 years on service (with most ellipticals you get from 90 days to 1 year on service).
This can save you a lot of money over the long term. It also gives you an idea of the quality of construction on these units.
Weaknesses:
Smooth is not as well known as some other brands that are sold widely in stores. And while they used to have the advantage online, other sellers are starting to catch up - which means Smooth may lose their advantage in the future.
Conclusion: Recommended
Smooth Fitness ellipticals will appeal to buyers looking for a higher quality of construction in their elliptical. With large flywheels, rollerless design, heavy gauge steel frames and high machine weights, they give a solid, stable feel and should hold up well over the long run - even with frequent use.
Plus they offer some things you won't find on other brands like an extra long 21" stride (Smooth CE 7.4), adjustable stride lengths and motions (Agile Trainers), ultra-heavy flywheels and thumb controls on the handrails.
If you're looking for a health club machine feel - without the price tag - Smooth is definitely a brand to consider.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
Smooth ellipticals are sold directly through the Manufacturer. They're currently offeringFree Shipping for a short time which can save you about $150.
Plus, for a short time, our visitors can save 5% Off any elliptical $1499 or above. Use Promo code smooth5 at checkout.
