Smooth 7.6HR PRO 2009
Overview
UPDATE: This treadmill is no longer being sold. Check out our new best picks here.
If you want to buy a treadmill and you start looking for the possible offers you realize that there are so many options to choose from. In this intense market Smooth has succeeded to make marketing campaigns heard properly by treadmill users explaining very well how their treadmills really work. In short words, they tell you from the start that the programs installed are dedicated to developing primarily the lower body muscle groups like: shoulder, calf, pectoral, rapezius, bicep, tricep, abdominal, back, forearm, gluteal, quadriceps and hamstring muscles.
For those who have specific training workout program, this is very helpful as running sessions can be specific to a defined scope.
But more important, this treadmill can help you train for a marathon. If it’s rainy, snowy, and windy or you’re just too busy, Smooth 7.6 PR PRO has the programs and features to allow you to prepare for your own glorious moments: the marathons.
Specifications
Click Specifications to see detailed model info
Speed: 0.5-11.2 mph : Speed change is a standard operation through 2 buttons SPEED UP / DOWN. Increment value can be 0.1 or 0.5.
Inclination: 0-15% : For incline, same as speed, the console includes 2 buttons for: Incline Up/Down.
Motor: 3.0 HP : This is a regular 3.0HP motor but with a special feature to make it silent during workout: it includes Pulse Width Modulation (PWM). The Optical speed sensors work in conjunction with the PWM to ensure smooth speed changes. The motor is backed by dual motor fans designed to lower the heat level and this way enlarge the motor’s life.
Belt: 20" x 60" : The belt is supported by the silent motor this way becoming a very comfortable space to work out. The length is enough to support tall runners also.
Supported user weight: 350 lbs (160 kgs) :
Warranty : Smooth 7.6 HR PRO has a lifetime warranty for frame and motor, 5 years on all parts and electronics and 2 years for in home labor.
Features
Steel Frame
The material used for the frame is 11-Gauge Powder-Coated Steel. It’s resistant to rust and very durable. This is why Smooth decided to offer it with a lifetime warranty. But on the other hand because of this material the machine weighs 310 lbs…
Im-Pression Shock Absorption
It’s very important to know how well a treadmill absorbs shock and how. Smooth have branded their shock absorption system ‘Im-Pression’ and what this does is to allow a soft landing for the front foot and firm push-off for the rear foot. This way the user does not have to force the ankles and joints during running session.
Power Fold Button
The power Fold button allows an automatic folding process of the treadmill.
Heart Rate Control with Wireless Chest Strap or Hand Grip Pulse Sensors
Smooth treadmills include Chest Strap/Hand Grip Pulses in the package that combines with the Targeted Heart Rate workout program installed in the console. To each user’s weight and age it’s attached a predefined Targeted Heart Rate value. With this tool, the treadmill can read the user actual heart rate and until he doesn’t reach the targeted heart rate zone, workout intensity doesn’t change.
LED Console
It allows reading easily distance, calories, speed, speed profile, time and pulse simultaneously.
Nine Storable User Profiles
Up to 9 users can save their workout details in treadmills console and use them for every new exercise workout. Each user is identified through an ID.
Eight Preset Exercise Programs
Target Time
User sets up speed and incline and the program allows you to run with these settings for the preset time chosen.
Target Distance
User sets up speed and incline and this program counts down from the targeted distance until the finish line.
Target Calories
User sets up speed and incline and this program counts down from the targeted calories to burn until the finish line.
Interval Incline
Allows to choose from 2 preset incline intensity levels (L1 and L2) and to select the workout time manually. Incline will be changed during workout automatically depending on the level of intensity chosen.
Interval Speed
Allows to choose from 2 preset speed intensity levels (L1 and L2) and to select the workout time manually. Speed will be changed during workout automatically depending on the level of intensity selected.
Weight Lost
User chooses one of the predefined intensity levels (L1 or L2) and the machine automatically changes incline and speed during workout based on the time selected.
5K Self Learning And Competition
User controls the intensity of speed and incline.
Heart Rate Control
This program uses the formula of how Targeted Heart Rate is calculated: The factory TARGET HEART RATE table values are based on 85% of the maximum user heart rate. The maximum user heart rate is calculated using the formula: 220 minus the user age. As an example, for age 35 the maximum user heart rate should be 185 and 85% of the maximum user heart rate will be 157. Program starts only after the targeted heart rate is reached.
Fitness Test
This is a great program that allows the user to test their physical condition during a workout, prior to starting a certain workout routine.
3 User-Defined Custom Exercise Programs
Up to 9 users can set and save settings for repeated workouts.
Metric/English
Values can be displayed in both measurement types.
Safety key included
Conclusions
This was the 1st time we played with the ‘Fold button’ on a treadmill and this is why we became very interested in how this feature works. Smooth 7.6 HR PRO has an Easy-Up folding System. You use the ‘reset’ button on the console to ensure the treadmill is in the position to be folded. Then you turn the Spring Loaded Knob clockwise until you hear a click. And last step you push the Power Fold Switch located on the front of the Left Upright and the deck will start to fold. Keep holding this switch until the deck is fully folding. Isn’t it great?
We think it is great indeed because this is a pretty heavy machine so to fold it manually it may be risky to your back. By the way, if you do choose to buy this machine, know in advance that you need the help of another person to assemble it. Or you can take the Smooth offer to have them install it the place you want it.
Another thing we noticed is that custom program is limited to 60 minutes per workout session. For heavy runners, this is too little.
But, we have good things to say about Smooth 7.6 HR PRO treadmill too. First of all it’s a really silent machine. From what we’ve tested so far, this is among 1st 3 treadmills when it comes to list them after ‘most silent motor’ category.
Plus the belt allows tall persons to train and the cushion is indeed very comfortable to knees and joints.
But what it doesn’t have is an entertainment feature. Not even an iPod dock.. This is a little sad for a $2,000 machine.
Still, the panel is great. Information is clearly explained and easy to follow.
There are so many things we can say about this treadmill, but we will just summarize our thoughts in a few words:
Pros: it’s easy to fold, has a silent motor, long belt and a decent shock absorption system, the number of workouts is decent but most important is that it allows to train yourself for a marathon if this is your goal. Plus you have a chance to work with a very cool heart rate control program.
Cons: it’s heavy and no entertainment features.
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