Consumer Reports:
"The Smooth Fitness 7.1HR Pro, folds electrically, a plus for people with limited lifting strength."
The Smooth 7.1 HR Pro rated in the top 12 of Consumer Reports 2006 ratings. The Smooth 7.1HR Pro rated "Excellent" and "Very Good" for each category
Prevention Magazine:
"Power folding feature— you flick a switch, and it folds itself."
"The Smooth 7.1 is another incredible value for the current price, especially considering the free wireless heart rate control, power folding ability, 10 year motor warranty and heavy unit weight (which helps give added stability)...Top Mid-priced buy."
"I love it! It's nothing that I expected! It's BETTER... :) Before I decided to make the purchase from Smooth Fitness, I went to a few local stores to look at the treadmills and wasn't very happy. The treadmills ranged from $1300 to $2500. … This treadmill is WORLDS better than even the $2500 treadmill that I looked at. And the assistance that you gave me via email and phone was 100% professional. I just want to thank you again." -- Joe W.
Exclusive Power Folding:
While a folding feature saves you space, treadmills can be very heavy to lift and fold manually. For those people who don't want to strain their backs but still save space, the power folding feature on the Smooth 7.1 HR Pro is extremely convenient. Simply push a button and the treadmill folds and unfolds itself.
Impression Shock Absorption™ Technology
Impression Shock Absorption™ suspends the entire running deck and frame on two pivots, to increase cushioning and reduce impact on your ankles, knees, hips and back.
The results of university testing showed the Smooth 7.1HR Pro protected runners by absorbing more impact force than traditional treadmills.
Your front foot gets a soft landing, while launching your rear foot with a firm push-off. Pressure is relieved on the lower back, muscles and tendons. Muscles contract at a lower peak intensity for a longer period of time so they burn 14%-23% more calories.
Heart Rate Control with Wireless Chest Strap
The optional wireless control works through a receiver inside the console. The wireless monitor transmits your heart rate to the receiver in the unit. The unit then adjusts the intensity of your workout automatically until your heart rate is in your preset zone.
Having heart rate control in your fitness equipment helps you get the most out of your workout
Longer Warranty:
You can't get any better than a lifetime motor or frame warranty. The warranty also covers treadmill parts for 5 years and service for 1 year. This gives you peace of mind knowing your investment is protected.
It also tells you about the quality of the parts (Smooth isn't EXPECTING to have to fix these things).
So what's the difference between the Smooth 7.1 and the similarly priced Smooth 6.25?
The Smooth 7.1 offers a heavier unit weight (which increases stability of the treadmill), power folding, wireless chest strap heart rate control and a different cushioning system. If these things don't matter to you, you might want to consider the lesser priced Smooth 6.25 instead. However if you're a runner, you'll love this treadmill.
In summary, the Smooth 7.1 HR Pro is definitely an improvement over the already amazing older Smooth 7.1 model. With a longer warranty, improved console, power folding and improved cushioning system it is simply an excellent treadmill value for runners and walkers alike.
Again, if you're over 6' 2" or have long legs you might want to upgrade to the Smooth 9.25 with the longer belt.
