Smooth 5.65

Smooth 5.65 Folding Treadmill Review

For several years running, Smooth Fitness has had an award-winning, entry-level treadmill in this price category, and the Smooth 5.65 is it. Former iterations of this treadmill were the 5.25, then the 5.45, and since the original 5.65 folding treadmill came out, Smooth updated the model for 2011/2012 (see the video of the treadmill below).

Smooth 5.65 Folding Treadmill 300 Pounds Max Capacity “SmoothSound” iPod and MP3 Sound System “Im-Pressions” Shock-Absorption Deck 2.75 CHP Motor, Up to 10 MPH (16 kph) 14 Workout Programs, 15 Degrees of Incline “Quick-Change” Thumb Controls for Speed/Incline in Handrails Large 20″ x 55″ Running Belt Integrated Media Rack, 2 Water Bottle Holders Great Warranty Award-Winning 5.65 Model Improved for 2012

See the May 19, 2012 Best Price for the Smooth 5.65 Treadmill

As you can see from the list of features, the Smooth Fitness 5.65 folding treadmill is loaded for a treadmill in this under $1,000 price range. For its long service record in the market, and seeing as how Amazon lists it in their top 20 (from position 12-16 recently, out of hundreds of competitors), it’s safe to say that the Smooth 5.65 has been a proven success.

I bought a 5.65 treadmill from Smooth Fitness about a year ago and have been very happy with it. There have been no problems and I find it to be well made and easy to use. It really is very “smooth” when running. It is also very quiet. I would definitely recommend it and have no buyer’s remorse whatsoever.

Dave from Boston, Mass.

For 2012, the Smooth 5.65 model has undergone key improvements over previous versions of this model.

Improvements to the Smooth Fitness 5.65 Treadmill 2012 Model

• Bigger Motor: 2.75 CHP vs. 2.50 CHP
• Better Warranty: 5 Yrs Parts & Electronics vs. 3 Yrs
• Shock Absorption: Im-Pression Floating Deck System
• “Quick Change” Ergonomic Thumb Controls in Handrails

A fuller list of the main features are listed below, with the benefits you should expect from the Smooth 5.65 treadmill.

The Smooth 5.65 is Perfect for Jogging and Walking

If you want a real ‘folding runner’s treadmill’ we’d recommend spending a little more for the Smooth 6.75 or Smooth 7.35, but if budget only affords the under $1,000 treadmills then the Smooth 5.65 won’t disappoint.

Just understand it’s meant more for walkers or joggers, not diehard runners. Nonetheless, with a 2.75 CHP (continuous horsepower) motor, runners won’t be disappointed in the power of the drive system in the 5.65 treadmill.

Here is a Smooth 5.65 Video

Exceptional Value of the Smooth 5.65

Feature-rich, Smooth Fitness has a winning model competing in the under-$1k market for treadmills. The folding 5.65 is built with quality and value in mind, it’s clear from the list of features packed into this model as customers have proven for years in their positive reactions (see below).

You will find that at this price range, most treadmill motors are in the 2.5 horsepower range, so a 2.75 CHP horsepower motor is a good value. Another notable exception to this rule is the LIVESTRONG LS10.0T treadmill, also with a 2.75 CHP motor (offering a higher top speed and other features).

Compared to the same price range in Yowza Fitness (the Yowza Siesta), Smooth’s 5.65 offers slightly more horsepower. But if you want better shock absorption, then the Siesta is the better model.

The Sole Fitness F63 (also sold at this price) doesn’t come close to offering the same value from a feature-for-feature comparison, and Smooth’s warranty is better than Sole’s for this price range.

Overall, the inclusion of a sound system, 14 workouts, 15 degrees of incline, a proven track record and strong warranty presents an alluring treadmill for those looking to buy an excellent treadmill for their off-season workouts (or all-year workouts, for that matter).

Though Smooth Fitness designed this treadmill originally for light running and walkers, the upgraded motor makes this an excellent buy for runners who don’t want to spend over $1,000 for a quality treadmill.

The Smooth Fitness 5.65 can withstand the rigors of all-out runs, though the top speed is 10 MPH, that is enough for many who are trying to either maintain their fitness levels or who want to lose weight.

Excellent Shock Absorption & Quality Features

The shock absorption on any treadmill is an important feature to think over. Some treadmills simply don’t offer shock absorption, in which case the damaging, high-impact results of running are absorbed by the joints (back, knees, hips and ankles). The result can be anything from torn ligaments to damaged cartilage and meniscus, injured knees (Runner’s Knee) and similar problems.

When you run on the Smooth 5.65, their proprietary “Im-Pression” shock-absorbing deck gives your foot cushioning in the strike zone, where it counts, and a firm place to push off from in the rear.

Honestly, though the name is trademarked, the effect and design of this system sounds remarkably like what you would find on the Yowza Daytona, Yowza Smyrna and Siesta. In fact, apart from taking the treadmills apart and examining their design, since there are close ties between the two companies – I would bet it’s the same system.

Despite that: it’s a great system for shock absorption.

Whether or not it’s significantly different from the floating deck design found in all Yowza’s treadmills or not is irrelevant, the point is that the system is effective and carries the benefit of lowered risk of joint injuries.

Other Features are Value-Adds to the 5.65 Treadmill

As listed above, the Smooth Fitness 5.65 offers a number of high-quality features for this entry-level price. These include the iPod/MP3 compatibility and “SmoothSound” audio system, 2 water bottle holders, cooling fan, 15 degrees of incline, “QuickChange” thumb controls in the hand rails (much easier to reach during a run)

With a solid warranty (see below), the 5.65 folding treadmill is designed to give its owners years of service and help improve fitness without the need or worry of high-maintenance, unlike the lesser-priced models sold in big box stores.

Save 5% Off Smooth 5.65 on May 19, 2012

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Smooth 5.65 Customer Reviews

There are dozens of actual customer reviews for the Smooth Fitness 5.65 treadmill. Over the years, this model has proven the test of time and continues to be a top-ranking treadmill even on Amazon, out of hundreds of competitors.

Consistently, in the Amazon market place, the Smooth folding 5.65 treadmill ranks in the top 20 (at least it has been for many months as I compose this review). Right now it may rank differently, but as this is being written it sits at #16 of hundreds.

That’s an objective indicator this treadmill has proven itself in the home fitness market. But don’t just take my word for it – here are just a few reviews from customers that had nothing to gain other than voicing their opinion and experience with this best-buy treadmill (in our opinion, it’s a great buy in the under $1,000 bracket):

What Amazon Customers Said

These customers bought the 5.65 folding treadmill from Amazon – but if you use the coupon linked above, you save more money (in most cases). [Source for reviews.]

Those were just a couple of the dozens and dozens of customer reviews from Amazon. The following are taken from the Smooth Fitness (America) official site.

What About Your Review of the Smooth 5.65?

Do you own Smooth’s 5.65 treadmill? If you have bought this treadmill and would like to share your own experience of the treadmill, then we invite you to leave your own thoughts and experiences with others.

Treadmills-For-Sale-Site.com is an honest website and we want our readers to have a place to leave their own views of the products we review. To add your own, please read our customer treadmill reviews page and fill out the form.

Thank you for taking the time!

Smooth Fitness 5.65 Specifications

If you just want to see what this treadmill offers in a quick scan, then here are the key features that most shoppers need to know. If you have any other questions, see our Smooth Fitness page for contact information.

Benefits of the Smooth 5.65 Folding Treadmill

From saving your joints, to saving space, to saving money, the Smooth 5.65 has a lot to offer the budget-conscious runner. Here are some of the benefits of choosing this entry-level model from one of the top leaders in the home fitness industry today.

2.75 CHP Motor

As mentioned earlier, the 2.75 motor that Smooth Fitness installed on their entry-level treadmill leaves little to be desired at this price. It’s more than you can expect from their competitors (with the exception of LIVESTRONG’s LS10.0T).

The benefit to the user is that there is no worry that the motor will not have the power needed for the most rigorous workout. If the program can be used, the motor will have plenty of power for the need.

Lastly, it’s a quiet running motor, and rated CHP which is a more accurate and honest appraisal of the real strength of the motor. Usually you would expect a 2.5 CHP motor (like in the Yowza Siesta or the Sole F63), but for this price point, Smooth Fitness is a serious competitor in the market.

Speeds up to 10 MPH (About 16 kph)

We have mentioned how this treadmill is best used for light running or walking, but it’s strong enough for most runners. Those needing higher speeds can consider the LIVESTRONG LS10.0T at this price point (12 MPH max), but the Smooth 5.65 has a longer track record and better warranty.

Regardless of competiting models, this is a typical max speed for this price range and is sufficient. The real benefit is knowing the treadmill can bring up your heart rate without worrying about a struggling drive system (as mentioned earlier, the motor is plenty strong enough to handle it).

“Im-Pression” Shock-Absorption Deck

This is a very similar (if not exact same) system compared to the Yowza Fitness treadmills – and even if it is the same thing with a different name, the point is that we love the feel of it!

Honestly it’s a great design, no matter the name, and the benefit is a lowered risk of injury while working out over time. The 5.65 impact-absorption mechanism simply works and works well.

14 Workout Programs, 15 Degrees of Incline

Compared with its competitors at this price, the array of programs (including a fat-burning and a manual program) that come with the Smooth 5.65 leave nothing to be desired. This is a great range of workout programs and presents the clear benefit of a treadmill that has years of use for most users.

Whether you buy it for cardio health or weight loss, this treadmill will challenge you with enough options and intensities available that you won’t have to worry about hitting a plateau.

There are very few competitors that offer this variety of workouts and incline levels for under $1,000.

“SmoothDrop” 2-Stage Assited Unfolding System

This is a great feature for anyone buying a folding treadmill – the ability to open the treadmill safely. Most treadmills have something like this in place these days, but cheap treadmills don’t offer it.

The 2-stage unfolding system is as simple as stepping on a switch and stepping back. Without touching the treadmill, and without danger of getting pinned underneath the deck, the Smooth 5.65 opens itself safely and smoothly (and quietly).

“QuickChange” Thumb Controls

On their more expensive (non-folding) models, Smooth treadmills offer a feature called motion control which is nice and high-tech – but on their folding treadmills, the thumb control is still great.

For years, if you’ve ever bought a treadmill under a thousand dollars, you’ve (like me) had to use the unnaturally-placed controls in front of you on the console. You can still do that on the 5.65 display screen, or you can use the more ergonomic hand-rail-embedded thumb controls for speed and incline adjustments.

This is a great feature, not sure why more companies don’t do something similar – way to go, Smooth Fitness! No more breaking stride to make these adjustments.

Bonus Features

• “SmoothSound” Audio System and iPod/MP3 Player
• 2 Water Bottle Holders
• Heart Rate Receiver and Grip Pulse Handles
• Integrated Reading Rack/Media Shelf
• Transport Wheels: Fold ‘n Go

Smooth 5.65 Warranty Information

Smooth Fitness is no stranger to the power of great customer service. In fact, they present some of the best warranties in the industry. At this price range, a 5 year warranty on parts and electronics is a great buy – and it’s better than many competitors like Sole Fitness.

Similar to the Yowza Siesta, the warranty is strong and should tell you how well-built this treadmill is.

As I said, it’s a strong warranty, better than Sole Fitness or LIVESTRONG and most other competitors at this price range, it’s hard to find a better warranty under $1,000.

Smooth Fitness 5.65 Workout Programs

The workout program details for the 5.65 are a little hard to come by. Officially they simply say there are 14 workout programs.

These 14 include a manual program that you can set as you please in terms of speed, duration and incline. With the Quick-Change thumb controls, it’s easy enough to adjust on the fly without breaking stride. Then there is a fat-loss program, which is much like an HIIT program (high intentisty interval training).

The remaining 12 programs are pre-sets of varying “virtual terrain” with speed and incline adjustments.

Every program can be adjusted on-the-fly with the speed and incline thumb controls. Once that segment is done, then the Smooth 5.65 returns to the pre-set settings. Also, you determine the length of the workout.

If you only have 20 minutes to workout, the segments will simply be adjusted to fit your total time, etc.

Closing Thoughts on Smooth’s 5.65

We give the Smooth 5.65 a total of 4.8 stars overall, out of 5 stars. We thinks it’s definitely a great value and good buy, since it offers a 2.75 CHP motor, 15 degrees of incline, a great sound system, shock-absorbing deck and heart rate receiver.

The thumb controls are a nice touch as well, and the warranty is strong.

We didn’t give it a full 5 stars only because it’s lost some of the better features over the years, like the patented swing-arm support (due to a split between Smooth and what is now Yowza Fitness) – that was a major loss in our view. That technology is available on the Yowza Siesta at this same price.

Users classify this as a light running treadmill, even a walking treadmill – which for us gives the perception the motor isn’t as strong as it could be.

For all that, though, there is a genuine value in the 5.65 folding treadmill – it’s a great buy and has served its owners for years, I highly doubt you’d be disappointed in either Smooth Fitness’ engineering or their customer service.

So it gets 4.8 out of 5 stars, and is a great buy (maybe not the ‘best’ at this price, but it’s a great choice).

Lowest Price For the Smooth 5.65 on May 19, 2012