The facts:

You can buy a used commercial machine for nearly the same (sometimes less, sometime more) price.

The commercial machine will be far heavier, far smoother in use and will likely take up more room.

A used commercial machine in good shape will last years before it needs service when used in the typical household.

When it needs service the commercial machine (assuming you bought a popular brand) will likely still be supported by the manufacturer and several third parties long after it was made.

Popular commercial machines will attract third parties to supply wear items and in some cases provide parts that are better than those made by the original manufacturer. These third party components will likely be much cheaper than the OEM ones.

Most large cities will have several service companies who can repair commercial machines of many types. These companies often have maintenance contracts for the health clubs in town.

Commercial machines' designs are often made over a number of years and incorporating design changes which improve its use or reliability. A machine whose design has been matured over a number of years should indicate a machine that is a pleasure to use and one that needs little service even in a health club environment.

Lastly, in this review of commercial machine attributes is the fact that these machines will retain a substantial portion of their cost. The net cost (purchase price less selling price) of using these machines may be surprisingly low.

Residential machines are largely the reverse of everything said above. Even when they may have a "commercial" brand these machines are only a result of the OEM selling the brand to an offshore manufacturer. These machines are made in pieces so that they can be boxed in a compact manner. This chopped up approach often results in weak machines that squeak and ultimately fail. Also to minimize shipping costs they are made as light as possible. Commercial machines are shipped by common carrier and most often are made in the US of large fabricated steel components which are often only wrapped and strapped to pallets with little assembly required.

The sellers of these residential machines often go out of business leaving the owners with no source of parts or service. As a result comparatively few numbers of each model are sold such that third parties have no interest in providing parts or service. For these reasons residential machines often depreciate to zero by the end of the warranty and remember just because you have a warranty that doesn't mean that the company can't go out of business. This low resale may result in a net cost of use to be far higher than those who buy used commercial machines.

If you regularly go to the gym and use a Trotter treadmill or a Precor elliptical don't buy something that comes in a box. My wife is a Precor junkie and we found a used machine in good order for $1200 on Craigslist. The reason why many people enjoy using such machines is that they appreciate the smoothness of the bearings and the heft of the components. The experience on light weight machines made of bolted sheet metal and undersized plastic bearings is not nearly the same.

The item listed here is likely a top "residential" machine but I don't find it a good value.

Went down this morning to jump on my treadmill; and it wouldn't turn on. When I saw what today's Woot was, I got pretty suspicious. Fortunately, after twenty minutes of prodding and poking I got it to turn on, but at that time I had run out of time to excercise before work. WIN!

djoctane wrote:Did some searching and would be interested in what the differences would be between the treadmill on woot and this one:

http://www.proform.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_-1_14201_16002_29509_168459

We plan to run 4-5 times a week, seems the proform offers similar but more commercial grade parts for a slightly higher price tag. Any input would be great as we know nothing about these.

I just finished researching and decided on the Proform Power 995 myself. The notable difference of it is the 5" longer belt. 20x60" is about as big as you'll find without going into a full commercial unit and a 2.75 CHP motor is about the smallest you want turning that size belt.

Treadmilldoctor rated the proform's motor a B and gave the Smooth's a C. The next cheapest I could find with a B motor was a nordictrack C900.

http://www.treadmilldoctor.com/treadmill-motor-hp-ratings

I got mine from a discount fitness retailer for $600 + 6% tax + $65 shipping into my house. It was new with zero hours/miles on the clock.

For those purchasing used, you have zero warranty. I hope you don't need it ever.

Also, $5 to ship a huge item like this is great. When purchasing online, you can usually get it for free though. So this looks like an amazing deal but is really pretty normal.

Sams has good prices on treadmills also if you don't like this deal.

ccweems wrote:The experience on light weight machines made of bolted sheet metal and undersized plastic bearings is not nearly the same.

The item listed here is likely a top "residential" machine but I don't find it a good value.

While I don't doubt you have knowledge of treadmills, NO bearings are made of plastic. Bushings perhaps. But not bearings. Also, this isn't a top residential machine. It's about mid-grade.

I take it this is the 2010 model? The 2011 model seems to have better specs:

http://www.treadmilltalk.com/smooth-565-treadmill.html

djrussell wrote:

For those purchasing used, you have zero warranty. I hope you don't need it ever.

Quick tips: 1. Make sure the thing runs.
2. Listen for excessively loud noises from the motor (whirring and revving) and rollers (knocking).
3. Feel under the belt, on the walk board. The board should be smooth, and if you find grooves then you know that the machine has not been maintained and has experienced excess friction, which will lead to needing a new motor/controller, which with OEM parts can cost more than half of a new treadmill.

If possible, grab the model number and do a search online. Check for the availability of a replacement Motor, Motor Controller, Controller, Console, and Circuit Breaker. Not all treadmills have a motor controller and circuit breaker, so don't panic if there isn't one. Check the prices on all of these things and the WALK BELT. Some walk belts are $80 to replace; some can run up past $500. If the machine is older than four years and got regular use, look into getting the walk belt replaced first thing and consider the expense of the belt and possibly finding a technician into the asking price of the treadmill.

check out the map of wooters wooting and compare that to the CDC map of the obese:



Its a bit curious

kurbycar32 wrote:check out the map of wooters wooting and compare that to the CDC map of the obese:



Its a bit curious

Make me

mjhazard wrote:I take it this is the 2010 model? The 2011 model seems to have better specs:

http://www.treadmilltalk.com/smooth-565-treadmill.html

According to the person I spoke with at Smooth Fitness, this is the 2012 model and the same as the one sold at Sears, the 5.65i. This is why the PDF manual is not yet available online.

where do they deliver it? how long until it arrives?

Looks a little expensive for a future coat rack.

drewsrq wrote:For what it's worth, the ExerciseEquipmentExpert.com website rates this specific treadmill as their "Best Treadmill Under $1000"

It is worth zero unless you know who pays for ExerciseEquipmentExperts "ratings". A lot of online sites are basically paid fronts for manufacturers.

TheFaz wrote:Buy a good pair of running shoes and GO OUTSIDE!

As someone who runs at least 5K outdoors at least three days a week...let me say this.

I live in VA. It gets dark out at 5:00pm and often down to 20 degrees in the winter. It gets to 100 degrees with 90% humidity in the summer. Also, you do realize some people have jobs, right?

Having a treadmill is nice for the days with truly awful weather or the days that it gets dark out before you get a chance to run. I'm lucky enough to work from home 3 days a week. If I didn't, I would basically never be able run outside unless I got up at the crack of dawn (not happening).

jeepinmark wrote:$5 shipping on something this big is a bargin.

Balances out all the small crap they charge $5 shipping for.

The shipping cost is taken into consideration before the selling price decision is made. The price could have been set at $599 with $200 for shipping but woot has a $5 shipping policy for every item it lists.

"USPS will not be able to deliver these to PO BOX or MILITARY addresses."

May I get a little clarification on this? I am assuming this means APO address for the military.

I live on a military base, however I have a normal street address, with normal mail box and get regular mail just like everyone else does.

I'm going to add my two cents here. I have the 2011 model of this treadmill. We purchased it in March of this year. My overall review in one word: MEH.
We bought this to replace a 10-year old NordicTrac which I LOVED until the motor died.
I purchased the Smooth directly from Smooth Fitness. It came freight in a VERY large and heavy box. If you need to get this up or down stairs, you will need at least 2-3 people. It was not difficult to assemble, just very heavy and cumbersome.
The treadmill runs fairly smoothly but it is noisy-I get squeaks and metallic "clanks" when I walk. I have tried lubricating both the belt and the screws on the frame-didn't make a difference.
We did have one major issue-about three months after we bought it, anytime you would try to decrease the speed the belt would actually accelerate very quickly! This was a little scary to say the least. Smooth did send someone out to fix it, but it took a few phone calls and several weeks. It's been OK since then, knock on wood.
So overall, I can't say I've been super impressed. I understand this is not a commercial grade machine, but for the price I'm disappointed. I miss my old NordicTrac.

clangle wrote:I'm going to add my two cents here...So overall, I can't say I've been super impressed. I understand this is not a commercial grade machine, but for the price I'm disappointed. I miss my old NordicTrac.

Thank you for you first hand knowledge. You have helped me

I am already on my feet a good 9 to 10 hours of the day moving and machine operating, and sit only to use a toilet or while out on regular break or the occasional lunch.

if I spend a lot of time walking in one direction, I want to be somewhere else when I stop walking, preferably a distance equal to the length of my stride multiplied by the number of steps taken.

that said, I'm in for three-- I will rig them up throughout the house and finally have my futuristic Jetson's walkways.

This is an excellent deal for a Smooth Treadmill. I purchased a SMooth Treadmill about four years ago and it is still running strong. They have a lifetime guarantee on parts, and this one is half the price I paid for mine... I have a bad back and walking around the neighborhood is really hard on it, but I can do 30 minutes on the treadmill and climb hills!

Top speed 10 mph, that's a 6 min mile

TURRIBLE
TURRIBLE TURRIBLE.

Most middle school gym miles have kids running this fast.

Most good treadmills hit 12mph. Better ones are at 14 mph. If I ever buy one, it'll be 16mph.

kibitzor wrote:Top speed 10 mph, that's a 6 min mile

TURRIBLE
TURRIBLE TURRIBLE.

Most middle school gym miles have kids running this fast.

Most good treadmills hit 12mph. Better ones are at 14 mph. If I ever buy one, it'll be 16mph.

Not for 800 bucks, Ace.

Woot said that this should be delivered by Christmas but i have not seen any movement on the order. Anyone else got their shipping confirmation?

akalinani wrote:Woot said that this should be delivered by Christmas but i have not seen any movement on the order. Anyone else got their shipping confirmation?

You should have received a phone call from the delivery company and they should contact you that way.

dakotaiphone wrote:You should have received a phone call from the delivery company and they should contact you that way.

Thank you for the response. I have not received a call from the delivery company as yet! Let me get in touch with Woot on this and see if they know anything about it. FYI, the Treadmill that i have ordered is being shipped to NJ.

A

Got a call from our local HomeDirectUSA office on Friday saying they expect to get the treadmill on Monday and want to deliver it on Tuesday. Got an automated message from the national office of HomeDirectUSA telling me to expect a call from the local office with two days.

I am in South Carolina, So expect to hear something soon.

akalinani wrote:Woot said that this should be delivered by Christmas but i have not seen any movement on the order. Anyone else got their shipping confirmation?

I got an automated robot call saying i should expect a call in the next few days to schedule a delivery...this was last friday...i have yet to receive a human call to schedule...

i live in chicago

I received an automated call on Saturday 12/17 saying I would be called with further info. I then received a call this morning scheduling a delivery for tomorrow morning. For the shipping method being freight I'm impressed at how quick I'm getting this.

snagglepuss31 wrote:Got a call from our local HomeDirectUSA office on Friday saying they expect to get the treadmill on Monday and want to deliver it on Tuesday. Got an automated message from the national office of HomeDirectUSA telling me to expect a call from the local office with two days.

I am in South Carolina, So expect to hear something soon.

Got call from local office yesterday to set up delivery for today. The treadmill was delivered this morning. I am impressed too.

snagglepuss31 wrote:Got call from local office yesterday to set up delivery for today. The treadmill was delivered this morning. I am impressed too.

Since we are itching to know how you like it keep us posted on assembly and your opinion of the device.

dakotaiphone wrote:Since we are itching to know how you like it keep us posted on assembly and your opinion of the device.

It is really heavy, and seems well built. My plans to move it to my upstairs office did not go well. I was hoping it was going to come in several pieces to make the move easier. The treadmill comes in one large box. Inside the box are one small box and a package with some parts and manuals. Those weight about 5 lbs. The treadmill deck, console and arms are all attached like a hinge. Wires keep you for just dismantling everything. Setup (looking at the manual) is just screwing the console riser and arms into place, installing some trim and making some adjustments.

After two hours of trying to move it I was not in any mood to try to set it up. I will go to "Plan B" and set it up (downstairs) tonight.

Did I say it is really heavy?

I got the robo call about delivery on Saturday but haven't heard anything since. Should I be concerned? I live in Kansas.

snagglepuss31 wrote:It is really heavy, and seems well built. My plans to move it to my upstairs office did not go well. I was hoping it was going to come in several pieces to make the move easier. The treadmill comes in one large box. Inside the box are one small box and a package with some parts and manuals. Those weight about 5 lbs. The treadmill deck, console and arms are all attached like a hinge. Wires keep you for just dismantling everything. Setup (looking at the manual) is just screwing the console riser and arms into place, installing some trim and making some adjustments.

After two hours of trying to move it I was not in any mood to try to set it up. I will go to "Plan B" and set it up (downstairs) tonight.

Did I say it is really heavy?

Mine was delivered this morning at about 7am (I was still pretty groggy when I got that phone call). I will second that it is really heavy I'm a strong person (I lift weights) but it was a challenge or me to move it around. I also thought it would come in multiple pieces so that I could take it to the room I wanted to put it together and assemble it... Nope! It took me about two hours to figure out and get it to the room I wanted it in. I haven't used it yet besides just turning it on and making sure everything works. But so far it doesn't feel like a cheap unit.

annaluigi wrote:I got the robo call about delivery on Saturday but haven't heard anything since. Should I be concerned? I live in Kansas.

Based on the confirmation number they gave you I would call the company back. I wouldn't say that you need to be concerned but it might be worth your time trying to track down what is going on.

I moved it into the space I wanted and set it up this morning. It was straight forward to install. The unit is actually fairly easy to move once setup and with the deck raised.

My wife then I exercised on it for over an hour total. I am not an exercise equipment expert, but I cannot be more happier with it. The motor is pretty quiet. The fan actually makes more noise.

The incline and speed controls work very smoothly. I did not use the programs since they change both incline and speed and I wanted to keep a steady pace. The pulse rate monitor (on hand rails) do not seem accurate, but I did not expect them to be any good. I will decide later on whether to get a wireless chest strap.

Good luck to you wooters that ordered one.

Mine arrived yesterday. Just to echo some of the previous warnings, the thing comes in a HUGE 200 lb box. Before it arrived, I figured I could part it out and handle it myself. Hahahaha, nope. According to the delivery sheet, it's "threshold" delivery which I guess means they'll bring it in the front door. If you are keeping it on the first floor, it is moderately reasonable to move around on the wheels once out of the box. If you plan on moving it up or down stairs, I recommend having a couple of $20s handy to tip the delivery guys to do it for you.

The treadmill itself seems pretty nice so far!

I received mine today. It is very heavy. Had to slide it down the stairs to the basement. Once I got it out of the box, it was easy to setup. It looks and feels like a professional unit. I have read other reviews and some say it has a fan. Mine does not and no where in the manual or the company's product description does it say it comes with one. The manual online for the 5.65 shows a different console than the one I got or the one Woot shows which is odd. That console does show that it has a fan. The speakers sound ok, nothing special. No volume control. Overall, I am happy with the purchase. It is a top-quality product.

Got mine today. Was supposed to get it Wednesday but they promised to call an hour before and the only call I got was, "we're here, why u no answer door?". All week, I'm home and it figures they show up the one hour I happened to be in the dentists chair.

So, they reschedule, and tell me they'll be there between 2pm and 6. So they finally show up at 5:56pm. I get how busy those guys are delivering things this time of year, but c'mon.

So, no real complaints about the hardware, but the manual is the worst piece of crap I've seen. Full of typos, and failing to describe all the functions of the computer.

For example there are a bunch of numbered programs, then three user programs for which there are very short and not entirely helpful instructions, then several modes which don't seem to be explained at all. I think there is supposed to be a program to adjust to keep you at a target heart rate, and one to calculate body fat, but what instructions there are don't even tell you what the screen will display , just tell you to get into that mode giving no indication of how to decipher the display and know what mode you're in.

If anyone figures this out please post, and let's crowd source some instructions that don't suck to help us use what seems like a pretty good treadmill.

jstinaff wrote:Can you suggest a good pair of knee-high snow-melting ones for a Chicago winter? Kisses and TIA!

I live in Milwaukee and run year round. Wait for the plows.

jstinaff wrote:Can you suggest a good pair of knee-high snow-melting ones for a Chicago winter? Kisses and TIA!

Oh, and buy some yaktrax for about $20.

acanarelli wrote:Good idea but it dosen't work! If you live on the east coast, there are too many days when it rains, snows, it's too windy, too hot or too cold for walking. These problems are avoided with a treadmill. So you are left with no convenient excuses. The only thing you can do is walk or run and get healthy.

I live in Milwaukee Wisconsin. Dress for the weather. Whether you are running or walking the dog. Rain, wind or snow doesn't have to stop you. Treadmills are just incredibly dull. I can't do more than 3 miles before I die of boredom!