The Smooth Fitness 6.25 treadmill is a step up from the company's 5.25 model, and with its improved power, additional features and stronger warranty, we rate it as an even better value than that model. While the 5.25 was far from disappointing, the 6.25 improves upon that treadmill by offering an upgraded 2.75-horsepower motor that delivers a top speed of 10 mph; this is sufficient for anyone but the fastest runners or those who are looking to embark on sprint training. The 20-inch-wide running belt is 54 inches long, and it includes the company's Swing Arm suspension system and excellent cushioning that help to reduce impact on ankle, knee and hip joints as you run.

This unit also offers a nice LED console. While we find the console on the 5.25 frustrating to use while you workout, the updated console on the 6.25 is significantly friendlier to the user. It allows you to simultaneously monitor speed, distance, time, calories burned and heart rate; the latter can be measured either via the handrail sensors or by using an optional chest strap. This hands-free way of monitoring your pulse is faster and safer to use while running.

In addition to a lifetime warranty on both the motor and the treadmill frame, Smooth Fitness offers a 5-year warranty on parts as well as 1-year in-home coverage for labor. The 6.25 offers eight preset workouts along with nine different user profiles, so your family, friends and/or roommates can store and retrieve their personal information. Like the 5.25, this unit also offers a convenient folding design. The 6.25 is a heavy treadmill, weighing in at 260 pounds; this makes for a sturdy, very solid machine capable of supporting users of up to 350 pounds in weight, but it also means that the 6.25 is not the easiest treadmill to move around.

For a treadmill in this price range and with such a strong warranty, the Smooth Fitness 6.25 is an excellent value buy.


Pros: Powerful motor, lifetime warranty on frame and motor, wide belt, excellent suspension and cushioning
Cons: Difficult to move

Warranty
Lifetime, frame & motor; 5 years, parts; 1 year, labor (with in-home service)