Smooth CE7.4 Elliptical

Pros

Treadmills411 Editor Comments

Comes with mySMOOTH Virtual Fitness Trainer

Just like a real human trainer, this feature helps you in your workouts so you'll have maximum results. This works by uploading your workout data to Smooth's website using a USB thumb drive. This feature would also allow you to create workout plans so you can reach your fitness goals faster.

60-day money-back guarantee

It's very reassuring that when you buy an expensive elliptical online and you happen to realize you don't want it, you get to send t back and get a refund. With Smooth, you don't get just 30 days but twice as long meaning you have more time to try the CE7.4.

Lifetime frame and brakes, 7 years on parts, and 2 years on labor

For ellipticals priced at $1500 and below, Smooth carries among the best warranties offered in the industry. You get 7 years on parts and 2 year on service. This is on top of a lifetime warranty on frame and brakes. The average parts and labor guarantee in this price range is 5 years and 1 year respectively.

Fans and  MP3 player support

2 components that are becoming more and more common on ellipticals are the cooling fans and built-in sound system that supports your external audio players. These features may not have something to do with your physical development but can motivate you to stay longer on the machine. Cooling fans will keep you fresh during long workout sessions while listening to your favorite music can help you lessen the chances of boredom.

350-lb maximum user weight

Although this 350-lb maximum user weight limit is impressive for the CE 7.4's price, we find it a little exaggerated since the machine itself weighs just 210lbs.Although we prefer heavier ellipticals, it's safer that you don't outweigh this machine by over 100lbs. That means we'd only recommend you to use this machine if you weigh not more than 300lbs.

Cons

Treadmills411 Editor Comments

No incline feature

By now, it's obvious that Smooth doesn’t offer several features on its ellipticals and among them is the incline feature. Though this model is equipped with the mySMOOTH Virtual Trainer, working out with a certain degree of incline will add variance to your workouts. Almost 50% of elliptical machines have this feature but it's just unfortunate this model is on the other side of the fence.

No reverse stride

Pedaling in reverse would concentrate on your quads, glutes, and other muscle groups giving you a more balanced and toned lower body. Just like the incline feature, a reverse stride motion is not available in many if not most Smooth elliptical machines. Having so would have given the CE 7.4 a better score and would have ranked higher.

Standard handlebar grips only

We've seen other $1500 elliptical machines offer enhancements on its handlebar grips. They either have cushioned or molded handgrips. Unfortunately with the CE 7.4, you only get standard grips. Although this wouldn't affect this elliptical's performance, having enhancements on this component would have given you a more comfortable handlebars to hold on to.