Smooth Fitness 9.17 HRO Treadmill
What's This?
Your Smooth 9.17HRO Treadmill Buying Guide
Summary of What The Experts Say
In 2006 Consumer Guide rated the Smooth 9.17HRO Treadmill as a best buy. Treadmill Doctor also awarded the 9.17 HRO with a 3rd runner up best buy in the $1500 to $2000 price range in its 2006-2007 reviews. The Smooth 9.17 HRO is one of the expert's top picks under $2000. Power and cushioning are above average but experts fear the orthopedic belt might affect the treadmill's durability although the long parts warranty might bail you out if problems arise. Although the treadmill is generally recommended by experts, the Sole F85 or the lesser Smooth 7.1HR Pro comes suggested as possible better alternatives.
Summary of What The Users Say
It would seem when the treadmill is functioning properly, users love it. Users have commented positively on how quiet, stable/sturdy, and smoothly the treadmill runs. But like we have discovered when we did our research on the Smooth 7.1 series, there could potentially be a lot of headaches if you need to call tech support. For this particular treadmill for example, one had a problem that went unresolved after 5 months. Another user commented on how unhelpful the technician was offering an answer similar to the lines of "my machine doesn't have that problem so yours shouldn't too". This is definitely not reassuring especially if you’re buying a treadmill that is only sold over the internet.
What You Should Do
If you are a taller runner, you would probably do yourself a big favor by looking at the Smooth 9.25HR or Smooth 9.25X instead as the Smooth 9.17HRO is only 54 inches in belt length which may feel too short for many. If this belt length is OK with you, read on.
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Smooth Fitness markets their Smooth branded line of treadmills primarily (90%+) online, and thus they tend to be a lot more active than any other treadmill company on the net when it comes to setting prices. So when you visit Smooth Fitness’ website and it says that they’re having a sale, it is SOMETIMES true. From our monitoring in 2007, we have seen the following models sold for the following prices:
Smooth 6.25: $1499, $1699
Smooth 7.1 HR Pro: $1699, $1999
Smooth 9.17HRO: $1999, $2399
Smooth 9.25HR: $1999, $2299, $2399, $2999
Smooth 9.25X: $2499 to $3499
Our main focus here is not only the Smooth 9.17HRO treadmill, but also the Smooth 7.1HR Pro and the Smooth 6.25. Why? Despite what their prices tell you, these three treadmills are actually quite similar whereas the Smooth 9.25HR and 9.25X features much longer decks and are thus suited much more for tall or really advanced athletes.
Though experts may disagree, we believe the Smooth 9.17HRO is one heck of a HORRIBLE deal at $2399. Why? If you compare it with the Smooth 6.25 when it's selling for $1499, what does that $900 price actually get you?
1. An orthopedic belt (hence the "O" in (H)eart(R)ate(O)rthopedic) in the Smooth 9.17HRO - orthopedic sounds nice in theory but experts have said they are of limited effect and can strain the treadmill motor more than normal belts.
2. 0.25 horsepower increase. Since the motor has to work harder to move the heavier orthopedic belt, this horsepower increase is really not going to be advantageous compared to the Smooth 6.25.
3. Power folding vs manual folding - if you really can't lift it up, this might be useful but users have reported difficulty in moving the treadmill even after it's folded despite the advertised 4 wheel castor system. If you can fold but can't move it, is the folding feature really useful?
4. Wireless heart rate monitor included in the 9.17HRO. For the 6.25, you can add it for 50 bucks.
5. Different cushioning system. Can't really tell the difference between the two without trying it but Treadmill Doctor only gave the Smooth 9.17HRO an 8 in cushioning vs a 7 in the Smooth 6.25.
So is this price difference of $900 really justified? No. If the 9.17HRO sells at $1999, the price difference is only $500, is it justified then? Well, that's for you to decide but note that if you’re willing to pony $2000 for at treadmill, you might want to consider the Smooth 9.25HR instead. If you bump into it selling for $1999, you’re getting much more of a deal.
What about the Smooth 7.1 HR Pro? How does it compare to the 9.17HRO? Well, the Smooth 9.17HRO gets you the orthopedic belt, the inconsequential motor power increase and a slightly better cushioning system (they use the same cushioning system as their name suggests but Treadmill Doctor’s cushioning ratings suggest otherwise.) For a more detailed look, read our meta review on the Smooth 6.25 which compares the 6.25 head to head with the 7.1HR Pro.
Verdict: If you only need to walk, go with the 5.25. If you're tall and a runner or just want to get more treadmill for your money, go and take a look at the 9.25HR for $2000 instead. If you're going to run and you're OK with the 54" in belt length, you have the Smooth 6.25, 7.1HR Pro and the 9.17HRO as your three choices. Of these three, the 6.25 is the best in our opinion if you balance price and features. If you're looking for a comparison, this page compares the 6.25 to the 9.25HR. The Smooth 6.25 page does the comparison for the 7.1HR Pro.
After reading opinions from experts and users, we have objectively analyzed the Smooth 9.17HRO Treadmill and assigned it a meta score as follows:
If the total price is $1550, you are getting a Super Bargain (5.0/5.0)
If the total price is $1700, you are getting a Great Bargain (4.5/5.0)
If the total price is $1850, you are getting a Good Bargain (4.0/5.0)
If the total price is $2000, you are getting a Small Bargain (3.5/5.0)
If the total price is $2150, it is No Bargain (3.0/5.0)
If the total price is $2300, it is Somewhat Overpriced (2.5/5.0)
If the total price is $2450, it is Greatly Overpriced (2.0/5.0)
If the total price is $2600, it is Severely Overpriced (1.5/5.0)
The current lowest price is $2399.00 which is Greatly Overpriced.
Notes:
1. This meta review was first published on October 25th, 2007.
2. For a list of resources used to construct this meta review, click here.
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