Smooth 9.17 Treadmill
Now that orthopedic belts on treadmills are becoming more and more popular, Smooth has introduced the Smooth 9.17 Treadmill to fit that need.
There are pro’s and con’s to moving up to an orthopedic belt on a treadmill like the 9.17, so some explanation is in order so you understand what you’re getting before you make a purchase.
An orthopedic belt on a mid level treadmill like the 9.17 has some advantages over a traditional 2 ply belt that’s found on most treadmills in this price range.
For starters, an orthopedic due to its’ added cushion and specialized design, will leave you feeling energized – instead of exhausted – after a walk or run and that’s a good thing. Less impact to your joints and less stress on tender knees.
On the downside, an orthopedic belt is more expensive on the front end, and also more expensive to replace and repair later. They also don’t run as true as a traditional 2-ply belt, so if you’re a really serious runner you may want to skip the 9.17 and take a look at the Sole F85 as a better option for your needs.
To cope with the added strain of running an orthopedic belt on the 9.17, Smooth wisely pushed up the horsepower to a respectable 3.0 continuous duty, and backs the treadmill with a lifetime motor warranty to give you peace of mind.
Key features of the Smooth 9.17 Treadmill:
- Powerful 3.0 HP Continuous Motor
- Exclusive Power Fold Mechanism
- Heart Rate Control with Wireless Chest Strap
- Orthopedic Belt
- Commercial grade, triple-laminated phenolic deck
- Lifetime Warranty on Frame and Motor
You’ll be hard pressed to find a treadmill in the $2000 price range that’s as good as the Smooth 9.17. With the only noteworthy exception being the Sole F85 Treadmill which I believe is a better value for serious runners that don’t want a cushioned treadbelt.
If you need a reliable, stable treadmill with good shock absorption and an orthopedic belt, there’s no need to spend $1000′s more, when you can get the Smooth 9.17 treadmill for under $2000 fully loaded.
