Smooth or Preform Treamill...

[T-Rage]

I'm coming off a lower back injury and I need to walk 45 minutes at least 3 times a week therefore I'm looking to purchase a treadmill for my home gym. I know I can go to a track and usually do but the cold weather and snow has complicated that. At anyrate I have narrowed it down to two treadmills.

The Smooth Fitness 5.0 for $1000

or

The Proform 995SEL for $800

After a ton of research I'm leaning strongly towards the Smooth.

Anyone own either of these or have any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[The Shadow]

Look for one that has a form of a flex-deck to it to absorb shock.....also an incline around 7 degrees and above will aggravate the back if you arent carefull

 

[T-Rage]

Thanks for the advise regarding the incline. I'll keep that in mind.

For future reference for and for anyone else interested I went with the following treadmill from Smooth Fitness model 5.3. I was really sold on the motor warranty and lifetime frame warranty (some other comparatively priced brands of treadmill offered only 90 days warranty on everything). I've read alot of good things about Smooth treadmills and once it arrives and I have a chance to use it I will update this thread with my opinions.

http://www.smoothfitness.com/products/smooth_53.htm

2.5 HP Continuous Duty Motor
New! 3" longer!
18" x 55" belt size
29" x 66" footprint
Hand Grip Toggle Switches for elevation and speed
0.6-10 MPH
Direct speed bar for one touch speed and incline control
12% power elevation
Push-Button electronics
Maintenance Free, Cushioned Deck
4 pre-set programs
2 user programs
300 lbs weight capacity
Powder coated scratch/chip resistant finish
Lifetime frame warranty
Made in the U.S.A.
10 year motor warranty

2 year parts warranty
1 year in-home labor warranty