The 9.45TV is at the top of Smooth Fitness’ non-folding treadmill range. The others in the series are the 9.35HR and the 9.45ST.

The machines of this group share several common specs. They each have a 3.0 HP continuous motor, 2.5” rollers, a triple-laminated, phenolic resin, reversible deck, 1-15 incline, 0.5 to 11.2 mph speed and they all come with a Polar heart rate chest strap. So what makes the 9.45TV the most expensive of its stable-mates?

One answer is right there in the name where the TV represents a 15” LCD which is stacked on to the console. The other main reason is the length of the running surface. The 9.35HR has a length of 54” while both the 9.45ST and 9.45TV are 60” long.

The 9.45TV comes with Hydra Suspension and hands-free motion control. Hydra Suspension lets the user select from up to 12 levels of cushioning and is especially valuable to those who have sustained joint injuries that prevent them from running on asphalt. Buyer’s reaction to this innovation is mostly very positive and comments include words like, “…fantastic!”, “…wonderful!” and “…this treadmill rocks!”.

The hands-free motion control is another feature that is mostly appreciated as it allows for adjustment of speed and incline ‘on the fly’ without breaking stride.

The 9.45TV comes with a Polar chest strap to transmit the user’s heart rate back to the console which then automatically adjusts the speed and incline intensity to keep the user within his or her target heart rate zone.

There are six training programs including Killer Hills, Weight Loss, Speed Intervals and the heart rate program. The Smooth 9.45TV also comes with nine user profiles for individual users to store their own data making it a very family-friendly machine.

The Smooth 9.45TV comes packed in a large box. If the user has not chosen to upgrade his shipping options from the free curbside service to either the in-home or in-home and installation service, then the fun begins in getting this 315lb monster into the house. As the User’s Manual for the 9.45TV says, “It is recommended that you obtain the assistance of another person when assembling this product”.

After checking that all parts are present and correct, the installation itself is not complicated and is clearly illustrated in the manual.

One big reason to choose a Smooth treadmill is the excellent warranty. With the frame and electronics being covered for life and a two year warranty on in-house labor this is one of the best warranties on the market. The television however is only covered for one year which begs the question, is it really worth the extra money - $400 more than the 9.45ST depending on the sales period – just to have the built-in television?

Of the three machines in the Smooth non-folding treadmill 9 series, the 9.45ST is the best buy for those over six foot. Anyone under that would most likely be very happy both with the 9.35HR and with the $600 that was still in their pocket