One thing that buyers always appreciate in home fitness equipment is the feeling of stability and durability. Users often feel insecure on flimsier machines and that can effect their enjoyment and willingness to exercise.

No-one will ever accuse the 7.35 of being flimsy. It is built like a Sherman tank using a commercial grade, industrial strength frame, weighs 271 lbs and can carry users of up to 350lbs.

It takes up quite a bit of real estate too being 80 inches nose to tail, 33 inches across and 56 inches tall. This is a treadmill that is built to take a hammering on a regular basis. It has a 62 inch running surface which will be large enough for even the tallest runner to stretch his legs and it is a whopping seven inches longer than the Smooth 5.65.

The choice of pre-programmed workouts is well thought out and offers a wider range of exercises which take into consideration the need for some users to be working at low intensity for longer periods. As well as a manual setting there are 7 preset programs, 8 calorie killers, 2 custom programs and 2 heart rate control programs.

Unlike the 7.6HR, its more expensive cousin, the 7.35 does not come with a heart rate chest monitor strap included. It is however, compatible with the technology and you can pick one form Amazon for under 50 bucks (a darn sight cheaper then the $200 extra you would be paying for the 7.6HR!). There are also pulse monitors in the hand grips which relay enough heart performance information to take advantage of the heart rate control programs.

The 7.35 does come with a few features not included on the 7.6HR. The deluxe sound system and MP3 port lets the user simply plug and play their favourite ‘songs to sweat to’ while the two speed fan keeps things cool while he or she is pounding to the beat. There are also nifty, on-the-fly, incline and speed control switches on the hand grips which make it easy to adjust the intensity up or don while barely breaking stride.

Like all Smooth treadmills, the 7.35 comes with free curbside delivery. Bearing in mind the size of this monster, it may be worth upgrading that to either In-Room or White Glove Delivery especially if you live off the beaten track. The first costs $75 and gets the 7.35 brought into the room where you have decided to park it. The second has the machine brought in, unboxed and put together all without you lifting a finger! That costs $199.

Smooth also offers good warranties. Treadmills are not supposed to be sensitive bits of kit, given to peter out or break after a few weeks wear. Even so, some suppliers are particularly mean with coverage as a ploy to force buyers to purchase extensions on their warranties. Thankfully Smooth does not rely on this shady money-grubbing technique and covers both the frame and the motor for life while parts and electronics on the 7.35 are covered for 7 years and in-home labor for two years.

There is only $100 between the 7.35 and the 6.75. Both are good machines, solid, reliable and worth the money. They are both streets ahead of the disappointing 5.65 and better value for money than the 7.6HR.