The Smooth CE 3.0DS Elliptical Trainer / Stair Stepper Hybrid

The new for 2011 Smooth CE 3.0DS elliptical trainer is a 2-in-1 elliptical & stepper stride hybrid. Its compact footprint, long stride length, and silent operation are a perfect fit for home users who have a passion for both types of cardio machines.

What You Get

The Smooth CE 3.0DS elliptical trainer comes with a dual color LCD display showing course profiles for time, distance, odometer, speed, pulse, resistance levels, and more. Programs include 6 presets, 4 heart rate control programs, 4 custom courses, and Manual.

The specs on the Smooth CE 3.0DS include: 

• 21" Stride Length
• 16 Programs
• 16 Intensity Levels of Magnetic Resistance
• Moving Handlebars
• Handgrip Pulse Sensors
• Wireless Chest Belt (included)
• Rear Drive
• Transport Wheels
• 300-lb. User Capacity
• Dimensions/Wt: 71"H x 27"W x 57"L / 140 lbs
• Warranty: lifetime frame, 2 years brake, parts, electronics, & labor

The Word on the Street

UPDATE:  The Smooth CE 3.0 DS model is no longer being sold.  You can check out our list of the best ellipticals $1000-$2000 for a comparable machine.

The Smooth CE 3.0DS elliptical trainer offers 2-in-1 functionality. You can quickly convert from an elliptical motion to a stair stepper, allowing you to do two popular fitness equipment exercises to target the gluts, quads, calves, and hamstrings in the legs, as well as work the cardiovascular (heart-lungs) system.

Along with challenging custom courses and heart rate control programs, this Smooth unit also allows you to dial up 16 levels of resistance.

The Smooth CE 3.0DS is the company’s smallest, lightest, and most affordable elliptical trainer, yet it includes the quality resistance and drive system of its pricier sibling models.

For example, it allows the input of the user’s sex, height, weight, and age into the console computer for accurate readouts during the heart rate control programs.

The advanced display also includes a Body Fat Measurement program, giving you a BMI (body mass index) rating based on your height and weight. Knowing your BMI will help you determine if you are normal weight, overweight, or obese.

There are excellent reviews by elliptical pros and consumers on the Smooth CE 3.0DS. It gets good marks for its quality components and workmanship (it’s made in Taiwan), solid ride, smooth pedaling motion, and attractive display.

The wireless HR strap is included at no charge, and the unit is Shipped Free direct from Smooth Fitness. Those two perks, along with the 2-year in-home labor warranty will save you a couple of hundred dollars over a competitor model.

Our Thoughts

This exciting stair stepper / elliptical hybrid adds variety for those people who feel an elliptical trainer alone is not enough or just have a passion for the tough workout of a stair stepper.

Best of all, you won’t have to compromise on features to get the dual functionality: the Smooth CE 3.0DS has a long 21" Stride Length, which is unusual in a compact machine but certainly welcome.

Smooth left off some entertainment features like an mp3 plug-in and speakers, in order to offer a superior quality trainer at the most affordable price. For just $1,099 on sale, the 2011 model Smooth CE 3.0DS elliptical trainer is a Best Buy.

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