There are plenty of big name treadmills to choose from at just under $2,000. Most of those machines offer great prices for what you get in terms of extras as well. All that makes for some pretty tough competition for the Smooth 6.45, but they certainly are doing everything they can to compete.
You do have some piece of mind with the 6.45 in terms of reliability. While many new treadmills don't have all the bugs worked out yet, the 6.45 is based on the popular 6.25 base. Essentially, it is just a more powerful model with a few more extras. And the motor and frame are still covered by a lifetime warranty. If you already ran on the 6.25 model and liked it, you will find the 6.45 is almost identical in many ways. One great feature is the swing arm shock system. You get plenty of cushioning up front where your feet land, but the back of the belt remains solid so you have something to push off of. Many treadmills offer elastomer decks that offer the same support across the belt and can spring back at you when you pick up your feet.
The 6.45 is also pleasing on an aesthetic level, and features a futuristic LED display which can monitor your workout and feedback information such as your heart rate. The only problem with this is that the wireless belt is an optional extra - to be honest I think that it should really have been included in the price. The 6.45 weighs in at around 240 pounds, so it's a pretty heavy unit which should be extremely durable even in the hands of avid runners. Just make sure you don't have to constantly move the treadmill around otherwise it could become tiresome. Something else to consider is that the free delivery service is only to the curb, so you will definitely need someone to help you carry the treadmill inside, especially if you need to navigate small corridors or stairs. For a small fee you can take out the 'in room placement' option, which ensures that you avoid any heavy lifting.
If your biggest complaint about the 6.25 was the short belt, only 54 inches long, you may be please with the upgraded 6.45. For taller people, a short belt can mean you aren't able to take your full stride. But the 6.45 comes with a huge 60 inch belt, plenty of room for almost anyone. There is also an M model available which offers a sound system, but you will have to pay a little extra for it.
To be honest, the regular Smooth 6.45 is more than competent, even for most runners although professional athletes would probably do better with a higher model. You'll have a hard time trying to find a better treadmill in the $2,000 price range, so whether you are looking to lose weight or just to stay fit, the 6.45 could be just for you.
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