When glancing at the specifications of the NordicTrack T Series 6.5 S Treadmill, you’d think this was one of NordicTracks higher-end models. Boasting a near gym-sized running belt, power incline, and a 3HP motor, but surprisingly it’s not. This is what NordicTrack like to call one of their entry-level treadmills?
There’s No HD TouchScreen & That’s a Good Thing!
The reason why NordicTrack calls the 6.5 S their affordable option or entry-level treadmill is simply that it doesn’t include a ton of tech. There’s no HD screen, VR option, premium sound system, or 100s of built-in workout programs. All of these features skyrockets the price of a treadmill, and it’s stuff most of us can do without.
There are Two Versions of the NordicTrack T Series Treadmill, the 6.5 S and the 6.5 Si the only difference between the two treadmills? The 6.5Si comes with a 10″ HD screen, and you have to pay an extra $400 for the privilege. Personally, I don’t think it’s worth paying an extra $400 for a 10″ HD screen.
The 6.5 s treadmill is a great deal without the HD screen; it includes everything you’d expect from a more expensive treadmill at a more affordable price. So let’s take a closer look.
First, let’s check out the product specs.
Product Specifications
Product dimensions – 73 x 35.8 x 67.5 inches
Weight – 200lb
Speed – 0.5 – 10mph in 0.1mph increments
Flex Select cushioning system
Soft drop folding system
Motor – 3HP
Weight capacity – 300lb
Running belt size – 20” X 55″
Why Do We Like The NordicTrack T Series 6.5 S Treadmill?
A treadmill in this price bracket has to get the essentials right, and one of those essentials is a decent-sized running belt. The size of the running belt is the most important feature of your treadmill as it determines who can use the machine and for what. The NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill boasts one of the largest running belts I’ve across in the price range. Measuring 20″ x 55″ is impressive, and it will allow users up to 6’3″ to jog comfortably on the treadmill.
You can use the 6.5 S treadmill for faster-paced cardio sessions like running. The 3HP motor is powerful enough; however running requires larger strides, so the max height for running on this treadmill will be around 6ft.
20″ Wide Belt – Prevents You Steeping off the Treadmill
What’s more impressive than the length of the running belt is its width. At 20″, we’re getting close to a commercial size width for the T Series running belt. And a wide running belt is important as it will prevent you from stepping off the side of the belt in the middle of a session. Stepping off is a common issue with narrow blets. So it’s always nice to see a treadmill in this price range with a wide belt.
Heavy – Solid Treadmill
Something else I really liked about this treadmill is its weight, this thing is heavy, and heavy is good, as it tells me the machine is made from quality materials, also, that extra weight will keep the T Series Treadmill planted to the floor which is what you want, It feels solid and doesn’t feel cheap.
0-10% Adjustable Power Incline (4 Levels)
Another excellent feature of this treadmill is the 0-10% power adjustable incline. When purchasing a treadmill, I always recommend looking for one that includes an incline feature.
Incline Workouts Burn Twice As Many Calories
Incline workouts bring an extra challenge to your cardio sessions; they’ll work a ton of different muscle groups strengthening and toning your calves, butt, and hamstrings, plus you’ll burn a load more calories than walking or jogging on flat.
Walking at a 10% incline will burn twice as many calories as walking on a flat; that’s a huge difference and a handy feature for those looking to burn off some unwanted fat.
The NordicTrack T 6.5 S provides a 0-10% power-adjustable incline, easily controlled by the monitor’s large one-touch buttons.
Easy To Use One-Touch Control Console With iFit.
As I mentioned in the intro, there isn’t an HD screen or premium sound system, but for the price, the T 6.5 S monitor is better than most; you have twice as many workout programs compared to its competitors, and you also benefit from the easy-to-use one touch buttons which are used to select speed, incline, and workout programs, plus you have a backlit 5″ screen that shows all your workout data.
Another feature of this monitor is that it’s iFit enabled. iFit is one of the best fitness apps out there. Icon Fitness owns it, and the guys at Icon also own ProForm and NordicTrack, so it’s no surprise to see iFit featured on all their cardio gear.
Because we’re looking at the affordable version of the 6.5 S, you’ll need your tablet to access the app.
Not everyone will want to use iFit; it’s a paid app, and at $15 a month, it’s expensive.
Still, iFit is a cool fitness app; they offer 1000s of workouts that include personal trainers and global routes where you can run anywhere in the world. I know a favorite among many people is their studio classes, where a personal trainer trains alongside you.
One cool feature of the iFit app is it auto-adjusts the treadmill’s incline and speed to mimic the terrain you are walking/jogging, leaving you to focus fully on your workouts.
Don’t Want iFit? Use The 20 Built-In Workout Programs Instead
If the iFit app isn’t for you, don’t forget there are still many workout programs, 20 in total, to challenge you and keep you coming back for more.
The monitor also tracks all the usual stuff such as speed, distance, time, and heart rate (built-in handlebar pulse sensors)
Bluetooth enabled speakers included, but no workout fan.
Oh, and I should mention, if you are not going to use iFit, make sure you hold down the iFit button to disable iFit otherwise, the machine will not work.
A lot of people think their treadmill is broken, or they have to sign up for the iFit subscription to get the machine to work, but that’s not true; hold down the iFit button for 30 seconds, and you’re ready to go.
FlexSelect Anti Shock System
A good treadmill should come equipped with an anti-shock system. The NordicTrack 6.5 S comes with its very own patented FlexSelect™ Cushioning. The FlexSelect anti-shock system is used on their high-end treadmills, so it was nice to see it featured on their affordable option.
The FlexSelect system will absorb up to 40% of the impact of each stride; this will help protect your joints and allow you to enjoy a longer workout and recover quicker.
Owning a treadmill with a cushioning system is one of the advantages of running indoors. It’s one of the main reasons people use a treadmill to avoid the high impact of road running. Protecting your joints at any age is always a good idea.
Still, a few people like their treadmill to mimic the hard outdoor running surfaces. If this is you, you’ll be happy to hear you can turn off the cushioning system of this treadmill to mimic outdoor surfaces, turn the dampener until it reads: “Off.”
Soft Drop Hydraulic (Easy To Store)
Although we have a fairly large running deck with the T 6.5 S, it’s still relatively easy to store thanks to the folding system. Treadmills typically have large footprints, and a folding feature is essential if you live in an apartment or don’t have space to house one permanently.
The NordicTrack T Series 6.5 S folds to nearly half its original length and, once tilted, can be rolled on its integrated transport wheels to a corner of a room to store.
A simple, easy to use fold feature that can be folded with one hand. It’s that easy – it takes a few seconds to fold.
Whos It For? Not Built For Serious Runners
Although the NordicTrack T Series Treadmill shines when it comes to all the important features such as running deck size, incline, and build quality, it’s still a long way off commercial grade. This machine hasn’t been designed for serious runners.
It’s not going to take heavy impact running every day; you’ll need to spend at least twice the price of the 6.5 S if you are a serious runner or someone training for marathons, etc.
The Good
Impressive size running belt allows users up to 6’3″ to jog comfortably on the machine
Well made solid treadmill doesn’t feel cheap
Decent monitor with 20 built-in workout programs, and IFit enabled
300lb weight capacity
Power adjustable 10% incline with one-touch controls
Soft drop folding system
Built-in transport wheels, just tilt and roll to store
The Bad
Subscription to their iFit app is expensive
T series range of treadmills is not equipped with cooling fans
NordicTrack are known for having slow customer service
Alternatives
Xterra Fitness TR300 Folding Treadmill
Xterra Fitness has been around for a few years now and is well respected in the industry. These guys offer more for your money than most. They don’t concentrate too much on the tech side of things with their treadmill. Instead, they’re more about quality and durability.
I recently reviewed the Xterra TR300 treadmill, and what I liked about it is that just like the NordicTrack Treadmill, Xterra has got all the essentials right. The running deck is large, measuring 20″ x 55″ again. It also feels solid with its 200lb of weight, keeping it firmly planted on the floor.
It’s very similar to the NordicTrack Treadmill. Both are heavy solid machines, offer large running belts with 10% power inclines, and both use soft drop folding and anti-shock systems. There really isn’t much between them.
There aren’t any fitness apps with the Xterra treadmill. The monitor is pretty basic, but it’s nice and easy to use and includes wireless heart rate monitoring, which is great for those who love to train in your chosen heart rate zones. Plus, they provide a heart rate chest strap with the machine. And there are 24 built-in workout programs.
Also, the Xterra includes a second pair of control buttons for the incline and speed, which they have placed on the handles. I like these as it saves you having to bed forward in the mideel of a session to adjust the speed from the monitor.
Overall this is an impressive treadmill, easily one of the best you’ll find in the under $800 price bracket.
To Sum Up
The NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill is an impressive machine, one that’s packed full of useful features such as power incline and an excellent anti-shock system.
We love that the T 6.5 provides a load of workout programs, as we know not everyone will want to pay out for the iFit app.
There are no major drawbacks with the NordicTrack T 6.5s. My only slight reservation is the cost of their fitness app iFit at $15 a month. It’s too expensive.
iFit is an excellent fitness app that needs to be more affordable. As we mentioned, this machine comes with enough workout options, so the iFit app isn’t necessary.
Overall there isn’t anything else out there that can match this machine on features and build quality for the price point. It’s an excellent machine for anyone looking to improve their cardio fitness at home, and with an easy-to-fold system, storing after use is a breeze.
NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill FAQs
What Is The Difference Between The NordicTrack 6.5 S Treadmill And The 6.5Si?
The only difference between these two machines is that the NordicTrack 6.5Si boats a 10″ HD screen. And you have to pay an extra $400 for the privilege.
Can You Fold The NordicTrack 6.5 S Treadmill?
The NordicTrack 6.5 S treadmill uses a Soft Drop folding system. It can be folded easily by one person and folds to almost half its original footprint.
Does The NordicTrack Treadmill 6.5 S Include BlueTooth?
Yes, it includes BlueTooth. You can sync the treadmill to any compatible device and listen to your music through the integrated speakers.
What Is The Top Speed of The NordicTrack T Series 6.5 s Treadmill?
The top speed of the NordicTrack T Series Treadmill is 10mph. You can adjust the speed from 0.5mph in 0.1mph increments up to 10mph.
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