NordicTrack is one of the most respected names in the fitness industry. Over the past few decades, they have established themselves as a top of the line manufacturer of home treadmills.
NordicTrack has three lines of treadmills to suit any budget. In this NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill review, we focus on the extremely popular NordicTrack 6.5 S from their T series of home use treadmills.
Table Of Contents
NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill
Pros
- FlexSelect Cushioning
- 20 workout programs
- iFit compatible (30-day iFit subscription included)
- Compact design
- 300 lb (136 kg) weight capacity
- Built in speakers
Cons
- Running deck not suitable for taller people
- Speed tops out at 10 mph
What Are The NordicTrack T Series Treadmills
The NordicTrack treadmill stable features the following three lines:
- Commercial
- T Series
- C Series
The T Series are the middle of the range line with the C series being budget treadmills. They provide interactive personal training via iFit. Each treadmill features a Smart HD touchscreen. You also get up to a 12 percent incline, depending on which model you go for.
There are four models in the NordicTrack T series:
- T 6.5 S
- T 7.5 S
- T 9.5 S
The main difference between the three models is the size of the motor. The T 6.5 S has a 2.6 CHP motor, whereas the T 7.5 is a little more powerful at 3.0 CHP. This goes up to 3.6 CHP on the T 9.5 S. The T 6.5 S is also available in a T 6.5 Si model, which has a 10 inch (25.4 cm) HD touchscreen.
Important Specs Of The T 6.5 S
- Dimensions: 67.5” L x 36” W x 73” H (171.45 cm L x 91 cm W x 185 cm H)
- Motor: 2.6 CHP
- Incline: 0 to 10%
- Running Deck: 20” x 55” (50 x 139 cm)
- Folding: Yes
- Max Speed: 10 mph
- Max Weight: 300 lb (136 kg)
- Workout Programs: 20
The twenty workout programs on the treadmill’s console provide you with a lot of training variety. You don’t normally see that many built-in programs on such a compact treadmill in this price range. I also really appreciate the Space Saver design and Easy Lift Assist technology. It makes this folding treadmill ideal for confined spaces as it requires minimal floor space.
NordicTrack is one of the most respected names in the fitness industry. Over the past few decades, they have established themselves as a top of the line manufacturer of home treadmills.
An awesome feature of this treadmill is that the running belt features FlexSelect cushioning. This technology actually adjusts to your particular running style to make your workouts faster and more biomechanically efficient. You can also adjust the running bed cushioning to either more closely replicate road conditions or add more cushioning for extra joint protection.
The incline potential on the NordicTrack T 6.5 S is very impressive and is a lot for a medium range treadmill. You can automatically adjust your running bed incline before or during your workout to focus on your glutes and hamstrings and increase your calorie burn.
Check out the best treadmill mats for reducing noise here.
Additional Features
Motor
The T 6.5 S is powered by a 2.6 CHP motor. This is a commercial DurX motor, which makes it more powerful than a standard 2.6 CHP motor. It also ensures that the motor runs extremely quietly and with reduced vibration. It also includes a built-in self-cooling system.
Unlike most treadmill motors in its price range, this one is able to support light to moderate workouts, from walking and moderate cardio training to interval training. However, with its max speed of 10 mph, this machine is not designed for advanced athletes who want to do a sprint workout.
Monitor
The monitor on the 6.5 S treadmill features a 5 inch (12.7 cm) backlit screen. It provides you with a readout of all of your important training data, including time, speed, distance, incline and heart rate. The powder-coated chrome rails feature handlebar sensors to pick up your pulse.
The monitor is iFit compatible. However, iFit will not play on the screen so you will need to plug in your tablet or phone to display the workouts on your own screen.
Running Belt
At 20 x 55 inches (50 x 139 cm), the T 6.5 S is considerably smaller than what you get with the commercial NordicTrack range. If you are taller than 6’2” (187 cm), you will struggle to get a full range of motion with this one. The running belt is thicker than you get with most treadmills at this price range, making the running platform durable and joint-friendly.
How to clean a treadmill belt properly? Click here to find out.
Lightweight & Foldable
While not as sturdy as the commercial range, the T Series is a relatively robust line. It is lightweight and foldable, making it easily storable.
Warranty
Frame: 10 years
Parts: 2 years
Labor Warranty: 1 year
Reasons To Buy A T 6.5 S Treadmill
Value For Money
The NordicTrack T 6.5 S represents very good value for money. For less than a thousand dollars, you get the sort of high spec running belt cushioning, motor performance and display capabilities that you’d expect to pay more for. Though this treadmill isn’t made for advanced athletes, it will deliver everything that a beginner or intermediate exerciser needs in a treadmill.
20 Workout Programs
The twenty built-in workout programs on the 6.5 S treadmill provides you with plenty of training options. That will help to prevent boredom, keeping you engaged and motivated. You also get a 30-day free subscription to iFit, which opens up the entire world of training to you.
Responsive Cushioning
SpaceSaver Design
The lightweight patented SpaceSaver design and EasyLift Assist technology make this compact treadmill a smart choice for apartment dwellers and other people who have a confined space to exercise in. The 300 pound (136 kg) user weight capacity also assures you that this is a solidly built machine.
Find the best under bed treadmill for your workout at home here.
Using Your NordicTrack Treadmill
You should follow some common sense safety precautions when you first use your NordicTrack treadmill.
- Firstly, position your feet on the frame on either side of the running belt and hold onto the hand rails.
- Turn the T 6.5 S on. You can do this either by pushing the Quickstart button or choosing one of the 20 inbuilt programs.
- Make sure that the starting speed is low enough for you to easily transition onto it. You should always start off with a walking pace.
- Begin your workout with a 5-minute warm-up. I also recommend transition down with a 5-minute cooldown at the end of the workout.
- As you get comfortable and balanced on the running belt, take your hands off the handrails. You should never walk or run with your hands on the rails – they are designed purely to assist you getting on and off the machine.
- Gradually increase your speed to the desired level. Make sure that you are running naturally, in an upright position, do not hunch over. A lot of people look down at their feet when running. Don’t do this as it will contribute to spinal curvature.
- Strike the treadmill belt with the ball of your foot, rather than your heel.
How to run on a treadmill properly? See here.
Looking After Your NordicTrack Treadmill
To keep your NordicTrack T 6.5 operating at its best, you should follow a simple maintenance schedule.
- The treadmill belt on this machine is self-lubricating, so you don’t have to do anything to keep it lubricated.
- After every use, you should wipe down your workout equipment with a damp cloth. Pay attention to the areas where sweat may be, such as the console, running belt and hand grips.
- After each use, we recommend removing the safety key. This will ensure that curious children are not able to turn the treadmill on when your back is turned.
- Every week you should vacuum the area around the treadmill. Move the treadmill and vacuum under it. If you have pets, you may wish to vacuum more often.
- On a weekly basis, you should also check the treadmill belt and deck. Look for any cracks or wear and tear.
Any Downsides?
While it is an excellent value beginner to intermediate treadmill, the T 6.5 S does have a few downsides.
No Video Display
Limited Running Belt Length
Limited Max Speed
The maximum speed on the T 6.5 S is 10 miles per hour which will be sufficient for most beginners and intermediate level trainers; however, it will not be fast enough for more advanced runners, especially those who want to do high-intensity interval workouts.
Small Readout
The display unit on this treadmill is quite small at 5-inches (12.7 cm). It is also not a touchscreen display. If those things are important to you, you are advised to pay a little bit more for the T 6.5 Si, which features a 10-inch (25.4 cm) HD adjustable touchscreen.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between NordicTrack T 6.5 S And 6.5 Si?
The main difference between NordicTrack T 6.5 S and 6.5 Si is the touchscreen. The screen on the T 6.5 S features a 5-inch (12.7 cm) backlit LCD screen. In comparison, the 6.5 Si provides you with a 10-inch (25.4 cm) HD touchscreen. They both have the same 2.6 CHP motor output and 10% incline. The 6.5 S is significantly cheaper than the 6.5 Si.
Does The NordicTrack T 6.5 S Have Bluetooth?
Yes, the NordicTrack T 6.5 S does have Bluetooth connectivity. That means that you can connect to the iFit platform. Your purchase comes with a 30-day subscription to iFit, opening your treadmill’s potential to more than 16,000 workouts from all over the world. You can also sync your workout data to the NordicTrack training app.
How Do You Use The NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill?
To use the NordicTrack T 6.5 S treadmill, stand on the frame on either side of the running belt. Then start the machine by pressing either the Quick Start button or one of the 20 pre-set programs. The machine will begin with a slow running belt speed. Step onto the belt with one foot at a time. After a five-minute slow walking warm-up, gradually build your speed to your decided workout pace.
How Much Does A NordicTrack Treadmill Weigh?
NordicTrack treadmills vary in weight from around 200 pounds (90 kg) to close to 300 pounds (136 kg). The T 6.5 S is one of the lighter machines on the market, weighing in at 203 pounds (92 kg). This treadmill is very easy to move around, as it features transportation wheels and NordicTrack’s patented EasyLift Assist technology.
Do NordicTrack Treadmills Have A Weight Limit?
Yes, all NordicTrack treadmills have a weight limit. The T series of home use treadmills from NordicTrack all have a maximum capacity of 300 pounds (136 kg). That is a standard weight limit for medium priced treadmills. It indicates that the frame is solid and that the machine will not move laterally when you are running at the top speed.
Conclusion
In this NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill Review, we have discovered that the T 6.5 S is a medium-level treadmill that is packed with premium features such as interactive cushioning, a Smart motor, 20 workout programs and a 10% incline running deck. You won’t get a large display or high max speed on this machine, but if you’re a beginner or intermediate looking for a solid, reliable treadmill that offers that little bit extra, the NordicTrack T 6.5 S is a good choice.