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The NordicTrack T 6.5 S treadmill is the entry level model in NordicTrack’s fleet. It is the most affordable and comes with many great features you want from a premium brand such as its renowned iFit personal trainer classes, a sleek design, and smooth runs. But the specs on the NordicTrack T 6.5 S aren’t sufficient for serious runners. This treadmill model is ideal for light to moderate training. So if you’re looking to lose weight or stay fit with lower intensity exercise, performance limitations on this treadmill shouldn’t affect you. In fact, the 20 built-in workouts and adjustment options make it easy to use. In this NordicTrack T 6.5 S review we go into depth about top features, treadmill specifications, and weigh up the pros and cons so you can make a clear decision on whether it’s the right purchase for you.
Note: This review applies to the updated 6.5 Si version, which is identical but includes an HD Touchscreen instead of buttons on the console.
So, what does this NordicTrack T series treadmill have to offer?
Top features
- iFit membership included
- 20 built-in workout programs
- 0-10 MPH
- 0%-10% incline range
- FlexSelect cushioning
- SpaceSaver Design with EasyLift Assist folding
- 300 lbs weight capacity
Key Specifications
| Power Source | Corded electric |
| Item Dimensions (inches) | 67.5″L x 36″W x 73″H |
| Item Weight | 198 pounds |
| Maximum Horsepower | 2.6 horsepower |
| Speed Rating | 10 miles per hour |
| Deck Length | 55 inches |
| Max. Weight Recommendation | 300 Pounds |
Pros of NordicTrack T 6.5 S
One click adjustments
If you want to increase speed and incline on most treadmills you usually have to keep pressing or holding down a button. The T 6.5 S provides individual buttons from 1 to 10 on the console so you can switch to your desired speed in just one click. If you manually adjust speed during runs you will appreciate this convenience. Note: these buttons aren’t available on the T 6.5 Si as the touchscreen replaces that function.
Easy folding and space-saving
The EasyLift Assist folding function is a highlight of the NordicTrack T 6.5 S, particularly as it’s quite large and weighs 198 pounds with a steel frame. This means you get a sturdier build with ample space for running while also being able to save space in the room when you’re not using it.
The 20 workout programs
Research and expertise goes into NordicTrack workout programs and you get to enjoy a variety of exercises to suit every need. It has everything from interval training that switches between high and low intensity to altering your run so you keep your heart rate at a certain level or in the fat-burning zone. A full breakdown of the workouts is available at the end of the review.
High weight capacity
Exercise should be accessible to everyone but many cheap models simply don’t have the capacity to support heavy people. This treadmill caters to those suffering from obesity and looking to turn their life around. A 300 lb weight capacity is more than enough for most people. But the closer you are to the recommended limit, there’s a much higher chance of wear and tear that shortens the lifespan. So, if you are nearer 300 lb and that’s your main concern then have a look at the best treadmills for weight support.
Cons of NordicTrack T 6.5 S
Running speed and incline
The T 6.5 S uses a 2.6 CHP motor to adjust incline and speed. Motors with this horsepower are best for walking and jogging. When you increase the intensity and duration of your workouts it will eventually start to struggle. In due course, overworked weaker motors lead to more noise, inefficiency, overheating, and may die earlier than powerful ones on more expensive treadmills. With that said, a lot of beginners and light users never reach a point in performance or mileage to where this is a problem. But if you truly want to challenge yourself as a mid-level or advanced runner then a 3.0 or 3.6 CHP motor and top speed up to 12mph is a preferable choice.
A steep incline is important if you want to burn more calories and build up your leg muscles without speeding up. It can be a more efficient way to lose weight and improve fitness. At 10% incline you get some benefit from this NordicTrack T series, and it’s certainly a noticeable improvement on treadmills you’ll find at the $600 price point, but it’s not great either. We would have liked to see a 15% incline. Also, their iFit technology offers virtual hikes and it dampens what could otherwise be an immersive experience.
If you are looking for more of a challenge, the Sole F63 treadmill is a worthy alternative as it gives you a more capable 3.0 CHP motor and 15% incline. Or upgrade to a NordicTrack commercial 1750 if you plan on regular long running sessions (over an hour). In both cases you will have to pay a bit extra, though.
screen size
If you have visual impairments or trouble enjoying your runs, the 5″ screen on the T 6.5 S treadmill can feel a little underwhelming. If you don’t want to be bogged down by performance metrics and prefer to zone out or listen to audio then it’s actually a good thing. But when it comes to iFit, you’ll need to place a tablet device on a holder to get the proper experience. Walking on the spot can get repetitive so it’s nice to have visual stimulation. The NordicTrack T 6.5 Si offers a 10″ HD Screen display if you’re prepared to pay the extra. For a full multimedia experience, get a Treadmill with Netflix, TV, and app streaming.
What some customers have reported
Overall, there are thousands of positive reviews from satisfied customers so the NordicTrack T 6.5 S holds up. Although negative reviews don’t accurately represent everyone’s experience, it’s important to note a few issues that get talked about:
- Noisy at higher speeds
- Display error messages on the console
- Reported issues with durability over time
- The stereo is redundant if you use earbuds
- You need iFit membership to get the 20 workout programs on setup
Not all problems occur because of the treadmill quality but instead the maintenance. As a corded electrical appliance it needs a sufficient voltage supply. It can be demanding of your plug sockets so to help avoid parts malfunctioning and breaker tripping, grab yourself a good surge protector.
A closer look at the treadmill console
The console for this treadmill is pretty intuitive. NordicTrack have split it into two sections. The bottom part is a no nonsense way to get started with clear start and stop buttons as well the key speed and incline adjustments during a run. An emergency stop is situated just below for added safety. Of course, that’s not what differentiates the model from its competitors. As mentioned earlier, there are OneTouch buttons for further convenience but these should only be used once you have a feel for what speed the numbers represent. The centre of the console is dedicated to iFit workout options. There does seem to be some overlap when it comes to the different programs. Stereo speakers surround the console, which is a nice look and sometimes preferable to headphones that can dislodge when moving. You can connect your own music or podcast with the aux on the bottom right and control the volume just above in the console centre.
The 20 built-in workout programs that come with the NordicTrack t 6.5 s treadmill include:
- Manual – This program allows you to manually adjust the speed and incline of the treadmill as you see fit.
- Calorie – This program allows you to set a calorie goal and the treadmill will adjust the speed and incline to help you burn the desired number of calories.
- Intensity – This program is designed to help you improve your cardiovascular fitness by gradually increasing the intensity of your workout.
- Speed – This program allows you to set a speed goal and the treadmill will adjust the speed to help you reach your desired pace.
- Endurance – This program is designed to help you build endurance by gradually increasing the duration of your workout.
- Custom – This program allows you to create a custom workout with your own desired speed, incline, and time settings.
- Incline – This program is designed to help you improve your leg strength and tone by focusing on incline workouts.
- Time – This program allows you to set a time goal and the treadmill will adjust the speed and incline to help you reach your desired workout duration.
- Distance – This program allows you to set a distance goal and the treadmill will adjust the speed and incline to help you reach your desired workout distance.
- Fat Burn – This program is designed to help you burn fat by keeping your heart rate in the fat-burning zone.
- Hill Climb – This program is designed to help you improve your leg strength and tone by simulating hill climbs.
- Heart Rate – This program allows you to set a target heart rate and the treadmill will adjust the speed and incline to help you reach and maintain that heart rate.
- Calorie Burn – This program is designed to help you burn a specific number of calories during your workout.
- Speed Interval – This program alternates between high-intensity intervals and low-intensity recovery periods to help you improve your speed and endurance.
- Incline Interval – This program alternates between high-incline intervals and low-incline recovery periods to help you improve your leg strength and tone.
- Dual Cadence – This program is designed to help you improve your running form and cadence by alternating between different speed settings.
- Peak Descent – This program simulates a downhill running experience to help you improve your leg strength and tone.
- High Intensity – This program is designed to provide a high-intensity workout to help you improve your cardiovascular fitness.
- Speed Demons – This program is designed to help you improve your speed and endurance by challenging you to reach your maximum speed.
- Peak Performance – This program is designed to provide an intense, high-performance workout that will challenge your cardiovascular fitness and leg strength.
The console provides OneTouch access to 5 of the most popular choices: calorie, intensity, incline, speed, and manual.
FAQs
Eamon is a long time fitness enthusiast with extensive experience in running, weight lifting, and nutritional health. He studies the latest research to find science-backed information about treadmills and cardiovascular health to help our readers transform their body and mind the right way.