NordicTrack T 6.5 S – Review

If you are looking for a budget treadmill, then you do not have to look further than the NordicTrack T 6.5 S. This is a no-frills treadmill that gets the job done and even though the company has discontinued it, you can still get it from Amazon and other retailers. It has respectable specs, which include its 2.6 CHP motor, the weight capacity of 300 pounds and its foldability.

The Workout Experience

The NordicTrack T 6.5 S comes with a 30-day free trial for iFIT and you have to set up your account first to get your treadmill moving. Even if you decide not to continue with the iFIT membership, there are 20-preset workout programs available and you can take advantage of those. You can get basic information from the 5-inch backlit display, which includes distance, speed, incline, calories burned and heart rate. The one-touch controls let you change the incline and speed and can be found on either side of the monitor.

There is also an auxiliary input next to the display where you can plug in your smartphone and take advantage of the built-in sound system. The speakers are acceptable, but nothing too exceptional.

Footprint and Portability

NordicTrack is known for its alloy steel construction and the same applies to the T 6.5 S, which means it has a solid build and there is no shaking during use. In terms of folding treadmills, it comes with one of the best folding mechanisms. Rather than folding flat, it has a space-saver design and the folding itself is a breeze due to the built-in hydraulics of the EasyLift Assist.

More importantly, you will find that the NordicTrack T 6.5 S is actually very compact, especially when you compare it to other machines from the brand that are part of its Commercial series.

The Ergonomics

The running deck on the NordicTrack T 6.5 S is 55-inches long, which means it is not going to be suitable for all runners. Jogging and walking will be find, but taller individuals with long strides will find it difficult to run on it at top speeds. However, the cushioning offered is undoubtedly great due to FlexSelect, which lessens the impact and also simulates road running. There are also built-in features like the safety key, bold stop and start buttons, tablet or smartphone shelf and water bottle holders.

Technology

Even though it does not have a touchscreen, or built-in iFIT capabilities, you can still use Bluetooth to connect it to a tablet or smartphone. As long as you have an iFIT subscription, you can connect it to the screen and decide which workout you wish to follow. In fact, the personal trainers leading live classes can also control the decline, incline and speed of the treadmill.