NordicTrack T 6.5 Si Review (Best Budget Treadmill?)

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NordicTrack T 6.5 Si

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NordicTrack makes some of the highest-rated exercise machines out there. Athletes everywhere love working out on their trainers, ellipticals, bikes, and treadmills. Their machines always have some of the best features and specs in the industry.

The NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill is a great entry-level treadmill, featuring an HD screen, 20 onboard workouts, access to iFit Coach technology, and superb SpaceSaver design and EasyLift technology which makes it super easy to store when not in use.

NordicTrack has packed its budget treadmill with as many features as they can while keeping the price down. It has a simple but effective 5” backlit display, it’s iFit compatible as well as iPod compatible, so you can blast your favorite music while you run.

The T 6.5 S has a compact 2.6 CHP motor which drives the belt smoothly and quietly, with a speed range between 0 to 10 MPH. With a 10 degree incline, you can ramp up the intensity with the T 6.5 S.

Runner’s comfort is always an important concern for NordicTrack, and they’ve provided comfort features on the T 6.5 S such as FlexSelect cushioning which allows you to personalize the tread belt’s cushioning specifically for your running style.

In this article, we’ll review the T 6.5 S, plus outline its key features. We’ll lay out its specifications, and go over some of the pros and cons associated with this entry-level treadmill, wrapping it up with a few FAQs, as well as our recommendation and purchasing option when it comes to the NordicTrack T 6.5 S.

NordicTrack recently released their next generation T 6.5 S, the T 6.5 Si, and we’ve included a section in this article to get you up to speed on the improvements and new features that NordicTrack has added to the T 6.5 Si treadmill. .

 

Key Features

 

5” Backlit display

Access your workouts, programs, iFit classes, and data through the 5” backlit display mounted into the console of the T 6.5 S. The HD screen is big enough for you to follow along with personal trainers as they lead you through workouts ranging from mild to intense.

Or, run through some of the best scenery in the world, using iFit with Google Maps. The screen that comes with the T 6.5 S isn’t the biggest compared to some other models, but the fact that a budget treadmill comes with such a good-quality screen is a feature that impresses us about the T 6.5 S.

 

SpaceSaver Design

Nordictrack T 6.5 S Digitally-Adjustable-Incline

With the proprietary SpaceSaver Design and EasyLift technology, the NordicTrack T 6.5 S is ridiculously easy to store. Bigger treadmills that can’t fold take up a huge amount of space and get in the way when you’re not using it, so the ability to fold the T 6.5 S is a great feature and makes it a perfect treadmill for people who don’t have that much free space.

 

2.6 CHP motor

The NordicTrack T 6.5 S is a budget treadmill, so it has a lighter motor than other models. This doesn’t mean low quality, though. The 2.6 CHP motor has more than enough power to drive the belt all the way up to the max. speed of 10 MPH.

The motor size is something worth considering when it comes to how much you’re planning on using the treadmill. If you’re planning to use it occasionally for lighter jobs and gentler running, then you’ll be totally satisfied with the 2.6 CHP motor.

 

iFit Compatible

With the iFit Coaching technology, runners have access to live classes and workouts, run by trained professionals.

T 6.5 S iFit-Compatible

There’s access to over 16,000 on-demand workouts, live interactive training, new daily workouts, and performance data so you can track, and optimize your run.

 

 

Digitally-Adjustable Incline

With 10 degrees automatically-adjustable incline, the T 6.5 S can turn a gentle walk into an intense uphill spring at the touch of a button. Most budget treadmills come with manually-adjustable incline, so we’re impressed to see that NordicTrack’s treadmill comes with digitally-adjustable incline.

Plus, when you’re running with the iFit Coach technology, the personal trainer can take control of your machine and adjust the incline and speed to match the workout program, which is another great perk of the iFit feature.

 

Dual CardioGrip Heart Rate Monitor

Using the dual sensors integrated into the handle, runners are able to live track their heart rate while they’re running on the NordicTrack T 6.5 S. Simply grab hold of the handle while you’re running and read out the tracked data on the screen in the console.

Monitoring your heart rate while you’re running is a great way to analyze progress as well as maximize the benefits from your workouts, and we love the fact that the T 6.5 S comes with dual CardioGrips.

 

Comfortable Workout

The T 6.5 S comes with NordicTrack’s proprietary Flex Cushioning technology to make the deck as comfortable as possible for runners. Running on any surface can potentially be hard on your joints and lower back, so having that protection is super important.

T 6.5 S Comfortable Workout

Flex Cushioning allows runners to choose the deck cushioning that works best for your personal running style. The fact that you can suit the cushioning to your preference is another reason we would recommend the T 6.5 S.

 

Entertainment

Plugin your iPod or other Mp3 player into the dock and blast your favorite running tunes through the integrated speakers in the T 6.5 S’ console. Being able to run to music is a great way to boost motivation and push yourself harder, and it’s great to see that a budget treadmill like the T 6.5 S comes with this feature.

Key Specifications

Specification Value
Display 5” HD Touchscreen
Motor 2.6 CHP
Maximum Speed 10 MPH
Incline 0 – 10%
Speakers 2
Folding Yes
Fans Yes
Heart Rate Monitoring Dual CardioGrip heart rate monitor
User Weight Capacity 300 Lbs
Cushioning FlexSelect cushioning
Track Area 22” x 55” belt
Pre-installed Workout Programs 20 in-built workout apps
iFit Compatible Yes
Dimensions 67.5”L x 35.75” W x 73” H

Update : NordicTrack T 6.5 Si 

 

NordicTrack released an updated version of the T 6.5 S earlier this year. The T 6.5 Si is essentially the same treadmill as the T 6.5 S. The frame, motor, and running belt are all the same. However, NordicTrack has improved the console.

Instead of a 5’’ backlit display, the T 6.5 Si comes with a 10’’ HD touchscreen in the console, which is a huge improvement from the relatively basic display that comes as standard on the T 6.5 S.

Additionally, the T 6.5 Si comes with a 1-year membership to iFit Coach technology. The T 6.5 S is compatible, but doesn’t include any membership, so this is one of the huge advantages of the T 6.5 Si, as the iFit membership gets you access to thousands of workouts as well as live training by world-class personal trainers.

 

Warranty

Fitness machines often come with different warranties covering their different parts. NordicTrack has broken the T 6.5 S into four separate warranties. While the parts and labor warranties are pretty standard, the 25-year warranty on the motor beats most of NordicTrack’s competitors. The lifetime warranty on the frame, though, is unbeatable, and one of the best features of the T 6.5 S treadmill.

NordicTrack T 6.5 S’ warranties:

  • Frame: Lifetime
  • Motor: 25 years
  • Parts: 1 year
  • Labor: 1 year

NordicTrack T 6.5 S Review Summary

What We Love About

  • 0 – 10 MPH speed
  • 10-degree incline
  • Includes heart rate monitor
  • 300 lbs user weight Capacity
  • FlexSelect cushioning
  • Easy to store with SpaceSaver design
  • iPod compatible
  • iFit compatible
  • OneTouch controls
  • Lifetime warranty on the frame

What made us sad

  • iFit membership requires additional payments
  • Fewer programmed workout apps than other models
  • Smaller display than other models
  • Relatively small motor
  • Isn’t suitable for long distance or high intensity running

THE FINAL SAY SO!​

NordicTrack’s T 6.5 S treadmill turns out to be a solid contender packed full of awesome features, like the HD screen, 20 programmed workouts, 300 lb runner capacity, 10-degree incline, and foldable design, the T 6.5 S would be an ideal treadmill for someone looking to get healthy while not breaking the bank. The SpaceSaver design and EasyLift technology also make it a great choice for someone who doesn’t have that much space.


After reviewing the T 6.5 S, we’re impressed by the features NordicTrack has provided with this low-cost treadmill, and we’d definitely recommend it as one of the best budget treadmills.

Check Consumer Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where to buy the NordicTrack T 6.5 S treadmill?

The NordicTrack T 6.5 S is available directly from the NordicTrack website. It’s also available on Amazon and other fitness equipment stores online and in-store.

How much does the NordicTrack T 6.5 S treadmill weigh?

The shipping weight of the NordicTrack T 6.5 S treadmill is 210 lbs.

How much space do I need for a NordicTrack T 6.5 S treadmill?

With 67.5″ L x 35.6″ W dimensions, you will want to make sure that you have enough floor space for it to fit. Remember, it does fold with the SpaceSaver design and EasyLift technology, but you will need at least the quoted space to be able to run on it.

How to move the NordicTrack T 6.5 S treadmill?

Hold the frame and one of the handrails. Place one foot against the wheel, then pull back on the handle until the treadmill can roll in its wheels. Once you’ve moved it to its desired location, simply lower it to the floor.

How hard is it to assemble the Nordictrack T 6.5 S treadmill?

Make sure you have another person with you to help you assemble to T 6.5 S treadmill as some of its parts are heavy It helps to spread all the parts out in a cleared area so you can see what you’re working with. It’s also a good idea to read through the manual to see what you’re going to have to do.

If there’s an oily substance on the parts of the treadmill, simply wipe it off with a rag. The treadmill comes with hex keys to help you set it up, but you’ll need a Phillips screwdriver as well.

Do not plug in the machine until you’ve finished assembling it, and don’t try to move the T 6.5 S before it’s fully assembled, to avoid injury. The owner’s manual includes detailed step-by-step instructions on how to set it up, but basically, you attach the arms, or uprights, to the deck then attach the console to the uprights.

How to use the NordicTrack T 6.5 S treadmill?

To exercise on the T 6.5 S treadmill, take hold of the handles and step onto the belt. Now, by touching the speed buttons, you can increase the speed of the belt. As you increase the belt speed, start running.

You can adjust the speed and the incline of the T 6.5 S any time you want by simply touching the button. Use the handles for extra stability and balance, and simply step off the treadmill if it’s getting too fast.

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