What is good in NordicTrack T Series Treadmill 6.5S? It has 10 MPH smart OneTouch speed control. Your iFit Trainer auto-adjusts your smart treadmill’s speed and incline for a fully-optimized workout that meets your goals. 0%-10% incline range. How to do assembly? Get NordicTrack T Series Treadmill 6.5S review.
Pros & Cons
Pros
T 6.5 S
- Folding Design: Easy Lift Assist makes it easy to lift and fold in one easy step.
- FlexSelect Cushioning: Allows for personal choice of an outdoor feel or more joint support.
- Bluetooth Enabled: Connect your phone and play music via a pair of built-in speakers.
- Training Options: More built-in programs than the competition.
- Weight capacity: up to 300 lbs.
Cons:
- Membership Required: On the T 6.5 S, you’ll have to pay for iFit membership monthly to take advantage of its many benefits.
- Noisy: The motor is a little on the noisy side.
- No Cooling: These models are not equipped with cooling fans
- Low Incline Range: We generally prefer treadmills with higher incline range (12-15% preferred).
Specs
- Dimensions: 67.5″ L x 35.75″ W x 73″ H
- Built-In Programs: 20
- Running Area: 20″ X 55″
- Folding: Yes
- Top Speed: 10 MPH
- Motor: 2.6 HP
- Incline: 0 – 10%
- Weight Capacity: 300 LBS
NordicTrack T Series Treadmill 6.5S Price
NordicTrack’s T 6.5 S and T 6.5 Si are in the same category as the other budget friendly treadmills for home use. The two models are priced at $599 and $999 respectively, and there are a number of key differences between the two models to justify the variance in pricing—primarily on the tech side of things.
Compare NordicTrack T Series Treadmill 6.5S vs Scwhinn 810 Treadmill
NordicTrack T 6.5s Treadmill
- Foldable
- Weight – 200lb
- Running belt – 20″ X 55″
- Speed – 0.5 – 10mph
- Motor – 2.8HP
- Weight capacity – 300lb
- Workout programs – 20
- Power Incline – Yes
Scwhinn 810 Treadmill
- Foldable
- Weight – 155lb
- Running belt – 20″ X 55″
- Speed – 0.5 – 10mph
- Motor – 1.3HP
- Weight capacity – 275lb
- Workout programs – 16
- Power incline – Yes
What is good in NordicTrack T Series Treadmill 6.5S (review)?
- 1.9” precision machined and balanced non-flex rear rollers help extend the life of the motor and drive system, while reducing wear and tear on the tread belt.
- Heavy duty drive system featuring the 2.6 continuous horsepower motor that delivers a smooth and powerful drive system with self cooling capability.
- One touch controls adjust your speed and incline in seconds at the touch of a button.
- Accommodates walking, jogging and running with speeds up to 10 mph. Adjust your speed at the touch of a button.
- Quickly adjust your incline between 0 and 10% to target specific muscle groups and burn more calories.
- iPod compatible sound system allows you to plug into the console and hear your content from the dual 2” speakers.
- FlexSelect cushioning system allows you to utilize double cushioning isolators to help reduce impact on your knees and ankles, or select a firm, stable surface as if you’re running on the road.
- Heart rate monitoring through dual CardioGrip sensors on both handlebars.
- Innovative EasyLift Assist telescoping shock helps you lift and fold the deck up and out of the way for convenient cleaning and storage.
NordicTrack T Series Treadmill 6.5S review
Build
Powder coated chrome rails support the handrails and console. The deck is composed of a composite material to keep the running platform durable and solid. Built on the same frame as the 6.5 Si, the 6.5 S is sturdy but still light enough to fold up. The base is constructed of steel side and cross beams for stability.
Design
The Spacesaver Easy Lift Assist feature makes it easy to fold up in just one step. A large running track (20”x 55”) is engineered with the FlexSelect cushioning which allows the user to use the support to decrease impact on joints or choose a firmer landing similar to running outdoors.
Console
5” Backlit display (10″ HD Touchscreen with T 6.5 Si treadmill) – Allows you to easily view progress and results of your personal choice of programs. You can connect your smartphone to the console via bluetooth to listen to your favorite tracks on its built-in speakers. The only problem is that there may be a bit of an issue hearing your music properly as the treadmill is a little on the noisy side. You can monitor your heart rate with the built in sensors on the handlebars. The console controls are easy one-touch keys, so you can keep on moving without any interruptions.
Motor
2.6 CHP is “continuous horsepower” which means the motor can maintain and hold any preset speed. The motor is self-cooling so it won’t overheat and should accommodate the needs of average runners and walkers. The 300lb weight capacity is surprising for such a compact treadmill. The 6.5 is designed to be durable and sturdy. NordicTrack backs up this machine with a full lifetime warranty on the frame.
Safety Key
Like most treadmills, the NordicTrack has a safety key, which is a magnetic piece that must be in place on the handle before you can turn the machine on. If the piece isn’t in place, the treadmill won’t power on.
Fitness app
Plenty of exercise support is included. Compatible with iFit, the NordicTrack T 6.5 S Treadmill provides access to automatic stats tracking, infinite Google Maps training routes, an ever-expanding library of workout videos and other exercise benefits
Workouts
20 workout programs are built into the treadmill’s console. If your plan is to take advantage of the benefits of iFit, you’re better off looking at the updated T 6.5 Si, as it has a built- in 10″ HD touchscreen display. If you were to use the T 6.5 S with iFit, you will have to run the app and watch training via your iPad or tablet.
Incline
Another excellent feature of this treadmill is the 0-10% power adjustable incline. I always recommend when looking to purchase a treadmill to look for one that includes an incline feature.
Walking at a 10% incline will burn 3 times more calories than walking on a flat; that’s a huge difference and a handy feature for those of you looking to burn off some unwanted fat.
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 in flat.
How to do NordicTrack T Series Treadmill 6.5S Assembly (review)?
- Go to my.nordictrack.com on your computer and register your product.
• documents your ownership
• activates your warranty
• ensures priority customer support if assistance is ever needed
2. Make sure that the power cord is unplugged.
Remove the tie securing the Upright Wire (81) to the front of the Base (6). Next, identify the Right Upright (90). Have a second person hold the Right Upright near the Base (6).
3. Lay the Right Upright (90) near the Base (6). Press the Grommet (77) into the square hole (B) in the Right Upright (90). Make sure not to pinch the ground wire (C). If there is a screw (D) pre-attached to the Right Upright (90), remove and discard it. Then, attach the ground wire (C) to the Right Upright (90) with a #8 x 1/2″ Silver Screw (10).
- Hold the Right Upright (90) against the Base (6). Make sure not to pinch the Upright Wire (81). Attach the Right Upright (90) with two 3/8″ x 2 3/8″ Screws (7), a 3/8″ x 1 1/4″ Screw (63), a 3/8″ x 1 3/4″ Screw (62), and four 3/8″ Star Washers (13) as shown; do not fully tighten
the Screws yet. Attach the Left Upright (not shown) in the same way. Note: There are no wires on the left side.
- Identify the Left and Right Base Covers (82, 83). Slide the Left and Right Base Covers onto the Left and Right Uprights (89, 90) as shown. Do not press the Left and Right Base Covers into place yet.
- If there are four screws (E) preattached inside the Right and Left Handrails (84, 85), remove and discard the screws (only one side is shown). Identify the Right Handrail (84). Attach the Right Handrail (84) to the Right Upright (90) with two 5/16″ x 3″ Screws (28) and two 5/16″ Star Washers (11); start both Screws, and then tighten them. Make sure not to pinch the Upright Wire (81). Attach the Left Handrail (not shown) to the Left Upright (89) in the same way.
- Set the Console Base (64) face down on a soft surface to avoid scratching the Console Base. Remove and discard the two indicated screws (F). Then, remove the Pulse Crossbar (23).
- IMPORTANT: To avoid damaging the Pulse Crossbar (23), do not use power tools and do not overtighten the #10 x 1 1/4″ Screws (9). Orient the Pulse Crossbar (23) as shown. Attach the Pulse Crossbar to the Handrails (84, 85) with four #10 x 1 1/4″ Screws (9) and four #10 Star
Washers (5); start all four Screws, and then tighten them.
- With the help of a second person, hold the console assembly (G) near the Right Handrail (84) and the Left Handrail (not shown). Connect the ground wires (H) from the console assembly (G) to the Console Ground Wires (58) on the Pulse Crossbar (23). Connect the Upright Wire (81) to the console wire (I). The connectors should slide together easily and snap into place. If they do not, turn one connector and try again. Then, remove the wire tie (A) from the Upright Wire.
- Set the console assembly (G) on the Right and Left Handrails (84, 85). Make sure that no wires are pinched. Insert the excess Upright Wire (81) into the Right Upright (90). Attach the console assembly (G) with four 1/4″ x 1/2″ Screws (4); do not tighten the Screws yet.
- Attach the Pulse Crossbar (23) to the console assembly (G) with six #8 x 5/8″ Screws (1); start all six Screws, and then tighten them. Next, firmly tighten the four 1/4″ x 1/2″ Screws (4). Then, attach the Right and Left Trays (27, 36) with four #8 x 1/2″ Screws (14).
- Raise the Frame (56) to the upright position. Have a second person hold the Frame until step 14 is completed. Remove the two 5/16″ x 3/4″ Screws (8) from the Latch Crossbar (41). Orient the Latch Crossbar (41) as shown. Make sure that the “This side toward belt” sticker (J) is facing the treadmill. Attach the Latch Crossbar to the brackets (K) on the Frame (56) with the two 5/16″ x 3/4″ Screws (8) that you you just removed and two 5/16″ Star Washers (11).
- Remove the 5/16″ Nut (34) and the 5/16″ x 1 3/4″ Bolt (18) from the bracket on the Base (6). Next, orient the Storage Latch (26) as shown. Attach the lower end of the Storage Latch (26) to the bracket on the Base (6) with the 5/16″ x 1 3/4″ Bolt (18) and the 5/16″ Nut (34). Then, raise the Storage Latch (26) to a vertical position, and remove the tie (L).
- Remove the 5/16″ Nut (34) and the 5/16″ x 2″ Bolt (31) from the bracket on the Latch Crossbar (41). Align the upper end of the Storage Latch (26) with the bracket on the Latch Crossbar (41), and insert the 5/16″ x 2″ Bolt (31) through the bracket and the Storage Latch. This will push a spacer (M) out of the Storage Latch; discard the spacer. Next, tighten the 5/16″ Nut (34) onto the 5/16″ x 2″ Bolt (31). Do not overtighten the Nut; the Storage Latch (26) must be able to pivot.
Then, lower the Frame.
- Firmly tighten the four 3/8″ x 2 3/8″ Screws (7), the two 3/8″ x 1 3/4″ Screws (62), and the two 3/8″ x 1 1/4″ Screws (63). Next, set the Left Inner Base Cover (100) onto the lower end of the Left Upright (89). Slide the Left Base Cover (82) downward and press it onto the Left Inner Base Cover. Then, set the Right Inner Base Cover (50) onto the lower end of the Right Upright (90). Slide the Right Base Cover (83) downward and press it onto the Right Inner Base Cover.
- Make sure that all parts are properly tightened before you use the treadmill. If there are sheets of plastic on the treadmill decals, remove the plastic. To protect the floor or carpet, place a mat under the treadmill. To avoid damage to the console, keep the treadmill out of direct sunlight. Keep the included hex key in a secure place; the hex key is used to adjust the walking belt (see pages 31 and 32). Note: Extra hardware may be included.
Do you need subscription – iFit?
iFit is sold as an additional option with the 6.5 S. It is not included and iFit will not display on the LCD screen, but you can login to iFit on a compatible tablet or phone and set it on the console. iFit offers over 16,000 different workouts that include not only running, but strength-training, combo classes, and even stretching. iFit formats include the following:
iFit also offers outdoor runs in any number of exotic places. There are abundant and constantly updated running/walking routes on iFit featuring cool places such as the Dragon Crest trail in Krabi, Thailand. You follow along on the treadmill as the trainer navigates the real terrain just ahead of you.
Studio-based classes include: bootcamp, interval training, and combo routines that alternate strength training with running segments. The trainer provides direction as he/she works alongside you and other participants in the studio.
Off-the-treadmill classes are also available. Log into iFit from any tablet or computer and from the Main Menu bar, select the “Daily Workout” tab. It will bring up class options like: kickboxing, yoga, HIIT, or a simple dumbbell workout.
NordicTrack T Series Treadmill 6.5S Performance review
The NordicTrack T 6.5 S does everything you need for a basic treadmill. You can adjust the belt speed from 0 MPH to 10 MPH and the incline goes up to 10 degrees. Even at the highest speeds, the frame holds strong and doesn’t wobble or shake.
Alternate of NordicTrack T Series Treadmill 6.5S
Schwinn 810 Treadmill
Schwinn, just like NordicTrack, are a company that’s well respected in the home fitness industry. These guys have been around for decades and are known for building high-quality fitness gear.
Before the NordicTrack 6.5 S came along, the Schwinn was by a small margin the best treadmill under $800 with a great sized running deck for the price point and the all-important power-adjustable incline.
Their 810 treadmill is an entry to mid-level treadmill and sits in the same price bracket as the NordicTrack T 6.5s.
On the positive, the Schwinn provides 16 workout programs, and an extra 15 global routes can be accessed via their Free Run Social App. Just like the NordicTrack, there’s no HD monitor, so you will need a tablet to make the most from the free app.
However, there’s one thing holding back the Schwinn 810, and that’s the power of the motor, at just 1.3HP its disappointing for the price point; yes its powerful enough for walking and light jogging, but you could run into issues, especially if you are a heavier person as a 1.3HP motor will have trouble moving the running belt under heavy weight loads.
There really isn’t a huge amount of difference between the two machines. Both boast great sized decks, both include the 0-10% power incline, and both have a ton of built-in workout programs.
Still, when you consider the Schwinn costs $100 more and has a weaker motor, the NordicTrack is the better buy if only by a little.
