So if you just got done reading my review on the Echelon Stride-6 and thought, “Gee, that would be a great treadmill if it had an attached screen,” then voila, check out the Stride-6S. In addition to a slightly larger 3.0 HP motor, this model features a 10″ high-definition screen which works with the Echelon fitness app. As I’ve observed before, treadmill customers either want a screen or they don’t. What Echelon has done here is give you the option, and the price difference $1,899.99 versus $1,699.99. The biggest drivers in treadmill prices seem to be the screen and motor size, so this makes sense. Whereas the screen-less model features a nifty device holder, this unit sports both a 10″ touchscreen and an accessory tray that could hold a tablet or phone if you wanted to use those.

This is Stride-6S is a great entry-level, folding treadmill that I would match up with the Sole F80 in a comparison/contrast. Bluetooth-enabled, this folding machine is equipped with a DC 3.0 brushless motor, and measures 64.8″ x 32.4″ x 57″ when in use, which puts it in the category of smaller units. That said, it still has a full-size 20.5″ x 60″ tread deck which is plenty for users of most heights. Read below to see the rest of the specs and a detailed analysis of the Echelon Stride-6 to see if this treadmill might be for you.

Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The Echelon Stride-6S

At TreadmillReviews.net, we bring you comprehensive reviews of treadmills so you can decide which one is right for you. Our staff thoroughly test all the treadmills we review. We install them, walk on them, run on them, and try out all of the features. We get to know each and every treadmill we review extremely well. Our reviewers log miles on the deck. We listen and record the sound of the motor, we test and measure the incline/decline, try out all aspects of the console and try the treadmill’s features.

Every treadmill we review undergoes the same rigorous process. That way we can compare and contrast them and give you an honest review of what we think. This particular treadmill has been around for many years, and we’ve done previous reviews of the Echelon Stride-6S. So, in this review, we also compared it to the previous models.

Our reviewers are treadmill and fitness experts. Brian, the author of this review, is a competitive bodybuilder, and is a 7-time national qualifier in both men’s bodybuilding and classic physique within the NPC competitions. He has coached and been coached on cardiovascular training, HIIT, and nutrition, particularly as it pertains to weight loss for competitions. He is an expert at treadmills, has been on this treadmill, and you can trust his opinion on all of the treadmills he reviews.

In Brief

The 2024 Echelon Stride-6S is nice entry-level, folding treadmill priced at $1,899.99, complete with 10″ high-definition touchscreen. Measuring 64.8″ x 32.4″ x 57″ when in use, this treadmill has a 20.5″ x 60″ deck. In my experience, that’s sufficient for jogging and even running for most users. The unit also comes with a 3.0 HP motor, as well as integrated heart rate sensors built into the handlebars, a 12% incline, and top speeds of 12.4 miles per hour. If you want to use the screen you will need to sign up for the Echelon fitness app, otherwise the treadmill will work in a manual mode. But let’s face it, if you wanted this model without a screen, you’d just pick the Stride-6. All in all, this is a sturdy little folding treadmill, perfect for most homeowners.

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Echelon Stride-6S – Pros & Cons (2024) - Key Specs:

In-Depth Review of the Echelon Stride-6S

Why We Like It

I like the idea of options, and the fact that Echelon has essentially designed a Stride-6 with, or without the screen, is really great. The Stride-6S is nearly identical to its sibling model, but it does bring a larger motor at 3.0 instead of 2.5 HP. This is a folding treadmill, also in line with what customers in this price range are seeking, and though it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of a larger, flashier unit, there’s certainly a big market out there for this. Solid with a 300-pound user weight maximum, this unit hits speeds of 12.4 miles per hour and offers a 12% incline. Irrespective of your athletic ability, your needs will be met. If you’re exceptionally tall or heavy, keep in mind it is a smaller unit at 64.8″ x 32.4″ x 57″ which, while freeing up space in your home, may be an issue for some. Over the years, my experience with Echelon’s machines has been positive in terms of their durability.  

Great 10″ HD Touchscreen

If you like interactive programming and want controls at your fingertips, the 10″ touchscreen affixed to this treadmill will do the trick. Designed to work with the Echelon fitness app, you’ll be able to engage dynamic workouts from any category, whether walking, hiking, running, or High Intensity Interval Training. A 10″ touchscreen in my experience is plenty large for most users, roughly the same size as a tablet. You won’t have any trouble seeing the instructors. The only potential drawback is the screen only works with the Echelon app and can’t access Hulu or Netflix. If you opt out of the app you can still use the machine in a manual mode.

Folding Capabilities

I’m a fan of folding treadmills folding treadmills without apology. Unless you’re a professional trainer and bringing clients in to work out, you’re an exceptionally heavy person, or perhaps you’re training for a marathon, a folding treadmill will more than suffice. It never ceases to amaze me at how many product complaints I see from consumers who simply failed to maintain their machine. You can read up on maintenance in my article on the topic here. It’s obvious these folding treadmills are much easier to move around your home. Once you set a big, non-folding treadmill into position, figure it’s going to be there until you sell it. You’ll usually have to disassemble it to get it out the door. If you choose the right location for your folding treadmill, you might be able to simply fold it up and roll it out the door.

Handy Speed and Resistance Controls

Whereas other treadmills typically feature push-button controls for speed and incline, you’ll see the Echelon models this year have rolling dials on the handlebars. I really like this idea as it gives you a different feel of control. Instead of pushing the speed button, you simply dial it up. These controls are right there at your fingertips and easy to use. This is a big upgrade from past Echelon models and it’s one I expect to be well received by the customers.

Great Comfort Features

The Echelon Stride-6S features a user-friendly fan as well as comfort tray for keys or other devices. You’ll also get two bottle holders for your workout drink, and the emergency Start/Stop button and safety key are right below. All in all, for an entry-level treadmill, it’s a nice bunch of little extras that make working out more enjoyable. I particularly like using a fan when working out to keep the sweat from dripping all over the belt.

The Echelon Fitness App

The great thing about this treadmill is you don’t need the Echelon fitness app, but you can still get it if you want. One of the great things about using the Echelon program is the choice in pricing. At the FitPass level, you’re paying $11.99 per month and get access to unlimited on-demand classes and thousands of on-demand video workouts. The Premier plan is either $33 per month if paid annually, or $39 if done monthly. Like most training apps, this one features exercise programs in everything from running to weightlifting, yoga, and rowing. It’s also downloadable meaning you can use it with other equipment either at home or away. The Premier option includes integration with Strava, Zwift, Apple Health, and entertainment streaming with FitOS as well as gamified workouts using Echelon Worlds. Whether you like high intensity interval training (HIIT), or long, slow walks, this app package gives you plenty of diversity. In my experience, the $11.99 FitPass is one of the best deals on the market in terms of bang-for-buck.

Video provided by Echelon

Echelon Stride-6S Dimensions

The dimensions of the Echelon Stride-6 are 64.8″ x 32.4″ x 57″ when in use. I’d recommend having ceilings at least 8′ high when placing this treadmill, and keep in mind you’ll need a doorway that’s wide enough to roll this through with the monitor and handlebars as well.

Echelon Stride-6S Weight

The Echelon Stride-6 weighs 156 lbs, or about 71 kg.

What We Like:

• Great 10″ HD Touchscreen

  The Echelon Stride-6S screen is large enough to keep you motivated by way of training videos, but so large as to block your view. I’ve found 10″ screens to be great for training use.

• Heart Rate Sensors

  The Echelon Stride-6S features handlebar heart rate sensors, which is a really nice touch for a treadmill of this price. I found the sensors to be accurate and consistent while checking the metrics on the treadmill’s touchscreen.

• DC 3.0 Brushless Motor

  A 3.0 horsepower motor is right there at the sweet spot in terms of jogging, walking, or running. I’ve never had a problem with motors of this size, but you will want to keep the unit cleaned and the belt lubricated if you’re planning to use it heavily. Read up on everything you’d ever want to know about treadmill motors here.

• Device Holder

  The design of this treadmill’s device holder really makes me happy. I like how large the surface area is and how securely I can place my iPad or phone. If you’re into working out to Netflix or Hulu, this might be a good choice for you.

• Incline Abilities

  The Echelon Stride-6S inclines up to 12%, which helps increase your resting metabolic rate, ramp up cardiovascular conditioning level, and build muscle strength simultaneously. I’m a big fan of hill climbing and hiking workouts, and they’re just not the same without an incline.

• Great User Weight Max

  I consider the maximum user weight to be an indicator of stability, and at 300 pounds, you should be in good shape. If you really need more than that, you should consider some of the treadmills designed specifically for larger users. But overall, this model should suit even big folks and those who want to train with weighted vest, which you can read about here.

• Tread Belt

  This 60″ x 20.5″ tread belt gives you plenty of space to move and it’s sufficient for users over 6′ tall. Also, the belt’s thickness helps to minimize the amount of noise it makes while offering better overall longevity. Also, this is a 2-ply belt which is the preferred type, as opposed to a cheaper 1-ply belt. A regularly lubricated 2-ply belt could last you 10 years depending on use.

What We Don’t Like:

• Complicated Warranty Program

  The machine itself comes with a pretty average 10-year warranty for the frame with five years on the motor. That said, you’ll notice Echelon has a number of upgraded warranty specials that come with app membership. Be sure to check into these before purchasing.

• Paid Assembly

  The delivers will assemble in-home for an additional $299.99. I’ve assembled a lot of treadmills over the years, and if you’re not going to have the pro’s do it, I’d strongly advise having several friends around to help. It’s not rocket science, but the parts are large and unwieldly.

This Treadmill Could Be For You If:

• You want a well-built entry-level treadmill under $2,000
• You want a 10″ high-definition touchscreen
• You want the benefits of built-in heart rate sensors.
• You want a folding treadmill.

My Final Verdict:

At its $1,899.99 sale price, the Echelon Stride-6S is a good deal. I’d give the edge to the Sole F80 in terms of built-in programs, but it’s also a larger machine and might not fit as well in your home. As far as the $1,600-$2,000 range of treadmills go though, the Stride-6S is certainly looking good for this year, it’s first on the market. 

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