Best for Home Use
Best for Serious Runners
Best for Walkers
Best for Seniors
Nautilus T614 Review
Brian is a regular competitor and national qualifier in the National Physique Committee events of bodybuilding and classic physique. A veteran writer and editor of more than 24 years, he's published numerous articles on fitness, health, and exercise.
Read full bio >This T614 model by Nautilus is an entry-level model in their line of residential treadmills. Inspired by their commercial-grade equipment, these models are typically sold by retailers like Dick’s Sporting Goods. The T614 is equipped with a 2.75 CHP motor that has a top speed of 12mph and can withstand user weights of up to 300 pounds. The 1-ply running belt rests on 2.5″ crown rollers, and the running area is 20″ wide and 55″ long. For comfort and support, the track is equipped with a 4 hex cell design StrikeZone Cushioning System. It’s also a folding machine, equipped with a SoftDrop folding design.
The console on this model provides pretty much all of the basic workout needs: a blue backlit LCD display screen, a 3-speed adjustable fan, built-in speakers, and a USB media charging port with MP3 input port. In addition, this model offers impressive program variety with 22 built-in workout programs to choose from, 2 of which are customizable. To monitor heart rate, there contact grips built into the handlebars and the machine is compatible with a wireless chest strap (not included).
Unfortunately, the warranty package isn’t great. Nautilus only offers just 10 years of coverage on the frame and drive system, 2 years on mechanical and electrical parts, and 1 year on labor. That’s not a good sign for this machine’s durability.
What We Like:
- Folding Design: This machine is equipped with a SoftDrop folding design, making it convenient and easy to store away after workouts. It’s also fairly compact and lightweight, with transport wheels included for aded mobility.
- Program Variety: With 26 programs to choose from, it’s practically impossible not to find one that is right for you. Programs include 1 manual, 3 Quick Goal, 5 Train, 3 Weight Control, 5 Heart Health and 3 interval. There are also 2 customizable programs so you can personalize your workout experience.
- Fully Loaded Console: This console provides all the basics like a fan, full audio system, piles of programs, and an easy interface.
- Price: For just under $1500, the price tag won’t break your budget.
What We Don’t Like:
- Warranty: You won’t find a lifetime warranty of any sort offered with the T616 model. Almost every treadmill from a major brand provides one on the frame, but this model only offers 10 years of frame coverage. That’s worrying and should be considered a red flag.
- Heart Rate Monitoring: While this model is equipped with a wireless chest strap receiver, the chest strap itself is not included.
- Weight Capacity: The weight capacity for this model is a bit low at just 300 pounds. For the price and size of the motor, the weight capacity should be somewhere closer to 350 or 400 pounds.
- Display Screen: Despite the impressive offerings of the console, it is a bit crowded and difficult to read. The dimensions of the LCD screen are also not disclosed.
Our Verdict:
While this model did not make our list of best buy treadmills under $1500, it’s still a decent treadmill for home use. The Nautilus T616 is just $300 more and you get so many more comfort and performance features (like a more powerful motor, additional workout programs, a more reliable running belt, more spacious running area, a steeper incline, etc). We would highly recommend the T616 over the T614, even though it is a decent entry level machine. The T614 might be worth picking up for a substantially discounted sale price, but there are simply too many superior machines out there to recommend this one at full price.