Sometimes a discontinued model can be the best of all worlds. As I review treadmills here I’m often reminded that price matters. New models come out every year at the top of the price category, and old models go to online retailers like Amazon.com and Walmart.com. The NordicTrack T 6.5 Si is one of units and clearly it wasn’t discontinued for lack of performance. Once retailing at the $1,300 level, it’s now going for under $1,000, and could bring you all the walking and hiking action you’d want with a 20″ x 50″ track, iFit programming, and automatic trainer control. The T 6.5 Si once replaced the T 6.5 S, and now the entry level unit in that brand is the EXP 7i at $1,299.

Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The NordicTrack T 6.5 Si

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, such as iFit.

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 NordicTrack T 6.5 Si. 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 professional 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 discontinued NordicTrack T 6.5 Si is a great little entry-level treadmill which comes iFit-enabled. One of the reasons I’m willing to recommend this discontinued model is what you’re buying is the iFit-enabling – which still works – and a solid machine. It also has built-in programs, unlike the other NordicTrack lineup, and I suspect that might be the reason for it being discontinued. The NordicTrack brand is moving towards treadmills which have zero built-in programs and this means you’ll have either the iFit program at $39 per month, or just manual. That means this unit is a real bargain, frankly. Whereas other discontinued units might be hard to service or use, this won’t be the case here. Small and foldable, the machine has a 10″ high-definition screen and 10 built-in workouts. That’s a great deal for someone who just wants to hop on a treadmill and get in a walking or hiking workout. It’s 2.6 CHP motor and 50″ long track mean marathon training might not be ideal, but for the average $999 shopper, this is exactly what they’re seeking.

NordicTrack T 6.5 Si Treadmill (2024) - Key Specs:

In-Depth Review of the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si

Why We Like It

The NordicTrack T 6.5 Si is small, compact and fun to use with iFit. The big value here is that none of that goes away and you’re still buying into a solid brand, even though it’s discontinued. Measuring 67.5″ x 36″ x 73″ and weighing just 198 pounds, it folds easily and can roll wherever you want.  

This folding frame treadmill uses the patented SpaceSaver design with EasyLift Assist technology, features a commercial grade 2.6 continuous duty motor, and can support up to 300 pounds. The 20-inch wide and 50-inch long running belt is equipped with FlexSelect Cushioning which can be adapted to your running preferences. With this feature, you can firm things up to replicate on-road running or instead add more cushioning to the running surface to reduce impact on your joints as you run. In addition, the treadmill offers an incline up to 10% and a modest speed capacity which tops out at 10 mph. One thing we and other customers have noticed is that this treadmill is a bit noisier than other models in its class. All treadmills emit some level of noise of course, and here it seems to occur when the walking belt slows down. Keep in mind this probably isn’t a treadmill one wants for heavy marathon training.

As with all iFit-enabled machines, both the speed and incline on the T 6.5 Si can be controlled by live instructors. Users can take advantage of this feature with their $39 per month iFit membership, an interactive coaching system. During your live fitness class, both the incline and speed will be adjusted for you by your class instructor. The same is true during on-demand programs. The feature also works with iFit’s Google Maps component which allows you to experience running or walking trails around the world. Here, the incline feature will automatically adjust to the elevations and dips in the terrain as you run, bringing your workout to life.

Unlike its predecessor, the T 6.5 Si does include a HD touch screen display measuring 10″ across, allowing for proper viewing of the training programs and landscapes you choose to use. At 10 inches, this unit comes in at a bit smaller in terms of screen size, and depending on what one is used to, that might be a drawback. Keep in mind, users can always incorporate their own device into the workout. Although there is no built-in fan, there are two reasonably sized storage compartments/cup holders. It also has two built-in speakers and an auxiliary audio input, but there isn’t a USB port for device charging. The machine offers 10 built-in workout programs outside of the thousands available via iFit, so if you don’t continue with iFit after your first free year you still have a number of training programs at your fingertips which are free for life.

Regarding the warranty, the model offers 10 years coverage on the frame, two years on the parts, and one year on labor. The motor is included under the parts warranty, but the brand sometimes offers promotions running on extended warranties, so check in with a NordicTrack customer service representative about this before buying.

What We Like:

• Solid Brand: Even though it’s discontinued, this model demonstrates quality and performance.
• FlexSelect Cushioning: This shock-absorption system allows users to personalize their workout experience with the ability to turn the cushioning on or off. When it’s off, the deck is more rigid and simulates running or walking outdoors. When it’s on, the deck is more cushioned for greater joint support.
• Program Variety: NordicTrack delivers when it comes to program variety. In addition to iFit, the T 6.5 Si offers more programmed workouts than alternative treadmills in its class. Despite the price tag, this model still offers 10 workout programs where most models at this price point would usually only offer less.
• Folding Design: This model uses the patented SpaceSaver design with EasyLift Assist so you can easily fold the treadmill in just one step. The deck reclines on its own, so there is no need for heavy lifting or bending.
• Price: Although this is NordicTrack’s most affordable discontinued treadmill, it doesn’t feel like a cheap, bargain-basement option.

What We Don’t Like:

• Compact Running Deck: At 20-inch x 50-inch, the running deck is on the compact end of the spectrum. That said, this is usually only a concern for taller runners.
• Discontinued: We don’t know how long this one will last on the retail scene.

This Treadmill Could Be For You If:

• You’re looking for a budget-friendly treadmill under $1,000 that doesn’t sacrifice on quality
• You want a treadmill that can protect your joints with cushioning and the option to turn off this feature to mimic outdoor road running
• You struggle to stay motivated while exercising as this treadmill comes with iFit-enabling and 10 built-in programs to recharge your exercise routine and keep your workouts exciting

Check Price on Amazon

Our Verdict:

If you are looking for a budget-friendly treadmill to start out with, this is a surprisingly feature-rich option given its price tag. Although this model is not designed for serious runners, it’s a great option for someone looking to start working out at home, for a modest price.

Check Price

Recent Updates

• July 13, 2021: Added some FAQs to the page.
• October 12, 2023: Updated information concerning discontinuation