Home gym equipment (for example recumbent bikes, rowing machine and the exercise bike), with the treadmill for home use being opted for by many. The treadmill market is rapidly evolving with new technology being introduced every year. So, it’s a little surprising to come across a model that is five years old and yet that still ranks as one of the most popular purchased online. Yet that is the case when it comes to the Nautilus T618. In this article, we take a close look at the Nautilus T618 in order to find out what makes it popular, year after year.
What makes it special
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The Nautilus T618 entered the market in 2016 as the premier model in the Nautilus Treadmills Performance series of home use treadmills. Since then, it has remained a top seller, despite Nautilus bringing in new models. A main competitor to Nautilus is the Nordictrack Commercial series.
The popularity of the Nautilus T618 is due to its combination of foldability, functionality and price. For well under $1500, you get 26 workout programs, a generous 20 x 60 inch running belt, a high capacity 3.5 CHP motor and a generous display.
Key Features (#ad)
Built In Programs
There aren’t many treadmills than you can pick up for less than $1500 that deliver more than 25 built in workout programs. Yet, that’s what you get with the T618. The T618 is loaded with training programs, in fact it comes with 26 programs built into this treadmill’s console. The programs are divided between those that emphasize fat loss, cardiovascular endurance, HIIT training, hill work and lower body strength development.
It is bluetooth enabled, so you can link up the treadmill console to your phone via Bluetooth connectivity in order to get access to the fitness app – the RunSocial app, the explore the world app, which will give you access to hundreds of running trails all over the world.
A unique and cool feature of the T618 monitor is that it will provide you with a score of your performance at the conclusion of every workout.
Motor
The power of the T618 comes from its 3.5 CHP motor that provides you with a max speed of 12 mph. The motor is impressively quiet to operate and runs smoothly without any jerkiness. The power output from this treadmill will meet the needs of all but the most advanced runners.
Running Belt
Most treadmills priced under $1500 are quite compromised when it comes to the running belt size. Yet, once again, the T618 stands out here. The treadmill deck is 20 inches in width and 60 inches long. That will provide enough room for all except the tallest of people to get a natural, unimpeded motion and running gait.
Cushioning System
The ability of a treadmill to provide a good running experience without putting undue strain on your ankles and knees is directly due to the type of cushioning that is included in the running belt design. Nautilus uses a technology called Rebound Cushioning which does an effective job of providing a smooth, soft landing with every step.
Incline
It provides you with the ability to increase the angle of running belt incline to 15 degrees. You can make this adjustment automatically so you don’t have to interrupt your workout. An incline treadmill makes for a more intense workout.
Monitor
The monitor of the T618 is large, with a 3.75 x 5.5 inch blue backlit LCD display showing your workout metrics. This is one of the good sized LCD screens on the market. It also comes with a media shelf to securely hold your tablet while you are working out. In addition, there is an accessory tray which will hold your towel and your water bottle.
Foldable
This treadmill is a folding treadmill. That allows you to collapse it down after your workout is over and store it in a cupboard or under a bed.
Warranty
A warranty os 5 years for parts and electronics and two years on labor comes with the T618 treadmill. For a treadmill that is priced at under $1500, that is very good. The warranty on the frame is 15 years.
Other Features
The Nautilus T618 provides you with hand grip pulse sensors. This will provide you with a running record of your pulse rate but it is not overly accurate. Fortunately the T618 also comes with a chest strap included in the purchase price. This represents fantastic value for money, with the chest strap system being the most accurate heart rate monitoring while you are running on a treadmill.
The Nautilus T618 also comes with two small built-in speakers and a cooling fan. Admittedly, these are not the highest quality speakers but they will provide you with a decent level of sound. The user weight capacity is 300 lbs.
What’s Not So Good
As we’ve just mentioned the warranty on the T618 is generally very good. However, we think that the 15 year frame warranty is too short. Because this is a foldable treadmill, the frame is not going to be as strong as non foldable options.
We’ve also mentioned that the speakers that are built into the monitor of the T618 are not overly high spec. Given the overall quality features and the price point of this treadmill however, that is a price that most people seem willing to pay.
Nautilus T616 vs T618
At first glance you might not find any difference between the Nautilus T618 and the next model down in the Nautilus Performance series, the T616. The differences are there, however, with the T616 not being as powerful as the T618. The motor is not as powerful as the 3.0 CHP, compared with 3.5 CHP for the T618. The T616 has a 2-ply belt compared with a 3-ply on the T618. The belt thickness on the T616 is also thinner at 2.0 mm compared with 2.5 mm for the T618.
Wrap Up
The Nautilus T618 treadmill, a budget treadmill, is a one of the most impressive home treadmills fitness equipment to achieve calorie burn. In fact, it provides you with a number of features that you would normally only expect to find in a far more expensive model. It will meet the needs of the vast majority of exercisers and will allow for plenty of variety with its 26 computer programs. Overall, the Nautilus T618 is one of the best combinations of price, functionality, extra features and running power that is available on the market right now.
Is this Nautilus trainer for serious runners? Yes it has been designed to help serious runners unleash their potential and improve their fitness score.
