Nordictrack T8.5S Treadmill Review – A Good Buy For You?

August 6, 2022October 22, 2022 FitnessEquipmentGuide reviews

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**Please Note: The T8.5S treadmill has been discontinued and is no longer availabe. Similar treadmills to consider are the Nordictrack EXP7i Treadmill or the C1100i Treadmill.

You can also out all current Nordictrack treadmill sales here.**

The Nordictrack T8.5 treadmill is a premium model in the ultra-affordable T-Series of treadmills.

It’s a step up from the T6.5 model with a larger console and stronger motor .

The console is one of the most impressive parts of this treadmill. It’s multi-color, HD and touch-screen sensitive.

Plus with iFit Coach, you can run trails all over the world and watch famous landmarks pass you by in the console screen.

The Nordictrack T8.5S treadmill also comes with an extra-long running belt for more room to stretch out and adjustable cushioning for more joint protection.

So is this treadmill a good choice for you? How does it stack up?

Here’s a review of what you need to know to help you decide:

Treadmill Specs:

Price: $1299 + Click Here For Promo Code

Motor: 3.5 CHP

Incline: 0 – 12%

Belt: 20 x 60″

User Weight Capacity: 300 lbs

Footprint: 35.5″ W x 78.5 ” L

Folding? Yes

Warranty: 3 Years on Parts, 120 days on Labor

Nordictrack T8.5S Treadmill Review – Key Benefits:

Full-Color, HD Console

Nordictrack used to save their full-color consoles only for their commercial-grade, ultra-expensive models. So it’s a very cool feature to find on the T8.5S treadmill.

Plus at 10 inches across, the console is larger than the T7.5 S model. So it’s easier to read your workout stats or watch iFit coach scenery as you run.

There’s also a dual-speed cooling fan built into the console. And you have one-touch speed and incline buttons on the sides for quick, on-the-fly changes.

Explore the World with iFit

The Nordictrack T8.5 treadmill comes iFit Coach compatible. With iFit Coach you take your treadmill online and from there you can download thousands of new video workouts.

For example, you can run famous trails all over the world – from the shores of Greece to the Swiss Alps. As you run, you’ll watch real landmarks pass you by in your console screen for some virtual reality fun.

Don’t want to run by yourself? No worries.

You can also choose from a large selection of personal-trainer-led video workouts. The trainers will lead you through famous walking or running trails, coaching you through your workout and pointing out famous landmarks along your journey.

Want some workout variety?

Take a high-energy studio fitness class from your treadmill console. These workouts also include yoga, boot camps, HIIT training, strength training and more.

There are over 16,000 workouts in the iFit library – so you’ll never run out of new things to try!

Strong Motor

The Nordictrack T8.5 upgrades to a stronger 3.5 CHP motor than the T6.5 S model which has a 2.5 CHP motor. The motor is also self cooling to help prolong the life of your treadmill with a larger case for less vibration (which helps to reduce noise).

Extra Long 60-Inch Belt

The Nordictrack T8.5S treadmill has an extra-spacious 60 inch long belt – which is great for runners or taller users. You can stretch out and run without feeling like you’re bumping up against the edge of your treadmill.

Incline-Matching Technology

You get from 0 – 12% power incline on this treadmill. You can control the incline with the push of a button from your console.

And when you’re running an iFit world trail, the treadmill will actually raise and lower to match the incline of the terrain for a more realistic training experience.

Adjustable Cushioning

Choose your level of cushioning protection on this treadmill. Turn the cushioning up for more protection for your joints, hips, back and knees.

Or for a more road-like, firmer deck feel, turn the cushioning dampeners down.

Folding To Save Space

The treadmill folds up easily and locks into place to save you space. It’s also a shock-assisted lift to save the strain on your back.

Nordictrack T8.5S Review – Any Drawbacks?

Not Current

As of this year the T8.5S treadmill has been discontinued by the main Nordictrack Manufacturer. However you can still get it here refurbished for a discount price.

Incline Limits

While the 12% incline would be find for most people, if you’re already in excellent shape you may find you want a bit more challenge.

In that case it might be better to consider one of the commercial treadmills like the Commercial 1750 with up to 15% incline – or one of the incline trainers like the X22i with up to 40% incline.

Bottom Line?

The Nordictrack T8.5S treadmill is a great mix of affordability and fun features. It’s a little stronger than a starter treadmill – but more affordable than a commercial-grade model.

You get the stronger motor and larger console size than other T-series models like the T7.5 and T6.5 models. So it’s more fun to watch the iFit scenery and world workouts.

Plus runners will appreciate the extra-long running belt and adjustable cushioning.