Nordictrack T5.5 Treadmill

  • Reviewed On: April 06, 2012
  • Reviewed By: Gerard Lao

MSRP: $999, Price As Reviewed: $599, Model Year: 2012

Where To Buy : We Recommend Nordictrack.com

 

Pros

Treadmills411 Editor Comments

2.5 CHP DURX™ MOTOR

For treadmills priced at $700 and below, it's very seldom to see a 2.5HP motor since entry-level treadmills offer around 1.6HP to 1.9HP. With the T5.5, there's no doubt you get a better motor compared to its competition in this price range.

20" x 55" belt

 The belt length is above average for the price. Many entry level treadmills only have belt lengths measuring from 51"- 53". This would allow you to have longer strides ideal for brisk walking.

MP3 player support, quick speed and incline

These features are not normally offered in many treadmills so having them in the T5.5 that costs only $599 gives value to your this machine.

1 yr labor warranty

Cheap treadmills usually don't have long warranties. Some only offer up to 90 days on parts and labor but with the T5.5, you get a full year of labor warranty.

325 lb weight capacity

A 325-lb weight capacity is great for treadmills that cost less than $1000. Unfortunately, this cannot be relied upon if we don't know the actual unit weight of the machine.

 

Cons

Treadmills411 Editor Comments

10 mph max speed, 10% incline

This may be a lower con considering the affordable price of the T5.5. It's just that many treadmills offer a max 12MPH and up to 15% incline.

Belt plies, unit weight, roller size unknown

Among Nordictrack's known weaknesses is the unstated value of their components. The company doesn't disclose its treadmill's unit weights, and very seldom discuss roller sizes and belt plies. These components are factors that define the treadmill's durability and quality so when details are withheld, you can't help but wonder if the T5.5 will be of service to you after the first year.

Basic Components – 58.6% [View Score Details] [Visit Recommended Merchant]

Extra Features – 64.9% [View Score Details] [Visit Recommended Merchant]

Quality and Durability – 44% [View Score Details] [Visit Recommended Merchant]

Overall Score & Conclusion - 55.8% [View Score Details] [Visit Recommended Merchant]

Category Ranking Criteria Scored As Points Awarded Points Possible Percentage Explanation Notes
Main component Programs 20 24.5 40 61.25% Lets you choose from 20 workouts.
Main component Max Speed 9.1 to 10 MPH 35 45 77.78% Speed is adjustable from 0-10 MPH.
Main component Max Incline 9.1 to 10.0 15 45 33.33% Incline goes up to 10%.
Main component Belt Length 55-55.9" 24 40 60% Belt length is 55\".
Main component Belt Width 20.0 to 20.4 30 40 75% Belt width is 20 inches.
Main component Motor Rating 2.26 to 2.50 HP 21 45 46.67% Has a 2.5 CHP Durx™ motor.
    Subtotal 1: 149.5 255 58.63%  


Category Ranking Criteria Scored As Points Awarded Points Possible Percentage Explanation Notes
Extra Features Max Decline No Decline 5 20 25% Decline feature not stated.
Extra Features Noise Reduction Belt or Deck or Motor Yes 10 10 100% Self-cooling, this motor is quiet and won\'t interrupt your workout.
Extra Features Shock Absorption (cushioning) Belt or Deck Yes 10 15 66.67% Stay comfortable with DualShox™ Cushioning.
Extra Features Folding Yes 15 15 100% This is a folding treadmill.
Extra Features Fans No/Not Stated 3 10 30% Doesn\'t have fans.
Extra Features Built In TV No/Not Stated 5 30 16.67% No TV feature.
Extra Features Supports MP3 Players Standard 20 20 100% Has a compatible music port for iPod®.
Extra Features Water Bottle Holder Yes 15 15 100% Comes with bottle holders as shown on picture.
Extra Features Money Back Guarantee Yes (30 days or less) 15 20 75% Manufacturer gives a 30-day money back guarantee.
Extra Features Fitness Tests/Competition/Goals No/Not Stated 1.5 7.5 20% Doesn\'t has fitness tests.
Extra Features Personalization: User Profiles/Progress Logs/History No/Not Stated 1.5 7.5 20% No user profiles.
Extra Features Heart Rate Monitor Grip 10 20 50% Heart rate sensors built right into the handlebars.
Extra Features Quick Speed/Incline Buttons Yes 10 10 100% Console photo shoes quick speed and incline buttons.
Extra Features Time Display on Console Yes 5 5 100% Display is easy to read and tracks your speed, time, distance, pulse and calories burned.
Extra Features Distance Display on Console Yes 5 5 100% Display is easy to read and tracks your speed, time, distance, pulse and calories burned.
Extra Features Calories Display on Console Yes 5 5 100% Display is easy to read and tracks your speed, time, distance, pulse and calories burned.
Extra Features Console Design Modern or Intuitive 10 10 100% Comes with a 6\" backlit display.
    Subtotal 2: 146 225 64.89%  


:
Category Ranking Criteria Scored As Points Awarded Points Possible Percentage Explanation Notes
Quality and reliability Frame Warranty 13 to lifetime 20 20 100% Frame warranty is lifetime.
Quality and reliability Motor Warranty 13 to lifetime 30 30 100% Comes with a 25-year motor warranty.
Quality and reliability Parts Warranty 1 year 15 60 25% Parts warranty is 1 year.
Quality and reliability Labor Warranty 1 year 20 60 33.33% Nordictrack gives a 1 year warranty on labor for the T5.5.
Quality and reliability Multi-ply Belt/Deck 1 Ply/Not stated 5 15 33.33% Belt plies not stated.
Quality and reliability Machine Weight less than 200 pounds/not stated 7.5 40 18.75% Machine weight not specified.
Quality and reliability Machine User Weight Capacity 313 to 325 pounds 27.5 42.5 64.71% The T5.5 Treadmill accommodates up to 325 lbs.
Quality and reliability Rollers less than 2"/not stated 7.5 22.5 33.33% Roller size not stated.
Quality and reliability Bonus Folding Yes -5     Roller size not stated.
    Subtotal 3 : 127.5 290 43.97%  
    Overall: 423 770 55.83%