NordicTrack Apex 6500 Treadmill Review

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This treadmill is no longer available. Go to www.NordicTrack.com for the latest models and special offers.

What makes the NordicTrack Apex 6500 treadmill appealing is the Reflex deck. This is the most forgiving deck in the industry. It is made of popular wood, the same wood they use for snowboards.

One of the advantages of a treadmill over running outside is reduced impact and better shock absorption. I am currently out of town and had to run outside through neighborhoods and on concrete. My legs are feeling it.

The NordicTrack Apex 6500 Reflex deck takes treadmill shock absorption to a whole new level. It actually bounces when you run on it. As your foot lands on the deck it gives and when you push off the deck pushes you.

When I tested the deck at the NordicTrack corporate headquarters my first question was, "How does it hold up?" They told me they have had no problems. My second question was, "Do some people find the deck too flexible?" The answer was yes, but only a very few people found it unsuitable. Most rave about the deck and the reduced impact. It is particularly attractive to people who have strains or injuries.

Customer comments...

"The deck is what Nordic Track calls a reflex deck. This makes life much easier on your joints while walking and running. I also like the feel of the reflex decks much better than the standard cushioned decks under my feet. The decks that have the cushioning under the belt can feel like you are sinking when you step down. The reflex deck gives you a springing feeling. In my opinion it feels much more natural."

Other attractive features on the NordicTrack Apex 6500.

3.0 Continuous Duty HP Motor - This motor will be adequate for walkers and joggers. It will not strain at higher speeds. If you are training for marathons, you will probably want to upgrade.

ifit® Workout Card Technology - If you are not motivated to use your treadmill it is a waste of money. Motivation is what you need to sweat off those extra pounds. The 6500 comes with ifit technology, which is a series of training programs that act like a virtual personal trainer, minus their expensive fee.

Professional trainers design the programs; they are available in computer cards that you insert into the machine. Each card offers a number of workouts based on your exercise goals and level of fitness. They include audio coaching to further encourage you burn those calories. (Note: The cards are an additional cost.)

Intermix Acoustics Sound System - One of the best sound systems you will find on any treadmill. Heck, if you are hanging out in the same room as the treadmill, it can also be used as a stand alone stereo. What I find humorous, is the system comes with a subwoofer. A treadmill with a subwoofer - what will they think of next.

The NordicTrack Apex 6500 is also set up with a music port to accept popular musical inputs like MP3 players.

A couple of notes. The 6500 comes with a 55" long treadbelt. It is adequate for average height runners. If you are over 6'0" you may want to look for a treadmill with a 60" long treadbelt.

The display is nothing fancy. There are better on the market. However, it does provide multiple feedback on your performance.

Finally, the Apex 6500 comes with a lifetime motor warranty, but only a 1-year parts and labor. I would recommend you upgrade to an additional 1-2 years. The cost is not that much.

Our Review - NordicTrack Apex 6500 Treadmill

Overall, the 6500 is a good value. The Reflex deck is the standout feature. Just be aware that it is not like your normal deck. When you factor all the features and the current price, this may be the best treadmill deal from NordicTrack.