NordicTrack 8600 Treadmill Review

• HealthRider

$4195.00

If you are looking for a commercial quality treadmill for the home then the NordicTrack 8600 is a contender. It has a powerful 5.0 continuous duty HP motor. Most residential treadmills have a 1.5 - 3.0 hp motor. This motor should handle the most rigorous workouts.

It is equipped with a lengthy 60" treadbelt. This accommodates tall individuals, or serious runners doing sprints and interval training. It also has one of the steepest inclines found in a treadmill, going up to 15%.

The 8600 is iFit compatible, meaning you can purchase separately a series of programmable workout exercises design by professional trainers. It controls the speed and incline of the machine. You also here the trainer speak to you for additional motivation. Nice gimmick, but it may get old.

NordicTrack plays up their DuraSoft Compound™ Cushioning. The system is suppose to reduce impact to your joints by 28%. You'll appreciate the extra cushion, especially if you are having problems with your ankles or knees.

Our Review

NordicTrack got it right with the 8600. This treadmill is built like a truck and is comparable to several of the Landice models. It is extremely heavy adding to the stability. If you are going to put out this kind of money for a treadmill we do suggest you go for the extended warranty.

Also be prepared to have several people available to move this hulk.

Runner's World Magazine 8600 Ratings

Bottom Line: The 8600 is built like a tank, with a massive display console and the heaviest frame of any treadmill we tested. This makes it very stable, but some testers felt it was large for home use. The control buttons are large and easy to use, including a row of "one-touch" speed buttons that take you directly to your selected speed. A unique "iFit" feature lets you run interactive workouts from CDs and videos.

Tester quote: "This is a big, stable treadmill, very comfortable to run on, though I found the display area so large it was almost distracting."

NordicTrack call this their commercial grade treadmill, and overall it is an impressive treadmill. It has a massive 5.0 hp motor, which is enough to power a motorcycle. The 60" belt will accommodate the largest user. There is heart rate control, but the chest strap is extra. The main drawback is that it takes an army to move it.

Features:

• 5.0 CHP Commercial-Grade Motor
• 20-inch by 60-inch Commercial-Grade Treadbelt
• 8 x 30 Club Style Navigator™ Console
• iFIT.com™ Compatible
• DuraSoft Compound™ Cushioning
• Cardio-Grip™ Pulse Sensor (chest optional)
• 1 Step™ speed control 0-12 MPH
• 0-15% Power Incline™

NordicTrack 8600 Warranty

The NordicTrack 3-2-1 treadmill warranty covers the motor for ten years, other parts for two years and all labor charges for one year. The frame is covered for five years. For further coverage, extended warranties are also available. You'll see the option to add extended coverage during your checkout process.