NordicTrack T15.0 Treadmill Review

As a subsidiary of Icon -THE world’s largest manufacturers of fitness equipment, Nordic Track has been their flagship company for over 2 decades. Over that time, they have earned a reputation for customarily packing a whole lotta machine into the price! So with that tradition in mind, we were eager to see what the big T15.0 had to offer!….

The spec sheet certainly makes for some very impressive reading, and so it’s no surprise that the T15 is of a substantial build, necessary to harbor the boat-load of features!

With so many goodies at one’s fingertips, it’s natural to want to jump on and play! But we’d like to offer a word of caution to the gung-ho BEFORE you press the start button! Start should really be labeled ‘Instant Start’ as the motor kicks in without any advance warning!

Most treadmills have the usual safety delay of a 3 second countdown, which ticks away on the display screen before the belt starts moving.  With the T15, start literally means start walking! It’s normally good practice to stand either side of the belt until it gets moving to save putting excess load on the motor. This golden rule is mainly to extend the lifespan of the treadmill – here it’s more about self-preservation! Obviously the absence of a time-delayed start would not pose too much of a threat to a user who is familiar with the T15, but alas, it could be a potential hazard if the start button comes within reach of an inquisitive child.

The design of the running boards either side of the belt may also be worth a brief mention while we are on the subject of user safety. For some reason (unbeknown to us) they are angled to slope slightly inwards making the inner edge run flush with the belt. Normally treadmill side runners are positioned slightly above to keep a clearance gap between the moving belt and any part of your shoes if they inadvertently overhang the edge. The cautionary note here is probably obvious – Please keep your feet WELL clear of BOTH edges!

Hopefully you’ve not been deterred by those couple of cautionary measures, because once the machine gets going, the real fun starts! In fact, it never seems to stop….all the way up to over 13 miles per hour!!

The T15 has a 3.0 continuous horsepower motor, which is surprisingly quiet for a motor packing such serious grunt, but other quality components certainly help, namely the big rollers. The simple science of it is, that the larger the diameter of the rollers the fewer times they have to spin to keep the belt revolving. The T15 has chunky 2.5 inch rollers which will help extend the lifespan of the motor as well as keeping those noise levels to a minimum.

The running deck is vast! You’ve got 20” x 60” of belt to run around on making the T15 especially well suited to tall users with a long stride length. Plus it’s got a generous maximum user capacity of just over 25 stone.

The cushioning system became the topic of some debate amongst the review team! Firstly it was unanimously agreed that it certainly DOES provide a great deal of shock absorption. What was less conclusive is whether in fact it was TOO soft under foot. The answer in fact lies in the question ‘Who is going to be using it?’

If your training is based around weight loss sessions, then it should be very well suited to the slower-paced jogging. Furthermore, for anyone with a history of joint pain or with previous injuries that may be aggravated by high impact exercise, then as treadmills go, this is about as kind to the body as you’ll ever experience. When it comes to serious running however, the T15’s cushioning system steals the thunder of a potential powerhouse.

As we’ve established, this machine has all the power and speed that a super-fit, seasoned athlete would ever need. However, in so many cases, that type of user will want a cushioning system that replicates road running but with reduced impact. Regrettably the T15 it’s more like running on sand.

Unfortunately you will not get that ‘spring’ through your heels that’s needed for intense pace; but if you’re not too bothered about shaving seconds off of your personal best times, then there are plenty more challenges that can be enjoyed with the T15.

Perhaps the most basic and most challenging, is the electronic incline feature with a maximum gradient of 15%! At that level, the massive running area and the soft cushioning system, offer you a workout that is as demanding and effective at toning the leg muscles as it is for improving cardiovascular endurance!

If that doesn’t appeal, don’t worry; there are loads of other possibilities by way of 20 Workout programs! There are 5 preset programs for high intensity sessions, 5 for speed, 5 for Incline and another 5 aimed at calorie burning.

The T15 is also iFit Live compatible, so with internet connection (and it needs to be a good, strong internet connection!) your choice of programs broadens even further. The software is powered by Google Maps, meaning that anywhere those satellites can spy, is a potential place to run around! Just pick your destination, plot a quick course and away you go.

The display looks rather dynamic with its vibrant blue backlit LCD contrasting boldly against the glossy black console. It’s colourful, clearly laid out and at 7” wide with adjustment to tilt it to the users ideal angle, it’s easy to see all of your feedback at a glance. Plus you can also literally ‘track’ your progress around a Race Track display feature – simple but another great motivational tool at your disposal.

On either side of the main computer unit are vertical strips of one-step quick keys. So called, because with the touch of a button you can adjust the machine straight to the desired level without having to hold down the arrow keys. On the left are the keys to adjust incline and mirrored to the right are ones for speed. Over the years, this feature has become standard fare on most treadmills so the concept is nothing new, but what we particularly liked about these, is the sheer number of them! There are 12 buttons either side meaning that adjustments can be made in small increments, ensuring greater control over your workout.

Speaking of control, on a machine of this calibre, we were slightly disappointed to notice the absence of any controls on the side handlebars. However, to it’s credit the console of the T15 is well laid out and the upfront positions of the large buttons means you are within easy reach of the basic controls at all times.

Giving further reinforcement to the chunky side arms is the handle bar mounted between them. This is inlaid with pulse grip sensors either side of the emergency stop mechanism. As with most handheld pulse monitors, it is far better to use a chest belt transmitter for accuracy if the machine has an inbuilt receiver – And you can’t imagine NordicTrack failing to squeeze on of those in there can you?

Plus they have still found room on that console to fit a pair of decent sounding speakers, linked to the music port for your Mp3! Better still, the T15 is compatible with the Apple iPod and once plugged in, you can control all of its functions through the player.

Cool eh? (tenuous link….) Well so is the integrated console Fan! The computer automatically adjusts the speed of the fan to match your workout KPH. It’s certainly clever technology if a little superfluous. In our experience, treadmill fans (due to their small size) are typically rather ineffective at anything less than their maximum speed. However, even in concept, it demonstrates the ingenuity and attention to detail that NordicTrack have bestowed upon the T15.

 

Best Price

The NordicTrack T15.0 is not currently available from any retailers we're aware of in the UK.
It may be worth looking for a used machine on ebay

Review Summary - In Brief

Overall, we wouldn't recommend this model for serious runners due to the issue of the soft shock absorption. Sure, that’s a significant minority, but it also leaves a lot of people that are more interested in general fitness and weight loss and for that, the T15.0 is certainly suitable!

NordicTrack T15.0 Specifications

  • 3.0HP continuous duty motor with Dura Drive System
  • 0-15% powered incline
  • 0-20 km/h (0-12 mph) speed range
  • 51cm (20″) x 152cm (60″) running deck
  • Qaudflex cushioning with 2.5″ precision machined and balanced non-flex roller
  • Size in use (LxWxH): 190cm /75″ x 90cm /35″ x 206cm /81″
  • Size folded (LxWxH): 186cm /73″ x 90cm /35″ x 102cm /40″
  • Maximum User Weight: 160kg /353Ibs
  • Product Weight: 126kg /278Ibs
  • Console with 7″ backlit display with race track
  • 20 pre-set programmes (5 Intensity, 5 Speed, 5 Incline, 5 Calorie) + iFit Live (wireless module + 1 year subscription included)
  • Pulse measurement via grip hand sensors and built-in wireless receiver (with chest strap included)
  • Conveniences: Intermix Acoustics 3.0 speakers + Interplay music port MP3 input, AutoBreeze workout fan, 11 Quick Speed keys and with 12 Quick Incline keys, SpaceSaver design with EasyLift Assist
  • Guarantee: 10 years motor, 2 years parts and labour (registration required within 28 days for 2nd year)

NordicTrack T15.0 Treadmill - Console / Display Unit

NordicTrack T15.0 Treadmill - User Reviews

The Pros

  • iFit Live compatible, powered by Google Maps
  • Comes with lots of programs and scope for training variety
  • Large 20” x 60” running area
  • Packed with ‘extras’ i.e. iPod compatibility, Speaker system, cooling fan etc.

The Cons

  • The Cushioning system is very soft (Not ideal for running)
  • No safety delayed countdown timer when the ‘start’ button is pushed
NordicTrack T15.0 Treadmill Reviewer Ratings

Power - 8.5
Appearance - 7
Running Area - 8
Comfort - 8
Reliability - 7
Noise - 8
Ease Of Use - 7
Controls - 8
Warranty - 8
Value for Money - 8
Best Price

The NordicTrack T15.0 is not currently available from any retailers we're aware of in the UK.
It may be worth looking for a used machine on ebay

Also see our Treadmill Comparison Table

Whilst every effort is made to give you accurate information we cannot guarantee the technical specification. Models change on a regular basis and may differ slightly from the above review. We recommend you contact the retailer if you have a question regarding technical data. Please read our Legal Disclaimer

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