Nautilus T616 Treadmill Review

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Motor	Incline	Console
Nautilus T616 2017 Check Discounted Price	L:77.2" W:35.2" H:57.6"	300 lbs	3.0 CHP, 0-12 MPH	Motorized, 0%-15%	26 programs, Bluetooth

In 2017, Nautilus has released a new T616 treadmill, the part number 100672. Although it shares the same specs with the older model (100394), the new one features an improved console and a completely black paint finish. The older Nautilus T616 model is still available, and you can view it HERE.

As a general idea, the Nautilus T616 is a treadmill pretty close to light-commercial quality. It’s equipped with a powerful motor, it has a durable deck, motorized incline, and a high-performance console. It’s one of the best treadmills in this price range available at the moment.

Technical Details and Specifications

Assembled dimensions: 77.2L x 35.2W x 57.6H inches (196L x 89.4W x 146.3H cm)
Tread belt dimensions: 60L x 20W inches (152.4L x 50.8W cm)
Product weight: 215 lbs (98 kg)
Max. weight capacity: 300 lbs (136 kg)
Deck cushioning: StrikeZone, 6-cell
Motor: 3.0 CHP
Speed levels: 0-12 MPH
Incline: Automatic, 0-15%
Console: 26 workouts, Bluetooth enabled
Amenities: Chest strap, sound system, cooling fan, USB charging port, 2x bottle holder
Warranty: Frame 10 years / Motor 10 years / Mechanical 2 years / Electrical 2 years / Labor 1 year

Deck construction and frame

Next to the motor, the deck of a treadmill is one of the most important parts that require thorough analysis before purchase. The Nautilus T616 features a 25 mm deck, extremely durable, which doesn’t overly flex, even if the user is close to the specified, 300 lbs (136 kg) weight capacity of the machine. However, the deck is not completely rigid. It does integrate a cushioning system, consisting of 6 hexagonal suspension cells (on each side). As opposed to the older T616 model, the cushioning cells are placed three at the front, and three at the rear of the deck. This being said, the deck will absorb up to 30% of the workout impact on your joints.

In case you’re wondering, the deck is designed to support running workouts, not just light jogging or walking. It also features a spacious running surface of 60″L x 20″W (152 x 51 cm), which makes this treadmill adequate to runners up to 6’6″ – 6’7″ (198-201 cm). A runner of this caliber should be able to run comfortably, without feeling that the belt is too short.

The machine uses a 2-ply belt, thicker and more durable than the Nautilus T614, which only features a 1-ply belt. The belt is powered by 2.5″ crowned rollers which deliver an excellent grip and high-traction; they are designed to prolong the belt’s lifespan.

The Nautilus T616 treadmill has a folding design. The deck folds up, between the machine’s grips, and its locked into place by a hydraulic cylinder. This folding mechanism also acts as a soft-drop device, as it will slowly lower the deck when you unfold it. With the deck unfolded, the machine has a rather large footprint, taking 77.2″L x 35.2″W (196 x 89.4 cm) of floor space, dimensions to which you should also add the safety clearance space, on the sides and especially at the rear. This means it may not be exactly the most suited fitness machine for a small room or apartment. However, with the deck folded up, its footprint will remain at 32″L x 35.2″W (81.2 x 89.4 cm).

The deck rests at the rear on two small feet equipped with caster wheels. However, the steel base of the frame at the front also features wheels. Once assembled, the machine is meant to be moved with the deck folded up, by leaning it on its metallic base wheels. Also, in order to fold the deck up, a person should be able to lift approx. 50 lbs (23 kg).

And finally, another extra feature that the new 2017 Nautilus T616 has over the older model is the bar that connects the two main console masts. You can attach a custom tray on it to place other accessories, or you can simply hang a towel on it to have it close by during your exercising sessions.

Incline and step-up height

This Nautilus treadmill features a console assisted, motorized incline system. It supplies 0%-15% incline, which is pretty fair for a treadmill made for home use. Differently put, it doesn’t offer 30% incline or more incline, like most commercial grade treadmills, but still, the supplied incline can diversify your workouts by a lot. Running at 8-10 MPH, with a 15% incline, for example, it’s quite a challenge, even for users with a decent level of fitness.

Evidently, since incline is motorized, it can only be adjusted from the machine’s console. And for that, there are gradual and quick adjustment keys. If you will be using one of the console’s preset programs that involve incline, the treadmill will adjust it automatically.

The deck’s step-up height is approx. 9″ (23 cm). Also, when set at maximum incline it will gain approx. 6″ (15 cm) more. Therefore, in order to determine the required ceiling height for you to use this machine safely, add at least 20″ (51 cm) to your own height.

Motor

The Nautilus T616 uses a 3.0 CHP, industrial motor. It’s a continuous duty motor, made to perform well, without overheating or slowing down during prolonged workout sessions. It also performs excellently even if the user is close to the maximum allowed weight, and engages in workouts at maximum speed. The motor also uses a small flywheel, which also adds to the overall stability of the rolling motion.

Needless to say, speed is adjusted exclusively from the console. Just as for incline, you’ll find gradual and quick adjustment keys for speed. Speed can be adjusted in increments of 0.1 MPH. This gives you the possibility to find the perfectly suited pace for you, for each workout.

The machine comes with a standard U.S. 3-prong plug, not an adapter. It requires a 120V 15A power circuit. It’s recommended that the machine is connected to a power circuit solely, without other devices connected to the same circuit, to avoid surges. Also, it’s not a bad idea to use a surge suppressor, to prevent any damage to the motors or console, in case a surge happens.

Console

The console of this treadmill is quite a multi-functional unit. Along with a consistent array of fitness features and functions, it also offers several amenities. So, we’ll start with those. For this matter, the machine offers a 2-speaker sound system, 3-speed cooling fan, media shelf, USB charging port, and two bottle/accessory holders.

The sound system is compatible with most MP3 devices, smartphones, and tablets. It gives you the possibility to keep your music close, without using earbuds, which may inconvenient when you run. The sound rendered is not super-quality, but it’s pretty crisp, compared to the speakers of a tablet or phone. There are no volume adjustment keys on the console though. You will have to adjust volume from your device. There is, however, an On/Off setting for the sound.

The cooling fan offers three speed adjustment settings. It’s a rather small fan though, and may not suffice if you undertake long distance runs. But it can still provide some cooling in case it’s needed.

The media shelf is situated above the console displays, between the speakers. Thus, in case you will place a tablet or a book on it, it won’t cover your fitness readings, such as for the Sole F80. The media shelf is wide enough to accommodate just about any tablet, in landscape position.

The console also features a USB port for workout data transfer. In other words, you can save your workout data on a USB flash drive and copy it into your NautilusConnect or MyFitnessPal account, to keep better track of your progress. However, the USB port also acts as a charging port. You can connect your phone or tablet to it via USB cable and charge it while you run.

When it comes to workout data transfer, the console is Bluetooth enabled. This means it can sync with another Bluetooth device, which has the Nautilus Trainer fitness app. This way, your workout data will automatically save into your account. On the other hand, listening to music on the machine’s speakers via Bluetooth is not possible.

The console features two main LCD displays with blue LED backlight. The top, smaller one shows your fitness score, your goal, and the current user. Above it, there’s also a suggestive pacer icon. The bottom, larger display shows a wide array of workout metrics, including time average, number of laps, heart rate, calories burned, speed level, incline level, and the profiles of the program in use. Also, as opposed to the console of the older Nautilus T616, this one features a small LCD display at the top of the unit, which indicates the Bluetooth connection, the USB stick connection, and whether or not the audio system is in use.

When it comes to the fitness-oriented functions, the Nautilus T616 console can track distance, time, heart rate, calories, and pace. It also indicates the current speed and incline settings. Distance can be measured in miles or km, while speed can be tracked in MPH or km/h. There are also Time-per-Lap and Lap-Count functions. Differently put, a lap measures 0.25 miles, (400 m), and you can view how many laps you have completed, and what’s your time per lap. The console also offers goal tracking functions, giving you the possibility to set up goals for distance, calories and time, and observe your progress during your workout towards those goals.

In terms of fitness programs, this console unit features 26 in number, including 1 Quick Start, 1 Goal, 18 Profile Programs, 2 Fitness Test, and 4 Heart Rate. There also are 4 distinctive User Profile settings, a great feature to have if multiple persons use the treadmill, or if you want to alternate between various goals. A User Profile program will require you to input data such as name, gender, height, weight, and age, in order to provide an accurate tracking for your calories and to interpret better your fitness level.

Last but not least, the console of this machine is telemetry enabled, meaning that it can read pulse via a chest strap transmitter, which is supplied with the box. However, there are also EKG sensors integrated into the machine’s front handlebars.

Assembly and Maintenance

Considering that this treadmill weighs approx. 215 lbs (97.5 kg), it goes without saying that transport and assembly require at least two people. It’s best to assemble it in the place where it will be in use. Also, placing it on a rubberized mat can help prevent any damage to the floor, and maximize its stability, in case the floor has irregularities.

The assembly process itself is not very complicated. The deck comes fully assembled, with motors, rollers, and belt in their places, connected to the front part of the metallic frame. You will need to attach the console masts and the console, task which shouldn’t take more than one hour. Tools and assembly manual are supplied.

Maintenance basically requires keeping the belt and deck clean, free of any objects that may be caught by the belt and dragged into the rollers. Also, the belt should be lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant, after every 25 hours of use.

The Pros

Sturdy overall construction;
Solid deck, being able to support users up to 300 lbs, even for running sessions;
Foldable deck;
Deck cushioning, which absorbs up to 30% of the workout impact on your joints;
3.0 CHP motor, for prolonged workouts;
Speed control in increments of 0.1 MPH, offering the possibility to find the pace that fits perfectly to you;
Automatic incline, 0% – 15%;
26 workout programs;
USB port for charging your tablet or phone, and for workout data transfer;
Bluetooth enabled;
Various amenities, such as sound system, media shelf, 3-speed fan, bottle/accessory holders;
Pulse sensors and telemetry enabled console;
Heart rate chest strap transmitter included;
Fairly easy to assemble;
Smooth operation;
Little maintenance required;
Consistent warranty plan.

The Cons

Heavy and bulky machine, rather difficult to transport and handle;
The cooling fan is not exactly the best.

Final Verdict

The Nautilus T616 treadmill offers commercial quality in a fitness machine designed for home use. It’s a machine with a sturdy construction, a powerful motor, automatic incline, Bluetooth enabled, and an impressive array of fitness programs. Considering that it’s currently priced under $1,000, it’s actually a product with an excellent price/quality ratio. It’s a treadmill built to withstand running workouts, not just walking and jogging. Thus, it’s great for cardio, interval training, stamina and strength workouts, and of course, for weight loss. You can actually burn up to 6-700 calories per hour by running on this machine. All in all, it offers excellent value for the price.