Nautilus T618 Treadmill Review

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Motor	Console	Warranty
Nautilus T618 Check Discounted Price	L:72.4" W:35.2" H:57.6"	350 lbs	3.5 CHP, 0-12 MPH	26 programs, Bluetooth, RunSocial capable	Motor: 15 years Frame: 15 years Mechanical: 5 years Electronics: 5 years Labor: 2 years

Although the first version of the Nautilus T618 100496 isn’t that old (it was released at the end of 2o16), one year later, Nautilus releases a newer version, the T618 100647. In case you’re wondering, there aren’t too many differences between the two models. However, the newer one features a black finish, is compatible with the Nautilus Trainer 2 app and with the RunSocial app. This is the model that we’re going to address in this post, the Nautilus T618 100647 treadmill.

As a general idea, this Nautilus treadmill is a robust machine designed to fit commercial standards. It features a motor with a higher capacity than the Nautilus T616 model, a superior cushioning system, a higher weight capacity, a more durable belt, and larger rollers. Differently put, this running machine is packed with features, and in this review, we’ll try to cover each one of them in detail.

Technical Details and Specifications

Assembled dimensions: 72.4L x 35.2W x 57.6H inches (184L x 89W x 146H cm)
Tread belt dimensions: 60L x 20W inches (152.4L x 50.8W cm)
Product weight: 253.5 lbs (115 kg)
Max. weight capacity: 350 lbs (159 kg)
Deck cushioning: ReboundTM Deck Cushioning
Motor: 3.5 CHP
Speed levels: 0-12 MPH
Incline: Automatic, 0-15%
Console: 26 workouts, Bluetooth enabled, RunSocial compatible
Amenities: Chest strap, sound system, cooling fan, USB charging port, 2x bottle holder, accessory tray with towel support
Warranty: Frame 15 years / Motor 15 years / Parts 5 years / Electronics 5 years / Labor 2 years

Frame and deck

The Nautilus T618 treadmill is built on an extremely sturdy steel frame, coated with a corrosion resistant and scratch resistant, industrial-grade finish. The main color used for the frame finish is black, as opposed to gray used for the older version. The machine’s construction also integrates several hard PVC parts, such as the covers of the rear feet, rear roller covers, motor cover, side rails and the accessory tray. These, however, do not have any impact on the machine’s overall sturdiness.

Like most treadmills, the Nautilus Performance T618 is a fairly large fitness machine. It takes 72.4″L x 35.2W (184 x 89 cm) of floor space and it requires at least two feet of clearance on each side, and at least three feet of clearance at the rear for safe operation. However, the deck integrates a fold-up mechanism. It’s equipped with a hydraulic lift which locks it in an upright position and provides soft-drop unfolding. With the deck folded up the machine’s length is reduced by half.

This Nautilus treadmill is considerably heavy. It weighs approx. 253.5 lbs (115 kg) when fully assembled; therefore, its transport and assembly require at least two people. But on the other hand, all this weight plays an important role in its overall stability. You can be sure that the machine won’t wobble, shake or change its position even during the most demanding workouts. On top of that, its front metallic base is equipped with four adjustable, rubberized stabilizers, which give you the possibility to perfectly level it on any type of flooring or pavement.

Once the treadmill is assembled, its relocation isn’t too difficult, as its front metallic base also integrates a set of wheels. By leaning it onto its wheels, you will basically have to handle less than half of its weight when relocating it.

The treadmill’s running platform is equipped with a more durable belt than the T616 model. It’s a 3-ply, 2.5mm, light commercial Trye belt, while the older model only has a 2-ply belt. The belt rolls over large, 2.75 crowned rollers, designed to prolong its lifespan and to maximize stability. They integrate heavy-duty, sealed ball bearings for smooth operation.

The running surface is the same as for the T616, though. It’s 60″L x 20″W (152.4L x 50.8W cm) and can accommodate comfortably users up to 6’6″ (198 cm). However, it’s designed to support heavier users, up to 350 lbs (159 kg).

The machine’s deck integrates the ReboundTM cushioning system, featuring two sets of shock absorbers at the front, and three close to the rear. The front cushioners soften the landing of each foot reducing impact, while the rear ones propel the kick-off providing an energy boost to the stride. Due to these features, the workout-related pain is considerably diminished, which allows you to undertake longer and more consistent runs.

One last aspect to mention here regards the accessory tray. This Nautilus treadmill features a PVC crossbar tray which attaches to the two console masts of the machine. Along with the accessory compartments, this tray also features a towel bar.

Incline and step-up height

The Nautilus T618 treadmill is equipped with an automatic incline system, offering a ramp between 0% and 15%, perfect for high-intensity interval workouts. It consists of a small motor and a lift, situated at the front of the deck. Evidently, since the incline system is motorized, the ramp of the deck can only be adjusted if the machine is connected to a power circuit. Also, you can only adjust the incline from the control unit, or from the keys integrated into the left handlebar.

The incline adjusts in increments of 1%. However, the console features keys for the quick selection of the 0%, 2%, 5%, 8%, 10%, 13% and 15% positions.

The deck’s running surface is situated at approx. 9″ (23 cm) above floor level. In other words, the machine’s step-up height is 9″. The space remaining between the deck and the floor is approx. 4.5″ (11.4 cm). These being said, in order to avoid any ceiling height issues, make sure that the ceiling in the room where you will be using the machine is at least 15″ (38 cm) taller than your own height.

Motor

This Nautilus Performance treadmill is equipped with a 3.5 CHP, heavy-duty motor. It’s a continuous duty motor, made to withstands prolonged workouts at maximum speed without overheating or losing performance, even if the user is close to the maximum weight capacity. It is also equipped with a small flywheel which adds stability to the belt motion.

The motor offers a speed range between 0.5 MPH and 12 MPH. 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.

Control unit

The Nautilus T618 treadmill is equipped with a multi-function console. It has two LCDs with blue backlight, 3.75″ (top) and respectively 5.5″ (bottom) in diagonal. There’s also a Pacer feature above the top display, which allows you to train on a set program and distance, and see how you compare against past workouts.

The top, smaller display indicates the goal of the workout, your fitness score and your placement in relation to the pacer. The bottom, larger display covers a lot more info, including the program profiles, time, distance, laps, heart rate, calories, speed, incline, pace. Distance can be tracked in miles and kilometers, while speed can be calculated in MPH or km/h. For the Lap Count function the distance is calculated in laps of 0.25 miles (0.4 km), a function great to have if you want to undertake a workout designed for professional runners.

The console is telemetric; it can track your pulse via the included wireless HR chest strap. However, you can also monitor your pulse by holding on to the sensors integrated into the front handlebars of the machine.

There are several sets of workout programs built-in the console unit.

Quick Goal program which allows you to set up an exercise goal for distance, time and calories, and work towards that goal.
Heart Health program which offers four preset target heart rates, for 55%, 65%, 75% and 85%.
Weight Control program which has five preset workouts: Fat Burn 1, Fat Burn 2, Speed Burn, Incline Burn and Dual Burn.
Interval program which offers three preset workouts: Interval-Incline, Interval-Speed, and Interval-Dual.
Train program with six more programs including Boot Camp, Endurance, Performance, 1 Mile Pacer, 5K Pacer and 10K Pacer.
Custom program – offering four customizable programs, for heart rate, incline, speed.

The console unit lets you store and use 4 User Profiles, each profile recording the workout results in order to be reviewed later. Each user profile stores data regarding age, weight, height, gender, name and preferred workout values. It’s a great function to have if multiple persons use the machine. Also, since you can input data regarding age, gender, weight, and height, the unit can determine your calorie burning percentage much accurately.

Along with the onboard programs, this treadmill also offers the possibility to connect online for in order to track your progress. The console is Bluetooth-enabled, allowing you to sync it with your smartphone, laptop or tablet, in order to use the “Nautilus Trainer 2” fitness app, or directly transfer your workout data into your Nautilus Connect or MyFitnessPal account. Plus, this machine is compatible with the RunSocial online app, which gives you the possibility to view a virtual trail on your smart TV, tablet or phone, based on a GoogleMaps trail. You can create running events, run with friends and benefit from many other interactive and fun features through this app.

You can also transfer your workout data to your online fitness account by using a USB flash drive. The console unit’s USB port also acts as a charging port for your device.

This Nautilus treadmill offers several amenities including a media tray, a sound system, and a cooling fan, all integrated into the console. The media tray is placed above the large LCD display. The sound system is compatible with most MP3 players, smartphones, and tablets, consisting of two speakers at the lowest corners of the console. The workout fan, although not too large, it does provide some cooling for your workout, featuring three distinctive speed settings.

Assembly and Maintenace

The deck of the treadmill comes fully assembled and attached to the metallic frame. So, basically, all you have to do is connect the console masts, the accessory tray, and the console, connecting the wires. This shouldn’t take more than 45 min. All the tools required for the assembly are included, while the manual provides clear, step-by-step instructions for it.

For maintenance, you should keep the belt and deck clean, free of any objects that may be caught by the belt and dragged into the rollers, or damage the motor. The belt should be lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant, after every 25 hours of use. Also, a periodic check for loose bolts and parts is recommended.

The Pros

Sturdy overall construction;
Solid deck, being able to support users up to 350 lbs;
Adjustable stabilizers with rubber caps;
Transport wheels;
Folding deck, equipped with a soft-drop hydraulic cylinder;
ReboundTM deck cushioning which softens the landing of the foot at the front and propels kick-off at the rear for an energy boost;
Large, 2.75″ crowned rollers for a smooth motion of the belt;
3-ply light commercial Trye belt for a prolonged lifespan;
3.5 CHP, heavy-duty motor;
Speed range between 0.5 and 12 MPH, offering the possibility to perform a wide array of 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;
Bluetooth enabled console, allowing you to directly use the Nautilus Trainer 2 app;
USB port for charging your tablet or phone, and for workout data transfer;
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;
Easy to assemble;
Smooth and fairly quiet operation;
Little maintenance required;
Consistent warranty plan.

The Cons

Heavy machine, requires at least two people for transport and assembly;
The cooling fan isn’t extremely powerful.

Summary

The Nautilus T618 is a light commercial quality treadmill equipped with a 3.5 CHP motor, and automatic incline (0-15%), with a solid deck able to support users up to 350 lbs. Its console offers 26 workout programs, also being Bluetooth enabled allowing you to use the Nautilus Trainer 2 app. It’s a running machine made for users of all levels, perfect for light to intense cardio workouts, weight loss, intervals, strength and stamina development etc. And finally, it costs at least a few $100s less than other machines with a similar range of features, but without the loss of quality. In all, it’s a treadmill with an exceptional price/value ratio, one of the best for 2017-2018.