NordicTrack T 9.5 S Treadmill

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Incline	Motor	Console
NordicTrack T 9.5 S Check Discounted Price	L:78.9" W:35.5" H:59.5"	300 lbs	Automatic, 0%-12%	3.6 CHP, 0-12 MPH	50 programs, iFit ready, iFit membership included, Bluetooth

The T 9.5 S is one of the new treadmills released by NordicTrack at the beginning of 2019. Although it’s a machine designed for home use, it’s pretty close to light-commercial sturdiness and offers an impressive range of features. Its console is considerably superior to the T 6.5 S that we’ve already reviewed here; it’s iFit enabled and the machine also includes a 1-year iFit membership.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 78.9L x 35.5W x 59.5H inches (200L x 90W x 151H cm)
• Tread belt dimensions: 60L x 20W inches (152.4L x 51W cm)
• Supported weight: 300 lbs (136 kg)
• Motor: 3.6 CHP
• Speed range: 0-12 MPH
• Incline: Automatic, 0-12%
• Deck cushioning: FlexSelect
• Console: 50 programs, Bluetooth, iFit enabled
• Amenities: Sound system, tablet holder, accessory trays, 1-year iFit membership
• Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor lifetime / Parts 5 years / Labor 2 years

Frame and deck

The NordicTrack T 9.5 S treadmill features a heavy-duty steel structural frame. Its deck is designed to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg) which is not bad for a non-commercial machine. It’s also a heavy unit; with the frame fully assembled, it weighs over 200 lbs (90.7 kg) and all this weight is reflected in its overall stability. You can be sure that the treadmill won’t rock or move even if when you run at full speed.

All the steel parts in the machine’s frame construction are coated with a corrosion resistant paint finish. The color used for the base frame is black, while the two upright masts have a gray paint finish.

This NordicTrack treadmill is fairly large. Fully set-up, it’s approx. 79″ (200 cm) long, and 35.5″ (90 cm) wide. On top of this, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance on each side, and at least three feet of clearance at the rear of the deck for ease of access and unhindered operation. These being said, the machine may not be the best choice for a small room or apartment.

The unit’s deck has a folding design, though. It is equipped with the NordicTrack EasyLift folding mechanism which involves a hydraulic cylinder. This element assists you with lowering or folding the deck up, supporting most of its weight. With the deck folded up, the machine’s length is reduced to approx. 40″ (102 cm), while its height becomes approx. 71.6″ (182 cm).

The deck offers a fairly large running surface; it measures 60″L x 20″W (152.4 x 51 cm) which should be enough for users up to 6’5″ (196 cm). It uses a multi-ply belt with a rubberized, non-slip top layer. The internal rollers are 1.9″ in diameter. They’re non-flex and crowned in order to provide superior traction and a longer lifespan for the belt.

Last but not least, the machine’s deck integrates FlexSelect cushioning elements. Each side of the deck has three cushions which can provide up to 40% shock absorption. Each cushion element is adjustable. You can reduce or increase its flexibility by a simple left or right rotation.

Incline and step-up height

The NordicTrack T 9.5 S is equipped with an automatic (motorized) incline system. It consists of a small motor and a lever system placed at the front of the deck. As you select a certain incline level, the levers will lift the front part of the deck changing the slope of the running surface. The machine does not have decline settings as the ProForm Pro 9000, for example.

The machine’s incline range is 0%-12%. Differently put, the maximum incline is approx. 9°. The incline increments are 1%. The console provides quick selection keys from 0% to 12%, but the lower keypad also has gradual incline adjustment controls. Also, some of the onboard programs, as well as the workouts from iFit, will automatically adjust the incline, depending on their setup.

The step-up height of the deck is approx. 11″ (28 cm). Plus, with the incline set all the way up, the front part of the deck will become elevated by a few extra inches. Therefore, it is recommended to use the machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your own height.

Drive motor

The NordicTrack T 9.5 S integrates a 3.6 CHP DurX™ Commercial Plus motor. It’s equipped with a small flywheel to minimize vibration and with its own cooling system. Therefore, even if you’re close to the specified 300 lbs (136 kg) weight capacity, you can be sure that the machine won’t overheat or lose performance for the whole duration of your workout.

The unit’s motor provides a speed range between 0.5 and 12 MPH. Just as for the incline, the console provides quick speed controls from 0 to 12 MPH, but there also are gradual speed controls on the bottom keypad. The arrow controls for the gradual speed adjustment are bi-functional. If pressed once, they will adjust speed by 0.1 MPH; if you press and hold a key down, the tread belt’s speed will adjust in increments of 0.5 MPH. The fact that you can adjust speed in increments of 0.1 is quite a plus, as you can easily find the most comfortable pace for your workout.

The motor itself is fairly quiet. But just as for any other treadmill, your running cadence will generate some noise. Differently put, in an apartment building, your neighbors will definitely hear you running.

Last but not least, the treadmill requires a standard 120V circuit. It comes with a standard power cord for American-type outlets, not an AC adapter. The connector for it is situated at the front of the deck, next to the On/Off switch.

Console

Compared to the older T 6.5 S model, this treadmill is equipped with a more advanced console. To begin with, it has a large, 14″ diagonal LCD display, full color, with LED backlight and touchscreen technology. It responds to similar commands as a tablet or smartphone. However, you cannot install apps on it or browse the web. It can only stream videos through iFit.

Speaking of iFit, the unit’s console offers full integration for this app and comes with 1-year of iFit membership. It also has wireless connectivity so it can connect to your Wi-Fi in order to access the iFit workout database (with more than 16,000 on-demand workouts), run via trails based on GoogleMaps, or benefit from Live Interactive training.

But nonetheless, the console has its own database of workout programs. It has 50 preset programs in its memory, programs that offer all types of workouts focusing on weight loss, high-intensity cardio, intervals, stamina development and much more. Also, the console display tracks all the important workout metrics, including time, distance, calories, pulse, speed, and incline. The speed and distance are set by default to imperial units (MPH and miles), but there is also the option of metric units (km/h, km).

For pulse reading, you can either use the sensors integrated into the front bar or a wireless HR chest strap. This accessory is not included, though.

In terms of other features, we can mention the sound system and workouts fan. The sound system consists of two 2″ digitally amplified speakers placed under the LCD display. You can sync it with your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth in order to listen to your music through it. The fan is an AutoBreeze™ type, integrated under the speakers; it has several speeds and does provide a fairly decent cooling effect.

Assembly and Maintenance

The machine’s deck with its rollers, belt, motors, and other elements, comes already assembled. Therefore, you only need to attach the front masts, the accessory tray, the handlebars, and the console. This shouldn’t take more than 30-40 minutes. All the tools necessary for the task are included and the manual provides very clear assembly instructions.

For maintenance, even though the belt is pre-lubricated with high-grade, industrial lubricants from the factory, after a while it may require extra lubrication. Other than that, you just have to keep the running belt clean, free of dirt, textile fibers or other objects that might be dragged under it and get caught in the motor.

The Pros

• Sturdy frame construction;
• Solid deck, being able to support users up to 300 lbs;
• Folding deck, space-saving design;
• FlexSelect deck cushioning with adjustable cells;
• Transport wheels included;
• Motorized incline, 0% – 12%;
• 3.6 CHP motor, speed levels up to 12 MPH;
• Speed can be adjusted increments of 0.1 MPH, and 0.5 MPH allowing you to find the perfect pace for your workout;
• Quick selection controls for both speed and incline;
• EGK pulse sensors integrated into handlebars;
• Advanced console with a 14″ HD display and touchscreen technology;
• 50 preset workout programs;
• iFit enabled and 1-year iFit membership included;
• Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity;
• Sound system included; 
• Workout fan included;
• Quiet operation;
• Fairly easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance required;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• An HR chest strap is not included;
• No tablet holder.

Summary

The NordicTrack T 9.5 S is a heavy-duty treadmill designed for home use. It features a 3.6 CHP drive motor, automatic incline, a durable FlexSelect cushioned deck, and large LCD display console. It has 50 workout programs in its memory but it also gives you the possibility to access the online iFit workout database. It’s an excellent machine for users of all levels, for light to intense cardio training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss. And finally, it’s not exactly an affordable fitness machine but definitely offers excellent value for the price.