| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Motor | Apps | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Xterra TR6.6 Check Discounted Price | L:79" W:35" H:53" | 350 lbs | 3 CHP, 0.5-12 MPH | 12 | Motor: lifetime Frame: lifetime Deck: 5 years Parts: 2years Labor: 1 year |
Making the right choice when it comes to a treadmill isn’t exactly easy, as there are hundreds (if not thousands) of models out there. But if you’re looking for a gym-quality treadmill, which so far benefits from a lot of popularity among runners, the Xterra TR6.6 should be on your list.
This treadmill has an almost perfect price/quality ratio, and is one exercising machine with just about all the features a runner would expect from a treadmill. It offers the running setting for users of all levels, from beginner to pro. And if you thinking about using it for at least 20 hours a week, you need not to worry about its performance and durability, as this treadmill is definitely not one of the “cheapies”.
Details and Specs
- Assembled dimensions: 79L x 35W x 53H inches (200.6L x 89W x 134.6H cm)
- Tread belt dimensions: 60L x 20W inches (152L x 51W cm)
- Product weight: 265 lbs (120 kg)
- Supported weight: 350 lbs (159 kg)
- Motor: 3 CHP, DC type
- Incline: Automatic, 0-15%
- Deck cushioning: Yes
- Speed levels: 0.5-12 MPH.
- Training programs: 12
- Pulse sensors: Yes
- Multifunctional console: Yes
- Other accessories: Chest strap, sound system, cooling fan, tablet holder, bottle/accessory holders
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor lifetime / Deck 5 years / Parts 2 years / Labor 1 year
Running surface
Since the deck is the most important part of a treadmill, we ought to start with its description. The Xterra Trail Racer 6.6 features a well-built, very solid deck, designed to support users up to 350 lbs (159 kg). It has a special shock absorbing system built in, considerably reducing the impact on your joints when running. And since running on this treadmill feels much better than running on just about any terrain, you can undergo longer running sessions.
The running surface (or the tread belt) of this exercising machine has standard dimensions, 20″W x 60″L (51 x 152 cm), which can easily accommodate users up to 6’6″ (198 cm). Given the dimensions of the tread belt, the treadmill’s footprint isn’t exactly space saving, as it will occupy a surface of 35″W x 79″L (89 x 200.6 cm) in the room where it will be placed. On top of that, it also requires at least one foot of clearance on each side, and about two feet at the rear, evidently for safety reasons. However, the deck has a hydraulic folding mechanism with lift-assist and soft-drop, allowing vertical folding.
The deck is furnished with industrial-grade, 2.36″ rollers, with ball bearings for a smooth motion. The belt is a 2-ply Duraveave model, a heavy-duty belt which should last for many years, even with daily use. Just as in most superior quality treadmills, the Xterra TR6.6 gives the user the possibility to adjust and tighten the belt. Even though belt tension isn’t exactly critical for most users, professional runners, or just about anyone who wants to run several miles a day, will surely want a smooth and steady running surface. Finally, the deck is furnished with spacious aluminum side rails, providing enough footrest surface.
Frame
The running surface of the TR6.6 Xterra treadmill is supported by steel-made frame. The frame has a sleek design, sturdy, heavy, black-dyed with anti-corrosive powder coating. The front part 
of the frame is equipped with four transport wheels, to ease the moving of the folded device. There are two small feet with rubber levelers on the rear base of the frame, providing maximum stability to the deck, even if the machine isn’t placed on even flooring.
Motor and incline
The Xterra Trail Racer 6.6 is equipped with a powerful 3 CHP continuous duty motor. This means the motor can easily withstand long running sessions, without overheating or losing performance. It can easily support users of the maximum weight listed, without jerking or skipping. It supplies speeds between 0.5 and 12 MPH, the manual adjustment of speed increasing with increments of 0.5 MPH.
The motor is pretty silent. Even at full speed, the noise level emitted by it is negligible. It won’t interfere with the sound of your TV or your music.
The treadmill is supplied with a simple power cord, and does not require an adapter. In order to be powered, it must be plugged into a nominal 120V power circuit. The power cord input is located at the front of the treadmill, below the motor hood. There’s also an ON/OFF switch near the power cord input.
The incline mechanism is fully automatic, featuring a rack & pinion gear design. It offers multiple levels of incline, between 0 and 15% (a maximum of roughly 11°). Just as the speed, the incline level can be directly adjusted from the console or handlebar digits, or you can use one of the preset programs which will automatically adjust the incline and speed.
In case you’re wondering, at 0% incline the deck gives the user an elevation of 8″ (20 cm), adding a couple more inches as you use the incline.
Console and amenities
In terms of amenities and accessories, this exercising machine has just about everything a runner would need. The dashboard has molded accessory or water bottle slots on each side. It has a built-in sound system, consisting in two speakers, and evidently a port for your MP3 player or smart device. The lower part of the dashboard has a fan, great feature to have during intense workout programs. The handlebars incorporate EKG grip sensors for tracking pulse, but the console is also telemetry enabled, and a HR chest strap is supplied with the machine. 
The performance monitor on the console features a 7.5″ in diagonal display, with LED backlight for superior readability. When it comes to its fitness-oriented functions, first of all we need to mention that it indicates pace, calories, time elapsed, distance, pulse, the incline level and the current speed of the treadmill. There is a running track function, which provides a training setting with laps of 1/4 miles each, great function for professional athletes, and for timing improvement.
The console offers 12 training programs, including 6 factory preset programs, 3 user defined programs, 2 heart rate programs and one manual program. Evidently, with the user and manual programs, you can customize your running routine yourself. Also, for a correct calorie burn count, and a correct display of the heart graph, you are required to insert data such as weight and age.
There are direct keys on the dashboard for each program. Incline and speed have arrow keys for gradual adjustment, however there are also 5 keys for quick incline and quick speed. The lower part of the dashboard features two STOP and START keys, just in case you need to take a quick break and resume your training afterwards, without resetting the values.
Last but not least, just as any top-quality treadmill, this Xterra model does feature a safety key. This is actually an important feature to have, as you can quickly stop the machine without losing any of the current values. Of course, the safety key should be pinned to your running outfit, to quickly stop running belt in case you fall.
Assembly and Maintenance
The assembly of this Xterra treadmill isn’t complicated. However, since it’s a heavy exercising machine, you will be needing the help of another person. The deck comes already assembled, with the motor and incline mechanism attached, and connected to the base of the frame. All you have to do is attach the main posts to the frame, the dashboard with the console on top of them, and of course, connect the wires. The whole thing shouldn’t last more than 30 minutes. The tools required for it are included, along with the user’s manual, which guides you step-by-step through the assembly process and the use of the machine.
For maintenance, the belt requires lubrication after every 90 hours of use. The console will actually notify you when the belt requires lubrication. Silicone lubricant is required for this, and the box includes one tube. Extra lubricant is also available from Xterra. Other than this, all you have to do is keep the belt clean, re-tighten or re-align it if it’s the case, and from time to time remove the motor hood and vacuum it’s case, to ensure its well-functioning.
Pluses
In case you’ve been missing any of the pluses and advantages The TR6.6 Xterra has to offer, here’s a summary:
- Very solid, heavy-duty treadmill, built to last.
- Heavy frame and deck assembly, rendering it very stable, supplying a secure feeling when running on it.
- Foldable deck.
- Supports heavy-set users, up to 350 lbs.
- Spacious running surface, accommodating tall users up to 6.6″ with no problem.
- 3 CHP continuous duty motor, providing utmost performance even throughout extra long running sessions.
- Automatic incline, 0-15%.
- Cushioned deck, absorbing a great deal from the impact on the user’s joints.
- Sound system.
- Integrated fan.
- Bottle / accessory holder.
- Tablet tray.
- 12 training programs.
- Quick keys for each program, speed and incline.
- EKG sensors built-in the handlebars.
- Telemetry enabled console; HR chest strap included.
- Start / Pause key.
- Quiet machine.
- Low maintenance.
- Consistent warranty package.
- Excellent price/quality ratio.
Minuses
Of course, even if it’s a top-quality treadmill, it has several drawbacks that you should be aware 
of. First of all, it’s quite heavy, which makes its transportation and handling problematic. Second, it’s a pretty bulky machine, and requires quite some using space, even though it’s foldable, so storage shouldn’t be too much of a problem.
Final Conclusion
The Xterra TR6.6 is one of the best treadmills that you can find at the moment within this price range. Actually, many other models similar in specs and features with this one, cost up to $400 more. It’s a sturdy machine, built to last, offering just about everything you would need from a treadmill. It supplies the perfect running setting for a wide array of users, from beginner to pro. Therefore, if you need to lose weight, tone your muscles, build stamina and keep a healthy cardiovascular shape, this treadmill can definitely deliver results.