Nautilus T618 Treadmill | Offers Virtual Outdoor Training

The Nautilus T618 treadmill features a highly sturdy steel frame coated with a corrosion-resistant and scratch-resistant, industrial-grade black paint finish.

The machine’s construction also integrates several PVC parts, such as the rear feet, rear roller covers, motor covers, side rails, and accessory trays. These, however, do not impact the machine’s overall sturdiness.

Like most treadmills, the Nautilus Performance T618 is a reasonably 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 at the rear for safe operation.

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. All this weight plays an essential role in its overall stability. You can ensure the machine won’t wobble, shake, or change its position, even during demanding workouts.

Furthermore, its front metallic base comes with four adjustable, rubberized stabilizers, which allow you to level it on any flooring or pavement perfectly.

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

Deck

The deck integrates a fold-up mechanism. It has a hydraulic lift that locks it upright and provides soft-drop unfolding. The machine’s length is reduced by half with the deck folded up.

The treadmill’s running platform has 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 maximize stability. In addition, 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 comfortably accommodate users up to 6’6″ (198 cm). Moreover, it supports heavier users, up to 350 lbs (159 kg).

The machine’s deck integrates the ReboundTM cushioning system, featuring two shock absorbers at the front and three close to the rear. The front cushions soften each foot’s landing, reducing impact, while the rear propels the kick-off providing an energy boost to the stride.

Due to these features, the workout-related pain is more tolerable, allowing you to undertake more extended and consistent runs.

T618 Incline and step-up height

The Nautilus T618 treadmill has 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 at the front of the deck.

Since the incline system is motorized, the deck’s ramp is only adjustable if the machine has a power connection. You can also adjust the incline from the console or 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 approx. 9″ (23 cm) above floor level. Thus, 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 height.

Motor

This Nautilus T618 treadmill comes with a 3.5 CHP, heavy-duty motor. It’s a continuous-duty motor withstands prolonged workouts at maximum speed without overheating or losing performance, even if the user is near the maximum weight capacity. It also comes with a small flywheel, which adds stability to the belt motion.

The motor offers a speed range between 0.5 MPH and 12 MPH. The speed is adjusted exclusively from the console or handrails. You’ll find gradual and quick adjustment keys for speed like the incline. The rate adjusts in increments of 0.1 MPH. Therefore, you can see the perfectly suited pace for each workout.

The machine comes with a standard U.S. 3-prong plug, not an adapter. It requires a 120V 15A power circuit. The treadmill should be solely connected to a power circuit to avoid surges without other devices connected to the same circuit.

Using a surge suppressor is not a bad idea to prevent any damage to the motors or console if a surge happens.

T618 Console

The Nautilus T618 treadmill comes 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 smaller display indicates the pacer’s workout goal, fitness score, and placement. The bottom, larger screen covers more info, including the program profiles, time, distance, laps, heart rate, calories, speed, incline, and pace.

The distance displays in miles and kilometers, while the speed is in MPH or km/h. For the Lap Count function, the distance is in laps of 0.25 miles (0.4 km), a great feature if you want to undertake a workout designed for professional runners.

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

Onboard workout programs

There are several sets of workout programs built into the console.

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

The console lets you store and use 4 User Profiles, each profile recording the workout results. Additionally, each user profile stores data. Such as 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 accurately determine your calorie-burning percentage.

Bluetooth enabled

Along with the onboard programs, this treadmill allows you to connect online to track your progress. In particular, the Bluetooth-enabled console will enable you to sync it with your smartphone, laptop, or tablet to use the “Nautilus Trainer 2” fitness app or directly transfer your workout data into your Nautilus Connect or MyFitnessPal account.

Furthermore, this machine is compatible with the Explore the World app. Take control of your fitness journey by exploring dozens of high-definition destinations and course lengths, including the Japanese Countryside, the Scottish Highlands, the streets of Prague, and many more. Thus, you can create running events, run with friends, and benefit from many other interactive and fun features through this app.

Using a USB flash drive, you can also transfer your workout data to your online fitness account. The console USB port also acts as a charging port for your device.

This Nautilus T618 treadmill offers several amenities, including a media tray, a sound system, and a cooling fan, all integrated into the console. The media tray is above the large LCD. The audio system is also compatible with most MP3 players, smartphones, and tablets, consisting of two speakers at the lowest corners of the console.

Although not too large, the workout fan does provide some cooling for your workout, featuring three remarkable speed settings.

T618 Assembly and Maintenace

The treadmill deck came fully assembled and attached to the metallic frame. So, you’ll have to connect the console masts, the accessory tray, and the console, connecting the wires.

Consequently, it shouldn’t take more than 45 minutes of your time. All the tools required for the assembly come with the treadmill, while the manual provides clear, step-by-step instructions.

You should keep the belt and deck clean for maintenance, free of any objects that may be caught by the belt and dragged into the rollers or damage the motor. Notably, the belt requires lubrication with a silicone-based lubricant after every 25 hours of use. Also, a periodic check for loose bolts and parts and retighten them.

Pros

• Sturdy overall construction;
• The solid deck can 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 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 opportunity to find the pace that fits perfectly for you;

  

• Automatic incline, 0% – 15%;
• 26 workout programs;
• Bluetooth enabled the console, allowing you to use the Nautilus Trainer 2 app directly;
• Compatible with the Explore the World app;
• A 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;
• An HR chest strap transmitter comes with the treadmill;
• Easy to assemble;
• Smooth and relatively quiet operation;
• Little maintenance is required;
• Consistent warranty plan.

Cons

• The massive machine requires at least two people for transport and assembly;
• The cooling fan isn’t mighty.

Nautilus T618 Treadmill Machine Summary

The Nautilus T618 is a light commercial quality treadmill equipped with a 3.5 CHP motor and automatic incline (0-15%), with a substantial deck that can support users up to a maximum of 350 lbs. In addition, its console offers 26 workout programs, and Bluetooth connectivity enables you to use the Explore the World app.

Accordingly, it’s a running machine 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 similar features, but without losing quality. All in all, it’s a treadmill with an exceptional price/value ratio, one of the best.

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Please remember that you should consult your physician to determine if you have any medical or physical conditions that could risk your health and safety or prevent you from using the equipment properly. In addition, your physician’s advice is essential if you are taking medication that affects your heart rate, blood pressure, or cholesterol level.