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The Nautilus T614 is a mid-level treadmill which is particularly designed for runners who run for fun as well as more serious runners. The 20-inch wide and 55-inch long running area is big enough for runners.
PROS
- Remote Heart Rate Monitor is supported
- USB media charging port which could be used to charge a smartphone or tablet
- 3-speed adjustable fan
CONS
- The console can be a bit overwhelming at first
- ‘Only’ 10 years of warranty on the frame
- Data export to Nautilusconnect.com or Myfitnesspal requires down- and uploading information from a USB-stick
Key Features
- The folding design is supported by a SoftDrop hydraulic system. This will help to unfold the machine more easily.
- The incline can be adjusted up to 12% by using the buttons on the control panel. This will make your workout more intense and as a result, you’ll build more muscle and burn more calories.
- Use and save 2 user profiles. The user profiles will automatically save the results after each workout. This way you can keep track of your progress.
- The 22 built-in workout programs are challenging enough for most recreational runners. You can choose between, for example; heart health, weight control and interval programs.
- Possibility to connect a remote heart rate monitor. Which is an accurate way to measure your heart rate. Please be aware of the fact that you can only connect a uncoded heart rate monitor from Polar Electro or a compatible uncoded Polar model.
The difference between a coded and an uncoded heart rate strap is that a coded model is designed to work with one particular device at the same time. An uncoded model could accidentally connect with different workout machines.
This is not something you should worry about, unless you plan on working out in a room with multiple people, who all work out at different cardio machines and are all using a heart rate monitoring device.
Review of the product
Build quality: 5/5
Most of the materials which are used for the T614 are of decent quality. To give you an example, let’s take a look at the 2.5-inch crowned rollers that are used.
The long tube-shaped rollers are an important part of the treadmill because the belt wraps around the rollers. Rollers are supposed to keep the belt of the treadmill in the center.
Low-quality rollers will make the belt move from time to time, which is obviously very annoying. Because then you’ll need to adjust the belt in order to center it. The T614 has got crowned rollers which you normally only find on higher-end treadmills. So that’s a plus.
Other aspects of this treadmill which are directly or indirectly related to the build quality, are the; 300 lbs maximum user weight, 4 Hex Cell StrikeZone cushioning system and limited warranty.
The 300 lbs maximum user weight and a special cushioning system are pretty common things for mid-level treadmills.
Power & Noise 4/5
The 2.75 CHP motor is powerful enough for runners to run at higher speed levels. This treadmill supports a maximum speed of 12 miles per hour. Which is usually fast enough for recreational runners.
If you plan on running at a high-speed level on a regular basis, then you should be aware that at a higher speed level you can expect the motor to make a bit of noise. How noisy it will is depends on various factors, like; the room itself, the use (or absence) of a mat under the treadmill and your own noise acceptance level.
Ease of use 3.5/5
At first sight, the console of the T614 might look a bit overwhelming to some people. There are quite a lot of options which you can choose from and it might take some time to figure out all of the information on the display. But once you got a hold of it, you’ll probably agree that most of it does make sense.
The high-resolution blue backlit LCD monitor displays all of the information you may expect, like; time, distance, incline percentage, speed and calories burned. The combination of the high resolution and backlit does make the display clear to read.
This could be helpful for people who want to place the treadmill in a room without a lot of light or for those who’s eyes aren’t that good anymore.
Easy of assembly 3.5/5
The assembly of this treadmill does require some (technical) insight. Luckily, the pictures in the manual are all pretty clear and all of the 12 steps are described in a logical way.
Some of the materials might be heavy for one person, that’s why the assembly can require 2 persons. Furthermore, scissors are needed and a utility knife is recommended during the assembly.
Lastly, you could have it up and running in 1 hour, but it depends a lot on your technical insight and if you’ve got someone that can help you to assemble the heavier parts. So, there’s no definite answer to the approximate assembly time.
How does it compare?
Nautilus T616
If you are a serious runner then you’ll probably want to take a look at the Nautilus T616. It’s the upgraded model of the T614.
The most interesting upgrades for runners are the; better cushioning system, more powerful motor and bigger running area. These are features that are important to serious runners. That’s why the T616 might be more interesting if you’re one of them.
ProForm ZT10
The ProForm ZT10 is just like the T616 a machine geared towards the more advanced runners. This model has got a 3 CHP motor, 15% incline and a 20- by 60-inch running belt.
These are features that will matter if you’re running at a higher pace and want to put more variety in your training.
Yowza Fitness Lido
The Yowza Fitness has a unique design that some people may like. However, the overall features aren’t as good compared to the T614. It has a maximum speed of 8 mph and 17- by 51-inch running belt. So the Lido is geared towards walkers.