Nordictrack T 8.5 S User Manual

NordicTrack T8.0 Treadmill Manuals & User Guides. User Manuals, Guides and Specifications for your NordicTrack T8.0 Treadmill Other. Database contains 5 NordicTrack T8.0 Treadmill Manuals (available for free online viewing or downloading in PDF): Manual. NordicTrack T8.5S Features. This treadmill model comes with a lot of great features that most people will find very helpful. This includes up to a 12% incline to help add more variety and challenge to your workout (while saving your joints!), a 12MPH max speed rating to help you get those HIIT sessions in, 50 different program options to choose from, iFit capabilities to guarantee that you are. Of the four models in the current NordicTrack T Series treadmills, the T 8.5 S is an easy favorite. Though only $300 more than the smaller T 7.5 S, it uses a higher spec motor, has a 3-inch larger HD touchscreen, and most notably it nearly doubles the length of its warranty on parts and labor.

The NordicTrack T 8.5 S is one of four treadmills first introduced in 2019 as part of the brand new T Series.

View and Download NordicTrack T 8.0 user manual online. T 8.0 treadmill pdf manual download. Also for: Ntl08010.1.

User

These treadmills replaced the former C Series, with new features and capabilities, yet still with an affordable price tag. If you are looking for a solid machine with plenty of extras, and don't want to spend a fortune, the T Series is a great place to start.

Let's dive into our review and take a look at this new treadmill...

T 8.5 S - The Machine

The 8.5 S, like the rest of the T Series treadmills, features a brand new design for the company, a combination of black and gray with a fresh, modern look.

There's plenty of room to stretch out on the generously sized deck, and the advanced cushioning helps minimize impact on your knees and joints.

Here are the most important specs...

  • 3.5 CHP DurX™ Motor
  • 20' x 60' Tread Belt
  • 0-12 mph 1-Touch™ Speed
  • 0-12% 1-Touch™ Incline
  • 10' Smart HD Touch Screen
  • 50 Workout Programs
  • FlexSelect™ Cushioning
  • iFit Coach Enabled
  • Adjustable AutoBreeze Fan
  • 300 lbs User Weight Capacity
  • Bluetooth Audio
  • Spacesaver Design with Easylift™ Assist
  • Warranty: Lifetime frame and motor, 5 year parts, 2-year labor

The Buzz

Consumers seem to be loving the new NordicTrack T Series, as it is very similar to the upper level Commercial Series in many ways, but without the higher price tag.

Nordictrack t 8.5 s user manual download

So you're getting a lot more bang for the buck than you got on the former C Series.

The T 8.5 S is one of the more advanced models in the series, with an impressive 10' Smart HD touch screen that is similar to the ones you find in high end gyms. You can view your workout stats or choose from a limitless amount of on demand workouts through iFit Coach, which also includes Google maps of any location worldwide.

You get up to 12 mph speed and 12% incline capability, and a large 20' x 60' running surface which you typically don't find on a treadmill under $1,500.

You have the company's patented Flex Select cushioning that allows you to choose the type of running surface you prefer. Ramp up the cushioning to minimize impact on your joints or lower it to make it more similar to an outdoor run on the street. It's nice to have that flexibility.

The NordicTrack T 8.5 S gives you a powerful 3.5 CHP motor that is capable of handling even the most strenuous workouts, and there are 50 built in programs including hills, high intensity training, distance, weight loss and more, so you can always change things up from one workout to the next.

There are also plenty of extras included, a hallmark of NordicTrack treadmills.

There's new Bluetooth audio so you can play your favorite tunes through the digitally amplified speakers as you workout; there's a great workout fan; there's a media tray; there's SpaceSaver design for easy folding and storing; there's easy OneTouch controls to make quick adjustments on the go.

The T 8.5 S has just about everything you can ask for, and the only thing separating it from the top of the line T 9.5 S is the 10' touch screen as opposed to the larger 14' one on the higher end model.

Both are great choices though...just jam packed with features and capabilities you don't find elsewhere.

How Does the T 8.5 S Compare to the Other NordicTrack Treadmills?

NordicTrack has always offered a large number of treadmills, so it can be difficult to decide which one to go with. Thankfully they categorize them to make it a little easier.

Currently you have the T Series, the Commercial Series and the Incline Trainer Series.

Let's take a look at all three here to see what you're getting with each, starting with the entry level T Series.

The most affordable treadmill in the lineup is the T 6.5 S. It offers a 10' Smart HD touch screen, 2.6 CHP motor, up to 10% incline and 10 mph speed, a 20' x 55' running area and 20 built in workout programs.

The T 7.5 S has a 7' Smart HD touch screen (not sure why it's smaller on this model), a stronger 3.0 CHP motor, more incline and speed: 12% and 12 mph, respectively, larger 20' x 60' running deck and many more workouts than the T 6.5 S: 50 in total.

It also adds Bluetooth audio, an AutoBreeze workout fan and an integrated tray for your tablet.

The T 8.5 S, as you've read about above, has a 10' Smart HD touch screen and a stronger 3.5 CHP motor. Otherwise it is very similar to the T 7.5 S.

The top of the line T 9.5 S has a 14' Smart HD touch screen and slightly more powerful 3.6 CHP motor. Otherwise it is essentially the same as the T 8.5 S.

So those are the four T Series treadmills. Moving up you then have the Commercial Series and the Incline Trainer Series.

The Commercial Series treadmills (1750, 2450 and 2950) have at least 3.75 CHP motors, incline and decline capability (no decline on the T Series), larger 22' x 60' decks, more advanced cushioning and better workout fans.

The Incline Trainer treadmills (X11i, X22i and X32i) are very much like the Commercial Series, just with more incline and decline capability, and even larger touch screens on some models.

So you can think of the NordicTrack T 8.5 S as perhaps a notch or two below the base Commercial Series 1750, which is one of our top picks for the home gym.

Most users will be more than satisfied with a T Series treadmill, especially the T 8.5 S and T 9.5 S...but if you think you need something more powerful, with more incline and decline and an even larger running surface, consider the Commercial Series as well.

NordicTrack T 8.5 S Review - Bottom Line

If you are in the market for a great home treadmill that won't break the bank, the NordicTrack T 8.5 S is definitely a winner.

You get a large touch screen display, large running area, 50 built in programs plus all that get from iFit Coach, good cushioning, incline, Bluetooth audio, strong motor...the list goes on and on.

If you want to save a few hundred you can look at the T 7.5 S and T 6.5 S, but we think the upper two models are worth the additional expenditure.

And again, if you think you need something a bit more advanced, definitely take a look at the Commercial 1750 or one of the other models in that series. Those will add decline, larger decks and stronger motors to the mix, which is ideal for multiple users or heavy use by one or two individuals.

Quick Summary

If you want to get into a commercial grade treadmill that’s a good choice for beginners up to more advanced runners, the NordicTrack T8.5S might be the choice for you. This treadmill is great as it features the folding capacity, so is excellent for those who are looking to save space in a small home design.

This treadmill provides great guidance as you go about your workouts so should be able to help you pick a program you not only enjoy, but stick with over time.

Our Rating

Rating: 93.8/100. The NordicTrack T8.5S is a commercial grade treadmill that won’t have you breaking the bank, but yet, still features a number of fantastic options for those who are looking to get fit in the comfort of their own home. NordicTrack has made it simple for people to follow along with a workout program without ever having to invest in a personal trainer thanks to their iFit application.

This app, which you’ll get free for a one year period with the purchase of your treadmill, provides you with over 16,000 different workout session options, offers live coaching for those who need a little help and guidance, and is an ideal choice for those who are hoping to maximize their consistency. With help on the nutrition and lifestyle side of things as well, iFit really is like your very own personal trainer.

Note that this application however will cost $39/month after your initial year period is up, so that is a cost you will have to bear. This said, it’s a great deal to have included on the treadmill for that first year you are using it.

Size-wise the treadmill is a pretty good footprint size and should fit in most homes with ease. It’s not overly large, but this said, being a commercial style treadmill, it is going to be bigger than some of the home treadmills out there.

It has good incline and speed capabilities – it may not be the best out there, but for beginners who are just looking to begin their workout sessions, it will easily get the job done. Even for more advanced runners, they should have no problem getting fit on this machine.

The biggest drawback perhaps of the NordicTrack T8.5S is that it doesn’t have the largest of maximum weight capacity ratings. At 300 lbs., users who are heavier at 175+ pounds may find this treadmill doesn’t feel quite as stable as others on the market when they are running at higher speeds or inclines.

If you are a 200 lb. walker, you probably won’t have any issue using this treadmill but if you do like to pick it up a bit, you may want to invest in a higher level machine with a higher weight rating.

Pros:

  • Offers up to a 12% incline to help you increase your total calorie burn, cardiovascular fitness, and strength, all while helping to protect your joints
  • Goes up to 12 mph, which should cover most users easily
  • Has a 3.5 continuous horsepower motor, which will help you sustain lengthy workout sessions without a challenge
  • Provides 50 different on board programs, meaning these are available all the time, without a membership. You should never suffer from boredom with this machine.
  • Uses EasyLiftTM to help elevate the treadmill up to a folding position. This is great for those who are needing the space to perform weight lifting or other activities
  • Is Bluetooth capatible
  • Offers built in dual 2” digitally amplified speakers so you can listen to your music easily while you go about your session
  • Has 1.9” precision and balanced non-flex rollers to help you easily roll the treadmill out of the room as needed
  • Comes with an AutoBreeze workout fan to help keep you cool while you go about your training session
  • The FlexSelect cushioning system with the deck allows you to choose how much cushioning support you want, which can be great for those who are preparing for a road race and want to feel more like they are running outside

Cons:

Nordictrack T 8.5 S User Manual Download

  • Offers only a 300 lb. maximum user capacity
  • Will have the ongoing cost of iFit at $39/month after the first year if you want to maintain those capabilities
  • Does only incline to 12% capacity. Other models do go up to 40%, so if you want to take your fitness to a higher level, those may be a better choice.

Introduction

The NordicTrack T8.5S is a good entry level commercial model for those who are getting into their fitness training and hoping to get all those extra bonus features that you’d get from a higher level machine without the higher level price tag.

As far as programming goes, you really get essentially the same thing on this machine that you do on more expensive machines; it’s just the underlying structure that’s a bit different.

The maximum user weight on this machine is set to 300 lbs., which some people may find on the low side, however it depends upon your starting weight and what you plan to do.

Keep in mind that two factors impact what you need to have for user weight and that is how heavy you are (the obvious one) and how intensely you plan to work.

Someone who is 185 and plans to sprint train on this treadmill will likely find it shakes a bit more than someone who is 225 pounds but just doing a slow walk. The treadmill will certainly support both instances, but the max weight capacity is good to know so you can plan ahead for what style of training you are doing.

If you are 250 pounds and trying to do very intense intervals on this treadmill, that may become more problematic and you may want to seek out a machine that has a maximum user weight of 325 or 350 pounds instead.

Workout Programs

This treadmill offers 50 different on board programs so no matter what it is you want to be doing with your workout sessions, you should be able to find a workout that will accommodate. These workouts will be with you regardless of whether you maintain your iFit account, so are great to have in place.

This adds more flexibility in your workout schedule, makes it more interesting, and ensures that you keep progressing as well.

NordicTrack T8.5S Features

This treadmill model comes with a lot of great features that most people will find very helpful. This includes up to a 12% incline to help add more variety and challenge to your workout (while saving your joints!), a 12MPH max speed rating to help you get those HIIT sessions in, 50 different program options to choose from, iFit capabilities to guarantee that you are never bored, one touch controls so you can quickly change your speed or incline as needed, a powerful continuous horsepower motor that will keep you going until you decide to stop and a speaker system to help ensures that you don’t miss a beat and stay motivated while using this treadmill.

Warranty & Guarantee

The new normal for NordicTrack warranties leaves a bit to be desired. Its frame is covered for 10 years, parts and electronics are covered for 2 years, and labor for one year. Compared to their previous warranty offerings, this is a bit underwhelming.

Nordictrack T 8.5 S User Manual Free

Conclusion

If you are looking to get fit or take your fitness up the next level, you should find that the NordicTrack T8.5S is a great model to use and will help you maximize your fitness potential. With so many good workouts to choose from, you will continually progress and should stay quite consistent since boredom won’t factor in.

Nordictrack T 8.5 S User Manual

If you aren’t feeling challenged enough, just use on of the many different iFit programs available instead. You can also fold this treadmill up for room to do your strength training activities as well, giving you the best of both worlds for your fitness plan.