Comparison: The Bowflex BTX 6 and the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si

The quest for a budget-friendly treadmill with a sturdy frame and plenty of features never ends, and along that search you’ve undoubtedly run across both the Bowflex and NordicTrack brands. Both companies bring a well-earned reputation for excellence in engineering and customer service, as well as an assortment of user-friendly features. The Bowflex BTX 6 and the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si represent the budget-friendly models of their respective families, at $1,199.99 and $1,299 respectively. You won’t find all the bells and whistles on these models that you might for higher-priced units, but customer reviews agree on the overall quality of the machine and its functionality. So which treadmill is better? Check out the comparison chart of the two models in a side-by-side analysis, it becomes clear there are several fundamental differences in the options. A more detailed comparison of each treadmill’s specs also helps in the determination of which unit is the best for you.

Bowflex BXT6 vs. NordicTrack T 6.5 Si

	Bowflex BXT6	NordicTrack T 6.5 Si
Price	$1,199.99	$1,299
Drive System	3.0 CHP motor	2.6 CHP DurX Commercial Plus Motor
Weight capacity	300 lbs.	300 lbs.
Display	7.5” Blue Backlit LCD screen	10” Smart HD Touchscreen
Interactive Training	JRNY: Phone/Tablet Pro App which operates separate from the machine	iFit: Phone/Tablet Pro App that Interfaces with Machine and afford live interaction
Entertainment Options	Built-in media rack; charging USB plug-in; Bluetooth 4.0 compatible; integrated speaker sound system	Auxiliary Music Port; Dual 2” Digitally Amplified Speakers
Workout Programs	JRNY, 120+ voice-coached custom workouts, new workouts daily	20 onboard programs and NordicTrack iFit streaming interactive training with trainer-controlled mechanisms, new workouts daily, and a library of pre-arranged
Heart-rate monitoring	Telemetry and heart-rate monitoring	EKG Grip Pulse
Speed	0.0 – 12 mph	0. – 10 mph
Incline	0 – 15%	0 – 10%
Dimensions	78.2″ L x 35.6″ W x 55.1″ H	73.5″ L x 36″ W x 54″ H
Deck	20″ x 60″	20″ x 55″
Shock Absorption	Comfort Tech Deck Cushioning	FlexSelect Cushioning
Folding	Yes	Yes
Warranty	10-year frame & motor; 3 years parts; 1 year labor.	10-year frame; 2 years parts; 1 year labor.
	View Bowflex BTX 6	View Nordictrack T 6.5 SI

Bowflex BTX 6 VS. NordicTrack T 6.5 SI: Which is better for you?

Right off the bat, you’ll notice there are a number of differences in size and features. The Bowflex BTX 6 features a 3.0 CHP motor as opposed to the 2.6 CHP DurX Commercial Plus Motor in the NordicTrack T 6.5 SI, which helps explain the difference in speeds offered, 0-10 as opposed to 0-12 mph. Both units have sturdy frames capable of handling users up to 300 pounds, and both can be folded and moved with relative ease. In terms of assembled size, the Bowflex unit is about 5” longer than its NordicTrack counterpart, and its deck is likewise longer. Depending on a runner’s stride length, this could be a factor. Shock absorption is offered on both units, with Bowflex’s Comfort Tech Deck Cushioning system matched up with the NordicTrack FlexSelect Cushioning. Both models offer a 10-year warranty on the frame, with Bowflex also offering a 10-year warranty on the motor as well. Bowflex also offers a 3-year plan for parts and electronics, one for labor. NordicTrack additionally offers a 2-year parts warranty and 1-year for labor.

The differences continue, in that the Bowflex model offers speeds up to 12 mph compared to only 10 mph on the NordicTrack. Incline difference is likewise 15% versus 10% respectively. The 5% difference, combined with 2 mph could potentially make a big difference for competitive runners/walkers over distance of miles. When checking into the details, we see that the $1,199.99 price offered for the Bowflex BXT6 Treadmill was originally $1,799.99, which makes sense when looking at the specs and realizing it’s simply more machine. The Bowflex unit sports a 60” x 20” deck size with 2.0mm 2-ply belt and 2.5” rollers. Meanwhile, the NordicTrack model has a 20” x 55” tread belt with 1.9” precision and balanced non-flex rollers. Depending on the size and stride of the user, this could make a difference over the life of the machine if heavy running is involved. Opting for the bigger and more solid unit does seem to make sense when the prices are this close.

In terms of entertainment, the machines are pretty equally matched, and users will simply adapt to the similar offerings. Both offer Bluetooth speakers and auxiliary ports as well as charging stations. The big advantage for NordictTrack is in its 10” Smart HD Touchscreen over the Bowflex 7.5”. How much of a difference that makes is really up to the user. Meanwhile, the big battle of the believers is in the Bowflex JRNY workout app versus the NordicTrack iFit universe. The JRNY program offers more than 120 workouts with progress loaded, analyzed, and processed for tracking. The iFit program is both live and interactive with professional trainers able to take control of the treadmill and adjust the incline and speed from remote. The program also comes with pre-recorded workouts as well. Both systems offer world maps for a visual while running, but the iFit program is more dynamic. Meanwhile, the JRNY program must be utilized via a separate smartphone or tablet while the NordicTrack unit affords the iFit display on its screen. Both programs are mobile in that users can take them anywhere and participate in the workouts whether at a hotel or gym, but NordicTrack machine is tailored directly for that. Of course this means that a stronger internet connection will be required as live streaming requires more power than the JRNY’s programs. Design-wise, both units are interactive and button-heavy with plenty of control afforded the user. Cooling fans help with comfort and trays for drinks or other objects are right at the handle bars.

Machine for machine, the Bowflex model is definitely bigger and brings more performance to the match up. With a longer, wider, running space, the Bowflex affords a higher speed and greater degree of incline. The unit also has a bigger engine, bigger rollers, and bigger belt. Against all that, the NordicTrack’s primary strength is a more dynamic workout app and bigger touch screen. While both machines are clearly a great value at these prices, we’d have to say the Bowflex BTX6 is the better buy for the buck.