Many people are interested in comparing the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si and the ProForm 505 CST because they are similarly priced and both boast iFit capabilities.
In this article, we will review each of the machines and compare them to each other so you can decide which is best suited for your needs - NordicTrack T 6.5 Si vs Proform 505 CST.
I personally have owned both so I am speaking from experience. I bought both used (one from Play it Again Sports & the other from FB Marketplace). I put together the do's & don't s of buying a used treadmill. This will help you make a good decision and save you money.
NordicTrack T 6.5 Si vs ProForm 505 CST Specs:
Training Options:
The NordicTrack T 6.5 Si offers power-controlled 0-10% inclines and 0-10 MPH speeds. These options allow you to incrementally increase/decrease your incline and speed at any point during your workout with a one-touch button.
You can stream a variety of programmed workouts from the expanding library of on-demand workouts.
When you do these workouts, the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si treadmill will automatically adjust your incline and speed to help you reach your training goal.
The NordicTrack T 6.5 Si is iFit enabled, meaning you can use all the functions of an iFit membership from your treadmill.
On this machine, iFit features Google Maps technology, iFit Community, personal trainer engagement, streaming workouts, and daily workout challenges for cardio, strength training, and fat-burning.
With a ll these features, it’s no surprise that iFit requires a membership.The ProForm 505 CST is iFit capable, meaning you can engage in the iFit community and access thousands of streaming workouts from your streaming device with the iFit app.
You will need to download the iFit app onto your mobile device or tablet to utilize iFit on this machine.
Your treadmill data will be automatically loaded into iFit, if you have a subscription and the app, so you can track your workout stats.
If you choose not to use iFit, you will still have the option to use 18 preset programs, offering a speed range of 0-10 MPH and a 0-10% incline.
There are quick access buttons so you can customize your workout with the touch of a button. Like the Proform 505 CST, both are top treadmills that have built in or offer television connections.
Winners:
- Incline Range – tied
- Speed Range – tied
- Program Capabilities – NordicTrack T 6.5 Si
- Overall Training Features – NordicTrack T 6.5 Si
- View the complete review of the NordicTrack T 6.5SI here.
- NordicTrack the #1 Treadmill Brand - Based on US Treadmill Dollar Share, TraQline Data 2018-2023
- 30-Day iFIT Membership Included; Stream Live & On-Demand Workouts On Your Equipment With Global Workouts & Studio Classes; Elite Trainers Adjust Your Equipment (15 Dollar Value)
- Immersive 10-inch interactive HD touchscreen streams on-demand iFIT workouts directly to your equipment and provides easy stats tracking; SMART-Response motor for effective running and cardio training
- 10 % OneTouch incline control; 10 MPH SMART OneTouch speed control; Your iFIT Trainer auto-adjusts your smart treadmill’s speed and incline for a fully optimized workout that meets your goals
- Innovative SpaceSaver design with EasyLift Assist means your treadmill can fold up after your run for compact, simple storage; 20” x 50” tread deck; Bluetooth headphone connectivity for in-ear audio
In theory, these two machines offer similar training options. They both have 0-10% incline and 0-10 MPH speed options.
They both offer programmed workouts. It is in the iFit capabilities that these machines differ.
Though you can use iFit with either machine, the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si has a built-in television so you do not have to download an app or use another device to manage your workouts like you would have to with the ProForm 505 CST.
This is only a minor inconvenience, but for those people who have a tendency to let even a minor inconvenience disrupt their fitness plans, it can make a big difference.
For this reason, we have chosen the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si as the better machine when it comes to training options.
Mechanics:
In this section, we will compare the mechanics of the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si to the ProForm 505 CST, including the cushioning, belt size, motor size, and weight limits for the machines.
As you know, cushioning is an important consideration for people who want to reduce their impact, absorb shock, and limit their risk for injuries.
When it comes to comfort and preserving your ability to run with a natural stride, belt size is important to review.
Motor size is important because it impacts how long and hard you will be able to train. Also, motor size can impact the noise and vibration your machine generates when it is in use.
Weight limits can be an important facet of your decision if you are large in size.
The NordicTrack T 6.5 Si treadmill features a 20” x 55” belt with FlexSelect Cushioning that is powered by a 2.6 CHP self-cooling DurX Motor.
FlexSelect cushioning allows you to select the level of cushion you want, whether that is road-running or maximum cushion.
The motor reduces belt vibration, which means less noise. The maximum user weight is 300 pounds.
The ProForm 505 CST tread belt is 20” x 55” and features ProShox cushioning technology.
With a mid-sized 2.5 CHP Mach Z commercial motor, you will notice your motor runs smoothly and powerfully, even on your toughest runs.
The maximum user weight is 325 pounds.
Winners:
- Cushioning – NordicTrack T 6.5 Si
- Belt Size – tied
- Motor Size – basically tied
- Weight Limit – ProForm 505 CST
- Overall Mechanics Winner – NordicTrack T 6.5 Si
As in the training features comparison, the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si and ProForm 505 CST are very similar. The primary differences are the weight limits and cushioning.
- Discover Trainer-Led Workouts; A 30-day iFit trial membership gives you access to interactive training sessions, on-demand studio & global workouts, and connected fitness tracking in your home
- 5” Backlit Display; Track speed, distance, and estimated calorie burn; Integrated Tablet Holder; Stream interactive iFit workouts to your own smart device to stay engaged and motivated as you train
- Self-Cooling Mach Z Drive System powers sustained speed, interval, and endurance cardio training; Trainer-led 0-10 MPH Digital QuickSpeed Control and 0-10% Digital Quick Incline Control
- 20” x 55” Tread Belt recommended for users under 6’2”; ProShox Deck Cushioning protects your joints for a more comfortable run and recovery; Dual 2” Speakers and Auxiliary Port for entertainment
- 325-pound user weight capacity; Protected by a 10-year frame warranty and 1-year parts and labor warranty; 61” H x 36” W x 73.5” L
We decided to let the cushioning technology take precedence over the weight limit, since every user will benefit from cushioning, and only some users will be concerned with weight limits.
The NordicTrack T 6.5 Si FlexSelect cushioning is customizable, which means it will appeal to more users.
If you are not concerned with simulating road-running conditions, or if you are only interested in having a belt with shock-absorption or impact-reduction, you could consider these machines tied as far as comfort goes.
In any case, we like the idea of having a cushioning option, so we’ve decided the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si is the winner in the Mechanics department.
Extra Features:
The NordickTrack T 6.5 Si features a 10” Interactive HD Touchscreen display that allows you complete access to GoogleMaps technology and iFit.
The clear image it provides, and the WiFi connectivity, make the display function of the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si treadmill one of the best in the industry.
The touchscreen display also shows your time, distance, speed, incline, and heart rate. Your heart rate can be read using the EKG grip pulses on the handlebars.
Extra features include an auxiliary music port, two 2” speakers, a media shelf, and two cup holders.
The 5” backlist display on the ProForm 505 CST shows your mileage, speed, calorie burn, heart rate, and time.
Your heart rate can be monitored on the EKG pulse grips or with the use of a compatible chest strap, sold separately.
Your ability to track your workout stats for the long term depends on whether or not you sign up for an iFit membership.
Extra bells and whistles include a media stand, auxiliary port, built-in 2” speakers, a tablet holder, and two cup holders.
The tablet holder is especially impressive because it does not cover the display console. Plus, if you have an iFit membership, you can watch your fitness trainers from your tablet while it is on your machine.
If you have an iFit membership, your treadmill will connect to your tablet via Bluetooth technology.
So, the big difference between the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si and the ProForm 505 CST is in their display options.
There is a big difference between a 10” touchscreen display and a 5” backlit display. If you already own a tablet, it may not be a big deal for you to login to iFit on your tablet while it is in the tablet holder on the ProForm 505 CST.
If you don’t have a tablet or don’t want to hassle with connecting it to your treadmill, you’ll love the built-in display on the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si. This is really matter of personal preference.
Warranty:
The NordicTrack T 6.5 Si treadmill has a lifetime frame and motor warranty and a 1-year parts and labor warranty.
The ProForm 505 CST comes with a lifetime frame warranty, 25-year motor warranty, and 1-year parts and labor warranty.
As you can see, the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si and ProForm 505 CST are very similar machines, offering comparable benefits and nearly identical features, except in their displays.
The NordicTrack T 6.5 Si offers a superior display. We have decided that both of these machines are impressive, but they are built with different audiences in mind.
The NordicTrack T 6.5 Si is ideal for a runner who loves interactive fitness technology and doesn’t want to hassle with extra equipment, apps, or log-ins.
For the runner who doesn’t mind complimenting their runs with the use of a tablet or mobile device, the ProForm 505 CST will be fantastic.
In either case, these machines are designed for people who are most interested in utilizing all the benefits and features of iFit. If iFit is not of interest to you, the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si and ProForm 505 CST may not be the ideal treadmills to suit your more basic desires.
As a reminder, if you want to use iFit on either the NordicTrack T 6.5 Si or the ProForm 505 CST, you will need to pay for a subscription to the iFit community.
Conclusion
As you can see, the ProForm 505 CST and Schwinn 830 treadmills offer many perks to their users. Although the Schwinn 830 has a larger motor, incline range, and speed range, you may be limited by its smaller belt size.
Despite its less impressive motor, incline range, and speed range, the ProForm 505 CST has iFit capabilities and advanced accessory features that make this machine more entertaining and engaging to use.
Most users will be satisfied with either machine, but if you are looking for personal trainer quality training, the ProForm 505 CST is better suited for your needs.
Hi, Jeremy Here,
I am the the guy behind Train for a 5K. On this site, I share everything that learned along my running journey. The content I create is the running training I wish I had before we started this journey. About Me.
Last update on 2023-09-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API