The Nautilus Treadmill: A Complete Unbiased Review of All Six Models
Nautilus is a fitness equipment company that manufactures and markets a wide range of products, including treadmills that range in price from roughly $2,000 to $4,500.
One of the very strong selling points that every Nautilus Treadmill shares, is a heavy duty welded steel frame. A heavy, quality frame on a treadmill is very important, as it provides a solid shake resistant base.
However; quality does come at a price. In a comparison price check, it was found that Nautilus is grouped in the higher rung on all 6 models when stacked against most competitors similar models. It's not budget equipment.
Even so, a quick check of online rating and review sources, found Nautilus receiving consistently high ratings. One model in particular, the Nautilus T7.18 garnered exceptionally high ratings in all sources we examined.
Bottom Line
I definitely recommend the Nautilus Treadmill. All 6 models are guaranteed quality product that have been proven to stand up well even in heavy commercial use settings. Granted, they aren't cheap but all things considered, you do get what you pay for.
Options in Nautilus Displays
The T4.14, T5.16 and T5.18 comprise the Nautilus Sport Series. With this series of three models, you are allowed a choice between three separate types of displays. Those are the LE, LE-X and the LC. The three most notable differences in these displays, is their built in programs. Also the LE-X and the LC can be upgraded with add-on software programs with names like Heart Strong Trainer. Programs that better able you to tailor fit your machines functions to your own individual needs and goals.
The LE
The LE is their base level display and it (can not) be upgraded. What you get is what it comes with and there are no changes available, so you need to be clear on that. Also as it pertains to available off the shelf features, it has the fewest of all three displays they offer and they are as follows:
6 preset workouts
2 custom workouts
Separate LED windows that display workout details and metrics.
2 heart rate incline workouts - Polar chest strap is included
The LE does not accept Nautilus Fitness cartridges.
The LE-X
Just up from the LE, is the LE-X display. It features larger LED windows and a few other added features that the LE doesn't have. The internal software in this display is also upgradable and your three upgrade selections are Heart Strong Trainer, Nautilus Diary and Nautilus LX. The features that come off the shelf with the LE-X are as follows:

Keypad for fast date entry
3 custom workouts
9 preset workouts
2 heart rate incline workouts - Polar chest strap is included
The LE-X does accept Nautilus Fitness Cartridges
The LC
The LC is their top & most feature and option laden display available. It also features the larger LED windows of the LE-X. Additionally, just as with the LE-X, the internal software of the LC can be upgraded to include Heart Strong Trainer, Nautilus Diary and Nautilus LX. The features and functions that come included in the LC display are as follows:
Keypad for fast data entry
High resolution LCD display
3 custom workouts
12 preset workouts
2 heart rate workouts – Polar chest strap is included
The LC does accept Nautilus Fitness Cartridges
The T5.14 Nautilus Treadmill
The Nautilus T5.14 is their base or lowest priced model. It features a 20” by 57” belt that (does not) contain Nautilus SuperSoft technology. There is however, an advanced suspension system contained in this model and all other models as well. Another commonality that all their treadmills share, is a heavy duty welded steel frame that's guaranteed for life.
Price range - between $2,000 & $2,500
Width – 35”
Height – 50”
Length – 80”
Machine weight – 285 lb
Maximum user weight – 350 lb
Belt dimensions – 20” by 57”
Running deck – non-reversible
Incline range – 0 to 15%
Folding – No
Motor size – 2.75 hp continuous duty
Speed range - .5 to 12 mph
Heart rate control – included
Heart rate Sensor – included in hand grips
Programs included – Dependent on display model
Wireless chest strap – included
Accessory rack – included
Warranties – lifetime on frame, 10 yrs on parts, motor, electronics. 1 yr workmanship
The T5.16 Nautilus Treadmill
The T5.16 Nautilus treadmill does have a few added features worth mentioning that separate it from the previous listed model. One is a running belt that contains “SuperSoft technology” to reduce impact trauma to the lower back, hips, knees, ankles and feet. Also the continuous duty motor has been increased to to 3.0 hp from the 2.75 hp of the previous listed model.
Price range – Between $2,500 & $2,800
Width – 35”
length – 83”
Height – 50”
Weight – 285 lb
Maximum user weight – 350 lb
Deck – non-reversible
Incline range – 0 to 15%
Belt dimensions – 20” by 57”
Motor – 3.0 hp continuous duty
Speed range .5 to 12 mph
Programs – dependent on display selected
Folding – no
Wireless chest strap – included
Heart rate sensor – included in hand grips
Heart rate control – included
Warranties – lifetime on frame, 10 yrs on motor electronics and parts, 1 yr on workmanship
The T5.18 Nautilus Treadmill
The last model in the Sport Series is the T5.18. There really are no “major” differences between this model and the previously listed T5.16 model. There are two though and they are worth noting. One is that the T5.18 does come with a remote control that allows for quick and convenient change of speed and incline and the other difference is in price. The T5.18 will cost in the area of $400 more than the T5.16.
Price range – Between $2,900 & $3,200
Width – 35”
length – 83”
Height – 50”
Weight – 285 lb
Maximum user weight – 350 lb
Deck – non-reversible
Incline range – 0 to 15%
Belt dimensions – 20” by 57”
Motor – 3.0 hp continuous duty
Speed range .5 to 12 mph
Programs – dependent on display selected
Folding – no
Remote control – included for incline & speed
Wireless chest strap – included
Heart rate sensor – included in hand-grips
Heart rate control – included
Warranties – lifetime on frame, 10 yrs on motor electronics and parts, 1 yr on workmanship
The T7.14 nautilus Treadmill
This is the very first model in the Nautilus Pro Series lineup and as the name implies, they were designed to function in professional settings. Membership gyms, pro sports training facilities, etc. So it should come as no surprise when the first thing that a person would notice about this machine is its size. It's a bigger and more hefty machine. Also there is no option for custom programs with this machine either. What you get is what the T7.14 comes off the shelf with. Even so, the built in program package is very adequate. Also while the price may seem high at first glance, when compared to similar models in the same “professional machine” market niche, it turns out to be very competitive.
Price - $3,700
Height – 50”
Length – 86”
Machine weight – 330 lb
Maximum user weight – 350 lb
Deck – non-reversible
Belt – 22” by 57”
Speed range - .5 to 11 mph
Motor – 2.75 hp continuous use
Folding – no
Incline range – 0 to 15%
Heart rate control – included
Heart rate sensor – included
Wireless chest strap – included
Programs – 6 preset, 2 custom, 2 heart rate.
Display – Distance, speed, heart rate, incline, calories, pace
Warranties – lifetime on frame, 10 yrs on motor, parts 6 electrical and 1 yr on workmanship
The T7.16 Nautilus Treadmill
The next step up from the T7.14 is the T7.16 and it does come with some added features that set it apart. For starters, it comes with more built in programs and it also contains a more powerful 3.0 hp continuous duty motor. Because this machine is meant for commercial settings, its software programs cant be customized. This is a very stable and durable machine.
Price - $4,200
Width – 34”
length – 86”
Height – 50”
Machine weight – 330 lb
Maximum user capacity – 400 lb
Deck – non-reversible
Belt dimensions – 20” by 57”
Speed range - .5 to 12 mph
Motor – 3.0 hp continuous duty
Folding – no
Incline range – 0 to 15%
Wireless chest strap – included
Heart rate sensor – included
Hear rate control – included
Programs included – 12 preset, 3 custom, 4 distance, three heart rate
Warranties – lifetime on frame, 10 yrs on motor, electronics & parts, 1 yr on craftsmanship
T7.18 Nautilus Treadmill
This model in particular has received recognition numerous times in the industry as on of the better commercial treadmills on the market in its price range. If you like console functions on your screen then you'll like this machine because it comes off the shelf with 22 built in programs. Also the belt is two inches longer and wider than any of the three preceding Nautilus treadmills in their Sport Series.
Price – $4,700
Width – 34”
Length – 89”
Height – 50”
Machine weight – 278 lb
Max user weight – 400 lb
Belt – 22” by 60”
Deck – non-reversible
Speed range - .5 to 12 mph
Motor – 3.0 hp continuous duty
Folding – no
Incline range – 0 to 15%
Heart rate control – included
Heart rate sensor – included
Wireless chest strap – included
Programs - 22 Programs: 12 Preset, 3 Custom, 4 Distance and 3 Heart Rate.
Warranties – lifetime on frame, 10 yrs motor, electrical and part, 1 yr on workmanship.
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