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NordicTrack Apex 8500 Treadmill Review

The Nordic Track Apex 8500 treadmill is recognized to have one of the best cushioning systems on the market, the Reflex Deck system. This is an arch shaped wooden deck that returns part of the energy absorbed and “pushes” the runner forward.

The NordicTrack Apex 8500 Treadmill is the ideal treadmill for those who want a low impact machine and at the same time be entertained while working out.

The machine comes with a powerful motor and a spacious belt, large enough to accommodate tall persons. On this treadmill NordicTrack installed several various training programs. And let’s not forget the TV screen, mp3 dock and the qualitative sound system.

nordictrack apex 8500 treadmill review

NordicTrack Apex 8500 Treadmill Specifications

1. Speed: 0-12mph
The 1-Touch system allows fast speed change. Maximum speed value is 12 mph.

2. Inclination: 0-12%
The same 1-Touch system allows changing incline value with one button touch. The inclination range is between 0 and 12 degrees (0-12%).

3. Motor
The NordicTrack Apex 8500 Treadmill comes with one of the most powerful motors in class A (DurX 3.5). This motor supports the power required to ensure a longer exercise time because of the internal fan system included.

4. The Belt
This treadmill has a 20″ x 60″ belt backed by the advanced Reflex Deck™ Cushioning system designed to provide maximum protection and comfort.

5. Warranty
The Apex 8500 treadmill offers a life warranty for the motor and parts plus 1 year for in–home labor.

NordicTrack Apex 8500 Treadmill Special Features

22 Built-In Workouts
The treadmill has incorporated 14 workouts that focus on performance, aerobic and weight- loss performance and 4 heart rate workouts. Additionally you get 4 ‘create and save workouts’.

Intermix Acoustics Sound System
This is an advanced sound system integrated in the treadmill’s console. The audio quality is excellent.

7″ Flat Screen TV With Multi-Colored Displays
The machine includes a 7 inches TV with on screen display. You have the possibility to watch your favorite TV shows while doing the daily workouts. When TV is not on the display shows training information like speed, miles or burnt calories.

ClearView™ Backlit Display
The Clear view display system has an extra viewing angle. It doesn’t matter how tall or short you are: you have perfect visibility.

The NordicTrack Apex 8500 Treadmill supports a maximum user weight of 350lbs.

There following features and functions are included: Club-Design CardioGrip Heart Rate Monitor, iFIT Workout Card Technology, Interplay Music Port, Training Zone Indicator, AutoBreeze Quiet Workout Fan, Carb Counter, Odometer with MyMiles and a SpaceSaver Design.


Conclusions

The NordicTrack Apex 8500 is a very good machine. We especially like the 3.5 CHP motor that can handle high running speeds easily. The belt (with the Reflex Deck cushioning system) is very comfortable and once you get used to it we guarantee you’ll love it.

The bed is pretty light so it’s easy to lift and fold but because is a heavy machine moving it can be difficult.

Remember also that because of the Reflex deck system installed workouts seem much easier since the belt returns part of the energy absorbed on each step.

The warranty is not very good; this is why we recommend buying the extended warranty.

Overall we think that for this price you get an excellent value and that the NordicTrack Apex 8500 treadmill is one of the best home machines available for runners.

Leave your comment

5 Comments »

  • bob said:

    I have a NordicTrack Viewpoint (aka Apex) 8500 and it is great. The Reflex Deck is wonderful and has truly saved both my ankles and knees. I too bought the extended warranty but so far (6 months and over 500 miles) this thing has been rock solid.

    # 14 November 2008 at 12:04 am
  • Patty said:

    I just received my Viewpoint (Apex 8500) and I really do like the deck. I would like to know how to hook a dvd player to it though. So far everything I have purchased has not worked. I was wondering if anyone could help with this?

    # 27 July 2009 at 4:07 pm
  • Cameron said:

    Dear Patty-
    My name is Cameron From NordicTrack Fitness and I noticed your comment on this site. If you refer to your users manual on page 12 it says, “HOW TO CONNECT A DVD PLAYER OR A VCR. Plug the three-pronged end of an RCA component audio/video cable into your DVD player or VCR, and plug the other end into the audio/video input jack on the back of the console base. That is what I would do first and make sure the connects are all snug. Email me back at cstechops@iconfitness.com for additional questions. If that works we would appreciate the removal of your comment from the site. Mostly for us, so we know who has been contacted and their problem resolved. Thanks.

    Cameron
    Icon Health & Fitness
    Customer Care
    August 27, 2009

    # 27 August 2009 at 11:27 am
  • Mike said:

    I’ve owned a NordicTrack Reflex 8500 Pro for 1 week and today the arm that attaches the deck to the right side of the motor housing broke in half! The exposed metal where the arm cracked in half looks like pot metal (lots of voids). The deck (or maybe the arm) had been noisy from day one and I was going to call customer service Monday but now I get to call them about this. The Reflex deck is very forgiving but if you are not running completely centered on the deck the bouncing causes the belt to shift to one side and rubs, no amount of adjusting the belt can completely solve this. I have also found the iFit software/web site very lacking in information, it took me four days to figure out I had to use my laptop to see my progress with Google Earth. In all this treadmill has some nice bells and whistles on the surface but the build quality and support for it is so terrible I would not recommend it or buy from this company again.

    # 1 August 2010 at 6:25 pm
  • admin (author) said:

    @Mike – ProForm offers good warranty for parts and you can take advantage of it. I only tested the NordicTrack Reflex 4500 Pro (not the 8500) and I didn’t experience any problems with the parts. Still, from experience, when this type of noise happens, I strongly recommend calling Customer Service from day 1 so that you can prevent injuries.

    # 2 August 2010 at 2:22 pm

Be nice. Keep it clean. Stay on topic. No spam.