The TreadClimber 6000 is the last in my series of TreadClimber reviews – that is until they come up with yet another model number. I was sure this one was the one.

About TreadClimbers

Bowflex’s TreadClimbers combines three different cardio machines (cadio-vascular refers to heart and lungs) in one. They simulate the movements of a stair climber, an elliptical machine and a treadmill. They feel like I’m stepping forward as I would on a treadmill, stepping up like a stair climber and with low impact like an elliptical.

The TreadClimber TC6000 like all the others has two platforms rather than a single flat walking surface like what you find on a treadmill. Each platform rises separately.

The 6000 is designed like the other TreadClimbers. At first it seems most like an elliptical machine. When I am on an elliptical my feet are locked into the foot pad. I like elliptical machines but I often find that my toes become numb. The TreadClimber 6000 like the others gives my feet a natural range of motion.

The TC600 measures 63"long x 32"wide x 61"high. These are the same measurements as the TC5300. The maximum weight is 300 pounds which is the same as the 5300 and the 5000. User weight can be around 300 lbs which is the same for the 5300 and your height can be about 4' 10" to 6' 4." The machine weighs 350 pounds which is the same as the 5300 but almost twice that of the 5000. It has wheels but at this weight I wouldn’t suggest planning on moving it very often.

Bowflex is made by Nautilus. You’ll get the same warranty on the 6000 as you will on the 5300 which is 5 years on the motor; 3 years on the parts and electronics and 2 years on the hydraulics.

Functions and Features:

The speed on the 6000 is the same as the 5300. Both are a little higher than the 5000. The 6000 and 5300 start at 0.5 and goes to 4.5 mph versus 4.0 mph on the TC5000. A treadmill will go up to 10 mph and more. However the TreadClimber works and feels very different so you can’t compare one to the other.

You’ll get the same 8 functions on these top 3 machines. As a comparison the TC1000 only gave me 3. They are speed, distance, time, calories per hour, total calories burned, floors climbed, odometer and heart rate. In addition to heart rate sensors the TC6000 like the TC5300 has a chest strap to determine your heart rate. You’ll find this on the 5000 as well.

The consoles on the 5000 and 5300 are essentially the same. I found two holders on each side for water as well as space of items such as my cell phone. There was a magazine rack as well. One real difference is that the TC6000 has the largest console in the series. When I saw it I was encouraged.

The LCD readings were large, bright and easy to read. Also on this console were the faster and slower arrows, a quick start feature if you do not want to input data but a power module that allowed me to put in my weight and the resistance level I want to tread at. (This is an important aspect that is disappointing and the reason for my rating.) The resistance levels go from 0 to 12 on the TC6000 as well as on the 5300 (and 5000).

There is another difference in the 6000. I wish I could say it is the way the resistance is set but it isn’t. The 6000 gave me 12 functions like you would see on many machines. I found interval training, plateaus and cross training for example. The other models don’t have these functions. They work strictly on a manual setting. I have not recommended a TreadClimber.

When I saw the large console with the functions I was hoping that somehow the pistons on the machine (The long poles attached to the frame.) could be changed from the console but like the others they can’t. I called Bowflex because I really wanted to be told why I would spend $3400 to get off this machine to change resistances. A very nice representative told me that I didn’t have to actually get off the machine. I could stop it and stand on the sides. Well that’s true I can and did but it’s all the same. The machine has to be stopped and that’s unacceptable to me.

My Observations and Thoughts:

The TreadClimbers are terrific. If you’ve ever been on a commercial quality machine you’ll fall in love with them. The commercial ones allow resistance adjustments on the console alleviating the problem of stopping the machine.

I think the machine runs smoothly and quietly. Please note: I think the 6000 is a very safe machine. However like an elliptical it takes a bit of getting used to so take your time. The movement of the treads going up and down feels different than anything you’ve used so be aware of that.

I can’t recommend this machine. I won’t recommend a machine that cost this kind of money that doesn’t have an adjustable resistance on the console. If you happened to find it for $300 and don't mind working out at the same resistance or stopping then go for it. I certainly wouldn't spend thousands on it.

All my fitness equipment reviews can be found here.





Recommended: No