The Proform RT 6.0 treadmill is an entry level treadmill that provides you with an effective light workout at an attractive price point. Not to be confused with the Proform 6.0, this model costs a little more but provides a larger running belt, more workout programs, and higher max speed.
The Proform RT 6.0 treadmill is a popular budget model due to its low price, foldability, and built in programs.
Our Recommendation
The Proform RT 6.0 provides you with some pretty impressive features for an entry level treadmill, including its 8 pre-set workout programs, EKG heart monitor, and Treadsoft cushioning. However, these bonuses are outweighed by deficiencies in the basics – a width of just 16 inches for the walking belt is way too narrow. You can’t even run on it! The length of 50 inches is also not enough for a decent stride. This machine is also too noisy and won’t allow a decent speed.
We recommend that you spend a little bit more money to upgrade to the Proform 505 CST. This beefier version of Proform’s budget treadmill provides you with a more powerful CHP motor, larger running bed and a 25 year warranty on the motor.
Pros
- 8 built-in workouts
- EKG heart rate monitor
- Treadsoft cushioning
Cons
- Noisy
- Small running belt
- Max speed only 10 mph
Features
Workout Programs
The Proform 6.0 RT comes with eight built-in workout programs. These have been designed by Proform’s fitness experts and provide you with different programs to meet your various training goals.
Auto Incline
It is very rare to find a budget treadmill (priced under $500) that provides you with an auto incline function. But that is what you get on the Proform 6.0 RT. This feature means that you don’t have to get off the treadmill, and interrupt the pace of your workout, in order to adjust the angle of the running belt.
Built-in Speakers
The Proform 6.0 RT comes with built-in speakers to allow you to enjoy your favorite sounds while you’re working out. This machine is compatible with MP3 players.
Max User Weight
The maximum user weight of the Proform 6.0 RT is 300 pounds. Bearing in mind that you should have a 50 pound clearance between your own body weight and the maximum of your machine in order to ensure longevity, people up to 250 pounds in weight can comfortably use this machine. That puts the 6.0 RT ahead of most other treadmills at this price range.
What’s Not So Good
Limited Belt Size
To be able to get a natural stride and cadence on your treadmill, you will need a running track that is at least 20 inches in width x 55 inches in length. The belt on the Proform 6.0 RT is 16 x 50 inches, meaning that most people will struggle to run, jog or even walk naturally on this machine. Having said that, the measurements of the belt on this treadmill are not unusual for a budget treadmill.
Noisy
The Proform 6.0 RT Cadence is one of the noisiest treadmills that we have come across, with the majority of that noise emanating from the 2.0 CHP motor. That means that you are not going to be able to exercise in the same room as people who are trying to watch TV without driving them to distraction.
2.0 CHP Motor
The motor on the 6.0 RT is 2.0 continuous horse power. This is about 0.25 CHP less than you get from quite a few treadmills in this price range. That small loss of power can make a substantial difference.
Proform 6.0 RT Cadence Alternatives
Weslo Cadence G 5.9
Pros
- 2.25 CHP motor
- 6 built in programs
- Great price
Cons
- Small running bed
- Manual incline
The Weslo Cadence G 5.9 has many of the same limitations that you find with the Proform 6.0 RT and that you will find with most electronic treadmills that sell for less than $500. The running belt on this treadmill is 16 inches x 50 inches, which is considerably smaller than that on already limited Proform 6.0 RT. This machine also produces quite a bit of noise when it is operating, but is not as loud as the Proform. It also has a manual incline adjustment, so you have to get off the machine to adjust the angle of the running bed.
The Weslo Cadence 5.9 can generally be found for less money than the Proform 6.0 RT. It also has a slightly more powerful motor, a more compact footprint and can be folded so that the deck is in a vertical position for storage. However, the are no inbuilt speakers on this treadmill, which is something that the Proform 6.0 RT does provide. The warranty on this machine is also not as good as that on the Proform, as it only provides you with a year’s coverage on the motor and 90 days on other parts and labor.
Check out our full Weslo Cadence G 5.9 Review!
Efitment Auto Incline Motorized Treadmill
Pros
- 15 levels of auto incline
- 9 User programs
- 3 quick speed buttons
Cons
- Limited belt size
- Tablet holder covers console
The Efitment Auto Incline motorized treadmill has what is probably the best auto incline functionality that you will find under $500. You actually get 15 levels of auto incline. However, it is the small walking belt size that is the defining feature of this machine. At only 47 inches in length by 15.6 inches in width, this machine gives you a very limited stride capacity. This will make it impossible to run on for all but the shortest of people. People who are taller than 5’10” will even find it difficult to get a full and natural stride length when walking.
The maximum speed on the Efitment treadmill is 9 miles per hour. This compare to 10 miles per hour for all of the other treadmills on this review page. This, however, is compensated for in terms of workout intensity potential, by the 15 different incline options, which range from 0-10 percent, which at the maximum level is equivalent to 5.6 degrees.
The Efitment Treadmill is fitted with a 2.2 CHP motor. This is not that powerful, but is slightly beefier than that provided on the Proform 6.0 RT. The speed on this machine can be adjusted at increments of 1 mph and there are also 3 quick that speeds (2, 4 and 6 mph). The mid-range console on the Efitment treadmill is mid range. It provides you with a large LCD display and LED backlight. The display provides you with an ongoing readout of your time, distance, speed, incline, calories and heart rate. The distance covered is also shown on the display as a running track to keep you motivated as you progress through your workout.
Hand held sensors on the Efitment treadmill provide you with a readout of your training heart rate, though this is not overly accurate. Accessories provided on this treadmill are a water bottle holder, accessory tray, a sound system and a tablet holder, though this has not been very smartly positioned (it will cover the display readouts).
ProForm 505 CST Treadmill
Pros
- 2.5 CHP motor
- Motorized incline
- Balanced, non-flex rollers
Cons
- Not iFit compatible
The Proform 505 CST treadmill is a beefed up version of the 6.0 RT. While still clarified as a budget treadmill, this one will cost you a couple of hundred dollars more than the 6.0 RT. For that extra money, however, you will get an extra 0.5 CHP motor, putting it up to 2.5 CHP. While the top speed of 10 miles per hour is the same as the cheaper version, this machine will allow you to maintain that speed with far less strain on the motor.
As with the 6.0 RT, you get a motorized incline on the 505 CST. Your incline options go up to 10 degrees. The running mat on the 505 CST is 20 x 55 inches. This compares to 16 x 50 inches for the 6.0 RT. The extra few inches in each direction provides you with a lot more room to move, allowing you to stride out naturally. However, if you are much over 6 feet tall, you will still feel a little cramped on this treadmill.
The Proform 505 CST has been fitted with balanced, non-flex rollers which decrease tension and help to ensure that the running belt movement is smooth and jerk free. However, these rollers are smaller than you would find on more expensive treadmills. This treadmill provides you with 18 inbuilt workout programs, which is more than double the number that you get on the 6.0 RT.
The console is basic but functional, providing you with all the workout data that you need. There are also grip sensors on the console which provide you with readouts of your heart rate. However, the results attained are not overly reliable. The Proform 505 CST comes with a 25 year warranty on the motor, with a lifetime on the frame and 12 months on the parts.
Conclusion
The Proform 6.0 RT Treadmill is a lightweight, foldable, inexpensive entry level treadmill that will do the job for people who are after an easy going, walking rather than running workout. For those who are after a more energetic cardio challenge, they will be far better off paying a couple of extra hundred dollars and investing in the Proform 505 CST.
Check out our other great budget models in the Best Treadmills Under $500 review article.