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If you’re landing on this Xebex ST-6000 treadmill review, you’re probably on the hunt for an innovative and high-quality cardio machine. The Xebex is not just potentially one of the best treadmills for a home gym, it has the potential to replace the best weight sleds on the market, too.
The Xebex not only functions as a normal treadmill, the belt can move both forwards and backwards, and it can be used for sled training with up to 1,500 watts of resistance.
While there are some things our testers agree aren’t perfect about this treadmill, we have some pretty cool insights to share with you after having six different Garage Gym Reviews expert testers workout on the Xebex SledTrac 6000 treadmill.
We’ve Tested Over 50 Treadmills
Before we dive into the nitty gritty, let’s establish why you can trust our opinions on home gym equipment. Garage Gym Reviews is staffed with more than a dozen industry experts with top fitness credentials. We have decades of collective experience and leverage that expertise to help you make the best investments in your home gym and for your health.
For this Xebex ST-6000 treadmill review, OG product tester and founder of GGR Coop Mitchell took the lead on testing, reviewing, and scoring the Xebex treadmill on a scale of 1 to 5 on price, durability, customizations, ergonomics, and tech capabilities to name a few.
Lindsay Scheele, certified personal trainer and lead reviewer for Garage Gym Reviews Everything YouTube channel also used the ST-6000 for multiple workouts and weighed in with her experience. Additionally, we had four more GGR expert testers use the Xebex to test different body weight and height capabilities.
Xebex ST-6000
Xebex SledTrac 6000
Product Highlights
- Treadmill with sled drag options
- 6 different training modes
- Incline and decline training
- Basic display
- Bluetooth connectivity
Pros & Cons
Pros
- 6 ways to train
- Belt runs backwards and forwards
- Safety key included
- Pulse sensors for heart rate
- Bluetooth connectivity to chest straps or apps
Cons
- Hefty price tag
- Large footprint
- No built-in touchscreen
Bottom Line
The XEBEX SLEDTRAC 6000 is a home gym dream. Within one footprint you can walk, jog, run, and sled drag. Plus, this treadmill has 15 levels of incline training and the ability to use the machine forwards or backwards. That also means you can sled drag forwards and backwards.
A Quick Look at the Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill
The Xebex SledTrac ST-6000 treadmill may be a home gym owner’s dream machine: Walk, jog, run, sled drag, or do all of it backwards if you want. While it’s a rather large machine, it offers quite a few training possibilities in one footprint.
If you’re not familiar with Xebex Fitness, the brand is headquartered in Texas and has a 30-year history of designing products in the USA. The brand manufactures everything from kettlebells and barbells to curved treadmills and weight sleds (like the one we tested for our Xebex XT3 Sled review).
We’ve also reviewed the Xebex Air Bike and added updates to our experience after five years of wear and tear, which is detailed in our Get RX’d Xebex Air Bike review.
Before You Buy
- Take advantage of financing options on the Xebex Fitness website through Affirm.
- With so many training functions and modes, keep in mind the warranty policy only covers 5 years on the frame and 2 years on parts. There is no labor warranty.
- The treadmill offers incline, but Coop notes it’s rather slow to change levels, which may not be ideal for HIIT training or hill sprints.
- Check out the Xebex SledTrac Lite 5000 if the ST-6000 is out of your budget.
Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill Full Video Review
Is the Xebex SledTrac ST-6000 Treadmill Worth It?
The short answer is yes, the Xebex ST-6000 is worth the over-$3,000 price tag. But, the catch is it’s only worth it if you intend to use the sled training function. The machine certainly will not make the cut for our best budget treadmill roundup, but it does compare to some of the best commercial treadmills we’ve tested, only it offers more functionality.
“You won’t be spending money on a subscription or a huge touchscreen, so more value is placed in the actual mechanics of the treadmill,” says Coop. “That’s why I think this is a better value than a lot of treadmills out there—it has a more robust build and is likely a better treadmill.”
Lindsay’s in the same boat and adds, “If you want a treadmill designed for athletes without paying an egregious amount of money, I think this is a really good option.” For this reason, the ST-6000 earns a 4-out-of-5-star rating for price and overall value.
Great for:
- Folks who want a super solid treadmill
- Dynamic forward and backward training
- Adding sled drags to a strength training routine
Not recommended for:
- Quick incline changes
- Folks looking for the best folding treadmill
- Anyone who prefers built-in tech and touchscreen displays
Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill Specs
| Price | $3,799 |
| Footprint | 77.8” L x 34.2” W x 60.9” H |
| Running deck | 61.4” L x 22” W |
| Weight | 343.5 lbs |
| Weight capacity | 352 lbs |
| Max incline | 15 levels (10% grade) |
| Max speed | 12.5 mph |
| Motor | 3.0 HP |
| Drag resistance | Up to 1,500 watts |
| Warranty | 5-year frame, 2-year parts |
Workout Experience with the Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill
At GGR HQ, Coop and Lindsay (among other testers) had a positive experience using the Xebex ST-600 treadmill. The sled movements and bi-drectional motor were the two-stand out features all of our testers agreed on.
“This is a wild machine,” says Lindsay. “The sled component is super cool and is really well done.”
Our testers were the most psyched about the sled options, but also ran through the gambit on everything the ST-6000 has to offer. Technically, the machine has six different modes, but Coop thinks the brand is stretching the versatility a bit. Here’s the breakdown on all six advertised modes:
- Treadmill: Typical treadmill function with speeds from 0.3 to 12.5 mph, incline up to 10% grade, and 10 pre-programmed workouts.
- Backward walk: Belt moves in reverse to allow you to walk backwards without turning around; uses a safety speed limit of 0.1 to 1.6 mph in this mode.
- Fixed sled: Treadmill handlebars can be used to mimic different sled movements like a sled push, pull, or lateral movements. You’ll get up to 1,500 watts of resistance (more than 1.5 times more than what a professional cyclist can produce during a short sprint) and unlimited speed like a non-motorized treadmill.
- Dynamic sled: Everything you get from fixed sled mode, plus a resistance band that attaches to the sled handle for a more dynamic and real-life sled push or pull experience.
- Decline mode: You can engage the Backwards Walk mode, set the incline, and face the opposite direction for decline training.
- Limit speed: For elderly folks or anyone rehabbing an injury, you can limit the speed from 0.1 – 1.6 mph while still being in control of adjustable incline settings.
If you’re curious about how watts fit into your workout, consider that watts are a measure of energy transfer over a period of time. Watts can take into account more than just static weight because the energy transfer accommodates for weight, distance, and time.
Footprint and Portability
The portability of Xebex ST-6000 is limited based on its massive size (it’s over 6 feet long) and substantial weight (it’s just under 350 pounds). However, it’s not impossible to move around with a cross-bar under the frame and built-in transport wheels.
Multiple testers, not just Coop and Lindsay, got into ideal squat form, grabbed the crossbar under the frame, and leveraged the ST-600 upwards to test the transport wheels across some of the best gym flooring we have installed at GGR HQ. Turns out the weight of the machine causes the plastic wheels to stall out a bit on the uneven and softer turf, but did well on the hard gym flooring.
Overall, Coop gives the Xebex ST-600 treadmill a middle-of-the-road 3 out of 5 stars for this category. While it’s pretty massive, it’s not impossible to move. Coop also likes the fact that you get a lot of training options within one footprint.
Durability and Construction
To test for durability, our team inspects the motor power, weight capacity, and movement during use (which can add unnecessary wear and tear on the motor and frame). The Xebex pretty much checks all of our boxes starting with a powerful 3.0 CHP motor that can withstand running speeds for long periods of time. The ST-6000 also provides a 352-pound user weight capacity, which is pretty impressive even compared to the best NordicTrack treadmills.
Coop thinks the heavy, 343.5-pound treadmill is a tank, saying, “It feels very overbuilt and will hold up for a long long time.” He goes on to mention that because the Xebex is not a folding treadmill, it’s super sturdy, doesn’t have any hinging points, and feels super solid through the uprights.
It also features leveling feet under the frame if you’re working with slightly uneven floors. This feature is minor, but will play a role in reducing unnecessary shaking while running. The only thing related to durability Coop has trepidation about is the bi-directional treadmill belt and the resistance bands used for the dynamic sled mode. Because these are unique features not seen on other treadmills, he suggests they could be potential weak points in the design.
Customizations and Ergonomics
When it comes to ergonomics, one of the first things we look at is the size of the running belt. If you plan on running, you’ll need at least 55 inches to get a full stride, but we recommend 60 inches to accommodate taller runners. On the Xebex ST-6000, you’ll have a 61-inch-long running deck and 22 inches of width. This is ideal for runners of all sizes and Coop found it to be spacious enough during the highest resistance of sled pushing and pulling. For this reason, the ST-6000 earns a 5 out of 5 for ergonomics.
RELATED: Sled Push Workout
As far as customizations go, Coop was impressed with the bi-directional, belt but was a bit underwhelmed when testing the incline and decline capabilities. He notes the motor doesn’t respond quickly to incline adjustments, which could be cumbersome for folks training to increase athletic performance.
Plus, the decline function leaves a bit to be desired with it. To use decline training, you’ll have to initiate the backwards walk mode and turn around. It’s a bit dull because this mode has a safety speed limit of 1.6 mph.
Coop also mentions the incline only goes up to 10%, while many other treadmills we’ve tested at this price range offer at least 15% (or more). For example, the massive NordicTrack X22i and X32i both go up to 40% incline.
Technology and Conveniences
Tech-savvy folks may feel underwhelmed with the treadmill’s console, but the ST-6000 still earns a 3.5-out-of-5-star rating in the tech department. Xebex features Smart Connect, which is the brand’s way of saying it is equipped with Bluetooth.
While you won’t find the Smart Connect clearly listed on the website, you will have the ability to connect to a Bluetooth-enabled chest strap heart rate monitor or your phone to sync your workout data to apps like Kinomap or Zwift. Plus, you can use the built-in heart rate sensors for quick pulse checks.
RELATED: Best Treadmill Apps
Other than that, you’ll get a simple LED console that displays all the basic workout metrics including speed, incline, distance, time, calories, program, heart rate, and watts when using sled mode.
Coop’s main call out in this category are the buttons. He says the buttons on the treadmill could use some better labeling, especially when it comes to the ones on either hand rail.
Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill vs NordicTrack X22i
NordicTrack X22i
NordicTrack Commercial X32i Treadmill
Product Highlights
- Decline and larger incline than most other treadmills
- 32” touchscreen
- Powerful motor
- Commercial-grade machine
- Oversized running surface
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ‘-32” HD touchscreen
- -Heart rate chest strap included
- -6% Decline to 40% Incline
- -Quiet when in use
- -Extremely powerful 4.25 CHP motor
Cons
- ‘-Doesn’t fold
- -Expensive
- -Heavy and hard to move
Bottom Line
While this treadmill is definitely on the expensive side, the many added features makes for a high-quality piece of equipment.
The most comparable treadmill we’ve tested to the Xebex ST-6000 is the NordicTrack X22i. While it’s not an apples-to-apples comparison, the price tag is similar (both costing over $3,000) and the incline and decline offerings are somewhat comparable.
Actually, the X22i has a more robust offering when it comes to incline and decline training, offering up to 40% incline and -6% decline, without the need to turn around (and no speed limits, either).
However, if you’re looking for the latest and greatest in tech capabilities and interactive programming, our NordicTrack X22i review will detail everything we enjoyed about this machine. We totally appreciate the hands-free auto-adjust technology for interval training or following HIIT classes on iFIT. But, if you’re someone who wants a robust treadmill without the need for a subscription plan, stick with the innovative Xebex ST-6000 treadmill.
| Xebex ST-6000 | NordicTrack X22i | |
| Price | $3,379 | $3,499 |
| Footprint | 77.8” L x 34.2” W x 60.9” H | 70” L x 39” W x 72.5” |
| Weight capacity | 352 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth | Bluetooth, WiFi, GoogleMaps integration, iFIT-enabled |
| Subscription required | No | Yes; iFIT |
| Incline/decline | 10% | -6% to 40% |
| Warranty | 5 year frame, 2 year parts | 10-year frame; 2-year parts; 1-year labor |
Customer Experience
Xebex offers a five-year warranty on the ST-6000 frame and two years on parts. We’d like to see this improved to include longer terms, and a labor policy. The return policy is pretty standard with a 30-day window, but keep in mind if you make a return you’ll be on the hook for a 15% restocking fee and roundtrip shipping costs.
Speaking of shipping, options include a freight truck (with or without a forklift), FedEx ground shipping, or in-store pickup in Houston, TX. Prices vary depending on zip code and which shipping method you select.
And lastly, you may like knowing you won’t have to fork out over $3,000 in one go. Xebex offers financing options through Affirm, where you can get loan rates from 0 to 36% depending on your credit history.
Ordering and Assembling the Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill
The Xebex ST-6000 arrived via freight truck at GGR HQ in two boxes. Assembly expert and GGR operation manager Sam Presley notes, “Assembly is fairly simple and straightforward, but I recommend having two people due to its overall size.”
Sam says the instructions were easy to follow, so you should have no problem there. But, like many products that require assembly, it’s easier with your own tools. “Although tools are supplied, they are very basic and could cause some frustration during the assembly,” says Sam.
The only hiccup reported was getting the bolts into place on the back uprights. “In hindsight, I recommend assembling the uprights with all bolts loose until all parts have been installed. And tightening all bolts at the end,” says Sam.
Customer Reviews
At the time of writing this review, there is one customer review for the ST-6000 on the Xebex Fitness website. The reviewer notes it was a difficult assembly but still awarded the treadmill 5 out of 5 stars. We’ll update this section when more customer reviews are available on this new product.
Final Verdict of Our Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill Review
The Xebex ST-6000 is a unique treadmill with functionality much different than anything else on the market to date. While it’s not cheap, Coop thinks it offers high-quality construction and a ton of versatility for folks interested in sled training. Consider investing in the Xebex ST-6000 treadmill if you:
- Train for sports or prefer dynamic speed training
- Are looking to upgrade your sled training equipment
- Want to improve your lower body strength and conditioning capacity
- Don’t want to be locked into a subscription for a cardio machine
Full Rating
Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill
The XEBEX SLEDTRAC 6000 is a home gym dream. Within one footprint you can walk, jog, run, and sled drag. Plus, this treadmill has 15 levels of incline training and the ability to use the machine forwards or backwards. That also means you can sled drag forwards and backwards.
Product Brand: Xebex
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 3799
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.18
Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill: FAQs
How much does a treadmill cost?
Treadmills can range anywhere from $300 to $3,000 or more, which is why we’ve tested so many and broken our reviews into roundups like the best treadmill under $300 or the best high-end treadmill.
Is 30 minutes of treadmill a day enough?
The CDC recommends that adults get at least 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise every week. Following this recommendation, spending 30 minutes on a treadmill for at least five days per week could help you maintain (or increase) your endurance and overall heart health.
What is the average life of a treadmill?
From our experience, the average lifetime of a treadmill varies (based on quality, materials used, and frequency of use, plus maintenance), but the industry average is about 10 years.
Further reading
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Learn how to do the reverse fly exercise with our step-by-step guide. Read more
Looking for cardio exercises at home? We have a comprehensive list and guide for how to do them. Read more