As Amanda Capritto, CPT, CSNC, CPS states, “The best treadmills can be excellent additions to your home gym, especially for athletes looking to increase their daily or weekly cardio workouts through walking, jogging, or running.” Of course, though, some treads can become eyesores in cramped training quarters, taking up plenty of space and rendering the area virtually useless for other fitness endeavors. With a compact, foldable frame design, the Echelon Stride-6 could be a potential solution for those looking to sweat in less-than-spacious accommodations.
In our opinion, the Echelon Stride-6 treadmill can be a good home gym machine for cardio athletes training in small spaces. The Auto-Fold technology helps shrink the already compact 14.28-square-foot footprint even further when not in use, and the Quick Adjust wheels along the handlebar allow for rapid speed and incline adjustments — a nice touch for interval training needs. However, the available tech may not be everyone’s cup of tea, and the in-training operations do take some getting used to. In this Echelon Stride-6 review, our team of experts examine this popular machine’s specs, features, and real-world performance based on our equipment testing methodology and previous experience with over 100 high-quality treadmills from other top brands. Now, let’s find our pace and get into our findings.
This tread folds flat to just 10 inches tall. Its max speed is 12 miles per hour, and you get a free 30-day Echelon Premier membership with your purchase, which provides access to over 3,000 live and on-demand classes.
Main Takeaways
- The Echelon Stride-6 features the brand’s Auto-Fold technology that brings the profile to just 10.25 inches thick, while vertical and horizontal transport wheels help with improved maneuverability.
- This folding treadmill does not include an HD touchscreen for streaming your best running apps — you’ll need to provide your own smartphone or tablet for these workouts.
- According to our tester, the running deck can squeak and squeal at initial speeds, but the noise does subside once you’ve reached your jogging pace.
Echelon Stride-6 Specs
| Price | $1,699.99 |
| Product Dimensions | 64.25” L x 32” W x 57” H |
| Product Weight | 182.3lbs |
| Incline Range | 0-12% |
| Max Speed | 12.5mph |
| Motor Size | 2.5 CHP DC Brushless |
| Weight Capacity | 300lbs |
| Display | Extra large device holder |
| Warranty | 10-year frame, 5-year motor, 1-year comprehensive |
As one of the best treadmills for apartments, the Echelon Stride-6 features an equipment footprint measuring 64.25 inches long by 32 inches wide, or 14.28 square feet. For reference, this compact treadmill takes up less space than your standard loveseat (15.31 square feet). (1) Additionally, the Stride-6 is equipped with Echelon’s patented Auto-Fold technology. Rather than raising the running deck to an upright position, the handlebars and display console fold down to virtually flatten the silhouette — when ready for storage, the Stride-6 resembles a 10.25-inch-thick walking pad.
We also appreciate the vertical and horizontal transport wheels that allow you to maneuver the machine in multiple planes. This can be great for easy storage either upright in a far corner of your training area or underneath a piece of furniture.
Despite the compact design, the Stride-6 features a wider running surface than other top-performing treadmills. “I typically recommend a 20-inch by 60-inch deck for running protocols,” notes Amanda Capritto, CPT, CSNC, CPS. The Stride-6’s 20.5-inch by 60-inch treadmill belt, then, can be slightly more accommodating for broad shoulders or wider gaits.
The Echelon Stride-6 treadmill can reach speeds up to 12.5 miles per hour and incline levels between 0 and 12%. We do enjoy the versatility here as these settings can be toggled to support walking, jogging, and sprint sessions. Plus, the integrated Quick Adjust wheels along the handlebars allow you to, well, quickly set your incline and speed mid-workout. This can be imperative when in the throes of interval training workouts that require rapid jumps between training intensities. “Just make sure you do a trial run beforehand,” says our tester, a certified personal trainer. “The ergonomics of the buttons do take some getting used to, so be sure you understand how the wheels toggle before hopping into your first HIIT session.”
As far as the rest of the available tech, the Echelon Stride-6 is somewhat underwhelming. The center console does not feature an integrated touchscreen, but rather an extra-large device holder. The treadmill does have Bluetooth connectivity for tracking your workout statistics, but you can only track your data through the Echelon Fit app — an extra subscription charge.
Like iFIT and other equipment-compatible services, Echelon Fit ($39.99 monthly for a Premier membership) gives you access to thousands of live and on-demand classes as well as on- and off-machine workout programs led by professional trainers and integrates with popular health and fitness platforms to keep your data in one comprehensive location.
Finally, this best folding treadmill is available online with a listed MSRP of $1,699.99, although we’ve routinely seen it offered at a discounted price. Echelon also supports the Stride-6 with comprehensive 1-year warranty coverage that includes 10-year support for the frame and 5-year coverage for the 2.5 CHP DC Brushless motor. Extended warranty bundles are available for purchase, too, with prices starting at $59.99 for an additional year of coverage.
Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use the Echelon Stride-6
Of course, the Echelon Stride-6 isn’t the lone treadmill on the market, and some silhouettes may be better suited to your specific training needs. “Running enthusiasts, for example, should opt for a machine with a powerful motor of at least 3.0 continuous horsepower along with a spacious running deck, whereas walkers can get by with a treadmill of shorter dimensions and less power output,” states Amanda Capritto, CPT, CSNC, CPS. Below are a few groups we feel could benefit from adding the Echelon Stride-6 to their home gym setup along with a few camps that may fare better with a different treadmill profile.
Recommended for:
- Athletes wanting a foldable treadmill that’s easy to store and transport
- Individuals looking for a comprehensive warranty package with multi-year support for the frame and treadmill motor
- Budget-minded athletes wanting a machine costing less than the $2,025 average of other high-quality treadmills
Not Recommended for:
- Athletes needing a treadmill with a higher user weight capacity than 300 pounds
- People searching for the best treadmills with screens
- Those looking to avoid a new monthly subscription service for access to digital workout programs
Our Experience Training With the Echelon Stride-6
The BarBend team is composed of competitive athletes, certified personal trainers, nutrition coaches, and lifelong fitness enthusiasts. Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of testing over 100 different high-quality treadmills, and, with guidance from our equipment testing methodology, we applied similar protocols to develop this Echelon Stride-6 treadmill review. Our expert testers examined this machine’s specs and in-workout capabilities, rating the machine on a scale of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) in categories such as durability, comfort, adjustability, available programming, and more.
Impressive Folding Design
For a machine to be considered as an example of the best compact exercise equipment, the machine needs to, well, fold compactly and efficiently. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, enjoys the Auto-Fold technology on display with this Echelon Stride-6 treadmill. “Rather than raising the running belt for storage, the Stride-6’s hand rails fold down along with the center console (which features convenient water bottle holders and shelving for your small must-haves). This design can give you a more moveable silhouette that slides into a corner or underneath structures.”
Combining this folding feature with the Stride-6’s already small 14.28-square-foot dimensions, we rate the footprint at 4 out of 5.
Our tester also scores the portability at 4 out of 5 thanks to the convenient rear handle and multidirectional transport wheels. “The handle makes getting the machine upright much easier than other treadmills I’ve tested, and I like that it can be stored horizontally or vertically, depending on your preferences and in-gym space limitations,” they add. This added storage versatility may be common amongst the best walking treadmills, but we’ve rarely seen it with more traditional profiles. If you’re in need of a space-saving cardio machine, the Stride-6 should definitely be on your radar.
Running Performance
The Echelon Stride-6 can support athletes up to 300 pounds, and the design elements are constructed from high-grade plastic and durable metals. Accordingly, we rate the durability at 4 out of 5. In operation, though, our testers had some less-than-stellar experiences with the running deck and motor.
“There’s some decent cushioning underfoot and it’s certainly an upgrade over paved roadways,” says our one tester, “But I wouldn’t classify this as one of the best cushioned treadmills. I’ve tested other machines capable of much softer landings.” Additionally, our testers noticed that the 2.5 continuous horsepower DC brushless motor tended to whine and squeal during initial startups. “There was a noticeable squeak when I used this treadmill at a walking pace to start my workouts,” says our tester, who rates the noise at 3 out of 5. “As the machine warmed up, the squeals subsided, though. I’m not sure if this was unique to our test treadmill, but it could be worthwhile for certain individuals.”
Despite these shortcomings, our tester, a certified personal trainer, did have one positive callout regarding their running experience atop this treadmill — the waterfall design at the front of the belt. “Instead of a bulky hood covering the belt rollers and motor, the Stride-6 features an open design that allows for more confident landings toward the front of the machine,” they note. “This helped me have less fear of missteps during training, and I can see this being a major perk for athletes with longer strides.”
Limited Tech Functionality
In terms of workout settings, we appreciate the Echelon Stride-6’s incline range of 0 to 12% as well as its max speed of 12.5 miles per hour. These toggles can allow for a range of cardio workouts from running all the way down to walking. According to Dr. Raj Dasgupta, MD, “Walking can offer significant cardiovascular benefits and place less strain across your joints. (2) Walking can also be a beacon for improved mental well-being.”
Unfortunately, though, this treadmill is sort of handicapped by its available programming, which stems from its lack of an integrated touchscreen. Our tester, a certified personal trainer, scores the available tech at a conservative 3 out of 5 since you need to provide your own display to unlock live classes and on-demand workout modules. Plus, we do want to point out that while the Stride-6 has Bluetooth compatibility, you can only connect to the Echelon Fit app for data tracking needs. Other treadmills offer connectivity to a range of the best workout apps, giving you more options for your streaming preferences.
However, our tester notes, “I do think the Echelon Fit subscription is worthwhile if you want to follow along to digital training programs. The brand bakes in thousands of trainer-led courses alongside scenic runs and Echelon Worlds gamified workouts. You can also pair your workouts to popular health apps like Strava and the Apple Health Kit to keep your metrics more organized.”
What to Consider Before Buying the Echelon Stride-6
Amanda Capritto, CPT, CSNC, CPS states, “Buying a treadmill can be one of the largest investments you make for your home gym. Naturally, then, it can be beneficial to understand what you should be looking for.” Below, we’ve outlined some of the key components to consider before finalizing your checkout.
- Product Dimensions: Treadmills can vary in size, so it’s vital that your machine of choice fits comfortably within your available space. Capritto states to measure your available area and compare it to the treadmill’s listed length, width, and height. “I’d also suggest paying attention to the stored dimensions to give you an idea of how much space you’ll need to house your treadmill in-between workouts,” she adds.
- Speed and Incline Ranges: Your treadmill should be capable of supporting your workout intensities through various speed and incline adjustments. Consider the range you’ll need in order to facilitate worthwhile training sessions and look for a treadmill with those matching speeds and inclines.
- Available Programming: While some machines are bare bones intended for manually-programmed workouts, other treadmills can be compatible with some of the best treadmill apps for onscreen guidance through your strides. Think about your training preferences and whether you’ll want a center display for workout instruction, or if you’d be OK with just a few preset programs or a completely manual setup.
- Price: The best treadmill for your home gym is the one that fits your budget best. Crunch some numbers and determine just how much you can comfortably afford. Also, take into account any extra fees that may be necessary, such as shipping rates or monthly subscriptions to compatible online workout programs.
- Warranty: Capritto notes, “It can also be worthwhile to look at available treadmill warranty packages that can help preserve your investment down the road. I recommend at least 10-year support for the frame, 2-year coverage for parts, and 1-year coverage for labor, but these bundles can vary from brand to brand.”
Echelon Stride-6 Vs. Competitors
Naturally, there are some comparable treadmills to the Echelon Stride-6. Below, we’ve built a helpful chart pitting two respectable treadmills — the NordicTrack Commercial 1750 and Sole F63 — against the Stride-6 in terms of price, dimensions, weight capacity, and available speeds and inclines, among other categories. For further details on these high-quality machines, be sure to explore our NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill review and Sole F63 Treadmill review.
| Echelon Stride-6 | NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill | SOLE F63 Treadmill | |
| Price | $1,699.99 | $2,499 | $1,299.99 |
| Product Dimensions | 64.25” L x 32” W x 57” H | 77.3” L x 37” W x 59.5” H | 77″ L x 35″ W x 67″ H |
| Product Weight | 182.3lbs | 311.5lbs | 224lbs |
| Incline Range | 0-12% | -3-12% | 0-15% |
| Max Speed | 12.5mph | 12mph | 12mph |
| Motor Size | 2.5 CHP DC Brushless | 4.25 CHP | 3.0 HP |
| Weight Capacity | 300lbs | 400lbs | 325lbs |
| Display | Extra large device holder | 16” HD touchscreen | 6.5” backlit LCD |
| Warranty | 10-year frame, 5-year motor, 1-year comprehensive | 10-year frame, 2-year parts, 1-year labor | Lifetime frame, lifetime motor, 2-year deck, 2-year parts, 2-year wear items, 1-year labor, 90-day cosmetic items |
Ordering and Assembling the Echelon Stride-6
Ordering the Echelon Stride-6 treadmill is as simple as any online transaction. Simply add this piece of fitness equipment to your online cart, providing billing and shipping information, and complete your purchase. Additionally, the Echelon Stride-6 requires no assembly once delivered, earning a 4-out-of-5 score from our testers. The 1-point deduction is in reference to the fact that despite the simple setup, the box may be cumbersome and difficult to manage for certain athletes (and doorways).
Places to Buy the Echelon Stride-6
You can purchase the Echelon Stride-6 treadmill directly from the brand’s retail site. Additionally, we’ve found the Stride-6 available through popular third-party retailers including Amazon and Bed, Bath & Beyond, among others.
Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews
As a brand, Echelon is a recognized leader in the home gym space thanks to its dedication to crafting some of the best rowing machines, exercise bikes, and (of course) treadmills available today. The brand’s roster of exercise equipment is routinely affordable, too, although there are Echelon discount codes to be had if you’re on the hunt for the best deals possible.
To reach the brand with any inquiries, Echelon’s customer service can be reached via phone at 1-833-937-2453. According to the brand, hours of operation are Monday through Friday, 8am to 8pm ET. There is also a ‘Live Chat’ feature on the Echelon retail site for quick questions and support mid-shopping.
The Echelon Stride-6 treadmill is well-received online with an average 4.8-out-of-5 star rating on echelonfit.com based on 48 customer responses. “The size and ease of storing are excellent — good for basic runs,” states one positive customer review.
Warranties
When you purchase an Echelon Stride-6 treadmill, you’re given a comprehensive 1-year warranty bundle that includes 10-year support for the treadmill frame as well as 5-year coverage for the motor. Athletes that sign up for the Premier Echelon Fit membership will receive a full 5-year warranty instead of the basic 1-year package.
The brand also offers extended warranty bundles up to 4 years. Prices for these services start at roughly $59.99 and can be added to your order prior to checkout.
Final Thoughts on Echelon Stride-6
The Echelon Stride-6 treadmill can be a great entry level machine for athletes, especially those in need of a foldable design that won’t take up much space. While the tech is limited and you’ll need to bring your own device for streaming workouts, the available speed and incline ranges can be effective enough to support training at different intensities.
When looking to purchase a treadmill for your own home training center, always remember to measure your available space and stick to treadmills that can comfortably fit within your floor plan. Opt for a machine with worthwhile speed and incline settings related to your workout tendencies, and be sure to consider additional expenses like workout program memberships. Yes, treadmills are an investment, but they can be worth every penny if you purchase accordingly from the start.
Echelon Stride-6 FAQs
How much does the Echelon Stride-6 cost?
The Echelon Stride-6 treadmill is available online with a listed MSRP of $1,699.99.
What is the difference between the Echelon Stride-6 and Stride-6s-10?
The differences between these two Echelon treadmills comes down to the center display console. The Echelon Stride-6s-10 features a 10-inch HD touchscreen, while the Stride-6 uses an extra-large device holder in its place. This does account for a $300 price difference between the two models and should be considered when choosing the right silhouette for your needs.
How much does the Echelon Stride-6 weigh?
The Echelon Stride-6 treadmill has a listed product weight of 182.3 pounds.
Can you run on the Echelon Stride-6 treadmill?
This Echelon treadmill features a 20.5-inch by 60-inch running surface and can reach speeds up to 12.5 miles per hour. These metrics can be more than accommodating enough to support various running workouts.
References
- Jaramillo, C. (2022, August 11). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes – seatup, LLC. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/
- Rippe, J. M. (1988). Walking for health and fitness. JAMA: The Journal of the American Medical Association, 259(18), 2720. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3282085/
