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The Matrix T50 is a non-folding treadmill with great training content and a sturdy construction. Learn more about the Matrix T50 Treadmill in this review.
Updated: April 12, 2024
The Matrix T50 Treadmill is a non-folding treadmill with a sturdy frame and high weight capacity. Runners and walkers who have the space for it will enjoy the great range of training content on its smart console options. The T50 also has an affordable low-tech console option. The T50 has an impressive warranty that will draw shoppers to its durability. However, it is an expensive and large treadmill that may not suit all shopper’s needs. This review of the Matrix T50 Treadmill explores its features and performance specs.
Matrix makes commercial and residential treadmills. The T50 brings some of Matrix’s commercial experience to your home with a durable, well-constructed residential treadmill. The lifetime warranty on the frame, motor, and cushioning is impressive. Shoppers looking for a durable, long-lasting treadmill should consider the T50 treadmill.
The Matrix T50 has a steel frame. Surprisingly, it weighs less than the T50’s folding counterpart, the TF50 because the frame does not have to support the folding mechanism. The T50 can support a maximum user weight of 400 lbs, 100 lbs more than the industry standard.
The T50 has a traditional treadmill shape, but the handles form one continuous handle, making the console sturdy. It also gives a user on its deck more to hold onto while training. The footrails are aluminum and provide a stable place to stand off of the moving belt.
The motor is 3.25 horsepower. It should be powerful enough to support regular running by one or more runners. However, this treadmill is not a commercial-grade machine. It will not hold up to high use such as put on a machine in a gym or other training facility.
The treadmill’s maximum speed is 12.5 miles per hour. This is slightly faster than the traditional 12 miles per hour found on many residential treadmills. The spacious running deck should comfortably allow runners to train up to the limit if desired.
The running surface is 20 inches wide by 60 inches long. My experience with Matrix treadmills suggests the treadmill has a moderately cushioned deck. It feels pretty similar to the Horizon treadmills, a brand with the same parent company as Matrix.
The running deck is 1 inch thick. Most residential treadmills we have reviewed have about a 0.75-inch running deck. The added thickness improves the durability of the running surface, which can become cracked or worn out over time.
The deck has a 6.4-inch step-up height. This low height makes it more accessible to users with mobility and balance restrictions.
The Matrix T50 does not fold. You will need a dedicated location for the Matrix T50. The treadmill can still be moved around by lifting its deck and tilting it onto its transport wheels. Most users will not be comfortable moving it regularly. It weighs 315 lbs.
The Matrix T50 inclines to a maximum of 15%. It does not decline. This is a decent range for a treadmill, but it’s not as impressive as a similarly priced treadmill like the NordicTrack X32i.
There are four console options on the T50. These consoles vary in their features. Three of the consoles are smart touchscreen displays while the fourth is a simpler non-touchscreen display. The T50 works for high-tech or low-tech users because you can choose your experience.
The XR is a low-tech console. This console only has 5 built-in training programs It does not have speakers or the connectivity of the other console options. It is a great budget option. There are more buttons on the display. These allow you to control the speed and incline. They also let you start and stop the treadmill or set up training programs. The XR console connects via Bluetooth with heart rate monitors.
The XUR, XIR, and XER consoles are touchscreens. The XUR is 22 inches, the XIR is 16 inches, and the XER is 10 inches. Besides their size, the only difference appears to be one less built-in training program on the XER console. The larger the console, the more expensive it becomes. The XUR is definitely the largest console and might be worth it for the treadmill shopper who has the budget for it.
The smart console options have several means of connecting to other devices. There is a port for headphones, audio-in, HDMI, and USB. You can display and enjoy just about any type of content you would like on the touchscreen consoles.
For heart rate training, you can use the built-in EKG pulse grips. These are located on the sides of the continuous handle. They may not be as accurate as a wearable heart rate monitor. However, you can pair a wearable option via Bluetooth.
There are speakers on each of the smart consoles. They are front-facing for clearer sound. Bluetooth also lets you pair headphones. If you have a wired option, you can plug those in. These audio options let you listen to any of the onscreen content.
There is a device rack and two water bottle pockets. The Matrix T50 lets you keep all of your most essential items within reach.
The Matrix T50 is designed for walkers and runners. The spacious treadmill deck makes it much more comfortable to train at fast paces as you stretch out your stride. In my experience, Matrix treadmills have timely and smooth speed and incline adjustments. The T50 is good for everything from an easy walk to a long run or an interval workout.
The T50 has built-in training programs like the speed and hill intervals that are standard on most commercial treadmills. It also has more advanced training options available on its touchscreen consoles. There are also Virtual Active training routes. These are outdoor route videos. You can upgrade your machine by buying a Virtual Active expansion pack for more trail videos. You can access even more options with the built-in third-party apps.
Matrix is the only non-iFIT brand that has a fully integrated iFIT app. With an iFIT subscription, you can follow along with trainer-led content as the treadmill’s incline automatically adjusts to match the terrain shown on the screen. The classes are filmed all over the world, so there is tons of variety. The speed adjusts too and can be personalized to your training level.
There are tons of other apps on the T50. You can get on social media or stream entertainment content. There’s even web browsing. The T50 also connects to third-party training apps. The possibilities are pretty much endless.
