Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill Review (2024): Expert-Approved Quad Burner

Sizing up the Xebex ST-6000 can be tough. We’re not quite sure it’s one of the best treadmills out there, but that weight sled training it offers? Now we’re talking. As we’ve been testing out this hybrid machine, one thing is clear — it’s a beast, as long as you plan on using the sled modes. “Without the sled function, I wouldn’t recommend it purely as a treadmill,” our tester notes. “That said, the sled function is remarkable.”

By leveraging a bi-directional belt, the ST-6000 offers six training modes, with the 10% incline doubling as a 10% decline — just turn around. While as a treadmill for running, we might go with cheaper options, we love that tapping a few buttons to prepare for push and pull sled training is a much lighter lift than loading up stacks of weight plates on a sled. Athletes who prioritize the lower-body training that sleds provide may have found the streamlined solution they’ve been after. For a deep dive into this unique machine, check out our full Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill Review. To discover more about how we test products, head over to the BarBend equipment testing methodology page.

Main Takeaways

• According to our tester, this unique hybrid machine nails the feel of a true weight sled.
• Although the ST-6000 can operate as a treadmill, its incline and speed ranges are just average compared to the best high-end treadmills in this price range.
• Considering all that you’ll be replacing — push and pull sled, weight plates, and treadmill — our tester thinks it’s a great value. 

Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill Specs

As a treadmill alone, the Xebex ST-6000 could hang with the best cardio machines, but as our tester explains, that’s far from the end of its abilities. “The ST-6000 can do anything a regular treadmill can do, but what makes it unique is that it can also mimic forward and backward sled training,” they say. “So, can it do treadmill things well? Yes. The question then becomes — is the sled function good and is it worth the price? Also yes.”

How do you pack all that functionality into one beast of a machine? First, you’ll need a massive build. At a whopping 343.5 pounds, the ST-6000 is easily one of the heaviest treadmills we’ve tested. That’s because in order to operate as a quality sled, it needs more bells and whistles than any old hamster wheel. “What makes the ST-6000 unique is the sled function and the bi-lateral belt — and it does those two key things very well,” our tester adds. 

That bi-directional belt opens up interesting training options that you won’t find on many other machines. “Essentially, you have six different modes. Treadmill mode is a lot like any treadmill, except I love options like Backward Walk mode,” our tester says of the ST-6000’s versatility. “Backward walking is generally good for working the quads and proprioception. It just helps use different muscles in different ways, but on the Xebex you can still face the console.” That makes your unique experience much safer.

Two other modes — Dynamic Sled and Fixed Sled — use that bi-directional belt, adjustable handlebars, and resistance bands to mimic the feel of pushing a stack of weight plates on a sled, simply by tapping a few buttons. “The most unique aspect is clearly the sled function. It uses the resistance from the motor to provide wattage of resistance,” our tester says. “The max wattage is 1,500 — aka, really really heavy. It’s comparable to the heaviest end of the range my go-to sled, the Torque Tank Sled.”

Some of those “modes” may be a bit of marketing wizardry on Xebex’s part. “For such a huge build, 10% incline is not that impressive,” our tester says. “‘Decline Mode’ is basically just turning around and walking — not running — down the incline with the belt spinning backwards.” Overall though, we think this bulky, ultra-functional treadmill and weight sled hybrid could become a centerpiece of your home gym.

Pros

Six different training modes

Bi-directional belt

Incline and decline capability

Cons

Very large footprint

Expensive price point

Lacks touchscreen display

Who Should Use / Who Shouldn’t Use the Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill

The pricey Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill is certainly not one of the best budget treadmills, but with its functionality as a weight sled, we think it offers a ton of value for your hard-earned cash. Here’s a quick look at who we think might benefit from investing in this unique machine.

Recommended for:

• Athletes who train often with push and pull sleds
• Sprinters or distance runners looking for dynamic speed training
• People who want to maximize their space by combining a treadmill and weight sled

Not Recommended for:

• Anyone tight on space or shopping for a folding treadmill
• Tech junkies who prefer a touchscreen display that can stream virtual workouts
• Someone not planning on using the weight sled modes

Our Experience Training With the Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill

The Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill is a unique machine that our team of certified personal trainers, competitive weightlifters, and weight sled apologists was eager to try out. Over the years, we tested out over 50 treadmills and 13 weight sleds, assigning ratings of 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest) across categories like durability, value, and adjustability. Take a look at what our team has to say about our time putting the Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill to the test.

Build and Durability

For such a unique piece of equipment, it’s tough to make apt comparisons — is it like the best weight sleds? Or treadmills? Its 343.5-pound overall weight would blow most treadmills out of the water, but as our tester says, there’s a lot going on that could impact its longevity. “We haven’t had any issues with durability or anything breaking down so far, but with all the different modes, working parts, and just overall complexity of the machine, there’s just some potential for problems down the road,” our tester says.

“The entire machine is a tank,” they add, rating its durability 4.5 out of 5. Powering the bi-direction belt is a 3.0 HP motor, which is in line with other treadmills in this price range that we’ve tested. One other plus of its supersized build is that the 352-pound user weight capacity also exceeds what we typically see on even the sturdiest treadmills.

Overall, our team’s only durability concerns lie in the sheer number of parts that make this treadmill/sled Frankenstein monster go. “I’m not worried about the frame at all — this thing is beefy,” our tester notes. “But with so many parts and complexity of the design, there’s more that could go wrong.” 

For instance, to create a more dynamic sled push, there are small resistance bands on the handrails. “I do think little things like the bands add to the functionality, but in reality — treadmills break. And the first things to go are the smaller parts, not the frame,” they add. At the end of the day, our tester still thinks that despite the potential for issues down the road, there’s no apparent reason to doubt the build or the value. “The build is certainly hefty and it actually costs less than some of the best commercial treadmills we’ve used.”

Footprint and Portability

Sure, you can probably move around the best folding treadmills. But have you ever tried to move something that weighed 343.5 pounds? I’m guessing no, but if you have you likely had some help. On the Xebex ST-6000, that help arrives in the form of two front wheels and a crossbar at the rear of the belt deck. Several members of the team gave it a whirl and, with proper squat form in mind, have been able to lift and roll it. 

It’s not easy by any stretch, but each of us can roll it across hard gym flooring. The plastic wheels do tend to stall out on turf and we think they would on even thin carpet, as well. But as long as you stick to hard surfaces, moving it is manageable — not easy, not difficult, but exactly manageable. For footprint and portability, the ST-6000 earns a 3 out of 5 from our team.

At over 6 feet long, the bigger issue is finding a home for it in the first place. The entire machine devours over 18 square feet of floor space and would be akin to dropping an oversized two-seater sofa in your home or garage gym. (1) 

Remember though, the whole point of this machine is to combine a quality treadmill with the functionality of a sled push. “What makes the size palatable is that you can do super heavy sled pushes without having to get an actual sled out, load it up with a ton of weight, and put it all back,” our tester explains. “Being able to just push a few buttons and go is a game changer for sled training.” Plus, you don’t travel anywhere — you just stand on the machine instead of needing a runway of sorts to push and pull an actual sled across.

Adjustability and Ergonomics

In terms of adjustability and customizations for training, there’s a lot going on here. Let’s lay out the treadmill stuff first. The top speed (12.5 miles per hour) and incline range (-10% decline to 10% incline) are both close to what we typically see on the best incline treadmills we’ve tested. 

“The top speed isn’t the fastest out there,” our tester adds. “And honestly, not many people are going to hit 12.5 miles per hour anyway. As a treadmill, the ST-6000 is good, but remember the point is the sled push.” If you’re specifically buying it for the adjustable incline, just know there are plenty of less expensive models that reach 15% incline — the Sole F63 and Horizon 7.0 AT come to mind.

As BarBend expert Amanda Capritto says, the 61- by 22-inch belt deck should be comfortable for just about any kind of training. “People who intend to run or sprint on their treadmill should look for a running deck of at least 60 inches in length,” she notes. “Regardless of length, a comfortable width is between 16 and 20 inches.” Check and check.

When you do use the sled push, there’s a host of adjustments you can make, which our tester highlights in their 5 out of 5 rating for adjustability and ergonomics. “What I do love is that the whole handlebar can slide forward and backward. For something like sprints, I like them all the way forward,” they say. “I do wish the sled handles could somehow be lowered for low sled pushes, but that’s pretty nit-picky.”

You’ll also have the option to attach the resistance bands to the handles. “At first I thought the bands might be a little gimmicky,” our tester says. “After using them though, I do think they make the movement a bit more dynamic and help it feel more like a real sled push.”

On the handrails, you’ll find quick-adjust buttons for speed and incline, but as our tester adds, the resistance can be a bit confusing. “The buttons on the rail are for speed of the treadmill, not the resistance of the sled, which I find kind of annoying,” they say. “For instance, if you press the ‘12’ button, it goes to ‘90’ resistance in the sled function, so that’s weird to get used to.”

Several of the best treadmills for running that we’ve tested feature decline capability. But before you get too excited about the -10% dip on the ST-6000, our tester explains the catch. “The belt can go both directions, so to use the ‘decline,’ you’re really just facing backward and walking down the incline,” they explain. 

You’re also limited to — wait for it — 1.6 miles per hour. “I kind of get why they’d have a limit speed mode — it’s sort of like a child lock,” our tester says. “Basically, you can just ensure that the speed won’t get away from you. I actually do think it’s a good idea for rehab or older adults, just remember that it’s limited.”

Tech Capabilities

The most obvious tech feature on a treadmill is the display — is it a touchscreen? How big is it? On ST-6000, the answer is — that’s not the point. “This really is an athlete’s treadmill,” our tester says, scoring its tech capabilities 3.5 out of 5. “Since you’re not spending extra money on a big touchscreen or a fitness app subscription, there’s more value on the actual mechanics and training modes.”

With that in mind, we think the console adds a lot to the six training modes. You’ll be able to connect any of the best heart rate monitors via Bluetooth, plus the programs are customizable. You can also connect a device to sync up with apps like Zwift or Kinomap. 

Grabbing the pulse sensors on the handrails can also give you a quick glimpse at your heart rate during your lower-body workout. You can also keep tabs on metrics like time, calories, speed, incline levels, and the wattage in Sled Mode.

What to Consider Before Buying the Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill

Before adding such a monster of a machine to your home or garage gym, make sure you’ll be able to get the most out of it. Here are a few key factors to consider before buying the Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill.

• Training: The ST-6000 operates splendidly as a treadmill, but remember that its main purpose in life is as a push and pull sled. If you don’t plan on using the two sled modes very often, consider opting for a dedicated treadmill.
• Footprint and Portability: At 343.5 pounds and a tad larger than a two-seater sofa, landing this behemoth in your space requires some planning. Make sure to measure the area where you plan to park it and consider letting it stay there.
• Value: Spending thousands of dollars on any of the best home gym essentials, is a major decision. Ensure that you’ll be able to get the most out of the Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill before investing in this unique machine.
• Durability: While we think this hefty build will hold up long term, there are a lot of moving parts to support all its functionality. Considering it only comes with a relatively short warranty, think about how you might go about replacing smaller parts like the resistance bands or belts.

Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill Vs. Competitors

Lining up the specs on the Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill against a few competitors can provide some clarity for your decision. While the ST-6000 is rather unique, there are some commercial treadmills out there that stack up nicely. For instance, the NordicTrack Commercial X22i Treadmill consistently ranks among our top commercial treadmills and it integrates a push and pull sled bar to simulate weight sled movements. The ProForm Pro 9000 also scores high marks from our team as a treadmill, but it lacks the sled training aspect of the other two. Take a closer look at the details on these three quality machines.

[Related: ProForm Pro 9000 Treadmill Review]

Ordering and Assembling the Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill

Ordering the Xebex SledTrac ST-6000 Treadmill is simple enough — add to cart and checkout — and you’ll be able to apply for financing through Affirm to spread out the cost. The ST-6000 arrived at our facility in two boxes and our team recommends enlisting some help. “Assembly is pretty straightforward, but since it’s such a massive machine, I’d recommend grabbing a buddy,” says one of our testers. “The tools they provide are also pretty dinky, so it’s probably best to use your own.”

Places to Buy the Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill

You can buy the Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill from getrxd.com.

Brand Reputation and Customer Reviews

We’ve tested several pieces of home gym equipment from Xebex and have found them to be high-quality and durable machines. I personally favor the Xebex Trekker and another of our favorites is among the best rowing machines we’ve used — the Xebex Air Rower. They also manufacture manual treadmills, air bikes, and ski trainers.

Customer reviews of the ST-6000 are sparse — as in, there’s one on their site at the time of this writing. But this satisfied customer echoes the sentiments of our team. “This is one heavy-duty piece of equipment; you will not be disappointed in the build quality or how heavy-duty it is,” the lone review reads. “Prepare to have four full-size adults to move the box around.”

Warranties

Xebex offers a five-year warranty on the frame of the ST-6000, plus two years for the parts. Considering the sheer volume of parts, our team wishes there was a more robust policy. “I’m not worried about the frame at all,” our tester says of the warranty. “With so much going on mechanically, it’d be nice to have more than two years for the parts.”

Final Thoughts on the Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill

After putting the Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill through the wringer, one thing is clear — it’s more than a treadmill. Sure, incline, decline, and max speed all line up with the best treadmills for apartments, homes, and garage gyms. But we think that Xebex really nails the sled training. We’ve seen other commercial treadmills, like the NordicTrack x22i integrate push and pull sled training bars, but none have actually dedicated so many moving parts to this underrated form of lower-body strength training.

With adjustable handles, resistance bands, and bi-directional belt, this machine can truly mimic the feel of loading up a sled. The six training modes are supported by 1,500 watts of power, which could make the ST-6000 a one-stop shop for athletes training for speed and lower-body explosiveness. Without the sled functionality, it would be tough to justify the price tag. But for anyone looking to light up your quads, glutes, and hamstrings, the Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill offers an efficient way to make it happen.

Xebex ST-6000 Treadmill FAQs

References

1. Jaramillo, C. (2022, December 29). A guide to sofa dimensions & sizes. SeatUp, LLC. https://seatup.com/blog/guide-to-sofa-dimensions/

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