Information on how to run faster, lift stronger and think deeper

Nordictrack 8.5 vs Concept 2 model D [Article,Video]

Posted by Pascal Landshoeft

Aug 6, 2020 9:00:00 AM

Nordictrack 8.5 vs Concept 2 model D

This is a comparison between the Nordictrack 8.5 treadmill and the Concept 2 model D rower. Follow the links for more details.

Click for Instagram

 

Overview and review of the Concept 2 Model D

The Concept 2 Model D comes in at $900. In this article you will learn more about the product itself, its Pros and cons and alternatives you might want to consider. This article has originally been published in the overview "Which conditioning equipment to buy from Rogue".

Overview of the concept 2 Model D

 
The concept 2 model D rower is the bread and butter product from concept 2. This rower can be used by athletes of all sizes and ages. From low-intensity rehabilitation work to high-intensity racing between top athletes anything is possible with this machine. This is also a machine which you can most likely test yourself in a gym near you, which can not always be said for the other machines available on the Rogue website. The concept 2 model D comes with the following specifications: 
 
  • Color black/white 
  • Assembled in America 
  • 57LB weight 
  • Length 96”
  • Width 24”
  • Height 14” (seat)
  • Foot print 8’ x 2’ 
 
 
The concept 2 rower is the go-to option in the industry. You can not go wrong with this one if you want to stick up on a rower for your home gym or commercial facility. 
 

Pros of the Concept 2 Model D

 
The pros of the concept 2 rower are
 
  • Little impact 
  • Scalable workout 
  • PM5 monitor 
 
Working out with the concept 2 rower will be lighter on your joints compared to other endurance workouts. As you will slide back and forth this machine can also be used when a high impact is not possible due to injury. 
 
With the ten different settings for resistance and multiple workouts to choose from the computer, you can scale it in every direction. From intervals to long distance and races everything is possible.
 
The PM5 monitor is quickly becoming a standard which other endurance computers have live up to. In the reviews and testing I have done it comes out on top for connectivity to your phone and other machines for racing purposes. 
 
cons
 

The cons of the concept 2 rower are

 
  • Space requirements 
  • Specificity 
 
The concept 2 rower is can be hung on a wall or broken up into two pieces for better storage. Still, at full length, it takes up considerable space compared to an Airbike. Especially for home gym arrangements, this might be a killer.
 
The rowing motion of the concept 2 is not specific to most sports. If you want to ensure that your training is as specific as possible a treadmill or bike might be the better option for you. 
 

Alternatives to the concept 2 Model D

 
Alternatives to the concept 2 model d rower are:
 
 
The model E rower is a great alternative with a higher seat. If you work mainly with the rehab clients or very tall athletes this is a good alternative. In addition, you also get a sturdier hold for your PM5 monitor.
 
The Rogue echo bike is a great alternative if you want to save space and money. This machine might even give you an even better workout, especially if you want to do interval training. It also takes up less space than the concept 2 rower unless you mount the rower to a wall. 
 
The TrueForm runner is the ultimate treadmill. You will need no access to power as it self propelled. The only downside is that it is about five times the price of the concept two rower. 
 

Summary for the concept 2 Model D

 
The concept 2 model d is a safe bet for all endurance needs which want to be low impact. You can place it in a big gym with a horde of strong athletes or a boutique gym specialized in rehab of the 50+ women. The pricing is average and it also has been on the market for a long time.
 

Further reading

 

Overview and review NordicTrack T 8.5 S Treadmill $1399 - $1999

This is a review of the Nordictrack 8.5 S model which was originally published in "Which Nordictrack treadmill to get". Follow the links for more details.

Related Articles

Overview NordicTrack T 8.5 S Treadmill $1399 - $1999

 
The T 8.5 is the small brother of the T 9.5 from Nordictrack. The main difference is an HD touch screen which 10 inches on the 8.5 instead of 14 on the T 9.5. Apart from this, you get a top speed of 12 miles an hour, 12% incline and a foldable treadmill. The full list of specifications for the T 8.5 runs as following:
 
  • 10” Smart HD Touchscreen
  • Includes 1-Year NordicTrack iFit® membership
  • Bluetooth® Audio Capabilities
  • Dual 2” Digitally Amplified Speakers
  • FlexSelect™ Cushioning
  • 20” x 60” Commercial Tread Belt
  • AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan
  • Integrated Tray
  • 0-12% Incline
  • 0-12 MPH Speed
  • One Touch® Controls
  • 3.5 CHP DurX™ Commercial Plus Motor
  • 1.9” Precision and Balanced Non-Flex Rollers
  • 300 Lb. User Capacity
  • EKG Grip Pulse
  • SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist
  • 50 On-Board Workout Programs
  • 78.5” L x 35.5” W x 59” H Footprint
  • 10-Year Frame Warranty
  • 2-Year Parts Warranty
  • 1-Year Labor Warranty
This is a treadmill for the smaller budget and a mid-range option at it. I personally do not like the middle of the road solutions and either go alls guns blazing or very low budget. Personally, I think the 1750 is more balanced or go for the T6.5 if you want to save money and space.
 

Pros of the  NordicTrack T 8.5 treadmill

 
The pros of the 8.5 treadmill are:
 
  • Foldable
  • 300 lb capacity
  • Cushioning
If you want to save money on a treadmill that can take a pounding this is the right choice. You can save space when storing and it takes up to 300 lbs. of weight. All of this makes it a good option for a mid-range home treadmill.
 

Cons of the NordicTrack T 8.5 treadmill

 
Cons of the Nordictrack 8.5:
 
  • Somewhere in the middle
  • High price to compromise 
As the Nordictrack portfolio has evolved the 1750 is just the better option in terms of value for money in my opinion. With the T 8.5 you compromise on the size of the belt, incline, and screen while still paying a good bit of money. It is a reasonable price for a cardio machine compared to other machines in the market, but I would lean more towards the 1750 to spent my money wisely. 
 

Alternatives to the NordciTrack T 8.5 treadmill

 
Alternatives to the T 8.5 are:
 
 
The Nordictrack 1750 is, in my opinion, the most balances option in the Nordictrack portfolio at a reasonable price. Therefore I think it is the best option for budget-conscious treadmill buyers from Nordic Track. The T 8.5 just sits a bit oddly against this as it has the same sized screen while having less incline and a smaller belt, while the prices are not that far apart. 
 
The Nordictrack 6.5 is the ideal option for people who want to maximize saving money and space when buying a new treadmill from Nordictrack. This model comes in around $1000 and has the smallest footprint of the Nordictrack models. Ideal for walkers or limited spaces. 
 
The Rogue echo bike is my personal favorite if you are looking for maximum calories burned per minute. It comes in at only $700, has a small footprint and packs a hefty punch.
 
If you are looking for a different concept of a treadmill the True form runner is for you. This treadmill is self-propelled and therefore has no motor. The belt rests on bearing and your footstrike accelerates or breaks on the speed. This is the ideal treadmill for runners who want to simulate fast acceleration and deceleration at home. 
 

Topics: Treadmill