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

NordicTrack C700 treadmill vs VersaClimber LX

Posted by Pascal Landshoeft

Apr 14, 2021 9:00:00 AM

NordicTrack C700 treadmill vs VersaClimber LX

This is a comparison between the Nordictrack C700 treadmill and the VersaClimber LX including pros, cons and alternatives. Follow the links for more details

Click for Instagram

Versa climber LX Model

The VresaClimber LX comes in at $3995 - $4200. 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"

Related articles

Overview of the VersaClimber LX

 
The VersaClimber range has been on the market for more than four decades. The LX model is one of their mid-range options which sits between the SM and H models from a budget perspective. The machine is hand welded and has the following specifications: 
 
  • Weight 150lb
  • Height 7’ 10’’
  • Footprint 48’’x48’’
  • Color black 
  • Climb angle 75 degrees 
 
The VersClimber LX comes with a computer and fully assembled to stand upright in your home gym or professional facility. For $200 you can upgrade the handles for more options. VersaClimber recommends this option for anyone taller than 6’ 3’’. For an extra $100 it comes with a branded floor mat to protect your floors from scratches and sweat. 
 
The VersaClimber range is a great alternative to treadmills, bikes, and towers. It offers some of the highest intensity cardiovascular workouts on the smallest possible footprint with minimum impact on the joints. Everyone who ever used this hates it. This is usually a good reference when it comes to workout machines.
 

Pros of the VersaClimber LX

 
These are the pros of the VersaClimber LX series compared to other options you might consider: 
 
  • Small footprint 
  • High intensity 
  • Adjustable resistance 
  • Unfamiliar workout 
 
Compared to most treadmills and elliptical machines you will be able to fit a lot more VersaClimbers into your facility. When it comes to calories burned per square foot the VersaClimber is very hard to beat. The LX offers a commercial grade machine for a lower cost than the SM model.
 
The Versaclimber itself offers you and your athlete a great opportunity to power yourselves out. If the weather is bad or if you want to throw them a curve ball, this is the machine. Many climbers use this is a morning routine and climbers are usually quite good when it comes to endurance. Loss of grip means death for them so they won’t mess about with the equipment they pick. 
 
This machine can adjust the resistance from 1-500 lb which makes it better than older models from VersaClimber. 
 
If you are planning on establishing the best gym in town you will be able to offer extra diversity with this machine. Especially in Europe, I have not seen many of these around which might swing some reliable clients your way instead of to the gym around the corner. 
 

Cons of the VersaClimber LX

 
Here are some cons of the Versa Climber LX:
 
  • Not specific 
  • Not for beginners 
  • Old computer 
  • Price 
 
Most people compete in sports to which a vertical climb is irrelevant. Treadmill and cycling training is more relevant to the movement patterns for long distance runners and endurance athletes. If it is not just about burning calories but also improving technique on relevant movements the VersaClimber might not be the right choice. 
 
As this workout is super intense it might not be for beginners. If you have a lot of beginners in your gym you might want some alternatives for people who just walked through the door. Throwing something completely frustrating at your beginners will drive them away. You have to give them some small successes and build from there. Only very few of your clients will be like “yes another machine I can kill myself on”. 
 
The computer unit on the LX is a bit outdated. The SM has a better one as this is the most recent update to the line. Personally, I think this does not matter that much. Most of the programs are not used anyway. 
 
The price is a big con to the Versaclimber LX. The H version comes in for $1000 less but has no commercial use warranty. The SM costs $1000 more. What I would really consider when I built my own gym is what else I could do for $4000. For two VersaClimbers I can get a ten pack of concept 2 bikes to run spinning classes. For a home gym, I can get a rack fully equipped with barbell and plates. 
 

Alternatives to the VersaClimber LX

 
Alternatives to the Versaclimber LX are: 
 
 
The Versaclimber SM leaves you with more freedom around the machine as less material of better quality is used to build the frame for the VersaClimber. It also has a better computer and warranty. When you are in the market to buy a lot of these for commercial use, make very sure you understand the differences of the warranty and service differences between the LX and SM. 
 
If you are considering a VersaClimber for your home base go with the H option. It will save you a lot of money and still give you the benefits. Unless money does it really make a difference (for example if you are outfitting a house that costs 10 million I personally would not be picky between a 2000 and 5000 dollar option for the home gym and just get the best of everything).
 
If you are not looking at the VersaClimber for home use but for a professional setup be very mindful whether it is your first purchase. The Rogue Echo bikes are of high quality, only cost a fraction and deliver a great, challenging workout which is different from treadmills and ellipticals. This might be a better option for a bulk purchase.
 

Summary for the VersaClimber LX

 
The Versaclimber LX is a great option but suffers the pros and cons of most middle of the range of products. Unless you very specifically want this one it is better to go with the best or lowest budget option form the portfolio. Same goes here for the LX. I went for the H and I am happy. For a commercial gym, I would have gone for the SM and tried to argue with the bank for a loan extension pointing to the good warranty (basically you buy 2 for 1 if one breaks you get it replaced unless you threw rocks at It). Talk to other gym owners who wanted to make use of the warranty to be really sure. 

Overview and review of the NordicTrack C700 treadmill 699

This is a review of the NordicTrack C700 including pros, cons, and alternatives. This article has been originally published in “which NordicTrack treadmill or elliptical to get in the UK”. Follow the links for more details.

 

Overview of the NordicTrack C700

 
The C700 from Nordictrack is the smallest and cheapest treadmill available from the vendor for the UK market. Its main features are a 2.75 chp motor, 10%  incline, and an LED display. The full list of features reads:
 
  • iFit Bluetooth - 1 Years Membership Included
  • Smart BlueTooth (BLE) Chestbelt Compatible
  • Multi-Window LED Display
  • Dual 2-Inch Speakers
  • 2.75 CHP Motor
  • 0 – 10% Incline
  • 0 – 20 km/h Speed
  • Onetouch™ Controls
  • 1.9" Roller
  • 125kg Max User Weight
  • EKG Handgrips
  • Flexselect™ Cushioning
  • 51 x 140 cm Tread Belt
  • AutoBreeze™ Workout Fans
  • SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist
  • Assembled Dimensions - 185L x 85W x 150H cm
  • Product Weight 93kg
  • Boxed Weight 101kg
  • Folded Dimensions - 93L X 91W X 172H
  • Boxed Dimensions - 198L x 77W x 30H cm
  • Warranty - Lifetime Frame Warranty, 10-year Motor Warranty, 2-Year Parts & Labour upon warranty registration within 28 days of purchase.
This is the cheap and cheerful option from Nordictrack which will take up the least amount of space. 
 

Pros of the NordicTrack C700

 
  • Compact
  • Price
If you want a treadmill for occasional use at home to walk or jog this will be not expensive to get and leave lots of room for other things in your home. If you want to stay fit and not pound the treadmill each day until it breaks, this is the machine to get.
 

Cons of the NordicTrack C700

 
The cons of the C700 are:
 
  • Lightweight build
  • Small belt 
This machine is not built for serious runners who want to go fast or crunch a lot of miles. Stay away if you are serious about running.
 

Alternatives to the NordicTrack C700

 
Alternatives to the C700 are:
 
 
The concept 2 model D rower is a reliable staple in the fitness industry for decades. If you don't want to stand while doing your cardio and like to row, this is a safe bet which does not break the bank. 
 
The Rogue echo bike is my personal favorite when it comes to home gym cardio. This machine is sturdy, affordable, and will make you sweat. The only downside is that it does not come with a lot of multimedia options.

Summary for the NordicTrack C700

 
I personally think that it is never a good idea to get the cheapest of anything. However, if you want a machine at home to get your jogs and walks in, this is the least amount of money to spend to achieve this goal sufficiently, but you might as well go outside, as long as your health allows.

Topics: Treadmill