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NordicTrack FS5i elliptical vs 2450 treadmill

Posted by Pascal Landshoeft

Aug 5, 2020 9:00:00 AM

NordicTrack FS5i elliptical vs 2450 treadmill

This is a comparison of the Nordictrack FS5i and 2450. Learn about pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details.

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Overview and review Nordictrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill $2299 - $2999

This is a review of the NordicTrack 2450 model which was originally published in "Which Nordictrack treadmill to get". Follow the links for more details.

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Overview Nordictrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill $2299 - $2999

The 2450 Nordictrack treadmill comes with an extra big running surface, cushioning and 300 lbs. capacity. You can run  at a top speed off 12 miles an hour and vary your running from 15% incline down to a 3% decline. This treadmill folds and comes with a 14 inch HD touch screen.  The screen can be tilted to avoid glare depending on the light fall and the size of the user. With all of this, the 2450 is a mid-range option from Nordictrack which can be used commercially or in a spacious home gym. It can be folded up to save space and securely put back for action. The full list of features includes:
 
  • 14” Smart HD Touchscreen
  • 1-Year iFit® Membership Included ($468 Value)**
  • Bluetooth® Audio Capabilities
  • Two 3” Digitally-Amplified Speakers
  • Runners Flex™ Cushioning
  • 22” x 60” Commercial Tread Belt
  • Dual AutoBreeze™ Workout Fans
  • Integrated Tray
  • 0 – 15% Incline
  • 0 – 3% Decline
  • 0 - 12 MPH Speed
  • OneTouch® Controls
  • 4.0 CHP DurX™ Commercial Plus Motor
  • 2.5” Precision and Balanced Non-Flex Rollers
  • 300 Lb. User Capacity
  • EKG Grip Pulse
  • SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist
  • 50 On-Board Workout Programs
  • 81.2” L x 39.2” W x 69.9” H Footprint
  • 10-Year Frame Warranty
  • 2-Year Parts Warranty
  • 1-Year Labor Warranty
This is a good option out of the Nordictrack portfolio but might be a little too expensive for making a compromise. I am personally not a great fan of the higher prices mid-range options like the 2450. I either want everything and pay for it or save as much money as I can to fit as much fitness equipment in a tight budget. But that is just me. 
 

Pros of the Nordictrack 2450 treadmill

 
The pros of the 2450 are:
 
  • Big surface
  • Good cushioning
  • Interplay with Ifit
  • Strong motor
 
The 2450 is a great option if you have space and money. I personally would say that I would recommend this as a bulk buy option for a commercial gym as the motor is a bit more powerful and durable than other midrange options from Nordictrack. This will bring maintenance down long term without breaking the bank for other 4 CHP models out of the Nordictrack range. 
 

Cons of the Nordictrack 2450 treadmill 

 
The cons of the 2450 treadmill are:
 
  • High price for compromising
  • Relatively small touchscreen for the price 
  • Big treadmill
I get the business idea behind the Nordictrack. Take our meh screen and our meh incline and put a strong motor and frame on it. The 2450 probably was the high end when it came out, but compared to other models I just think the value for money does not add up. If you want a big screen and do not need the full incline range, go for the Nordictrack 2950. If you want the incline but do not want to pay for the screen real estate, go for the Nordictrack X11 incline. If you want the value for money workhorse to go for the 1750. I just think that the 2450 is too much compromise for too much money. In addition, it is still quite big for someone who buys on a budget for their home gym.
 

Alternatives to the Nordictrack 2450 treadmill

 
Alternatives to the NordicTrack 2450 are:
 
 
If you are looking at the 2450 I assume that budget is playing more into your considerations than for clients who look at the 32i and the 22i. If you are looking for an incline treadmill the X11 is the best option to save some money and still get the 40%. It still costs more than the 2450, but at least you have maxed out one feature of relevance to you. INcline treadmills are in my opinion for trail runners who want to be able to train all year round or at any time of the day. Especially if you live too far away from the actual trails you want to run. If you need such a steep incline to maximize your calories burned per minute, there are better and cheaper options than a 40% incline treadmill to achieve this.
 
If your thought process was to get a good value for money option from Nordictrack without thinking too hard, the 1750 is your best bet. You get the midrange feature for everything while not breaking the $2000 barrier. If you are budget conscious, but still want to good stuff, this is the treadmill for you.
 
The true form runner is an alternative treadmill that is self-propelled. Instead of using a motor, it sits on bearing and you propel it like a hamster wheel. This makes it a great treadmill to start and stops or sprints. Most treadmills with an electric motor are not great at this kind of training as quick stops or acceleration usually break your ankles, the machine or catapult you off the belt. The desired outcome depends on your weight and prowess. The closer you are to an NFL athlete's physique, the more likely it is you break the treadmill. The smaller you are, the more likely it becomes that the treadmill turns into your catapult. If you are looking for an alternative treadmill for sprinters or sports athletes, the true form runner is a great alternative. The commercial gym will also not have to pay as much for maintenance and power as you do not have the electrical motor.
 
The Rogue Echo Bike is my personal favorite for calories burned per second. Yes, there is also the Jacobs ladder and the VersaClimber which do more for your coordination in case of the Jacob's ladder and burn more calories per second for the VersaClimber, but they are way more expensive than the Rogue Echo bike. If you wanted a cardio machine simply to burn calories, get the Rogue Echo bike. It is better, faster, cheaper than most options out there for a calorie-burning machine. 
 
 

Overview and review of the NordicTrack FS5i 1499

This is a review of the NordicTrack FS5i 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 FS5i

 
The FS5i is probably the best elliptical from Nordictrack you can currently get for the UK market. It has its flywheel at the center which enables a lot of freedom of movement and a long stride of 32". The main features of this elliptical are its 7kg flywheel, 5-inch backlit display, and 32 workout programs. The full list of features reads as follows:
 
  • 5" Backlit Display
  • iFit Bluetooth - 1 Years Membership Included
  • Integrated Tablet Holder
  • Two 2” Speakers
  • Center Drive
  • 7kg. Effective Inertia-enhanced Flywheel
  • 22 Digital Resistance Levels
  • OneTouch® Controls
  • Max User Weight 135kg
  • 32" Auto-Adjustable Stride
  • AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan
  • SoftTouch™ Upper Body Grips
  • Oversized Cushion Pedals
  • 32 Workout Programmes
  • Transport Wheels
  • Water Bottle Holder
  • Large Boxed Item - This item can only be delivered or delivered and installed to a ground floor room location.
  • Product Weight 105kg
  • Boxed Weight 113kg
  • Assembled Dimensions - 148L x 75W x 187H cm
  • Boxed Dimensions - 157L x 77W x 65H cm
  • Warranty - 5-Year Frame Warranty, 2-Year Parts and Labour Warranty, subject to registration within 28 days of purchase.
This is the right choice in the Uk in most scenarios for an elliptical without breaking the bank, but also not compromising on quality or functionality. 

Pros of the NordicTrack FS5i

 
The pros of the FS5i are:
 
  • Good value for money
  • Relevant product line 
  • 32" stride
This elliptical will provide a lot of options to you at a reasonable price. It is also part of the FS family which is still being produced in the US. This ensures that you will have less trouble getting support or parts for this machine than for the S and C series which has been discontinued in the States. With the 32" stride this machine provides a lot of different workout modes to play around with your stride. If you are very tall, this might be the elliptical for you.
 

Cons of the Nordictrack FS5i

 
The cons of the FS5i are:
 
  • Space requirements
  • More error-prone
  • Not for everyone
As this is one of the machines with the longest stride available for the UK market it also needs more clearance around the machine. For the ellipticals with the flywheel in the center, you have to clear the area in front and in the back of the elliptical. That is not always the most practical option to get a working setup.
 
Compared to the more compact design of treadmills and ellipticals with motors in the back or front, this design is a bit more error-prone. Especially commercial buyers should think twice if they have a lot of use and people using the FS5i
 
The free stride models are also recommended to be tested before you use them. The freedom of movement is not for everyone who are used to classic elliptical setups. 
 

Alternatives to the NordicTrack FS5i

 
Alternatives to the Fs5i are:
 
The ACT commercial can be an alternative for anyone who does not have the space to put the FS5i into their home gym. The ACT is more compact and therefore friendlier in tight spots. You will also save some money compared to the FS5i. The only downside is that the ACT series is discontinued and you will find it harder and harder over time to get parts and support for this particular machine. 
 
If you want a treadmill instead of an elliptical your best choice for the Uk from Nordictrack is the T7.5. The T7.5 is right in the middle of the available Nordictrack portfolio for the UK and has all you need without going overboard on any of the features. The only downside is that you will not get a 40% incline or a massive screen with this treadmill. 
 
The concept 2 model d rower is a great option for smaller options. If you do not want to stand while exercising the concept model d will cover your needs. Don't expect wonders from the screens on this machine, but the tracking capabilities are sound. 
 
My personal favorite for home gym environments is the Rogue Echo bike. It is compact, easy to move, and packs a punch for a great 20-minute cardio workout using interval training. If you want to burn calories, save money, and save space, this is the machine to get. The downside is that this machine is not designed to entertain you and keep you engaged. You have to bring the willpower, the rest will be taken care of.
 

Summary for the FS5i

 
The FS5i is a great machine when you have space and you are tall yourself. It will provide many different workout modes and is probably the best buy for ellipticals in the Uk from Nordictrack to date. 

Topics: Treadmill