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Nordictrack SE3i elliptical vs 2950 treadmill

Posted by Pascal Landshoeft

Oct 23, 2020 9:00:00 AM

Nordictrack SE3i elliptical vs 2950 treadmill

This is a comparison of the Nordictrack SE3i and 2950. Learn about pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details.

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Overview and review Nordictrack Commercial 2950 Treadmill $2999 - $3599

This is a review of the Nordictrack commercial 2950 model which was originally posted in "Which Nordictrack treadmill to get". Follow the links for more details.

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Overview Nordictrack Commercial 2950 Treadmill $2999 - $3599

 
The 2950 is the top-end treadmill from Nordictrack without the big %40 incline option. The main features are the massive 22-inch touchpad and the foldable Running track. The full list of features is:
 
  • 22” Smart HD Touchscreen
  • 1-Year iFit® Membership Included ($468 Value)**
  • Auxiliary Music Port
  • Two 3” Digitally-Amplified Speakers
  • Runners Flex™ Cushioning
  • Dual AutoBreeze™ Workout Fans
  • 22” x 60” Commercial Tread Belt
  • 4.25 CHP DurX™ Commercial Plus Motor
  • 0 - 12 MPH Speed
  • 0 - 15% Incline
  • 0 - 3% Decline
  • OneTouch® Controls
  • EKG Grip Pulse
  • 300 Lb. User Weight Capacity
  • 2.5” Precision and Balanced Non-Flex Rollers
  • SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist
  • 40 On-Board Workout Programs
  • Integrated Tray
  • 79.5” L x 39.2” W x 66.6” H Footprint
  • 10-Year Frame Warranty
  • 2-Year Parts Warranty
  • 1-Year Labor Warranty
If you have some surplus money to spend and like the good things in life this is the treadmill for you. The incline options from Nordictrack technically have more bells and whistles if you only want the best, but I think you are more than covered with what the 2950 has to offer with the added bonus that it can be folded up. 

Pros of the Nordictrack 2950 

 
The pros of the 2950 Nordictrack treadmill are: 
 
  • Big screen 
  • Good folding mechanics 
  • Strong motor
  • High capacity and large belt 
 
This machine is a great option for a high-end home gym for which the owner does not want to spare any expenses without paying for unnecessary gimmicks which will be rarely used. If you work with the elderly are anyone that needs a big touch screen you will not be disappointed with the 2950. The same goes for if you need the extra size and cushioning because you are heavy or just like comfort. 
 

Cons of the Nordictrack 2950 

 
The cons of the 2950:
 
  • No Start stops possible 
  • High price 
  • Big footprint 
 
The Nordictrack 2950 is a great option when you have the necessary change in your pocket and space in your home or gym. Otherwise, it is a pretty bad choice. If you have to buy in bulk the price will escalate quite quickly. You also can not do Start-stop sprints that are relevant to many sports. 
 

Alternatives to the Nordictrack 2950 

 
Alternatives to the 2950 are 
 
 
The X32i is the ultimate treadmill you can get from Nordictrack. It has a 32-inch touchscreen and goes up to 40% incline. If you want everything and can pay for it go for this model. I personally think that 40% incline is overkill unless you are an extreme Trail runner who wants to be able to train all year round. If you want to burn the maximum calories per minute there are cheaper options than an incline treadmill. 
 
The Nordictrack X22i has the same specs as the X32i. The only difference is that the screen is 22inch and you save $1000 because of that.
 
The true form runner is roughly in the same price range than the 2950. Rather than using an electrical motor, you propel the belt forward yourself. This is a better option when you train high performing athletes who need to do start and stop drills. Especially if you have limited space. It’s still not as good as training outdoors on the pitch, but the true from runner can be used all year round even when the pitch can not be accessed.
 
The Rogue echo bike is a great value for money option if your main goal is to burn as many calories as possible in a short amount of time. It is roughly priced at $700 and therefore for under most cardio equipment you can get for your home gym. In addition, it is also very space-efficient. 
 
The Versaclimber SM is the ultimate machine for getting you to sweat and burn calories in the shortest amount of time. This machine is not for beginners and therefore has a smaller range than the rest of the cardio equipment in this comparison. The big disadvantage against the echo bike is the higher price tag. If you are super fit, rich and value your time above anything else, get this machine to burn the calories fast before you go on set or in the boardroom. If you are a mere mortal with limited finances get the Rogue echo bike to burn calories. 
 

Summary for the 2950 

 
The 2950 treadmill is, in my opinion, the sensible wealthy treadmill for the home gym owner or the elite/boutique sensible option for a commercial gym. Anyone who enters your gym will be impressed and it will not look cheap. In addition, you get a plethora of functionality without going overboard with the 40% incline. For everyone else, more than 3000 is a lot of money to spend on one machine. You can get up to ten squat stands for that and open an Olympic weightlifting gym. Just the plates might eat your budget up, but that is another topic. 
 
 
NordicTrack® SE3i Elliptical

Overview and review NordicTrack SE 3i 849

This is a review of the NordicTrack SE3i 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 SE3i

 
The SE3i elliptical is the cheapest elliptical from Nordictrack you can buy in the UK market to date. Its main features are 5-inch backlit display, 14kg flywheel, and 32 preset workouts that come with the machine. The full list of features reads as followed:
 
  • 5” Backlit Display
  • iFit Bluetooth - 1 Years Membership Included
  • Integrated Tablet Holder
  • 14 kg. Effective Inertia-enhanced Flywheel
  • SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance
  • 22 Digital Resistance Levels
  • EKG Grip Pulse
  • 125 kg. User Weight Capacity
  • Oversized Pedals
  • SoftTouch™ Upper Body Grips
  • 32 Preset Workout Apps
  • Transport Wheels
  • Product Weight 54kg
  • Assembled Dimensions - 158L X 66W X 175H cm
  • Boxed Weight 60kg
  • Boxed Dimensions - 64L x 42W x 132H cm
  • Warranty - 5-Year Frame Warranty, 2-Year Parts and Labour Warranty, subject to registration within 28 days of purchase.
This is the least amount of money you can spend on a Nordictrack elliptical in the UK.
 

Pros of the NordicTrack SE3i 

 
The pros of the SE3i are:
 
  • Low price
  • Big flywheel
 
The most attractive feature about the SE3i is the price tag. There is no other NordicTrack elliptical that can beat this. For this price, you are also getting a big flywheel which makes the machine last for longer. If you want a cheap workhorse, or better said, donkey as a cardio machine in your house, this is it.
 

Cons of the NordicTrack Se3i 

 
The cons of the SE3i are:
 
  • Out of date display
  • Space requirements
 
This machine will eat up a lot of space in your home or gym and has an out of date design. NordicTrack has already modernized its fleet over in the US, but this facelift has not come through to the UK yet. 
 

Alternatives to the NordicTrack SE3i

 
This can be alternatives to the SE3i elliptical:
 
 
The Nordictrack SE5i is the big brother of the SE3i. It only costs a little extra and gives you a bigger flywheel. Go for this one if you are not considering to buy in multiples of 10 or even 100. 
 
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 SE3i

 
While it is the cheapest rear-drive elliptical from Nordictrack for the UK i would still go with the SE5i instead, if I was to buy an elliptical.

Topics: Treadmill