Nordictrack T 9.5 vs concept 2 model E

This is a comparison between the Nordictrack T9.5 treadmill and the Concept 2 Model E rower. Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review of the concept 2 model E

The Concept 2 Model E comes in at $1100. 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 E

The concept 2 model E tower is one of the top of range rower options from concept 2. The main difference to other rowers is the seat height and protection of the chain. Think of this as a beefed up version of towers that you can easier get on and off.

Concept 2 also delivers the PM5 Monitor with the Model E rower. This computer gets very good feedback a across the board in the industry. It enables you to link multiple rowers together to have a race. Whatever you get, make sure that it has a function to store your times and race against yourself. That is very satisfying and useful. The concept 2 model e rower comes with the following specifications:

54” monorail length
20” seat height
5-year warranty frame parts
2-year warranty all part

The concept 2 Model E is a great option to beef up your existing rower assortment or to directly start with a model that has been perfected over time.

Pros of the concept 2 model E

The pros of the model E rower are:

Static arm
Higher seat
PM5 monitor
Bulkier frame

The PM5 monitor is fixed on a status arm compared to other rower models. This makes it easier to keep it in place and the material is less likely to fail. Even though the adjustable arms seems nice they actually cause more trouble than extra value. Over time you have to tighten the screws and take care so that monitor will not be all over the place during a challenge challenging workout. A static arm is much preferred in my opinion as long as it fixed at a height that makes sense to do the readings.

A higher seat has several advantages. If you have very big athletes or someone who can not get on the lower seat option from other rowers, than this is the solution. It is also great if you want to switch between workouts quickly in circuit training.

The PM5 monitor is also an advantage of other models. This monitor is becoming standard across the concept 2 range but just check before purchase whether it is really on or you need to select another option. I hear a lot of good about this monitor.

The bulkier frame will make it possible for the model E to take more of beating if your intention is to use it in a gym setup.

Cons of the concept 2 model E

The cons of the concept 2 model e are

Price
Specificity
Space requirements

The price of the model E is quite a bit higher than for most other rower options. If you only want to row you might be able to save the worth of a barbell or a couple of plates by going for a different option.

Rowing is not very specific to most sports except CrossFit and rowing itself. If you are building a team that competes in some kind of major league you will still need treadmills besides the rowers. In addition, the higher seat is also less specific to actual rowing. The Olympic rowing boats are tiny and you sit very closely to the ground.

The last disadvantage of a rower is the space requirement. Compared to a bike, especially for a home gym, the length of the unit can turn into a real headache.

Alternatives to the Concept 2 model E

Alternatives to the concept 2 model E rower are

The concept 2 model d rower would be the logical choice if you want to save some money. It is basically the same machine, just with slower seat and less fancy. If you want to row and be budget conscious this might be the option for you.

The Rogue echo bike is a solid alternative for the home gym to kick your butt. It costs considerably less than the model E and delivers a challenging, maybe even better impact on your cardiovascular system.

The air assault runner is the budget option for self-propelled running. It is still a lot triple the price of the model E. If you are running an establishment to produce the best you probably need a rower and one of these self-propelled machines.

Summary for the Concept 2 model E

The model E is a sound upgrade on the model E aimed at rehab or big boys. It is also one of the best things money can buy from concept 2. Is it worth the extra money compared to the model D? Probably not if you care more about the budget than having the best things in life.

Overview and review Nordictrack T 9.5S Treadmill $2299

This is a review of the Nordictrack T 9.5 treadmill which was originally published in "Which Nordictrack treadmill to get". Follow the links for more details.

Overview Nordictrack T 9.5S Treadmill $2299

The 9.5 nordictrack treadmill is the top end product with a narrower belt of 20' compared to the 22' of the incline and xx50 series. It also has the biggest screen out of this lineup. Those are the main specifications of interest when you put it into context with the full portfolio. The full specs are:

14” Smart HD Touchscreen
1-Year iFit® Membership Included ($468 Value)
Bluetooth® Audio Capabilities
Two 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
78.9” L x 35.5” W x 59.4” H Footprint
10-Year Frame Warranty
2-Year Parts Warranty
1-Year Labor Warranty

The 9.5 treadmill is the best treadmill from Nordictrack if you specifically need a belt which is 20' due to space requirements. Otherwise, other models might be a better option for you based on the value you are getting for your money.

Pros of the Nordictrack T 9.5 treadmill

The pros of the Nordictrack 9.5 are:

14-inch screen
20' belt

For one of the smaller treadmills from Nordictrack the 9.5 has the biggest screen. If that is what you are looking for, this treadmill is a good fit for you.

Cons of the Nordictrack T 9.5 treadmill

The biggest con to the T9.5 model is the value for money. If you pay more than $2000 for a treadmill you might as well go for the 2950 and get an even bigger and more modern treadmill. If you need a small treadmill to squeeze into your money and want to save money, go for the T 6.5 which is below $1000.

Alternatives to the T 9.5 treadmill

Alternatives to the Nordictrack 9.5 treadmill are:

A Rogue echo bike is a great option if you want to burn as many calories as possible in the shortest amount of time possible. As it comes in at only around $700 you save yourself a respectable amount of money compared to the NordicTrack 9.5. As an added bonus it is easier on your joints and takes up less space in your home.

The NordicTrack 6.5 treadmill is a small size, small budget option from Nordictrack. This is the treadmill to get when you want to fit it into a tight space or not spend more than $1000 to start your indoor runs.

The True form runner is an alternative model that uses a self-propelled belt resting on bearing. This saves you the hassle of an electronic motor in maintenance and electricity costs. This treadmill is especially good for runners who want to simulate sprints and stops with very sudden acceleration and deceleration.