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Which NordicTrack elliptical to get? [Article, Video]

Posted by Pascal Landshoeft

Apr 20, 2020 4:20:58 AM

Which NordicTrack elliptical to get?

Which NordicTrack elliptical to get?

 
This is an overview of the Nordictrack ellipticals product line up as of April 2020. For each model, you will learn about the Size, main feature, pros and cons and alternatives for commercial or home gym use. Follow the links for more details.
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Index

 
The models are sorted by price descending from highest to lowest as April 2020.
 
 

Quick reference

 
Most modern experience
 
Best value for money for commercial use
 
Best value for money for home gym use
 
Biggest screen
 
Longest stride
 
Biggest flywheel
 

ifit

 
Ifit is Nordictrack's digital training program which you can subscribe for a monthly fee. The cost varies from $15 to $33 a month depending on what you subscribe to. The subscription includes workouts from different trainers including interval runs, speed training, long-distance training, and even muscle toning and core exercises on your machine. The Ifit enabled options out of the Nordictrack portfolio will automatically mirror the inclines and declines on the runs which are being simulated.
 
If you are interested in travel and want to run in exotic places or practice your next city marathon, Ifit has you covered. This multimedia package is especially interesting for individuals who find it hard to get motivated themselves, commercial gyms which want to save on staff or go the extra mile, and everyone who buys one of the Nordictrack models with the big screens. 
 
Still, the subscription is not necessary as each machine comes with more than enough options to get your burn in every day.
 

Heart rate monitor

 
Most of these machines come with a heart rate monitor function. This can be either achieved through the levers which you hold on to or a strap. Each machine with Bluetooth will also pair with your heart rate monitor from a different brand. If you run outdoors and indoor you might even track your runs in a separate app anyway. Commercial gym buyers should look for the option that the machine itself can take the heart rate, while home gym owners should look for an included strap.
 

Ellipticals vs treadmills

 
Ellipticals are generally easier on the joints than treadmills but burn fewer calories per minute. They are also easier to use and maintain, as they do not have a motor and a belt which can break down. The drawback is that very large or small individuals might have problems with predefined stride lengths of an elliptical. 
 

Ellipticals vs bikes

 
Ellipticals are usually bigger and more expensive than stationary bikes. This makes them a harder choice for a home gym buy. Not everyone likes to sit on a bike for long hours, as it can lead to pain and rashes in the nether regions. Bikes usually burn about the same amount of calories per minute as ellipticals unless you use an airbike with interval training. 
 

Ellipticals vs rowers

 
Rowers have the advantage that they can be hung from a wall and therefore are easier to store than ellipticals. The calories burned per minute are slightly lower than for ellipticals at similar intensity levels. Rowers are usually cheaper than most ellipticals. 
 

FS9i Free Stride $3799

 

Overview of the FS9i

 
The FS9i Free stride elliptical is a design that combines a stepper and an elliptical into one machine. The motor of this elliptical has been moved to the center so that you move more freely and have a longer stride for up to 32 inches. It comes with a 10-inch screen and a 20-pound flywheel. The full list of features includes:
 
  • 10” Smart HD Touchscreen
  • Includes 1-Year NordicTrack iFit® membership**
  • Pivoting Integrated Tablet Holder
  • Auxiliary Music Port
  • Two 2” Digitally Amplified Speakers
  • AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan
  • SoftTouch™ Upper-Body Grips
  • Oversized Cushioned Pedals
  • Center Drive
  • SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance
  • 32” Auto-adjustable Stride
  • 20 Lb. Effective Inertia-enhanced Flywheel
  • 26 Digital Resistance Levels
  • 10% Power Adjustable Incline
  • OneTouch® Controls
  • iFit Bluetooth® Smart Chest Strap Included
  • Oversized Levelers
  • 375 Lb. User Weight Capacity
  • 38 On-board Workouts
  • Integrated Handle Controls for Ramp and Resistance
  • Transport Wheels
  • Water Bottle Holder
  • 58.3" L x 29.5" W x 73.6" H Footprint
  • 10-Year Frame Warranty
  • 2-Year Parts Warranty
  • 1-Year Labor Warranty
 
This is an innovative design that will keep your running, walking and stepping workouts interesting. Especially if you have the need to be easier on your ankles and knees and want to train with different stride lengths, this is a good machine. Compared to other center ellipticals this machine also has a 10-inch incline.
 

Pros of the FS9i elliptical

 
The pros of the FS9i elliptical are:
 
  • All bells and whistles
  • three for the price of one 
  • Free adjustments
  • Low impact
If you are looking for a center drive elliptical model this is the one with all bells and whistles from Nordictrack. You won't find a center drive elliptical with a longer list of features and all of them brought to the maximum.
 
With this elliptical, you will get two machines for the price of one. As the movement pattern is not fixed on an ellipsis you also get a high-grade stepper with this machine.
 
The free adjustments give your clients or yourself a lot of room to play around. This keeps workouts interesting and also makes it more likely that the stride length fits everyone in the family or your client roster. Front and rear-drive ellipticals have a stride length which can not be changed. This might feel uncomfortable or get boring for some users.
 
As with all ellipticals, a major advantage over treadmills is that you have a lower impact and therefore less stress to the knees and ankles while exercising. This is especially interesting if you or your clients deal a lot with injuries in these areas or have to build-up strength before they can run or walk on a treadmill. 
 

Cons of the FS9i

 
The cons of the FS9i elliptical are: 
 
  • High Price
  • Free moving parts
  • Floating experience 
  • Low-calorie burn
 
As this is one of the high-end machines from Nordictrack you will fork out a respectable sum on acquiring the FS9i. Machines with all bells and whistles have this in common and are designed for this purpose. Keep in mind that for one FS9i you can get four Rogue Echo bikes or a complete rack with plates and a barbell. If money is of no concern and you only want the best, go for the FS9i. Otherwise, you have cheaper options to have the same experience, build an entire gym or run a small cardio class.
 
While the free moving parts enable a great experience and flexibility in the run it also makes this elliptical more prone to error. The more moving parts you have the easier it is to fail. As the flywheel is in the middle it is also harder to design clear footpaths around the FS9i compared to a front or rear-drive elliptical. I see this is a possible challenge when you want to put 5 to 50 of these in a row in a commercial gym. This will leave a lot more risk of someone walking into a machine that is being used than having rear or front-drive ellipticals in a row. This is more a consideration for bulk buys and commercial use, but still should be considered. In addition, the front and rear drive machines are cheaper.
 
The floating experience of the FS9i is not for everyone. Especially if you have balance and spacial awareness issues you might be better off with a front or rear-drive machine.
 

Alternatives to the FS9i

 
Alternatives to the FS9i are:
 
 
The Nordictrack FS10i is a newer model from Nordictrack. When I checked the price was $2999. If you can get this machine at this price I personally think it is the better value for money from Nordictrack while still delivering the same experience as the FS9i. You can spend the $800 you save on a Total Gym to round up your exercise machinery for your home gym. If you buy in bulk you will appreciate an $800 saving on list price per item to invest in a bigger fleet or invest the $8000 saved on a different area in your commercial gym. If you buy in bulk and cash always try to negotiate a discount.
 
The Nordictrack elite 14.9i would be the front-drive alternative elliptical from Nordictrack. It comes with a big TV screen which can be securely fastened to the front. It might also appear to more clients as it is a safer bet and not a novel experience. I think home gym oners are better off with the FS10i while commercial buyers can consider the 14.9i elliptical as a high-end option with nice screens for the masses. No one will think your gym is cheap when you have these, while still not breaking the bank for unnecessary bells and whistles on the elliptical fleet. 
 
The VersaClimber SM would be my personal recommendation for home gym owners with a big wallet who want to maximize their calorie output per minute. If you want to abuse the heck out of your 20 minutes cardio a day and everyone in the house is on that fitness level but does not train at the same time, get a VersaClimber into your home. For commercial use, this is a machine that you can put in the corner for all the lunatics and extreme edge cases of the bulk of your clientele. The money you save from investing in five 14.9i instead of 5 FS9i can be invested in a VersaClimber to make more clients happy on the same budget.
 
The Rogue echo bike is my personal favorite for calories burned per second at the lowest cost. The Echo Bike is a low impact on the joints and does not take up a lot of floor space. It comes in at a price of about $700 apiece and is, therefore, miles below the other options outlined. It is a sparse machine with no entertainment options, so if you buy this in bulk, be aware that it will appeal more to the fitter part of the population who want to push themselves and not watch Television while exercising. For a home gym, to me, this is the ultimate option to cover everything at the lowest price. Unless you cant sit on your bum for more than 5 minutes while exercising.
 

Summary for the FS9i

 
The FS9i was cutting edge technology and a new idea at the time of its go to market. Since then I think Nordictrack has managed to drive down production costs in other product lines and came up with FS10i which is better value for money. The FS10i is not available globally yet, but I expect distribution to pick over the years. If you love ellipticals, free choice of stride and stepping in one machine, this is the one to get. If you can take stress to the knee and ankles or want to maximize calorie output per minute, I personally think there are machines out there for you which take less of your hard-earned money.
 
 

FS10i Free Stride $3999 - $2999

 

Overview of the Fs10i

 
The FS10i free stride is the newest addition to the center drive elliptical product line of Nordictrack. In 2020 it comes with a hefty price reduction of $1000 which makes it an attractive buy on the high end of the portfolio. As long as this remains, it is definitely the better option over the FS9i model. The main features of this machine are its center flywheel, the 10% incline option, 10-inch monitor and the free moving ellipticals which make it a stepper, ellipticals, and treadmill in one machine. The full list of features includes:
 
  • 10" Smart HD Touchscreen
  • Includes 1-Year NordicTrack iFit® membership**
  • Bluetooth® Audio Capabilities
  • Two 2” Digitally Amplified Speakers
  • AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan
  • SoftTouch™ Upper Body Grips
  • Oversized Cushion Pedals
  • Center Drive
  • 20 Lb. Effective Inertia-Enhanced Flywheel
  • SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance
  • 32" Auto-Adjustable Stride
  • 24 Digital Resistance Levels
  • 0 – 10% Incline
  • OneTouch® Controls
  • Commercial Solid Steel Construction
  • Oversized Levelers
  • 375 Lb. User Capacity
  • Transport Wheels
  • Water Bottle Holder
  • 58.5" L x 29.5" W x 74" H Footprint
  • 10-Year Frame Warranty
  • 2-Year Parts Warranty
  • 1-Year Labor Warranty
This is the newest machine in the line up for free stride from Nordictrack in 2020 with a killer price. Observe how it will develop in the future as this value for money offer might not extend to the future.
 

Pros of the FS10i

 
The pros of the FS10i are:
 
  • All bells and whistles
  • Three for the price of one
  • Long stride 
  • Free adjustments 
  • Low impact
 
The FS10i still has all the bells and whistles in the Nordictrack Free stride line up. You or your clients will have little to desire when you opt for the FS10i as your free stride machine of choice. 
 
The concept of the middle flywheel for your elliptical enables that you can move more freely. This makes the FS10i a stepper, treadmill and elliptical in one machine. If you were considering getting all of these different machines the FS10i is still a bargain in terms of price and footprint which is being used up compared to getting three instead of one machine. Never mind the maintenance and energy consumption of the other machines. 
 
With 32 inches of stride, the FS10i provides longer stride than the Front and read-drove ellipticals from Nordictrack as there is no flywheel in the way. This will especially help your larger athletes or clients. 
 
The free adjustments of the movements will be beneficial for homeowners with big families or commercial gym owners with a wide variety of clients. This is the main engineering idea behind these free stride machines which move the flywheel to the middle of the machine, rather than having it in the front or back.
 
The low impact on knees and ankles is one of the main health advantages of ellipticals compared to treadmills. If you have an underlying condition or work with a lot of clients with weak hips and legs, this is a better machine for health reasons than a treadmill with a higher impact. 
 

Cons of the FS10i

 
The cons of the FS10i are:
 
  • High price
  • No big screen
  • No remote control in the handles 
  • Floating experience
  • More prone to error
  • Low-calorie burn
 
Even when the price is reduced to $2999 the FS10i is still a considerable investment. There are lower-cost options for free striders in the Nordictrack portfolio. Especially if you are not bought into the free stride concept as you do not have to provide a lot of variety or comfort with the machine you buy, definitely look somewhere else. $2999 can buy you a rack, barbell, and plates for a full gym setup if you invest it somewhere else. It depends on your goals, available space, and training preferences.
 
As the flywheel is in the center of this design the FS10i has no real stand or option to attach a big screen as other treadmills or ellipticals would have. In a home gym, this can be solved with a screen on the wall or no screen whatsoever. In a commercial setting, a screen on the wall can become quite small for individuals who are for away or want to do their own thing while they are exercising. If you think that entertainment options are a must for yourself or your clients over the experience of the free stride than opt for a front-drive elliptical or a big treadmill where a big screen can be attached. 
 
Compared to the FS9i Nordictrack model the FS10i has no controls to adjust resistance and incline in the handles. These are positioned in the console. This is the only main advantage I can see for the Fs9i over the FS10i. If you like this convenience, go for the Fs9i instead.
 
While the fleeting experience is great when you have great body awareness and like to experiment, it can be stressful for someone who just likes to have a stable, repeatable experience. The many options you have with the FS10i which require a bit more fine motor skills than on a traditional elliptical might not be for everyone. 
 
Moving the flywheel from the front or back of an elliptical to create more options and a longer stride poses two engineering challenges. One is that the flywheel can not be as big as with front- and rear-drive options, as you have less space. Second is that you need more moving parts to make the machine go in multiple directions at different angles. The smaller flywheel and the more intricate design make the Free stride models more error-prone than the front and rear drive options. While it is unlikely that you will break this as a home gym owner by yourself, the commercial gym owner should consider how much mileage each machine will go through depending on where it is positioned in the gym and how many machines you have.
 
General consideration for elliptical machines is that they burn fewer calories on average compared to bikes and treadmills as the exercise is less intense. If you are generally healthy and want to maximize the calorie output per minute, the elliptical machines are not the right buy for your need.
 

Summary for the FS10i

 
The FS10i is the best buy from Nordictrack in 2020 for a free stride elliptical with all bells and whistles. As long as it is cheaper than the FS9i this will hold. This is a good machine for the home gym owner with a big wallet and some health issues, who still want to exercise regularly. For commercial buyers, the price will be too high for someone who is thinking to buy more than 5 units at a time. Boutique gyms that work with a lot of clients with very specific needs will find this machine useful.
 
 
 
 

FS7i Free stride $1999

 

Overview of the FS7i

 
The FS7i Free stride is the oldest model in the Free stride elliptical range of Nordictrack. Its main features are the 7-inch touch screen, 20-pound flywheel, and 10% incline. This is a solid free stride model at a reasonable price and the full list of features includes: 
 
  • 7” Smart HD Touchscreen
  • Includes 1-Year NordicTrack iFit® membership**
  • Pivoting Integrated Tablet Holder
  • Auxiliary Music Port
  • Two 2” Digitally Amplified Speakers
  • AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan
  • SoftTouch™ Upper Body Grips
  • Oversized Cushion Pedals
  • Center Drive
  • 20 Lb. Effective Inertia-Enhanced Flywheel
  • SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance
  • 32" Auto-Adjustable Stride
  • 24 Digital Resistance Levels
  • Power Adjustable 0 – 10% Incline
  • OneTouch® Controls
  • Commercial Solid Steel Construction
  • iFit® Bluetooth® Smart Chest Strap Included
  • Oversized Levelers
  • 375 Lb. User Capacity
  • 35 On-board Workouts
  • Transport Wheels
  • Water Bottle Holder
  • 58.5" L x 29.5" W x 74" H Footprint
  • 10-Year Frame Warranty
  • 2-Year Parts Warranty
  • 1-Year Labor Warranty
This was one of the first free stride models on the market with the flywheel in the middle of the installation. With this, you get a three in one design combining a treadmill, elliptical, and stepper. The FS7I is also reasonably priced compared to the FS9I and the FS10I.
 

Pros of the FS7i

 
The pros of the FS7i are:
 
  • 3 in 1 design
  • Price
  • Long stride 
  • Novel experience
 
The three in one design makes this machine especially interesting for home gym owners or for boutique gyms that do not have the space to fit out multiple machines for different preferences of their clients. As long as you have enough balance and finesse to control the floating experience this is a big bonus.
 
The price of the FS7i for the type of engineering it provides is also good. The FS10i and FS9i are quite a bit apart from the FS7i in price. So if you want to invest in a free stride machine from Nordictrack without completely breaking the bank, this can be a good option. 
 
If you are a tall athlete and can not work with the shorter stride of the front and rear drive ellipticals than the free stride provides 32inches of stride length which can be varied. If you want to train for a longer stride for your long-distance runs, this is the machine to get. 
 
The last pro of the FS7i is the novel experience you will have compared to a treadmill or traditional elliptical. This machine will make it varied and interesting for many days to come. 
 

Cons of the FS7i

 
The cons of the FS7i are: 
 
  • Free-floating 
  • More error-prone 
  • No big screen 
  • Low-calorie burn 
 
The free-floating experience of the Nordictrack free stride series is not for everyone. If you like the stable, predictable rotation of traditional ellipticals from your local gym, stick with a front or rear-drive elliptical. 
 
The FS7i has more moving parts than traditional ellipticals to create the three in one experience. More moving üarts means more parts that can break, This is a relevant consideration for any commercial buyer that wants to invest in a fleet of machines. Homebuyers will very likely not put enough miles on a machine. Just take extra care that no one walks into the machine while you are exercising.
 
As the FS7i has its flywheel in the center you can not attach a big screen to it. Front-drive ellipticals are a better fit for that as they provide a stable rest for a big screen to be attached. 
 
As with all ellipticals they have quite a low-calorie burn per minute given that you put in the same amount of effort. This is the price of comfort and having less stress on your joints while exercising.
 

Alternatives to the FS7i

 
Alternatives to the FS7i are:
 
 
The Nordictrack 12.9i is a front-drive elliptical in the same price range as the FS9i. The bigger flywheel and fixed ellipsis make it a better option for mass roll out or if you feel uncertain about the three in one design of the FS7i.
 
The Nordictrack FS10i is the newest model in the free stride line p of Nordictrack. Compared to the FS9I and the FS7i it has the best value for money ration at $2999. This might be a limited time offer due to the developments of 2020, so stay tuned and observe how prices develop when Nordictrack starts to roll out this model globally.
 
The VersaClimber H/HP is the home version of the VersaClimber. It has limited warranties to make the price more palatable for the home buyer. If you want to maximize your calories burned per second and train your calves like mad, this is the machine to go for.
 
The concept 2 rower is the classic machine for endurance training with low impact. You will also have less friction in your nether region compared to a bike when exercising. Out of these alternatives, it is the first one to be under $1000. 
 
The Rogue Echo Bike is my personal favorite for home gyms when it comes to calories burned per minute at a reasonable price. The Rogue echo bike comes in at $700 and gives you a challenging workout to train in intervals easily. 
 

Summary for the FS7i

 
The FS7i is the most affordable free stride machine out of the Nordictrack line up. If you like this design, but do not want to break the bank, go with the FS7i. This is mainly a machine for boutique gyms or a "special corner" machine for commercial gyms with massive floor space. If you are buying for the home I think this is a great machine for a multi-generation family with different needs. If your home is filled with hardcore fitness freaks you are better off investing your money in a VersaClimber and Rogue echo bike in my opinion.
 
 
 

Elite 14.9i $2499

 

Overview of the Elite 14.9i

 
The 14.9i is the flagship front-drive elliptical from Nordictrack. Its main features are a massive 15-inch flat-screen, 32-pound flywheel and up to 20% of incline. This front-drive elliptical leaves nothing to be desired for commercial use. The full list of features includes:
 
  • 7” Smart HD Touchscreen
  • 15” Integrated HDTV
  • 1-Year iFit® Membership Included*
  • Auxiliary Audio Port
  • Two 2” Digitally Amplified Speakers
  • Bluetooth® Smart Receiver for Heart Rate Strap (not included)
  • EKG Grip Pulse Heart Rate Sensors
  • AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan
  • Multi-Position Upper-Body Grips
  • Oversized, Adjustable Cushion Pedals
  • Front Drive
  • 32 Lb. Effective Inertia-Enhanced Flywheel
  • SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance
  • 20” Power-Adjustable Stride
  • 26 Digital Resistance Levels
  • 0-20% Incline
  • One Touch® Controls
  • Commercial Solid Steel Construction
  • Oversized Levelers
  • 375 Lb. User Capacity
  • Front-Mounted Transport Wheels
  • Water Bottle Holder
  • 80.25" L x 36" W x 70" H Footprint
  • 10-Year Frame Warranty
  • 2-Year Parts Warranty
  • 1-Year Labor Warranty
This is the ultimate front-drive machine for commercial use or home gym owners with a lot of space. You will have a hard time breaking this machine.
 

Pros of the 14.9i

 
The pros of the 14.9i are:
 
  • 32-pound flywheel
  • 15-inch TV
  • 20% incline
This machine is built to last. With the 32-pound inch flywheel as a front-drive, you have a predictable line of motion and a sturdy built which will last even in the toughest scenarios. If your gym clocks thousands of miles per machine, this is the one to get. Especially if your clients expect to have a massive screen while doing their exercises. 
 
The 15-inch tv is the crown jewel of this machine. If you want to get the full use out of the Ifit options of Nordictrack, this is the machine to get. You might need fewer instructors in your gym or just enjoy the big screen at home right in front of you to keep motivated. 
 
With up to 20% incline there is no limit to the number of different workouts you can do. Combined with the Ifit run simulations you can go all over the world and simulate any track you want.
 

Cons of the 14.9i

 
The cons of the 14.9i are:
 
  • Price
  • Size
  • Low-calorie burn
  • Limited variety
  • Shorter stride
 
For an elliptical, the 14.9i is quite pricey. You definitely need to ask yourself whether you really need that big screen or not. If you don't you can almost shave off $1000 from your purchase by going with the 12.9i which is the same model, except without the TV: If you are home buyer who does not want to fix a screen to the walls and needs the motivation and convenience of the multimedia station, this is a good option. Commercial buyers who want to make a statement in urban areas might also consider getting a fleet of these machines. If you have no to little competition in your local area, I do not see the reason to spend almost $1000 extra per machine just to get a massive screen. 
 
hile size is good for durability and creating clear lines of movement in a commercial gym, it can be a burden when space is limited. This machine is huge, so make sure that you check your space. Home gym owners might even fill their entire space just with this machine. As it can not be folded it will also be hard to move around. Be mindful when you purchase. 
 
As with all ellipticals, the calorie burn per minute is relatively low compared to treadmills and exercise bikes at similar intensity levels. If you want to maximize the calories burned per minute a VersaClimber or Rogue echo bike are probably better options for you. 
 
Compared to the free stride range from Nordictrack the 14.9i provides only a limited variety of exercises. You can only use it as an elliptical and not as a treadmill and steppers like the FS9i, Fs10i, and FS7i.
 
As the flywheel is in the front of this machine it limits the stride length to 20" compared to the 32" of the free stride machines, If you want to work with different stride lengths and you are a very tall athlete, you might want to look in the upper echelons of the Free stride range, 
 

Alternatives to the Elite 14.9i

 
Alternatives to the Elite 14.9i elliptical are:
 
The NordicTrack FS7i  is the most affordable version of the free stride range of Nordictrack to date. Compared to the 14.9i elliptical you will give up the 15-inch screen and gain the center flywheel with three in one technology. This is a good swap for home gym buyers who do not care about multimedia and have many family members using the gym.
 
The Nordictrack Elite 12.9 is basically the 14.9i without a TV. I think this machine is a great option for a commercial gym that wants to buy in bulk and still impress. Of course, if you are targeting very tech-savvy clients in urban areas with a high monthly subscription fee, the big ass screen might be a way to attract clients. Just make the calculations whether the $1000 more per machine justify themselves in terms of marketing opportunities and brand image. Only consider this if the competition is fierce and no gym in the area has screens on all their ellipticals.
 
The VersaClimber SM model is the commercial-grade machine from VersaClimber. This is the machine to get for anyone who wants to maximize calories per minute output. Home gym buyers might tend to go for the VersaClimber H/HP instead with limited warranties for home use. In the home, this is the right machine if the entire family are hardcore fitness nuts and already run outdoors. For commercial use, I would recommend these if you already have a fleet of ellipticals and want to attract more clients in a "hardcore" endurance corner of your gym.
 
The concept 2 rower is a great option for anyone who does not want to run because of their hips and also does not like bikes. This machine has been around for years and is reliable. You can choose between the model D and Model E which are targeted at different groups. The model E is more recreational while model D is lower to the ground and more for athletes.
 
My personal favorite for the home gym to burn calories fast and cheap is the Rogue Echo bike. It is competitively priced for a professional machine at $700 and minimizes footprint in your gym. It still delivers a hardcore workout and only falls a little short of the VersaClimber in this area.
 

Summary for the 14.9i

 
The 14.9i Nordictrack elliptical is the perfect machine for urban commercial gyms with stiff competition who want to attract tech-savvy clients. Especially if you do not want to run any classes in your gym to save labor costs, this is a good investment with the I fit subscription. Just unload the cost of the subscription per machine to your gym subscription and negotiate a god deal with Nordictrack on the commercial package. Home gym buyers might find this machine to be overkill unless they really want a big screen and can not fix it to a wall in their gym. For commercial gyms with ess competition or home gym owners who want an elliptical at a more reasonable price the 12.9i or 10.9i are better options.
 

 

Elite 12.9i $1499

 

Overview of the Elite 12.9i

 
The Elite 12.9i elliptical is the mid-range front-drive elliptical from Nordictrack. Its main features are the 30-pound flywheel, 20% incline, and 10-inch TOuch screen. The full list of features includes:
 
  • 10” Smart HD Touchscreen
  • 1-Year iFit® Membership Included*
  • Bluetooth® Audio Capabilities
  • Two 2” Digitally-Amplified Speakers
  • Front Drive
  • 30 Lb. Effective Inertia-Enhanced Flywheel
  • SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance
  • 24 Digital Resistance Levels
  • Auto-Adjustable Stride
  • 0-20% Incline
  • Commercial Solid Steel Construction
  • Oversized Levelers
  • 350 Lb. User Capacity
  • AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan
  • Soft Touch™ Upper Body Grips
  • Oversized Cushion Pedals
  • Front-Mounted Transport Wheels
  • Water Bottle Holder
  • 68.5" L x 28.75" W x 68.25" H Footprint
  • 10-Year Frame Warranty
  • 2-Year Parts Warranty
  • 1-Year Labor Warranty
This is a good value for money elliptical for commercial buyers and home gym owners. You will get a larger touch screen compared to other Nordictrack ellipticals and a reasonably sized flywheel to make the machine last longer. 
 

Pros of the Elite 12.9i

 
The pros of the 12.9i elite are:
 
  • Biggest front-drive elliptical touch screen
  • Good value for money 
  • 20% incline
The 12.9i has the biggest touch screen which Nordictrack can put in their ellipticals to date. Compared to other front and rear drive models you get the most real estate in touch screens with this machine. 
 
For the $1499 you get a big flywheel, big screen, and a good warranty. This is the best value for money machine in the elliptical line up of NordicTrack. If you want a workhorse elliptical which becomes the backbone of your commercial fleet, this is a good option. Home gym owners who intend to put a lot of miles on their elliptical (read multiple users in the home) also want to consider this elliptical over cheaper options due to the bigger flywheel. 
 
With the 20% incline, you can work at any intensity levels to get a workout in and make you feel good about yourself after starting the day with a good workout.
 

Cons of the 12.9i elliptical

 
The cons of the 12.9i elliptical are:
 
  • No wow factor 
  • High price for doing everything moderately good
  • Low-calorie burn
 
If you are already forking out more than $1000 on an exercise machine, you might as well get a bit of wow-factor out of the machine. This is not the case with the 12.9i. There is no cool mechanics like with the FS7i or a massive screen like you get with the 14.9i. All you get as a solid elliptical, that's it. Good for buying in bulk when you do not need to impress that much. Most home gym owners should go for the 10.9i instead with the 20-pound flywheel to save some money. 
 
As with all ellipticals, you get a relatively low-calorie burn per minute compared to treadmills and bikes. If this is your main concern, go for a VersaClimber model or the Rogue echo bike.
 

Alternatives to the 12.9i elliptical

 
Alternatives to the 12.9 elliptical are:
 
 
The FS7i would be a good alternative for home gym owners with a little extra money to spend. This free stride model would provide a little bit more of a wow factor rather than just having an elliptical at home. If you are buying new and not used, I think this is the better option. If you buy a used elliptical and budget is your main concern, try to find a Nordictrack elite 10.9i on craigslist or eBay.
 
The NordicTrack 10.9i is the most affordable front-drive elliptical out of the Nordictrack line up. It has no touch screen and a smaller flywheel. This is a good option for the home gym owner who wants to occasionally train without having to go to the gym. In this scenario, you do not need a big flywheel to take the beating of several thousand miles.
 
The VersaClimber H/Hp model is the product that VersaClimber designed for home use. If you already run outdoors and want to maximize your warm-up when you workout at home, this is the machine for you. The calories burned per minute of this are not matched on a machine with that low a footprint. 
 
The concept 2 rower is the home gym variation for anyone who likes rowing or does not want to stand or sit on a bike while exercising. There a re two models available, the E and the D. If you are older and struggle to get very low, go for the model E.  Otherwise get the Model D to save some money. Commercial buyers might find it interesting that these machines can be hung on the wall, if you get multiple, to save space and make your gym more modular. Hard to do with an elliptical.
 
The Rogue echo bike is in my opinion one f the best options for a home gym to burn the most amount of calories with the smallest footprint at a competitive price. Unless you have reservations for airbikes, this is the one to get at about $700 apiece. 
 

Summary for the 12.9i

 
The 12.9i is a good elliptical to be bought in bulk by a commercial gym. It will please a lot of customers without breaking the bank like the 14.9i. Home gym owners might consider to either move up or down the Nordictrack portfolio as they do not have to take economies of scale into consideration. You will probably only buy one or two ellipticals in your life so you might as well either maximize your savings or maximize the wow factor.
 
 

Elite 10.9i $1299

 

Overview of the Elite 10.9i

 
The elite 10.9i is the low-cost front-drive elliptical from Nordictrack. Its main features are a 20-pound flywheel, 20% incline, and a 7-inch touchscreen. The full list of features includes: 
 
  • 7” Smart HD Touchscreen
  • 1-Year iFit® Membership Included*
  • Auxiliary Audio Port
  • Two 2” Digitally Amplified Speakers
  • EKG Grip Pulse Heart Rate Sensors
  • AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan
  • Soft Touch Upper Body Grips
  • Front Drive
  • 20 Lb. Effective Inertia-Enhanced Flywheel
  • SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance
  • 19” Power-Adjustable Stride
  • 24 Digital Resistance Levels
  • 0-20% Incline
  • One Touch® Controls
  • Integrated Pivoting Tablet Holder
  • Commercial Solid Steel Construction
  • Oversized Levelers
  • 350 Lb. User Capacity
  • Oversized Cushion Pedals
  • Front-Mounted Transport Wheels
  • Water Bottle Holder
  • 69.5" L x 25" W x 71.5" H Footprint
  • 10-Year Frame Warranty
  • 2-Year Parts Warranty
  • 1-Year Labor Warranty
This is the elliptical to get if you want to maximize your savings while still buying an elliptical from Nordictrack.
 

Pros of the 10.9i 

 
The pros of the 10.9 elliptical are:
 
  • Price
  • 7-inch touch screen
The 10.9 elliptical can not be beaten on price in the NordicTrack line-up and still dons a 7-inch touch screen. If you are considering this model the main criteria for purchase will be price, as otherwise, you are possibly looking at other options from Nordictrack.
 

Cons of the 10.9 elliptical

 
The cons of the 10.9 elliptical are:
 
  • Front-drive 20-pound flywheel
  • Size 
  • Price
If you are a commercial buyer you probably want to look at the 12.9i instead. It is only a small uptick in price but you get a 30 pound instead of a 20-pound flywheel. As commercial buyers should assume heavier usage and more breakage this minimal uptick in price is a good tradeoff for fewer maintenance cases. I am also quite sure that if you buy 10 plus machines in one go you will get the 12.9i for the price of a 10.9i per piece anyway if you ask for it. 
 
A front-drive elliptical is a big machine. Take this into consideration, especially when you are buying for a home gym. More than $1000 for one machine is still a considerable investment in the private realm. If you are already budget-conscious you might as well get a stationary bike for a lower footprint and price to meet your endurance goals.
 

Alternatives to the 10.9 

 
Alternatives to the 10.9 elliptical are:
 
The 12.9i front-drive elliptical is the better option for commercial buyers as it is better value for money. It will not impress any of your clients, but also not look cheap or break the bank. If you want to impress go for the 14.9i instead which has a massive screen included. 
 
The Nordictrack SE7i is a rear-drive elliptical and can be an alternative for home gym owners who still want a high quality elliptical and save some space. The SE7i comes in at the same price as the 10.9i but has the advantage that the rear-drive design makes it foldable. This way it can be folded up and stored against a wall when it is not used. This is not relevant for most commercial gym scenarios, but definitely in smaller home gym environments.
 
The concept 2 rower is a good option for anyone who likes a bit more intensity but does not want to stand while exercising. These rowers can also be conveniently stored on a wall hanger to save space when not in use. The main models are the Model E and Model D. Go for the Model E when you are either big and strong (reads NFL player sized) are have problems with going very low. The Model D version is the standard concept 2 model.
 
The Rogue echo bike is my personal favorite when it comes to bang for your buck. It has a high-quality machine that can be used professionally and only costs $700. It is space-efficient and intense.  If you are a home gym owner who means business and does not need any fancy stuff, this is the machine to get. 
 

Summary for the 10.9i

 
The 10.9i is a good option for anyone who loves the idea of an elliptical at home for occasional exercise and has space. For my personal tastes I think you can be more consequent in your thinking for a home gym and push the cost under $1000, but I do not have any medical conditions preventing me from doing that. I am also not a huge fan of ellipticals as I have run three marathons and want a bigger challenge. But that is just for context, I might think very differently in 10 - 20 years time or if I consider everyone in the family for a home gym.
 
 
 

SE9i $1799

 

Overview of the SE9i elliptical

 
The SE9i elliptical is the flagship rear-drive elliptical from Nordictrack. Its main features are a 7-inch touch screen, 18-flywheel, and 10% incline. The full list of features includes: 
 
  • 7” Smart HD Touchscreen
  • Includes 1-Year NordicTrack iFit® membership**
  • Integrated Tablet Holder
  • 0 - 10° Power Adjustable Incline
  • Auxiliary Music Port
  • Two 2” Digitally Amplified Speakers
  • Integrated, QuickTouch™ Handle Controls
  • Adjustable, Oversized Cushion Pedals
  • AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan
  • SoftTouch™ Upper Body Grips
  • Rear Drive
  • 18 Lb. Effective Inertia-enhanced Flywheel
  • SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance
  • 24 Digital Resistance Levels
  • 10% Power Adjustable Incline
  • One Touch® Controls
  • Commercial Solid Steel Construction
  • EKG Grip Pulse Heart Rate Monitor
  • iFit Bluetooth® Smart Chest Strap Included
  • 325 Lb. User Weight Capacity
  • 30 Preset Workout Apps
  • Integrated Handle Controls for Ramp and Resistance
  • Out-of-the-Box Easy Assembly
  • Rear-mounted Transport Wheels
  • Water Bottle Holder
  • Vertical SpaceSaver® Design
  • 78.7" L x 31.9" W x 66.4" H Footprint
  • 10-Year Frame Warranty
  • 2-Year Parts Warranty
  • 1-Year Labor Warranty
This is the fancy version of the two rear-drive Nordictrack ellipticals with a touch screen. If you do not need a touch screen you can go for the SE7i instead.
 

Pros of the SE9i

 
The pros of the SE9i are:
 
  • Price 
  • Touch screen
 
Compared to the rest of the Nordictrack portfolio the SE9i is relatively cheap, even though it is the most expensive rear-drive elliptical in stock.  Compared to the lower cost SE7i it has the advantage of the 7-inch touch screen.
 

Cons of the SE9i elliptical

 
The cons of the Se9i elliptical are:
 
  • 18-pound flywheel
  • Size
  • Price
For buying something rather low tier from a vendor the price is still pretty high. If you want to save money, go all the way and get a machine that has been stripped of most things and focuses on the essentials. Otherwise, go for a different vendor or fitness machine where you can acquire the top tier products for $2000. 
 

Alternatives to the Se9i elliptical

 
The alternatives to the SE9i elliptical are:
 
 
The Nordictrack SE7i saves you an additional $600 by cutting out the touch screen in exchange for a backlit display. This will help you to save further money.
 
The concept 2 rower is a great alternative for someone who wants to go hard but has problems standing for along time. You have two different models you can choose from, the Model E and model D. 
 
The Rogue echo bike at $700 is, in my opinion, one of the strongest contestants for the best home gym workout machine. It is compact, affordable and packs a punch.
 

Summary for the SE9i elliptical

 
All in all, the Se9i is a rear-drive elliptical with a touch screen that has seen its best days. Newer designs have taken over and offer better value for money from Nordictrack. The only thing which would tempt me to go for a rear-drive is the folding option and if I was 20 years older.
 

SE7i $1299

 

Overview of the SE7i

 
The SE7i rear-drive elliptical is the cheapest rear-drive elliptical from NordicTrack. Its main features are an 18-inch stride, 18-pound flywheel and the foldable design for easy storage. The full list of features includes:
 
  • 5” Backlit Display
  • NordicTrack iFit® Membership Ready
  • Integrated Tablet Holder
  • Auxiliary Music Port
  • Two 2” Digitally Amplified Speakers
  • AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan
  • SoftTouch™ Upper Body Grips
  • Adjustable, Oversized Cushion Pedals
  • Rear Drive
  • 18 Lb. Effective Flywheel
  • SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance
  • 22 Digital Resistance Levels
  • 10% Power Adjustable Incline
  • Commercial Solid Steel Construction
  • Oversized Levelers
  • 325 Lb. User Weight Capacity
  • EKG Grip Pulse Heart Rate Monitor
  • Vertical SpaceSaver® Design
  • 24 On-Board Workouts
  • Rear-mounted Transport Wheels
  • Water Bottle Holder
  • Out-of-the-Box Easy Assembly
  • 67" H X 32" W X 80" L
  • 10-Year Frame Warranty
  • 2-Year Parts Warranty
This machine is best looked for in the used market. If you want to get a new Nordictrack elliptical I would recommend the 12.9i front drive for commercial and the 10.9i for home gym use. 

Pros of the SE7i

 
  • Price
 

Cons of the SE7I

 
  • Small flywheel
  • No-touch screen
  • Size

Alternatives to the SE7I

 
Alternatives to the SE7i are:
 
he concept 2 rower is a good option for anyone who likes a bit more intensity but does not want to stand while exercising. These rowers can also be conveniently stored on a wall hanger to save space when not in use. The main models are the Model E and Model D. Go for the Model E when you are either big and strong (reads NFL player sized) are have problems with going very low. The Model D version is the standard concept 2 model.
 
The Rogue echo bike is my personal favorite when it comes to bang for your buck. It has a high-quality machine that can be used professionally and only costs $700. It is space-efficient and intense.  If you are a home gym owner who means business and does not need any fancy stuff, this is the machine to get. 
 
 

Summary for the SE7i

 
The SE7i is the cheap and cheerful option for the occasional home warrior for the basement or garage.
 
 
 
 

Topics: Treadmill