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Horizon 7.8 AT treadmill vs Nordictrack X22i

Written by Pascal Landshoeft | Mar 15, 2021 4:00:00 PM

Horizon 7.8 AT treadmill vs Nordictrack X22i

This is a comparison between the Horizon 7.8 AT and Nordictrack Nordictrack X22i including pros, cons, and alternatives. This article has been originally published in which Horizon treadmill to get.

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Overview and review Nordictrack Commercial X22i $2999 - $3999

This is a review of the Nordictrack X22i. The original was published in "Which Nordictrack trwadmill to get". Follow the links for more details.

 

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Overview Nordictrack Commercial X22i $2999 - $3999

 

The X22i is the little brother of the Nordictrack 32i. It has the same specs and bells and whistles except that the touch screen is 22 instead of 32 inches. Downsizing the screen by this much saves you about $1000 on the purchase to spend on other things for your home gym. The specifications for the X22i are:
 
  • 22” Smart HD Touchscreen
  • 1-Year iFit® Membership Included ($468 Value)**
  • Bluetooth® Audio Capabilities
  • Two 3” Digitally-Amplified Speakers
  • Reflex™ Cushioning
  • 22” x 60” Commercial Tread Belt
  • Dual AutoBreeze™ Workout Fans
  • 0 - 40% Incline
  • 0 – 6% Decline
  • 0 - 12 MPH Speed
  • One Touch® Controls
  • 4.0 CHP DurX™ Commercial Plus Motor◊
  • 2.5” Precision and Balanced Non-Flex Rollers
  • iFit Bluetooth® Chest Strap Included
  • 300 Lb. User Capacity
  • 50 On-Board Workout Programs
  • 70.2” L x 39.6” W x 71.6” H Footprint
  • 10-Year Frame Warranty
  • 2-Year Parts Warranty
  • 1-Year Labor Warranty
 
All things being equal this is a good option for a home gym that has been given a good budget or professional facilities that want the best and still be able to buy in bulk. The 32i might be a better option in facilities that work a lot with clients who are visually impaired in some way to give them a bigger screen to look at. 
 

Pros of the Nordictrack X22i

 
The X22i has the benefits of all of the high-end incline Nordictrack treadmills which includes:
 
  • Great cushioning
  • Big range of inclines
  • High rate finish
  • Wide belt
  • Powerful motor 
  • High weight capacity
 
This treadmill has been built for professional use. It has the right cushioning and can take up to 300 lbs of weight. In addition, you can go up to 40% of the incline in various increments. The finish is immaculate and combined with a great digital package to round up the experience. This is not the Mayback, but still the Mercedes E class of NordicTrack treadmills. 
 

Cons of the Nordictrack X22i

 
The cons of the Nordictrack 22i are:
 
  • Smaller screen compared to the 32i
  • Can not be folded 
  • Price 
  • Overkill
 
If you are already looking at incline treadmills with touch screen chances are high that you not that much of a budget-conscious buyer. These treadmills usually start around $3000 and go upwards from there. If you are already willing to invest that much into a treadmill, why get the smaller screen? Yes, $1000 is a good argument compared to the 32i, but to be honest, if you comparing the X32i and the X22i based on price, I think you went in at the wrong end of the portfolio. But that is just my opinion. 
 
This treadmill uses the same base as the X32i and is, therefore, the biggest frame Nordictrack provides. This treadmill can not be folded and has a wider belt than most standard treadmills. If you have limited space in your home or want to fit as many treadmills as possible into a small space, this is not the right option for you. 
 
As this treadmill provides the best of everything you also pay one of the highest prices for a treadmill from Nordictrack. In most cases, you will not make use of most of the incline options and other bells and whistles and not get your full value out of them. Less is more with most gym equipment as the fancier the use case, the less likely it is that you will actually use what you are paying for. Unless being fancy is part of your brand strategy or what you like. But that relates to Status which this treadmill also can represent. 
 

Alternatives for the Nordictrack X22i

 
Alternatives to the Nordictrack x22i are:
 
 
The True Form Runner is an alternative to the Nordictrack 22i which plays in the same price range. The True Form runner has no screen or incline and works without a motor. The main concept is that this treadmill runs on bearing. Therefore it is the better fit for fast interval training and sprints with a lot of acceleration. Basketball players, football players, and other team sport/sprint related athletes might get more use to increase performance out of this machine. 
 
The NordicTrack 2950 is the top of the line model which costs $1000 less. You get 15% of incline and a 22-inch screen with about the same bells and whistles otherwise. I still think this is more than enough for running indoors and lets you get 3 instead of 2 treadmills against $10.000. If you want luxury but don't want to go crazy on spending, go with this one. 
 
The Rogue Echo Bike is a very compact low price option at about $700 if you want to keep your knees safe and still get a good workout in. It is robust, easy to store and you can get a whole fleet of them for the price of two X22i. If your gym has not a lot of space or you want to maximize it, this is a solid option. In terms of comfort do not expect too much as this bike does not have any fans and screens or digital gadgets attached to it.
 
Now currently the ultimate holy grail in calories per second is probably a Versaclimber. The footprint is low, the calories per second very high. The only downside the Versaclimber's have compared to the Rogue Echo bike is that they at least are double the price. More likely in the $3000 - $4000 range.
 

Summary of the X22i

 
If you want the best of everything but can not afford the 32i, go with the X22i. I am still not a fan of compromising when I am willing to fork out more than $1000 on fitness equipment, but that is up to the individual. If it was for me and I ad decided that I need a touch screen and 40% inclined I might as well wait for a little and put some extra money for the X32i aside and be proud of myself. 

Overview and review of the Horizon 7.8 AT treadmill

This is an overview of the Horizon 7.8 AT treadmill including pros, cons, and alternatives. This article has been originally published in which Horizon treadmill to get. Follow the links for more details.

You can get the most up to date content and ask direct questions on my Instagram Account.

 
 

Overview of the Horizon 7.8 AT $1.799

 
The Horizon 7.8 AT is the Horizon treadmill with the most powerful motor and the sturdiest frame. The console has been pared back for longevity and therefore sacrifices a touchscreen. Comapred to the Elite line from Horizon the AT line has been designed with more compatibility with different Apps in mind and more cushioning. The full spec sheet is attached below:
 
Frame Type: FeatherLight Folding
Running area: 22" x 60" XL Deck
Cushioning: 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning
Drive Motor: 4.0 CHP RapidSync Drive System
Belt: 1.6mm, Silicone
Deck Thickness: 0.8" (20mm)
Roller Size: 60mm/46mm Tapered
Speed Range: 0.5 – 12 mph
Incline Range: 0 – 15%
Extras: Accessory Tray, Aluminum Side Rails, Audio In/Out Jack, Bluetooth Speakers, Energy Saver Mode, Fan, Multi-position Tablet Holders
Weight: 330 lbs.
Assembled Dimensions: 76" x 37" x 64"
Folded Dimensions: 42" x 37" x 71"
Max User weight: 350 lbs.
Electrical Requirements: 60Hz - 120V
Home Warranty - Frame: Lifetime
Home Warranty - Motor: Lifetime
Home Warranty - Parts: 5 years
Home Warranty - Labor: 2 years
 
This is the machine to get if you want the biggest and meanest treadmill that Horizon has on offer. It will also integrate with most apps out there like the Peloton and Ifit app.
 

Pros of the Horizon 7.8 AT

 
The pros of the Horizon 7.8 AT are:
 
  • Motor
  • Frame
  • Compatibility
  • Warranty
  • Price
 
If you are looking for a very strong motor for HIIT training or interval runs this is the machine for you. This type of training puts more strain on the engine and therefore you want to have a powerful motor that can take the beating. The 7.8 AT delivers in this department and you can throw a brick and then some at it.
 
The frame of the AT line of Horizon is sturdy and powder coated. This makes it easy to clean and it will also take some falls or bumping into. Compared to hollow plastic this is a big step up for longevity so if you run a commercial gym where you expect a lot of movement of weights around the treadmill you might want to invest in the AT line.
 
The AT has also Bluetooth and is designed to send data to other Apps like Peloton and IFit if you wish to do so. Controlling the treadmill via the own Horizon app ok a tablet can be tricky but the data for your runs can be extracted. You can see that Horizon thought a little more about being compatible with this line than with the Elite.
 
The lifetime warranty on the frame and motor is a Horizon fitness staple. Parts come with five years and labor with two years which is the best warranty package that Horizon has on the shelves.
 
For the price, you are getting a lot of treadmill with a great motor. There is not a lot you can do wrong with the AT 7.8, if you have the budget.
 

Cons of the Horizon 7.8 AT

 
The cons of the Horizon 7.8 AT are:
 
  • Weight
  • Size
  • Console
 
The Horizon 7.8 AT is a beast of a treadmill. If you have to navigate it around narrow corners often or put it in a tiny room it is not the best choice. You need a big room and once you put it there it will most likely stay. The console has no touchscreen and no internet connection. Some companies tend to put more modern bells and whistles to their treadmills at similar price points.
 

Alternatives to the Horizon 7.8 AT

 
Alternatives to the Horizon 7.8 AT are:
 
 
The Horizon Elite T9 is the flagship of the Elite product line. Compared to the AT 7.8 it is very close in the two main differences are that it has a touch screen and is lighter. The Elite T9 is probably the better option to be used in a home gym. However, it comes at a slightly higher price.
 
The Horizon 7.4 AT is very similar to the 7.8 except for the motor which is smaller. The footprint is also slightly smaller. The 7.4 is a good option to save a little money on a good design without over compromising yourself.
 
The Horizon 7.0 AT is a good possibility if you want to stay below the $1000. With the smallest warranty and motor, it is my personal idea of too much of a compromise, but if you want the sturdy AT frame at the lowest possible price point this is a good snatch. I would always go for a smaller model with more bells and whistles.
 
For me, the Rogue Echo bike is one of the best cardio choices you can make for a home gym. It is compact, easy to move around, sturdy, and allows you to do HIIT like with no other treadmill. I like to go out for my runs so this is the better machine for me that is in my gym. The Titan fan bike is a low-cost copy of the Rogue Echo bike.
 
If you Insist on a treadmill and want to train for sprints and dashes the Assault air runner might be a better choice for you. Classical treadmills are not great for quick starts and stops which the Assault air runner fixes. The belt runs on bearings and therefore the treadmill is self-propelled. This way quick acceleration and decelerations can be done without breaking your feet.
 

Conclusion for the Horizon 7.8 AT

 
The Horizon AT 7.8 is a great option to get the most powerful motor from Horizon in a massive frame. If you are running a commercial gym or if you are a 140kg Rugby machine, this is a good machine for you. The downsides are the price and the massive amount of space it takes up. If you get it be sure where you put it and be prepared that it is going to stay there.