Horizon fitness Elite T9 treadmill vs Nordictrack C990

This is a comparison between the Horizon Elite T9 treadmill and Nordictrack C990 including pros, cons, and alternatives. This article has been originally published in which Horizon treadmill to get.

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Overview and review of the NordicTrack C990 1599

This is a review of the NordicTrack C990 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 C990

The C990 is a part of the outdated treadmill series from Nordictrack which has been replaced by the T series in the States fully whilst still being still in stock in other places of the earth. The main features of this treadmill are the 3 CHP motor, LCD display, and the 12% incline. The full list of features covers:

Includes 1 Year iFit Membership
iFit Integrated
Smart BlueTooth (BLE) Chestbelt Compatible
7" HD Touch Screen Display
Dual 2-Inch Speakers

3.0 CHP Motor
0 - 12% Incline
0 – 22 km/h Speed
1.9" Roller
Onetouch Controls
125kg Max User Weight
EKG Handgrips

FlexSelect Cushioning
51 x 152 cm Tread Belt
Dual AutoBreeze™ Workout Fans

SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist
Assembled Dimensions - 201 L x 91 x 153H cm
Product Weight 90kg
Boxed Weight 101kg
Folded Dimensions - 108L x 91W x 180H cm
Boxed Dimensions - 209 L x 77W x 35H cm
Warranty - Lifetime Frame Warranty, 10-year Motor Warranty, 2-Year Parts & Labour upon warranty registration within 28 days of purchase

This is a solid treadmill to look for int he used market. If you want your own, new treadmill with reliable delivery, this might not be the best choice as the T series is newer and in the same price range.

Pros of the NordicTrack C990

The pros of the Nordictrack C990 are:

3.0 CHP motor
Dual speakers

The 3.0 chp motor is great for home use, especially if you run a lot and want to put a lot of mileage on this machine. The speakers are also a great addition to this machine, as it was brought to market in a time when good bluetooth earphones were still rather expensive. If you mainly use Bluetooth earphones with your phone, this feature might not be that relevant to you.

Cons of the Nordictrack 990

The cons of the Nordictrack 990 are:

Price
Age

The Nordictrack 990 is currently quite pricey for a treadmill that has aged. This might be due to the situation with the Coronavirus in 2020, so you might want to revisit prices at some other stage to get a better picture.

Alternatives to the Nordictrack C990

Alternatives to the Nordictrack C990 are:

The Nordictrack T7.5 is the more modern alternative to the C990 at almost the same price. If you have the budget and want to go for a treadmill now, go for the T7.5 instead of the C990. If you want to save some money you will have better chances dumpster diving for the C990 than for the T7.5.

The Nordictrack FS5i can be an alternative if you want to have an elliptical instead of a treadmill. This model comes with the Nordictrack free stride technology which enabled three different modes of operation. You can use the FS5i as a stepper, treadmill, and elliptical. This comes at the cost of stability for a modern design. This is a good machine if you have to cater to many needs in a limited space, but not if you are a long-distance runner who wants to clock hundreds of miles.

The concept 2 model D is a rower which can be obtained for under 1000. This rower is great when you want to gove your knees and ankles a rest and still get a good workout in. It does not come with a lot of multimedia options but has everything you need to burn some calories. The only downside is that rowers are not great for interval training.

The Rogue Echo bike is one of the best machines for use in a home gym. It is compact, affordable and can be used for intense 20-minute cardio workouts covering all bases. If you don't need entertainment and want a solid airbike to kick some butt, this is the machine for you.

Overview and review of the Horizon fitness Elite T9 treadmill

This is an overview of the Horizon Elite T9 including pros, cons, and alternatives. This article has been originally published in which Horizon treadmill to get. Follow the links for more details.

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Overview of the Horizon Fitness Elite T9 $1999

The Horizon Fitness Elite T9 is the flagship treadmill from Horizon. Its main distinguishing features are the most powerful engine at 3.25 CHP, the side rails, and the touchscreen which the other models from the Horizon elite line do not have. While it is lightweight build and comes in at 275lbs, it is still the heaviest of the elite series. This makes it more stable and resistant for serious runners, but might be overkill for walkers. The full list of specifications runs as follows:

Frame Type: Feather-Light Folding

Running area: 22"x60"

Cushioning: 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning

Drive Motor: 3.25 Horsepower

Belt: 1.4mm, Silicone

Deck Thickness: .75

Roller Size: 2.4"

Speed range: 0.5 - 12 mph

Incline Range: 0% – 15%

Extras: Aluminum Side Rails, Built-in Speakers, Energy Saver Mode, Passport Ready, Tablet Rack, Water Bottle Holder

Weight: 275 lbs

Assembled dimensions: 78.75" x 39.38" x 63"

Folded dimensions: 47.25" x 39.38" x 71"

Max User Weight: 350

Electrical Requirements: 110 - 120V

Home Warranty Frame: Lifetime

Home Warranty Motor: Lifetime

Home Warranty Parts: 5 years

Home Warranty Labor: 2 years

This machine appeals to a wide range of walkers and runners and is best chosen in a commercial setting or when you are a serious runner who has to travel far to get to a good area for running long distances. If you want to walk only it is overkill. The same goes for anyone who does not need a lot of technology or rails on their treadmill. Here you might get a better motor for less money with other treadmills if you strip back on some other features.

Pros of the Horizon Fitness Elite T9

The pros of the Horizon Fitness Elite T9 are:

Folding mechanism
Belt tested up to 21.000 miles
Touch Screen
Sidebars
Automatic incline / decline
Polar heart rate monitor included

The folding mechanism of the Horizon fitness T9 elite is smooth and also protects you from falling onto you. The frame is reinforced compared to other Horizon models which make it a good pick for serious runners or heavier athletes.

The belt has been tested up to 21.000 miles without a need of change. For someone who runs 100 miles a week, this means that you can for 210 weeks or 4 years without changing the belt. The motor also needs no cooling as it runs with magnets.

The touch screen is another bonus over the other models from Horizon which have classic button navigation. The included sidebars make it family-friendly or more appealing when placed in a gym.

The automatic incline goes with the running programs that Horizon has included in the package. You can also purchase some extra courses in scenic locations which will make use of the INcline options too.

The whole package is rounded up by including a polar heart rate monitor which you can strap to your chest and connect to the machine for heart rate training. Walkers can also use the bars which come with heart rate monitors inbuilt.

Cons of the Horizon Fitness Elite T9

Cons for the Horizon fitness elite T9 are:

High Price
Outdated technology
Not fit for HIgh-intensity interval training
Can not be stored under the bed

$2000 for a treadmill is a big bankroll. If you are savvy with craigslist and Facebook groups you might get an entire gym with several machines and a treadmill for this budget. Of course, this takes time and connections and not everyone is a hustler like the cowboys in the good, the bad, and the ugly or patient as Nelson Mandela. But if you are into used goods and sourcing them, spending $2000 is a lot to shell out for one piece of equipment in a private setting. For a commercial setting, it depends on how many you are going to buy and who will use them. If you have a very varied clientele and only need a few treadmills to make your community happy, this is the buy and do not think about it again option. If you have to buy in bulk and cater to a narrower fitness community you might want to consider more focused / cheaper options.

The technology on this treadmill seems a little outdated and needs a facelift. If you look at the newest peloton and Nordictrack models the entertainment options far surpass the ones on offer on the horizon flagship. In fairness, there is also a $1000 gap between the Elite T9 and the X32i, but if you are already considering $2000 for what is basically a convenience upgrade within the Horizon portfolio, then you might as well go all the way.

High-intensity interval training, or ins short HIIT, has been quite a rage in the fitness industry as of late. What most treadmills have in common is that they are not particularly well suited for this type of training as the motor and belt do not accelerate and decelerate naturally. The models which come closest to a proper stop-start sprint experience are the Assault air runner and the True Form runner. Personally, I am a huge fan of Airbikes as these are great for HIIT and do not take up a lot of floor space. They are also a lot cheaper than treadmills. The model I own is the Rogue Echo Bike and its direct copycat competitor is the TITAN fan bike.

This treadmill is a beast that is great when you are serious about running and willing to give up the necessary space in your home for your hobby. If you are just an occasional runner or walker you can not store this treadmill under the bed, sofa, or in a cupboard after use. Therefore it is not recommended for use in apartments with limited space unless you also want to use it as a bed.

Alternatives to the Horizon Fitness Elite T9

Alternatives to the Horizon fitness elite T9 are:

The elite T7 has a 3.00 CHP horsepower motor and no railings. It also has no touch screen. This might be the better option for home athletes who are serious but do not want to fast for very long periods of time. If you are willing to compromise on the motor power and railings you can save yourself $500 on the sticker price within the Horizon portfolio by going with the Elite T7 instead of the T9. Definitely, the better option if there are no walkers to be expected to use the treadmill or someone who goes full throttle for an hour and weighs 200 pounds or more.

The elite T5 has a slightly smaller belt than the T9 and a 2.75 CHP motor. If you also feel that you need to save a little space because the treadmill will just about fit into your home space, then this is the one to make. You will also make some considerable compromises with the T5 on the warranty so it might not be the best option in a commercial setup. On the positive side, the T5 brings you far away from the $2000 mark and very close to the $1000 mark at $1199 retail price.

If you are willing to spend $2000 on a treadmill the Nordictrack 1750 might be a desirable option for you. This treadmill not only has incline but also a 3% decline inbuilt. The IFit software subscription for your runs is a little more up to date than what Horizon has on offer and you will get a more powerful motor at 3.75 horsepower. The warranties are also longer than with Horizon, too. The only downside is that negative feedback about the Nordictrack brand is more readily available than for Horizon. Whether this is due to a higher sales volume and therefore a higher likelihood for complaints or down to product quality and design is a matter of opinion.

Conclusion for the Horizon Fitness Elite T9

The Horizon Fitness Elite T9 is the best that Horizon has to offer. If you want a great, durable treadmill for commercial use or the very serious home athlete that presses 100 miles a week or more, this is the one to get. It might not be at the forefront of the current market developments anymore, but you are getting a lot of belt, frame, and miles for a relatively small price. All other flagship treadmills in the market usually come in at $1000 more with a massive screen included. Not everyone wants that.