Horizon fitness Elite T9 treadmill vs Nordictrack FS5i elliptical

This is a comparison between the Horizon Elite T9 treadmill and Nordictrack FS5i 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 FS5i 1499

This is a review of the NordicTrack FS5i 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 FS5i

The FS5i is probably the best elliptical from Nordictrack you can currently get for the UK market. It has its flywheel at the center which enables a lot of freedom of movement and a long stride of 32". The main features of this elliptical are its 7kg flywheel, 5-inch backlit display, and 32 workout programs. The full list of features reads as follows:

5" Backlit Display
iFit Bluetooth - 1 Years Membership Included
Integrated Tablet Holder
Two 2” Speakers

Center Drive
7kg. Effective Inertia-enhanced Flywheel
22 Digital Resistance Levels
OneTouch® Controls
Max User Weight 135kg
32" Auto-Adjustable Stride

AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan
SoftTouch™ Upper Body Grips
Oversized Cushion Pedals
32 Workout Programmes
Transport Wheels
Water Bottle Holder

Large Boxed Item - This item can only be delivered or delivered and installed to a ground floor room location.
Product Weight 105kg
Boxed Weight 113kg
Assembled Dimensions - 148L x 75W x 187H cm
Boxed Dimensions - 157L x 77W x 65H cm
Warranty - 5-Year Frame Warranty, 2-Year Parts and Labour Warranty, subject to registration within 28 days of purchase.

This is the right choice in the Uk in most scenarios for an elliptical without breaking the bank, but also not compromising on quality or functionality.

Pros of the NordicTrack FS5i

The pros of the FS5i are:

Good value for money
Relevant product line
32" stride

This elliptical will provide a lot of options to you at a reasonable price. It is also part of the FS family which is still being produced in the US. This ensures that you will have less trouble getting support or parts for this machine than for the S and C series which has been discontinued in the States. With the 32" stride this machine provides a lot of different workout modes to play around with your stride. If you are very tall, this might be the elliptical for you.

Cons of the Nordictrack FS5i

The cons of the FS5i are:

Space requirements
More error-prone
Not for everyone

As this is one of the machines with the longest stride available for the UK market it also needs more clearance around the machine. For the ellipticals with the flywheel in the center, you have to clear the area in front and in the back of the elliptical. That is not always the most practical option to get a working setup.

Compared to the more compact design of treadmills and ellipticals with motors in the back or front, this design is a bit more error-prone. Especially commercial buyers should think twice if they have a lot of use and people using the FS5i.

The free stride models are also recommended to be tested before you use them. The freedom of movement is not for everyone who are used to classic elliptical setups.

Alternatives to the NordicTrack FS5i

Alternatives to the Fs5i are:

The ACT commercial can be an alternative for anyone who does not have the space to put the FS5i into their home gym. The ACT is more compact and therefore friendlier in tight spots. You will also save some money compared to the FS5i. The only downside is that the ACT series is discontinued and you will find it harder and harder over time to get parts and support for this particular machine.

If you want a treadmill instead of an elliptical your best choice for the Uk from Nordictrack is the T7.5. The T7.5 is right in the middle of the available Nordictrack portfolio for the UK and has all you need without going overboard on any of the features. The only downside is that you will not get a 40% incline or a massive screen with this treadmill.

The concept 2 model d rower is a great option for smaller options. If you do not want to stand while exercising the concept model d will cover your needs. Don't expect wonders from the screens on this machine, but the tracking capabilities are sound.

My personal favorite for home gym environments is the Rogue Echo bike. It is compact, easy to move, and packs a punch for a great 20-minute cardio workout using interval training. If you want to burn calories, save money, and save space, this is the machine to get. The downside is that this machine is not designed to entertain you and keep you engaged. You have to bring the willpower, the rest will be taken care of.

Summary for the FS5i

The FS5i is a great machine when you have space and you are tall yourself. It will provide many different workout modes and is probably the best buy for ellipticals in the Uk from Nordictrack to date.

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.