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Horizon fitness Elite T9 treadmill vs Nordictrack SE3i elliptical

Posted by Pascal Landshoeft

Mar 28, 2021 9:00:00 AM

Horizon fitness Elite T9 treadmill vs Nordictrack SE3i elliptical

This is a comparison between the Horizon Elite T9 treadmill and Nordictrack SE3i including pros, cons, and alternatives. This article has been originally published in which Horizon treadmill to get.

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NordicTrack® SE3i Elliptical

Overview and review NordicTrack SE 3i 849

This is a review of the NordicTrack SE3i 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.

 

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Overview of the NordicTrack SE3i

 
The SE3i elliptical is the cheapest elliptical from Nordictrack you can buy in the UK market to date. Its main features are 5-inch backlit display, 14kg flywheel, and 32 preset workouts that come with the machine. The full list of features reads as followed:
 
  • 5” Backlit Display
  • iFit Bluetooth - 1 Years Membership Included
  • Integrated Tablet Holder
  • 14 kg. Effective Inertia-enhanced Flywheel
  • SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance
  • 22 Digital Resistance Levels
  • EKG Grip Pulse
  • 125 kg. User Weight Capacity
  • Oversized Pedals
  • SoftTouch™ Upper Body Grips
  • 32 Preset Workout Apps
  • Transport Wheels
  • Product Weight 54kg
  • Assembled Dimensions - 158L X 66W X 175H cm
  • Boxed Weight 60kg
  • Boxed Dimensions - 64L x 42W x 132H cm
  • Warranty - 5-Year Frame Warranty, 2-Year Parts and Labour Warranty, subject to registration within 28 days of purchase.
This is the least amount of money you can spend on a Nordictrack elliptical in the UK.
 

Pros of the NordicTrack SE3i 

 
The pros of the SE3i are:
 
  • Low price
  • Big flywheel
 
The most attractive feature about the SE3i is the price tag. There is no other NordicTrack elliptical that can beat this. For this price, you are also getting a big flywheel which makes the machine last for longer. If you want a cheap workhorse, or better said, donkey as a cardio machine in your house, this is it.
 

Cons of the NordicTrack Se3i 

 
The cons of the SE3i are:
 
  • Out of date display
  • Space requirements
 
This machine will eat up a lot of space in your home or gym and has an out of date design. NordicTrack has already modernized its fleet over in the US, but this facelift has not come through to the UK yet. 
 

Alternatives to the NordicTrack SE3i

 
This can be alternatives to the SE3i elliptical:
 
 
The Nordictrack SE5i is the big brother of the SE3i. It only costs a little extra and gives you a bigger flywheel. Go for this one if you are not considering to buy in multiples of 10 or even 100. 
 
The concept 2 model D rower is a reliable staple in the fitness industry for decades. If you don't want to stand while doing your cardio and like to row, this is a safe bet which does not break the bank. 
 
The Rogue echo bike is my personal favorite when it comes to home gym cardio. This machine is sturdy, affordable, and will make you sweat. The only downside is that it does not come with a lot of multimedia options.
 

Summary for the NordicTrack SE3i

 
While it is the cheapest rear-drive elliptical from Nordictrack for the UK i would still go with the SE5i instead, if I was to buy an elliptical.

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.
 

Topics: Treadmill, Horizon