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Horizon T101 treadmill vs Nordictrack SE5i elliptical

Written by Pascal Landshoeft | Mar 27, 2021 4:00:00 PM

Horizon T101 treadmill vs Nordictrack SE5i elliptical

This is a comparison between the Horizon T101 treadmill and Nordictrack SE5i elliptical  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 SE5i 899

This is a review of the NordicTrack SE5i 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 SE5i

 
The SE5i is one of the rear-drive ellipticals from Nordictrack available to the UK market. Its main features are a 16kg flywheel, 5-inch backlit display and 34 preset workouts on the machine. The full list of features reads as followed:
 
  • 5” Backlit Display
  • iFit Bluetooth - 1 Years Membership Included
  • Integrated Tablet Holder
  • 16 kg. Effective Inertia-enhanced Flywheel
  • SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance
  • 24 Digital Resistance Levels
  • EKG Grip Pulse
  • 130 kg. User Weight Capacity
  • Oversized Pedals
  • AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan
  • SoftTouch™ Upper Body Grips
  • 34 Preset Workout Apps
  • Transport Wheels
  • Product Weight 60kg
  • Boxed Weight 72kg
  • Product Dimensions - 158L x 66W x 175H cm
  • Boxed Dimensions - 132L x 51W x 64H cm
  • Warranty - 5-Year Frame Warranty, 2-Year Parts and Labour Warranty, subject to registration within 28 days of purchase.
This is a solid rear-drive elliptical for the home or commercial use.
 

Pros of the NordicTrack SE5i

 
The pros of the SE5i are:
 
  • Big flywheel
  • Sturdy design
 
The SE5i is a sturdy design with a big flywheel which will last for ages. If you want to no-nonsense elliptical that is affordable you will find the right partner in the SE5i for your cardio needs.
 

Cons of the NordicTrack SE5i

 
The cons of the SE5i are:
 
  • Size
  • Older model
  • Display
 
All rear-drive ellipticals have in common that they are quite clunky and therefore take up more space than other cardio options for the home. In a big gym they will also fit fewer units in the same amount of space as others. SE5i is also an older model that Nordictrack does not sell in the US anymore. Always be mindful of this, especially when you purchase for commercial needs, as the service for this product might be discontinued or suffers as active production will be abandoned. 
 

Alternatives to the NordicTrack SE5i

 
Alternatives to the SE5i elliptical are:
 
 
The Nordictrack Se3i is the small brother of the SE5i it still has a rear-drive, but a smaller flywheel. In my opinion, the SE3i only makes sense if you buy it in bulk for commercial purposes to save money. Otherwise, the two models are too close in price to justify taking the smaller flywheel which ultimately means that the elliptical is more likely to break down. 
 
If you want to get a treadmill instead of an elliptical and get the cheapest from Nordictrack in the UK than the C700 is for you. This is the treadmill with the lowest price tag from Nordictrack for the time being. 
 
The concept 2 model D rower is a reliable machine that has been used all over the world. If you want a solid rowing machine for you this is probably the best value for money options you can get. Not a lot of entertainment on this, but the onboard computer is more than enough to track your workouts and provide statistics during your row. 
 
The Rogue echo bike is my personal favorite for home gym use. This machine is compact, built like a tank, enables a kick-ass workout and I reasonably priced. This is the best calorie per minute deal you can find without running the risk of buying trash. 
 

Summary for the NordicTrack SE5i elliptical

 
The SE5i elliptical is a solid safe bet for an elliptical to get. It is not too expensive and also does not try to be fancy. In return, it will take up more space than other models and not have the best multimedia options available.

Overview and review of the Horizon T101 treadmill

This is an overview of the Horizon T101 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 T101 $599

 
The Horizon Fitness T101 is the smallest treadmill you can get from Horizon fitness. It has the smallest belt, the smallest warranty, and the smallest incline of 10%. If you want an overbuilt walking treadmill that you do not need to store away after use, then this is the one for you. Otherwise, go for a different model from Horizon or research deeper into more flexible walking treadmills. The full list of specifications is:
 
Frame Type: FeatherLight Folding
Running area: 20" x 55"
Cushioning: 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning
Drive Motor: 2.5 Continuous-Duty Horsepower
Belt: 1.4mm, Silicone
Deck Thickness: 0.7" (18mm)
Roller Size: 46mm/42mm Tapered
Speed Range: 0.5 – 12 mph
Incline Range: 0 – 10%
Extras: Audio In/Out Jack, Bluetooth Speakers, Energy Saver Mode, Fan, Tablet Rack, Water Bottle Holder
Weight: 165 lbs.
Assembled dimensions: 70" x 34" x 55"
Folded dimensions: 46" x 34" x 61"
Max User weight: 300 lbs.
Electrical requirements: 60Hz - 120V
Home Warranty - Frame: Lifetime
Home Warranty - Motor: Lifetime
Home Warranty - Parts: 1 year
Home Warranty - Labor: 1 year
 
I am never a huge fan of getting the cheapest of anything with the least amount of features. The same goes for the Horizon T101. If you are a slow jogger or fast walker, this is perfect. Otherwise, get yourself a proper running treadmill from the Horizon studio line or upgrade to the T202/303 if you weigh less than 100kg.
 

Pros of the Horizon T101

 
The pros of the Horizon T101 are:
 
  • Incline
  • Sturdy frame
  • Speed
 
If you look at the T101 as a walking treadmill it has a strong motor and incline. The frame is also sturdy for a walking treadmill. If you were looking for a very robust walking treadmill, this is it. 
 

Cons of the Horizon T101

 
The cons of the Horizon T101 are:
 
  • Not ideal for runners
  • Can not be stored easily
  • Barebone warranty
  • Still has a console
 
When you put everything together about the T101 I would stay away from it if you consider yourself a runner. It is the cheapest Horizon has to offer with the smallest warranty package. If you put 100s of miles on it and weigh more than a feather it will rattle and break. For walkers who want to into the occasional jog, this is a good fit.
 
If we look at the T101 through the walking treadmill lens it can not be stored easily. There are quite a few options out there that can be folded and hung in the closet or pushed under the bed. You do not have these options with the T101 which makes it less attractive if you only use it for walking.
 
The barebone warranty is worrisome if you will run on this. This treadmill is a malfunction waiting to happen if you put it under a lot of stress. Not because it is not well built, but because someone was cheap about what they actually are using it for. This paired with the small warranty is not a great choice if you press more than 100 miles per week.
 
If I am looking at it as a walking treadmill I also have to ask why it has a console at all. You still pay for these parts and on a walking treadmill, an up and down button for speed will more than do. No speakers or other electronics needed as you will use your phone or tablet anyway.
 

Alternatives to the Horizon T101

 
Alternatives to the Horizon T101 are:
 
 
The rogue echo bike is a great alternative to any treadmill for the serious athlete. You will most likely do your runs outdoors anyway to make it more challenging and closer to the real thing. The echo bike will enable you to do great interval training and is easier to move around. It also comes at roughly the same price point as the T101 give or take $100. A budget version of the Rogue Echo bike is the TITAN fan bike.
 
The concept 2 ski erg is a great option for a serious machine that is not as noisy as a treadmill and takes up less space. You will not get a leg workout, but a great deal of cardio. If your goal is to lose weight and stay fit and you do not mind that much which way this happens, give the ski erg a serious look.
 

Conclusion for the Horizon T101

 
In my personal opinion, there are better options out there for a walking treadmill. If you want a running treadmill the Horizon portfolio really starts at the T202 if not even at the T303 and 7.0AT.