Horizon T303 treadmill vs Nordictrack C990
This is a comparison between the Horizon T303 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.
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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C990 is a part of the outdated treadmill series from Nordictrack which has been replaced by the T series in the States fully whilst still being still in stock in other places of the earth.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
- 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:
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
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 T303
This is an overview of the Horizon T303 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 T303 $999
The
Horizon T303 is the top end of the home user-friendly treadmills of horizon fitness. This is the treadmill with the most bells and whistles that are geared towards someone using it in the home. If you can stretch your budget to $1000 but not further under any circumstances then this is a great option. The full specifications are:
Frame Type: FeatherLight Folding
Running area: 20" x 60"
Cushioning: 3-Zone Variable Response Cushioning
Drive Motor: 3.0 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 – 12%
Extras: Accessory Tray, Audio In/Out Jack, Bluetooth Speakers, Custom Interval Keys, Energy Saver Mode, Fan, Multi-position Tablet Holders
Weight: 194 lbs.
Assembled dimensions: 75" x 34" x 58"
Folded dimensions: 47" x 34" x 65"
Max User weight: 325 lbs.
Electrical requirements: 60Hz - 120V
Home Warranty - Frame: Lifetime
Home Warranty - Motor: Lifetime
Home Warranty - Parts: 3 year
Home Warranty - Labor: 1 year
This is a good treadmill for home use in limited spaces. Compared to other Horizon models the frame and belt are less sturdy. In return, the treadmill is easier to transport and takes up less space.
Pros of the Horizon T303
The pros is the
T303 are:
-
Strong motor
-
12% incline
-
Almost studio-grade
For the money, you pay you almost get a studio-grade treadmill including a strong motor. The 12% incline also provides extra resistance if you want to challenge yourself even more. This is a great treadmill for the stay-at-home mom or occasional runner that just wants to get their miles in without being cold or in the traffic.
Cons of the Horizon T303
-
Flimsy frame
-
Console
-
Warranty
The frame is rather flimsy which leads to more impact being transferred from the belt to the frame compared to the bigger Horizon fitness models. This means that you will have more rattling and inclines might feel a little unstable. If you are more than 100kg and intend to go ballistic at your treadmill I recommend going with the
7.0AT instaed for the same budget. This treadmill will not fall apart, it is well made, but if you really drive in the countryside you get a range rover and not a Qashqai.
The console leaves a lot to be desired for entertainment options. You can put your phone or Ipad on the treadmill, but that technically means a higher cost for the overall build. Especially if you do not want to mix work and downtime or if you do not want to run the risk of having your high-value electronics anywhere near the gym.
The last point is the warranty. While this warranty is more than enough for private use it might be ideal for commercial use, especially combined with the lighter build of the
T303 compared to other treadmills in the Horizon fitness lineup. If you are a commercial buyer looking for good value for money I personally think the /.4AT is your best betas it combines a cushy warranty package with a sturdy frame.
Alternatives to the Horizon 303
The
Horizon 7.0 AT is the trimmed-down version of the Horizon studio line. This is a good treadmill if you weigh more than 100kg, but do not want to pay more than $1000 for a frame that will hold you. The downside is that this treadmill will take up considerably more space as it is built on a sturdier frame than the T series.
If you do not want to go very fast and you are willing to compromise on the warranty options the
T202 can be a good option for your home gym to move further away from the $1000 mark. At $799 it is a great treadmill to get your miles in for 5ks and generally staying fit. For anyone who really wants to dig deep into HIIT training and going at high paces for hours, this might not be the right treadmill.
The
Horizon T101 is the most budget option from Horizon fitness's treadmills. It has the smallest motor and belt of all the products on offer. While it is an option I personally think you are better off looking into walking and foldable treadmills that can go under your bed if you go that low in the Horizon product line. What is the point of having a treadmill with a console that can not be fully folded up, when you are not planning on abusing the heck out of it anyway.
The
Rogue Echo Bike is my personal recommendation for any home gym owner. I personally like to do my runs outside and this bike dies everything I need for HIIT training. It is easy to move around & sturdy so that my 100kg clunky body can sit comfortably while giving it all I have. The price is also decent. Rogue really build a great product that is competitively priced to make serious home gym owners happy. A budget option of the
Rogue Echo bike is the
Titan fan bike.
If you want to save floor space and still get your cardio in, i personally think that the
concept 2 ski erg is one of the best options you can get. It will take up very little space in your home while you are still dealing with a serious cardio machine. Of course, you can not run on it, but why are you getting your treadmill in the first place? Most likely to lose weight and stay fit. The ski erg delivers on that.
Conclusion for the Horizon T303
The
Horizon T303 is a great treadmill for the home user that weighs less than 100kg and does not want to put their treadmill under too much stress. Nicely paced jogs and runs will be best on this treadmill with the comfort of easy incline and speed adjustments. If you weigh more than 100kg or plan on running 10Ks and half marathon s for time on this machine, then you might want to opt for something sturdier. I also would not recommend prolonged use of the incline function to simulate speedy hiking runs.