Horizon T303 treadmill vs Nordictrack FS5i elliptical

This is a comparison between the Horizon T303 treadmill and Nordictrack FS5i 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 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 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

The cons of the Horizon T303 are:

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

Alternatives to the Horizon T303 are:

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.