NordicTrack 2950 vs VersaClimber LX

This is a comparison between the Nordictrack 2950 treadmill and the VersaClimber LX Model. Follow the links for more detail.

Versa climber LX Model

The VresaClimber LX comes in at $3995 - $4200. In this article you will learn more about the product itself, its Pros and cons and alternatives you might want to consider. This article has originally been published in the overview "Which conditioning equipment to buy from Rogue".

Overview of the VersaClimber LX

The VersaClimber range has been on the market for more than four decades. The LX model is one of their mid-range options which sits between the SM and H models from a budget perspective. The machine is hand welded and has the following specifications:

Weight 150lb
Height 7’ 10’’
Footprint 48’’x48’’
Color black
Climb angle 75 degrees

The VersClimber LX comes with a computer and fully assembled to stand upright in your home gym or professional facility. For $200 you can upgrade the handles for more options. VersaClimber recommends this option for anyone taller than 6’ 3’’. For an extra $100 it comes with a branded floor mat to protect your floors from scratches and sweat.

The VersaClimber range is a great alternative to treadmills, bikes, and towers. It offers some of the highest intensity cardiovascular workouts on the smallest possible footprint with minimum impact on the joints. Everyone who ever used this hates it. This is usually a good reference when it comes to workout machines.

Pros of the VersaClimber LX

These are the pros of the VersaClimber LX series compared to other options you might consider:

Small footprint
High intensity
Adjustable resistance
Unfamiliar workout

Compared to most treadmills and elliptical machines you will be able to fit a lot more VersaClimbers into your facility. When it comes to calories burned per square foot the VersaClimber is very hard to beat. The LX offers a commercial grade machine for a lower cost than the SM model.

The Versaclimber itself offers you and your athlete a great opportunity to power yourselves out. If the weather is bad or if you want to throw them a curve ball, this is the machine. Many climbers use this is a morning routine and climbers are usually quite good when it comes to endurance. Loss of grip means death for them so they won’t mess about with the equipment they pick.

This machine can adjust the resistance from 1-500 lb which makes it better than older models from VersaClimber.

If you are planning on establishing the best gym in town you will be able to offer extra diversity with this machine. Especially in Europe, I have not seen many of these around which might swing some reliable clients your way instead of to the gym around the corner.

Cons of the VersaClimber LX

Here are some cons of the Versa Climber LX:

Not specific
Not for beginners
Old computer
Price

Most people compete in sports to which a vertical climb is irrelevant. Treadmill and cycling training is more relevant to the movement patterns for long distance runners and endurance athletes. If it is not just about burning calories but also improving technique on relevant movements the VersaClimber might not be the right choice.

As this workout is super intense it might not be for beginners. If you have a lot of beginners in your gym you might want some alternatives for people who just walked through the door. Throwing something completely frustrating at your beginners will drive them away. You have to give them some small successes and build from there. Only very few of your clients will be like “yes another machine I can kill myself on”.

The computer unit on the LX is a bit outdated. The SM has a better one as this is the most recent update to the line. Personally, I think this does not matter that much. Most of the programs are not used anyway.

The price is a big con to the Versaclimber LX. The H version comes in for $1000 less but has no commercial use warranty. The SM costs $1000 more. What I would really consider when I built my own gym is what else I could do for $4000. For two VersaClimbers I can get a ten pack of concept 2 bikes to run spinning classes. For a home gym, I can get a rack fully equipped with barbell and plates.

Alternatives to the VersaClimber LX

Alternatives to the Versaclimber LX are:

The Versaclimber SM leaves you with more freedom around the machine as less material of better quality is used to build the frame for the VersaClimber. It also has a better computer and warranty. When you are in the market to buy a lot of these for commercial use, make very sure you understand the differences of the warranty and service differences between the LX and SM.

If you are considering a VersaClimber for your home base go with the H option. It will save you a lot of money and still give you the benefits. Unless money does it really make a difference (for example if you are outfitting a house that costs 10 million I personally would not be picky between a 2000 and 5000 dollar option for the home gym and just get the best of everything).

If you are not looking at the VersaClimber for home use but for a professional setup be very mindful whether it is your first purchase. The Rogue Echo bikes are of high quality, only cost a fraction and deliver a great, challenging workout which is different from treadmills and ellipticals. This might be a better option for a bulk purchase.

Summary for the VersaClimber LX

The Versaclimber LX is a great option but suffers the pros and cons of most middle of the range of products. Unless you very specifically want this one it is better to go with the best or lowest budget option form the portfolio. Same goes here for the LX. I went for the H and I am happy. For a commercial gym, I would have gone for the SM and tried to argue with the bank for a loan extension pointing to the good warranty (basically you buy 2 for 1 if one breaks you get it replaced unless you threw rocks at It). Talk to other gym owners who wanted to make use of the warranty to be really sure.

Overview and review Nordictrack Commercial 2950 Treadmill $2999 - $3599

This is a review of the Nordictrack commercial 2950 model which was originally posted in "Which Nordictrack treadmill to get". Follow the links for more details.

Overview Nordictrack Commercial 2950 Treadmill $2999 - $3599

The 2950 is the top-end treadmill from Nordictrack without the big %40 incline option. The main features are the massive 22-inch touchpad and the foldable Running track. The full list of features is:

22” Smart HD Touchscreen
1-Year iFit® Membership Included ($468 Value)**
Auxiliary Music Port
Two 3” Digitally-Amplified Speakers
Runners Flex™ Cushioning
Dual AutoBreeze™ Workout Fans
22” x 60” Commercial Tread Belt
4.25 CHP DurX™ Commercial Plus Motor
0 - 12 MPH Speed
0 - 15% Incline
0 - 3% Decline
OneTouch® Controls
EKG Grip Pulse
300 Lb. User Weight Capacity
2.5” Precision and Balanced Non-Flex Rollers
SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist
40 On-Board Workout Programs
Integrated Tray
79.5” L x 39.2” W x 66.6” H Footprint
10-Year Frame Warranty
2-Year Parts Warranty
1-Year Labor Warranty

If you have some surplus money to spend and like the good things in life this is the treadmill for you. The incline options from Nordictrack technically have more bells and whistles if you only want the best, but I think you are more than covered with what the 2950 has to offer with the added bonus that it can be folded up.

Pros of the Nordictrack 2950

The pros of the 2950 Nordictrack treadmill are:

Big screen
Good folding mechanics
Strong motor
High capacity and large belt

This machine is a great option for a high-end home gym for which the owner does not want to spare any expenses without paying for unnecessary gimmicks which will be rarely used. If you work with the elderly are anyone that needs a big touch screen you will not be disappointed with the 2950. The same goes for if you need the extra size and cushioning because you are heavy or just like comfort.

Cons of the Nordictrack 2950

The cons of the 2950:

No Start stops possible
High price
Big footprint

The Nordictrack 2950 is a great option when you have the necessary change in your pocket and space in your home or gym. Otherwise, it is a pretty bad choice. If you have to buy in bulk the price will escalate quite quickly. You also can not do Start-stop sprints that are relevant to many sports.

Alternatives to the Nordic track 2950

Alternatives to the 2950 are

The X32i is the ultimate treadmill you can get from Nordictrack. It has a 32-inch touchscreen and goes up to 40% incline. If you want everything and can pay for it go for this model. I personally think that 40% incline is overkill unless you are an extreme Trail runner who wants to be able to train all year round. If you want to burn the maximum calories per minute there are cheaper options than an incline treadmill.

The Nordictrack X22i has the same specs as the X32i. The only difference is that the screen is 22inch and you save $1000 because of that.

The true form runner is roughly in the same price range than the 2950. Rather than using an electrical motor, you propel the belt forward yourself. This is a better option when you train high performing athletes who need to do start and stop drills. Especially if you have limited space. It’s still not as good as training outdoors on the pitch, but the true from runner can be used all year round even when the pitch can not be accessed.

The Rogue echo bike is a great value for money option if your main goal is to burn as many calories as possible in a short amount of time. It is roughly priced at $700 and therefore for under most cardio equipment you can get for your home gym. In addition, it is also very space-efficient.

The Versaclimber SM is the ultimate machine for getting you to sweat and burn calories in the shortest amount of time. This machine is not for beginners and therefore has a smaller range than the rest of the cardio equipment in this comparison. The big disadvantage against the echo bike is the higher price tag. If you are super fit, rich and value your time above anything else, get this machine to burn the calories fast before you go on set or in the boardroom. If you are a mere mortal with limited finances get the Rogue echo bike to burn calories.

Summary for the 2950

The 2950 treadmill is, in my opinion, the sensible wealthy treadmill for the home gym owner or the elite/boutique sensible option for a commercial gym. Anyone who enters your gym will be impressed and it will not look cheap. In addition, you get a plethora of functionality without going overboard with the 40% incline. For everyone else, more than 3000 is a lot of money to spend on one machine. You can get up to ten squat stands for that and open an Olympic weightlifting gym. Just the plates might eat your budget up, but that is another topic.