Nordictrack 8.5 vs VersaClimber H/HP
This is a comparison between the Nordictrack 8.5 treadmill and the VersaClimber H/HP model. Follow the links for more details.
Overview and review of the VersaClimber H/HP
Price $2065 - $2300
The VersaClimber H/HP comes in at $2065 - $2300. 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 H/HP
The
VersaClimber H/HP models are the range of the
VersaClimber portfolio which has been designed for the use at home. This model is the lightest and smallest that you can get out of the
VersaClimber range. It’s specifications are:
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Height 7’6”
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Weight 65lb
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Color Black
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Footprint 36”x44”
The
Versaclimber delivers a stepper and vertical Climber in one machine. This is probably the hardest workout you can get on a machine in your own home. Compared to treadmills and ellipticals you also will have less impact and save your joints from too much pain. The
VersaClimber H is not intended for commercial use and the warranty will be voided if placed in a professional gym. With an optional heart rate monitor, you can optimize the experience even further.
Pros of the Versaclimber H/HP
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Price
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Space
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High intensity
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Health
The price is great compared within the
Versaclimber line up. This product is priced at half of what the top line range of
Versaclimber is at. If you compare it to other innovative options like the
TrueForm runner it also holds up on price. If you want something special in your gym or home gym, this option saves you $2000 to $3000.
Especially compared to ellipticals and treadmills the
Versaclimber takes up a lot less space. The home version is also very light and can be moved easier in case you were moving house or want to rearrange things at home. This is a compact beast with a punch.
If you buy a cardiovascular machine you probably want it to make you sweat. Otherwise, you would be doing yoga. With the
Versaclimber you get what it says on the tin. You will be sweating buckets in no time. Your cardio can be cut short and will still have an impact.
Compared to running on concrete or on a treadmill the
Versaclimber has less impact and there is easier on your joints.
Cons of the VersaClimber H/HP
If you are preparing for an Ironman or want to get better at sprinting the
Versaclimber is not specific to these movements. For $500 more you can get a concept 2 package including a
skierg, bike and rower for a more versatile training experience, given you have space.
Alternatives to the VersaClimber H/HP
The
Versaclimber SM is the top model of the
Versaclimber range. If you are buying for the professional world of gyms this is the machine to go for. You will have extra coverage for warranty and the machine is more than twice the weight of the H model to take a constant beating. It also uses fewer beams and gives the athlete more freedom to move.
If you are looking for a machine for your home gym that focuses more on your upper than your lower body the
concept 2 skierg is for you. This machine will enable you to train your arms and back more than the usual bikes and treadmills.
The
Rogue echo bike is a solid option to kick your butt at home. It is built like a tank and one of the most modern takes on the air bike. It is also reasonably priced compared to the other options.
Summary for the VersaClimber H/HP
The
Versaclimber H is the right choice for you when you want a vertical climber for your home. If you run a gym go for the SM model. If you are on a budget and still want a killer cardiovascular workout than the
Rogue echo bike is a great option. If you like to run, outdoors is a good option too, just maybe not all year around winding on where you live.
Further reading
This is a review of the Nordictrack 8.5 S model which was originally published in "Which Nordictrack treadmill to get". Follow the links for more details.
The
T 8.5 is the small brother of the
T 9.5 from Nordictrack. The main difference is an HD touch screen which 10 inches on the
8.5 instead of 14 on the
T 9.5. Apart from this, you get a top speed of 12 miles an hour, 12% incline and a foldable treadmill. The full list of specifications for the
T 8.5 runs as following:
- 10” Smart HD Touchscreen
- Includes 1-Year NordicTrack iFit® membership
- Bluetooth® Audio Capabilities
- Dual 2” Digitally Amplified Speakers
- FlexSelect™ Cushioning
- 20” x 60” Commercial Tread Belt
- AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan
- Integrated Tray
- 0-12% Incline
- 0-12 MPH Speed
- One Touch® Controls
- 3.5 CHP DurX™ Commercial Plus Motor
- 1.9” Precision and Balanced Non-Flex Rollers
- 300 Lb. User Capacity
- EKG Grip Pulse
- SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist
- 50 On-Board Workout Programs
- 78.5” L x 35.5” W x 59” H Footprint
- 10-Year Frame Warranty
- 2-Year Parts Warranty
- 1-Year Labor Warranty
This is a treadmill for the smaller budget and a mid-range option at it. I personally do not like the middle of the road solutions and either go alls guns blazing or very low budget. Personally, I think the
1750 is more balanced or go for the
T6.5 if you want to save money and space.
If you want to save money on a treadmill that can take a pounding this is the right choice. You can save space when storing and it takes up to 300 lbs. of weight. All of this makes it a good option for a mid-range home treadmill.
As the Nordictrack portfolio has evolved the
1750 is just the better option in terms of value for money in my opinion. With the
T 8.5 you compromise on the size of the belt, incline, and screen while still paying a good bit of money. It is a reasonable price for a cardio machine compared to other machines in the market, but I would lean more towards the
1750 to spent my money wisely.
The
Nordictrack 1750 is, in my opinion, the most balances option in the Nordictrack portfolio at a reasonable price. Therefore I think it is the best option for budget-conscious treadmill buyers from Nordic Track. The
T 8.5 just sits a bit oddly against this as it has the same sized screen while having less incline and a smaller belt, while the prices are not that far apart.
If you are looking for a different concept of a treadmill the
True form runner is for you. This treadmill is self-propelled and therefore has no motor. The belt rests on bearing and your footstrike accelerates or breaks on the speed. This is the ideal treadmill for runners who want to simulate fast acceleration and deceleration at home.