NordicTrack C5.5 vs 10.9i elliptical
This is a comparison between the Nordictrack C5.5 elliptical and the 10.9i including pros, cons and alternatives. Follow the links for more details
Overview and review of the Nordictrack Elite 10.9i $1299
This is a review of the Nordictrack Elite 10.9i model. You will learn about the specifics, pros, cons, and alternatives of this elliptical to make a decision. This article was originally published in "Which elliptical to get from Nordictrack".
Overview of the Elite 10.9i
The
elite 10.9i is the low-cost front-drive elliptical from Nordictrack. Its main features are a 20-pound flywheel, 20% incline, and a 7-inch touchscreen. The full list of features includes:
- 7” Smart HD Touchscreen
- 1-Year iFit® Membership Included*
- Auxiliary Audio Port
- Two 2” Digitally Amplified Speakers
- EKG Grip Pulse Heart Rate Sensors
- AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan
- Soft Touch Upper Body Grips
- Front Drive
- 20 Lb. Effective Inertia-Enhanced Flywheel
- SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance
- 19” Power-Adjustable Stride
- 24 Digital Resistance Levels
- 0-20% Incline
- One Touch® Controls
- Integrated Pivoting Tablet Holder
- Commercial Solid Steel Construction
- Oversized Levelers
- 350 Lb. User Capacity
- Oversized Cushion Pedals
- Front-Mounted Transport Wheels
- Water Bottle Holder
- 69.5" L x 25" W x 71.5" H Footprint
- 10-Year Frame Warranty
- 2-Year Parts Warranty
- 1-Year Labor Warranty
This is the elliptical to get if you want to maximize your savings while still buying an elliptical from Nordictrack.
Pros of the 10.9i
The pros of the
10.9 elliptical are:
- Price
- 7-inch touch screen
The
10.9 elliptical can not be beaten on price in the NordicTrack line-up and still dons a 7-inch touch screen. If you are considering this model the main criteria for purchase will be price, as otherwise, you are possibly looking at other options from Nordictrack.
Cons of the 10.9 elliptical
The cons of the
10.9 elliptical are:
- Front-drive 20-pound flywheel
- Size
- Price
If you are a commercial buyer you probably want to look at the
12.9i instead. It is only a small uptick in price but you get a 30 pound instead of a 20-pound flywheel. As commercial buyers should assume heavier usage and more breakage this minimal uptick in price is a good tradeoff for fewer maintenance cases. I am also quite sure that if you buy 10 plus machines in one go you will get the
12.9i for the price of a
10.9i per piece anyway if you ask for it.
A front-drive elliptical is a big machine. Take this into consideration, especially when you are buying for a home gym. More than $1000 for one machine is still a considerable investment in the private realm. If you are already budget-conscious you might as well get a stationary bike for a lower footprint and price to meet your endurance goals.
Alternatives to the 10.9
Alternatives to the
10.9 elliptical are:
The
12.9i front-drive elliptical is the better option for commercial buyers as it is better value for money. It will not impress any of your clients, but also not look cheap or break the bank. If you want to impress go for the
14.9i instead which has a massive screen included.
The
Nordictrack SE7i is a rear-drive elliptical and can be an alternative for home gym owners who still want a high quality elliptical and save some space. The
SE7i comes in at the same price as the
10.9i but has the advantage that the rear-drive design makes it foldable. This way it can be folded up and stored against a wall when it is not used. This is not relevant for most commercial gym scenarios, but definitely in smaller home gym environments.
The
concept 2 rower is a good option for anyone who likes a bit more intensity but does not want to stand while exercising. These rowers can also be conveniently stored on a wall hanger to save space when not in use. The main models are the
Model E and
Model D. Go for the
Model E when you are either big and strong (reads NFL player sized) are have problems with going very low. The
Model D version is the standard
concept 2 model.
The
Rogue echo bike is my personal favorite when it comes to bang for your buck. It has a high-quality machine that can be used professionally and only costs $700. It is space-efficient and intense. If you are a home gym owner who means business and does not need any fancy stuff, this is the machine to get.
Summary for the 10.9i
The
10.9i is a good option for anyone who loves the idea of an elliptical at home for occasional exercise and has space. For my personal tastes I think you can be more consequent in your thinking for a home gym and push the cost under $1000, but I do not have any medical conditions preventing me from doing that. I am also not a huge fan of ellipticals as I have run three marathons and want a bigger challenge. But that is just for context, I might think very differently in 10 - 20 years time or if I consider everyone in the family for a home gym.