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NordicTrack C5.5 vs SE5i elliptical

Written by Pascal Landshoeft | Feb 16, 2021 5:00:00 PM

NordicTrack C5.5 vs SE5i elliptical

This is a comparison of the C5.5 and SE5i. Learn about pros, cons, and alternatives. Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review of the NordicTrack SE5i 899

This is a review of the NordicTrack SE5i 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 SE5i

 
The SE5i is one of the rear-drive ellipticals from Nordictrack available to the UK market. Its main features are a 16kg flywheel, 5-inch backlit display and 34 preset workouts on the machine. The full list of features reads as followed:
 
  • 5” Backlit Display
  • iFit Bluetooth - 1 Years Membership Included
  • Integrated Tablet Holder
  • 16 kg. Effective Inertia-enhanced Flywheel
  • SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance
  • 24 Digital Resistance Levels
  • EKG Grip Pulse
  • 130 kg. User Weight Capacity
  • Oversized Pedals
  • AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan
  • SoftTouch™ Upper Body Grips
  • 34 Preset Workout Apps
  • Transport Wheels
  • Product Weight 60kg
  • Boxed Weight 72kg
  • Product Dimensions - 158L x 66W x 175H cm
  • Boxed Dimensions - 132L x 51W x 64H cm
  • Warranty - 5-Year Frame Warranty, 2-Year Parts and Labour Warranty, subject to registration within 28 days of purchase.
This is a solid rear-drive elliptical for the home or commercial use.
 

Pros of the NordicTrack SE5i

 
The pros of the SE5i are:
 
  • Big flywheel
  • Sturdy design
 
The SE5i is a sturdy design with a big flywheel which will last for ages. If you want to no-nonsense elliptical that is affordable you will find the right partner in the SE5i for your cardio needs.
 

Cons of the NordicTrack SE5i

 
The cons of the SE5i are:
 
  • Size
  • Older model
  • Display
 
All rear-drive ellipticals have in common that they are quite clunky and therefore take up more space than other cardio options for the home. In a big gym they will also fit fewer units in the same amount of space as others. SE5i is also an older model that Nordictrack does not sell in the US anymore. Always be mindful of this, especially when you purchase for commercial needs, as the service for this product might be discontinued or suffers as active production will be abandoned. 
 

Alternatives to the NordicTrack SE5i

 
Alternatives to the SE5i elliptical are:
 
 
The Nordictrack Se3i is the small brother of the SE5i it still has a rear-drive, but a smaller flywheel. In my opinion, the SE3i only makes sense if you buy it in bulk for commercial purposes to save money. Otherwise, the two models are too close in price to justify taking the smaller flywheel which ultimately means that the elliptical is more likely to break down. 
 
If you want to get a treadmill instead of an elliptical and get the cheapest from Nordictrack in the UK than the C700 is for you. This is the treadmill with the lowest price tag from Nordictrack for the time being. 
 
The concept 2 model D rower is a reliable machine that has been used all over the world. If you want a solid rowing machine for you this is probably the best value for money options you can get. Not a lot of entertainment on this, but the onboard computer is more than enough to track your workouts and provide statistics during your row. 
 
The Rogue echo bike is my personal favorite for home gym use. This machine is compact, built like a tank, enables a kick-ass workout and I reasonably priced. This is the best calorie per minute deal you can find without running the risk of buying trash. 
 

Summary for the NordicTrack SE5i elliptical

 
The SE5i elliptical is a solid safe bet for an elliptical to get. It is not too expensive and also does not try to be fancy. In return, it will take up more space than other models and not have the best multimedia options available.
 

Overview and review of the NordicTrack C5.5 elliptical

This is a review of the NordicTrack C5.5 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 C5.5 

 
The C5.5 which has been stripped of most of the bells and whistles and is a simple front-drive elliptical. Its main features are a 7kg flywheel, 18" stride and 5" backlit display. The full list of features reads as follows:
 
  • 5" Backlit Display
  • iFit Bluetooth - 1 Years Membership Included
  • Integrated Tablet Holder
  • Two 2” Speakers
  • Front Drive
  • 18" Manual-Adjustable Stride
  • 7kg. Effective Flywheel
  • 5-Position Manual Adjustable Ramp
  • 20 Digital Resistance Levels
  • EKG Pulse Grip Heart Rate Monitor
  • Max User Weight 125kg
  • SoftTouch™ Upper-Body Grips
  • Water Bottle Holder
  • Oversized, Cushioned Pedals
  • Front-mounted Transport Wheels
  • 20 Workout Apps
  • Product Weight 79kg
  • Boxed Weight 93kg
  • Assembled Dimensions - 169L x 63W x 169H cm
  • Boxed Dimensions - 178L x 37W x 77H cm
  • Warranty - 5-Year Frame Warranty, 2-Year Parts and Labour Warranty, subject to registration within 28 days of purchase.
This is the elliptical to get of you don't want any fancy features and minimize the amount of money you have to table for a Nordictrack elliptical. 

Pros of the NordicTrack C5.5

 
Pros of the C5.5 are:
 
  • Price
The main advantage of the Nordictrack C5.5 is the price. It is currently the cheapest front-drive elliptical from Nordictrack which you can get from them.
 

Cons of the NordicTrack C5.5

 
The cons of the NordicTrack C 5.5 are:
 
  • No touch screen
  • No incline 
  • Short stride
 
The C5.5 has been kept simple on most of its features to keep the cost of manufacturing low. You will get no touch screen or big screen to run your entertainment on. This machine also has no incline functions and the stride is relatively short compared to other elliptical models from NordicTrack with 18". 
 

Alternatives to the NordicTrack C5.5

 
The alternatives to the C5.5 are:
 
The Nordictrack 7.5 is the big brother of the C5.5. With the minimal extra investment, you get a 20% incline and a bigger flywheel. If you are considering a front-drive elliptical I personally think that the C7.5 is the better value for money choice as it is just slightly more expensive with two significant feature upgrades. 
 
The NordicTrack SE3i is the rear-drive version of the C5.5. You will get a bigger flywheel and therefore an elliptical which will last for longer. In return, this machine will take up more space in your home or gym. These are some trade-offs to be considered. 
 
The concept 2 model d is a reliable rowing machine that has been in active service all over the world. If you want to do your cardio while seated and like rowing, this is the machine to get. It will come in at less than 1000, but not have big multimedia options. The onboard computer does everything you need.
 
The Rogue echo bike is the ultimate machine for the home gym. It is compact, cost-efficient, and can still give you a challenging workout. You will not get a lot of multimedia, but the sturdiest airbike around at a price point of around 700.
 

Summary for the Nordictrack C5.5

 
The Nordictrack C5.5 is a front-drive elliptical at the lowest price point which Nordictrack offers for the UK. Personally I would go for the C7.5 instead, as it is so little extra investment for a great upgrade. 
 
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