NordicTrack C5.5 vs SE9i elliptical
This is a comparison between the Nordictrack C5.5 elliptical and the SE9i including pros, cons and alternatives. Follow the links for more details
Overview and review of the Nordictrack SE9i $1799
This is a review of the Nordictrack SE9i 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".
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Overview of the SE9i elliptical
The SE9i elliptical is the flagship rear-drive elliptical from Nordictrack. Its main features are a 7-inch touch screen, 18-flywheel, and 10% incline. The full list of features includes:
- 7” Smart HD Touchscreen
- Includes 1-Year NordicTrack iFit® membership**
- Integrated Tablet Holder
- 0 - 10° Power Adjustable Incline
- Auxiliary Music Port
- Two 2” Digitally Amplified Speakers
- Integrated, QuickTouch™ Handle Controls
- Adjustable, Oversized Cushion Pedals
- AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan
- SoftTouch™ Upper Body Grips
- Rear Drive
- 18 Lb. Effective Inertia-enhanced Flywheel
- SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance
- 24 Digital Resistance Levels
- 10% Power Adjustable Incline
- One Touch® Controls
- Commercial Solid Steel Construction
- EKG Grip Pulse Heart Rate Monitor
- iFit Bluetooth® Smart Chest Strap Included
- 325 Lb. User Weight Capacity
- 30 Preset Workout Apps
- Integrated Handle Controls for Ramp and Resistance
- Out-of-the-Box Easy Assembly
- Rear-mounted Transport Wheels
- Water Bottle Holder
- Vertical SpaceSaver® Design
- 78.7" L x 31.9" W x 66.4" H Footprint
- 10-Year Frame Warranty
- 2-Year Parts Warranty
- 1-Year Labor Warranty
This is the fancy version of the two rear-drive Nordictrack ellipticals with a touch screen. If you do not need a touch screen you can go for the SE7i instead.
Pros of the SE9i
- Price
- Touch screen
Compared to the rest of the Nordictrack portfolio the SE9i is relatively cheap, even though it is the most expensive rear-drive elliptical in stock. Compared to the lower cost SE7i it has the advantage of the 7-inch touch screen.
Cons of the SE9i elliptical
The cons of the Se9i elliptical are:
- 18-pound flywheel
- Size
- Price
For buying something rather low tier from a vendor the price is still pretty high. If you want to save money, go all the way and get a machine that has been stripped of most things and focuses on the essentials. Otherwise, go for a different vendor or fitness machine where you can acquire the top tier products for $2000.
Alternatives to the Se9i elliptical
The alternatives to the SE9i elliptical are:
The Nordictrack SE7i saves you an additional $600 by cutting out the touch screen in exchange for a backlit display. This will help you to save further money.
The concept 2 rower is a great alternative for someone who wants to go hard but has problems standing for along time. You have two different models you can choose from, the Model E and model D.
The Rogue echo bike at $700 is, in my opinion, one of the strongest contestants for the best home gym workout machine. It is compact, affordable and packs a punch.
Summary for the SE9i elliptical
All in all, the Se9i is a rear-drive elliptical with a touch screen that has seen its best days. Newer designs have taken over and offer better value for money from Nordictrack. The only thing which would tempt me to go for a rear-drive is the folding option and if I was 20 years older.
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.
