Nordictrack Commercial 2450 vs concept 2 model E
This is a comparison between the Nordictrack Commercial 2450 treadmill and the conept 2 model E rower. Follow the links for more details.
Overview and review of the concept 2 model E
The Concept 2 Model E comes in at $1100. 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 Concept 2 model E
The
concept 2 model E tower is one of the top of range rower options from concept 2. The main difference to other rowers is the seat height and protection of the chain. Think of this as a beefed up version of towers that you can easier get on and off.
Concept 2 also delivers the PM5 Monitor with the
Model E rower. This computer gets very good feedback a across the board in the industry. It enables you to link multiple rowers together to have a race. Whatever you get, make sure that it has a function to store your times and race against yourself. That is very satisfying and useful. The
concept 2 model e rower comes with the following specifications:
The
concept 2 Model E is a great option to beef up your existing rower assortment or to directly start with a model that has been perfected over time.
Pros of the concept 2 model E
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Static arm
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Higher seat
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PM5 monitor
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Bulkier frame
The PM5 monitor is fixed on a status arm compared to other rower models. This makes it easier to keep it in place and the material is less likely to fail. Even though the adjustable arms seems nice they actually cause more trouble than extra value. Over time you have to tighten the screws and take care so that monitor will not be all over the place during a challenge challenging workout. A static arm is much preferred in my opinion as long as it fixed at a height that makes sense to do the readings.
A higher seat has several advantages. If you have very big athletes or someone who can not get on the lower seat option from other rowers, than this is the solution. It is also great if you want to switch between workouts quickly in circuit training.
The PM5 monitor is also an advantage of other models. This monitor is becoming standard across the concept 2 range but just check before purchase whether it is really on or you need to select another option. I hear a lot of good about this monitor.
The bulkier frame will make it possible for the
model E to take more of beating if your intention is to use it in a gym setup.
Cons of the concept 2 model E
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Price
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Specificity
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Space requirements
The price of the
model E is quite a bit higher than for most other rower options. If you only want to row you might be able to save the worth of a barbell or a couple of plates by going for a different option.
Rowing is not very specific to most sports except CrossFit and rowing itself. If you are building a team that competes in some kind of major league you will still need treadmills besides the rowers. In addition, the higher seat is also less specific to actual rowing. The Olympic rowing boats are tiny and you sit very closely to the ground.
The last disadvantage of a rower is the space requirement. Compared to a bike, especially for a home gym, the length of the unit can turn into a real headache.
Alternatives to the Concept 2 model E
The
concept 2 model d rower would be the logical choice if you want to save some money. It is basically the same machine, just with slower seat and less fancy. If you want to row and be budget conscious this might be the option for you.
The
Rogue echo bike is a solid alternative for the home gym to kick your butt. It costs considerably less than the
model E and delivers a challenging, maybe even better impact on your cardiovascular system.
The
air assault runner is the budget option for self-propelled running. It is still a lot triple the price of the
model E. If you are running an establishment to produce the best you probably need a rower and one of these self-propelled machines.
Summary for the Concept 2 model E
The
model E is a sound upgrade on the
model E aimed at rehab or big boys. It is also one of the best things money can buy from concept 2. Is it worth the extra money compared to the
model D? Probably not if you care more about the budget than having the best things in life.
Further reading
Overview and review Nordictrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill $2299 - $2999
This is a review of the NordicTrack 2450 model which was originally published in "Which Nordictrack treadmill to get". Follow the links for more details.
Related Articles
Overview Nordictrack Commercial 2450 Treadmill $2299 - $2999
The
2450 Nordictrack treadmill comes with an extra big running surface, cushioning and 300 lbs. capacity. You can run at a top speed off 12 miles an hour and vary your running from 15% incline down to a 3% decline. This treadmill folds and comes with a 14 inch HD touch screen. The screen can be tilted to avoid glare depending on the light fall and the size of the user. With all of this, the
2450 is a mid-range option from Nordictrack which can be used commercially or in a spacious home gym. It can be folded up to save space and securely put back for action. The full list of features includes:
- 14” Smart HD Touchscreen
- 1-Year iFit® Membership Included ($468 Value)**
- Bluetooth® Audio Capabilities
- Two 3” Digitally-Amplified Speakers
- Runners Flex™ Cushioning
- 22” x 60” Commercial Tread Belt
- Dual AutoBreeze™ Workout Fans
- Integrated Tray
- 0 – 15% Incline
- 0 – 3% Decline
- 0 - 12 MPH Speed
- OneTouch® Controls
- 4.0 CHP DurX™ Commercial Plus Motor
- 2.5” Precision and Balanced Non-Flex Rollers
- 300 Lb. User Capacity
- EKG Grip Pulse
- SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist
- 50 On-Board Workout Programs
- 81.2” L x 39.2” W x 69.9” H Footprint
- 10-Year Frame Warranty
- 2-Year Parts Warranty
- 1-Year Labor Warranty
This is a good option out of the Nordictrack portfolio but might be a little too expensive for making a compromise. I am personally not a great fan of the higher prices mid-range options like the
2450. I either want everything and pay for it or save as much money as I can to fit as much fitness equipment in a tight budget. But that is just me.
Pros of the Nordictrack 2450 treadmill
The pros of the
2450 are:
- Big surface
- Good cushioning
- Interplay with Ifit
- Strong motor
The
2450 is a great option if you have space and money. I personally would say that I would recommend this as a bulk buy option for a commercial gym as the motor is a bit more powerful and durable than other midrange options from Nordictrack. This will bring maintenance down long term without breaking the bank for other 4 CHP models out of the Nordictrack range.
Cons of the Nordictrack 2450 treadmill
- High price for compromising
- Relatively small touchscreen for the price
- Big treadmill
I get the business idea behind the Nordictrack. Take our meh screen and our meh incline and put a strong motor and frame on it. The
2450 probably was the high end when it came out, but compared to other models I just think the value for money does not add up. If you want a big screen and do not need the full incline range, go for the
Nordictrack 2950. If you want the incline but do not want to pay for the screen real estate, go for the Nordictrack
X11 incline. If you want the value for money workhorse to go for the
1750. I just think that the
2450 is too much compromise for too much money. In addition, it is still quite big for someone who buys on a budget for their home gym.
Alternatives to the Nordictrack 2450 treadmill
Alternatives to the NordicTrack
2450 are:
If you are looking at the
2450 I assume that budget is playing more into your considerations than for clients who look at the
32i and the
22i. If you are looking for an incline treadmill the
X11 is the best option to save some money and still get the 40%. It still costs more than the
2450, but at least you have maxed out one feature of relevance to you. INcline treadmills are in my opinion for trail runners who want to be able to train all year round or at any time of the day. Especially if you live too far away from the actual trails you want to run. If you need such a steep incline to maximize your calories burned per minute, there are better and cheaper options than a 40% incline treadmill to achieve this.
If your thought process was to get a good value for money option from Nordictrack without thinking too hard, the
1750 is your best bet. You get the midrange feature for everything while not breaking the $2000 barrier. If you are budget conscious, but still want to good stuff, this is the treadmill for you.
The
true form runner is an alternative treadmill that is self-propelled. Instead of using a motor, it sits on bearing and you propel it like a hamster wheel. This makes it a great treadmill to start and stops or sprints. Most treadmills with an electric motor are not great at this kind of training as quick stops or acceleration usually break your ankles, the machine or catapult you off the belt. The desired outcome depends on your weight and prowess. The closer you are to an NFL athlete's physique, the more likely it is you break the treadmill. The smaller you are, the more likely it becomes that the treadmill turns into your catapult. If you are looking for an alternative treadmill for sprinters or sports athletes, the
true form runner is a great alternative. The commercial gym will also not have to pay as much for maintenance and power as you do not have the electrical motor.
The
Rogue Echo Bike is my personal favorite for calories burned per second. Yes, there is also the
Jacobs ladder and the
VersaClimber which do more for your coordination in case of the
Jacob's ladder and burn more calories per second for the
VersaClimber, but they are way more expensive than the
Rogue Echo bike. If you wanted a cardio machine simply to burn calories, get the Rogue Echo bike. It is better, faster, cheaper than most options out there for a calorie-burning machine.