Nordictrack GX 4.4 vs concept 2 model E
This is a comparison between the Nordictrack GX 4.4 and the concept 2 model E including pros, cons and alternatives. 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".
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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.
This article discusses the pros, cons, and alternatives for the Nordictrack GX 4.4.This review was originally posted in “Which Nordictrack bike to get”. Follow the links for more details.
The
NordicTrack GX 4.4 is the little brother of the
GX 4.6 which has been stripped of the touchscreen and heart rate monitor. The GX line is only available in the UK and has been replaced with the "
Grand Tour" line in the US undergoing a rebranding. The main features of the
GX 4.4 are its 5-inch Backlit Display, 9kg flywheel, and 125kg max capacity. The full list of features includes:
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Water Bottle Holder
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Product Weight 48kg
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Box Weight 57kg
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Front-mounted Transport Wheels
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30 Workouts Apps
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Assembled Dimensions - 105L x 59W x 161H cm
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Boxed Dimensions - 108L x 65W x 39H cm
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Warranty - 2 Years parts and labor; 5-year frame guarantee upon warranty registration within 28 days of purchase.
This bike shaves off 350 pounds compared to its bigger brother, the
GX 4.6. This is achieved by swapping the 7-inch touch screen for a 5-inch backlit screen, getting a smaller flywheel, and not shipping a heart rate monitor with the machine. This is the middle of the G series from Nordictrack available in the UK. You are compromising on features and on price.
Pros of the Nordictrack GX 4.4
The
GX 4.4 is the middle of the lower price range of bikes that are available from Nordictrack in the UK. With this, it is the ideal model for someone who does not want to make a decision between saving money and having a lot of features while not spending more than 1000. If this is how you buy, this is the bike for you.
The
GX 4.4 focuses on the essentials and delivers a display for entertainment and a solid bike to crunch some miles. No-fuss made and still not too cheap to make you worry about the quality of the product.
Compared to the cheapest bike in the UK Nordictrack line up, the
GX 4.7, the
GX 4.4 has a bigger flywheel and therefore will last longer. Whether that warrants 200 pounds more at the time of writing is a different matter.
Cons of the Nordictrack GX 4.4
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Too many compromises
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No touchscreen
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Old Nordictrack model
The biggest point for me about the
GX 4.4 is that it makes too many compromises for my tastes. If you are looking into the G series or
Grand tour line up of Nordictrack you have decided to spend around 1000 for your home gym cardio equipment. With this you have already ruled out premium features like big inclines or screens. With the
GX 4.4 you even further compromise on the lower end and neither save a lot of money or have a great experience. Not all brains are as black and white like mine but either go for the
GX 4.6, if you want the ease of use and a great experience for around 1000 or go with the
GX 4.7 and maximize your savings to spend on other equipment or a weekend away.
While you are still spending around 700 pounds on the
GX 4.4 you neither get a timely screen or a very solid bike. Again the
4.4 is over-compromised. Either get a bike you can abuse the heck out of and has not a lot of entertainment or get a bike that entertains but can not take that much of a beating. This all depends on your user profile and what is important to you personally.
The last point about the
GX 4.4 is that it is part of a family of products that is very likely to go end of life and continued under the "
Grand Tour" line of product of Nordictrack. The GX bikes are available for purchase in the UK but no in the US. As the Nordictrack headquarters is in the US you can make some predictions about the distribution of models that will first be available in the US and then stretch to other parts of the globe like Europe.
Alternatives to the Nordictrack GX 4.4
Alternatives to the Nordictrack
GX 4.4 are:
The
GX 4.6 is the big brother of the
GX 4.4. In my opinion, this is the best value for money bike from Nordictrack you can get in the 1000 budget bracket. The main differences to the
GX 4.4 are that the heart rate monitor is included and, a bigger flywheel and a touch screen. As the price is currently 300 pounds higher than for the
GX 4.4 you get a better screen, flywheel, and heart rate monitor for 100 pounds each. I think that is a good deal and will leave you with a more complete experience to maximize the entertainment and training options. If I buy a Nordictrack bike for under 1000 I would always go for the
GX 4.6 over the
GX 4.4 as I don't like to buy twice or disappointments.
The
GX 4.7 is the better option for penny pinchers. I personally hate penny-pinching as it usually annoys me to look long for things and do not enjoy the process of hunting for bargains. But, if you love this and want to save every possible penny you can save, then the
GX 4.7 is the better option than the
GX 4.4. For saving around 200 pounds you get a smaller flywheel and squeezed everything from the G line while still getting a functioning bike.
The
SE3i elliptical is the smallest rear-drive elliptical you can get from Nordictrack. This places it in the same budget bracket as the
GX 4.4. Ellipticals are usually a better option when you want to accommodate the entire family rather than just the cycle enthusiast. Remember that your gym will take up community space in the home and you might want to compromise a little. In a commercial setting, an elliptical can tend to more clients than just people who are interested in biking. Beware of low ceilings with ellipticals.
The
C700 is the smallest treadmill in the Nordictrack line up. This is a great treadmill for anyone who wants to walk indoors and who does not want to spend too much. If you run a retirement home and want to get people to walk more without having them out and about, this can be a good option. Maybe all the families chip in to get two of those. If you are a serious runner who puts more than 1oo miles a week on their machine, stay way clear from the
C700.
The
concept 2 model D rower is a good alternative if you want to take more care of your upper body when you do your cardio
. Concept 2 is the worldwide industry gold standard on rowers and
model D is their best seller. A great option for rowers over bikes is that you can hang them on the wall to save space. This usually does not work that well with bikes. Commercial buyers will appreciate that package deals for buying rowers in bulk from
Concept 2 are easier to obtain than for Nordictrack products.
My personal favorite for home gym deployment is the
Rogue Echo bike. The design focuses on a sturdy frame, cutting out all amenities except a saddle and pedals. This machine is not designed to entertain but make you sweat. For about 700 you get a machine that can take abuse and will last for a lifetime. The downside is that it will not keep you engaged that much. You will have to want to grind for this model.
Summary for the Nordictrack GX 4.4
The
GX 4.4 is one of these products that emerge when the vendor wants to combine a middle option on all features. The flywheel is ok, but not great. The Screen is ok, but not great. Combined with being in the lowest budget bracket that usually does not create a great product. I get the thought process, but if you are already penny-pinching, go all the way to the floor or try to get the most value for each penny you spent. The
GX 4.4 does neither of these.