NordicTrack S25 treadmill vs SE9i elliptical
This is a comparison between the Nordictrack S25 treadmill and the SE9i elliptical 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".
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
The pros of the
SE9i are:
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 of the NordicTrack S25
The
S25 is a treadmill in the lower price ranges of Nordictrack with a massive 3.5 CHP motor. This is probably the most amount of horsepower for the least amount of money you can get from Nordictrack in the UK. The full list of specifications includes:
- Includes 1 Years iFit Family Membership
- iFit Integrated
- Two 2” Bluetooth Digitally Amplified Speakers
- 3.5 CHP Motor
- 0% - 12% Digital Incline
- 0 – 22 km/h Speed
- Onetouch™ Controls
- 1.9” Precision and Balanced Non-Flex Rollers
- 125kg Max User Weight
- EKG Handgrips
- FlexSelect™ Cushioning
- 51 x 152 cm Tread Belt
- This Machine Does Not Feature a Workout Fan
- SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist
- Assembled Dimensions - 200L x 90W x 145H cm
- Product Weight 92kg
- Boxed Weight 109kg
- Folded Dimensions - 103L x 90W x 180H cm
- Boxed Dimensions - 210L x 82W x 34H cm
- Warranty - Lifetime Frame Warranty, 10-year Motor Warranty, 2-Year Parts & Labour upon warranty registration within 28 days of purchase.
The
S25 is a powerhouse treadmill for a relatively low price. What you give up is the usual multimedia and incline options for a stronger motor.
Pros of the Nordictrack S25
- The motor
- The motor
- The motor
What this machine mainly has going for it is the big motor at such a small price tag. This is the machine for the no-nonsense runner who wants to be able to rack up the miles all day long, no matter the weather or traffic outside. You will not be entertained, you will not run on 40% inclines, but this machine will last. If you want to clock 200 miles a week on a treadmill, this is it.
Cons of the S25
The cons of the Nordictrack S25 are:
- Out of date displays
- Old model
The S treadmill series is not listed on the American website of Nordictrack for purchase. You will have to dig with partners or the vendor itself to still get your hands on it. In the Uk it is still listed as a model. Just be cautious of these things, especially if you buy commercially. The
X7i or
T7.5 product line will see a little more love from Nordictrack as these are also still being produced in the US and are not just gathering dust in warehouses around the world that need to be sold off.
Alternatives to the NordicTrack S25
Alternatives to the
S25 treadmill are:
If you want an exercise machine for the home under 1000 and an elliptical which is easier on your joints than the
Nordictrack C7.5 might be for you. This elliptical comes in at a lower price range while still not being the bottom of the barrel in ellipticals you can get from Nordictrack.
The
Nordictrack C700 treadmill is the entry treadmill from Nordictrack. If you insist that your treadmill should be now but space and budget are squeezed, this is the model to get. If you are in this position, i would always recommend looking at second hand for home use. You can make considerable savings and still get a decent treadmill. Commercial buyers should especially watch out for warranties and how that affects insurance policies if they buy from foreclosure or second hand.
The
concept model D rower is a good choice if you do not want to stand while exercising. This machine has been around for years and is a solid workhorse in almost any commercial gym you will walk into. It also comes in at below 1000 so if you like rowing and want to burn some calories, this might be the right choice for you.
The
Rogue echo bike is my personal favorite for any home gym. This design is compact, sturdy, has a high-quality finish, and comes with a very competitive price tag. When
Rogue wanted to enter the realm of cardio machines they did it right and built the perfect machine for Crossfit boxes or no-nonsense home gyms. The downside of this machine is that it comes nether with a big screen nor a lot of buttons to press.
Summary for the Nordictrack S25
The
Nordictrack S25 is a great treadmill for someone who wants to save money and put a lot of miles on their treadmill with no fuss. There is no better alternative in the UK line up at the moment for getting your hands on a 3.5 CHP motor.