NordicTrack S25 treadmill vs VersaClimber SM
This is a comparison between the Nordictrack S25 treadmill and the VersaClimber SM including pros, cons and alternatives. Follow the links for more details
Overview and review of the VersaClimber SM
The VersaClimber SM comes in at $4995 - $5300. 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 VersaClimber SM sport
The Versa Climber Sport model is the high-end product of the Versa range. This machine simulates climbing a mountain and is known for its relentless workouts. This thing will make you sweat. It can be used as a Climber or a stepper. It is hand welded and made from high-quality steel. The specs are:
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Weight 150 Lb
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Height 7’ 10’’
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Climb angle 75 degrees
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Footprint 43’’ x 46’’
The Versa Climber is made in the USA and has been around for decades. It is a good alternative for gyms which cannot provide outside space for running or want to offer their athletes something more challenging. Le Bron James is said to use this machine for his routines.
Pros of the VersaClimber SM
These are the pros of the Versa Climber for your use:
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Small footprint
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Intense workout
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An unusual piece of equipment
Compared to most treadmills the Versa Climber has a very small footprint. That means you can fit more people into a smaller space. For a home gym, you might also be able to put it in a corner of your house and just work away. That is usually more of a challenge with heavy treadmills.
The Versa Climber possibly offers the most intense workout you can do for your cardiovascular system in the smallest space possible. This is pure intensity formed into metal.
If you are running a gym and want to attract more customers this is also an unusual piece of equipment. It might attract clients who are willing to pay more for their members to get more than just regular treadmills.
Cons of the VersaClimber
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Price
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No relation to most sports
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Maintenance
With the price tag of $5000, you are investing a considerable amount of money per machine. For two of these, you can get ten concept 2 rowers, skiergs or rogue Echo bikes. With this, you can run an entire CrossFit or strength class. It all depends on what kind of gym you want to be.
The movement pattern of the Versa Climber has not a lot of carryover to most sports. If you are training athletes all around you will still need to get some type of treadmill despite having the Versa Climber. Whether the Versa Climber is worth the investment if you still need to get other equipment is up to you.
The Versa Climber works with chains. These can break and need to be maintained. Based on the rattling and way this machine is used it is More likely to break down than a treadmill or bike.
Alternatives to the VersaClimber SM
Alternatives to the Versa Climber SM are
The Versa Climber H is a variation on the SM for home use. It only weighs half of the SM so it won’t take as much if a beating than the SM, which is ok for home use as it will not be used as much. Switching from the SM to the H will save you $3000. Be aware that the guarantee is voided if you place the H in a professional gym setting.
The Rogue Echo bike packs a punch on your cardiovascular system for a fraction of the cost. The workout is not as intense as with the Versa Climber as you are seated. But it comes at a considerably lower price and the bike can be moved around more easily.
The concept 2 skierg is an alternative which can be used in tight spaces. it is also an alternative for people with hip or leg injuries to do endurance work indoors. It simulates skiing like you would do it in biathlon. The price tag is considerable than the one of the Versa Climber SM model.
Summary for the VersaClimber SM
The Versa Climber SM model is the one to go for when you want to bring the Versa Climber experience to your gym. Especially when people will use it around the clock. The warranty will help in case of breakage. Compared to other workouts in the endurance sphere, the climber is superior for burned calories per minute. You will be hard pressed to find anything more challenging. For sprinters and athletes who work on the pitch, it might be better to veer towards running and sprinting as this has more overlay with their actual sport.

Overview and review of the NordicTrack S25 1299
This is a review of the NordicTrack S25 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 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.
Pros of the Nordictrack S25
Pros of the S25 are:
- 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.