Nordictrack SE9i vs 2950

This is a comparison between the Nordictrack SE9i elliptical and the 2950 treadmill. Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review Nordictrack Commercial 2950 Treadmill $2999 - $3599

This is a review of the Nordictrack commercial 2950 model which was originally posted in "Which Nordictrack treadmill to get". Follow the links for more details.

Overview Nordictrack Commercial 2950 Treadmill $2999 - $3599

The 2950 is the top-end treadmill from Nordictrack without the big %40 incline option. The main features are the massive 22-inch touchpad and the foldable Running track. The full list of features is:

22” Smart HD Touchscreen
1-Year iFit® Membership Included ($468 Value)**
Auxiliary Music Port
Two 3” Digitally-Amplified Speakers
Runners Flex™ Cushioning
Dual AutoBreeze™ Workout Fans
22” x 60” Commercial Tread Belt
4.25 CHP DurX™ Commercial Plus Motor
0 - 12 MPH Speed
0 - 15% Incline
0 - 3% Decline
OneTouch® Controls
EKG Grip Pulse
300 Lb. User Weight Capacity
2.5” Precision and Balanced Non-Flex Rollers
SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist
40 On-Board Workout Programs
Integrated Tray
79.5” L x 39.2” W x 66.6” H Footprint
10-Year Frame Warranty
2-Year Parts Warranty
1-Year Labor Warranty

If you have some surplus money to spend and like the good things in life this is the treadmill for you. The incline options from Nordictrack technically have more bells and whistles if you only want the best, but I think you are more than covered with what the 2950 has to offer with the added bonus that it can be folded up.

Pros of the Nordictrack 2950

The pros of the 2950 Nordictrack treadmill are:

Big screen
Good folding mechanics
Strong motor
High capacity and large belt

This machine is a great option for a high-end home gym for which the owner does not want to spare any expenses without paying for unnecessary gimmicks which will be rarely used. If you work with the elderly are anyone that needs a big touch screen you will not be disappointed with the 2950. The same goes for if you need the extra size and cushioning because you are heavy or just like comfort.

Cons of the Nordictrack 2950

The cons of the 2950:

No Start stops possible
High price
Big footprint

The Nordictrack 2950 is a great option when you have the necessary change in your pocket and space in your home or gym. Otherwise, it is a pretty bad choice. If you have to buy in bulk the price will escalate quite quickly. You also can not do Start-stop sprints that are relevant to many sports.

Alternatives to the Nordic track 2950

Alternatives to the 2950 are

The X32i is the ultimate treadmill you can get from Nordictrack. It has a 32-inch touchscreen and goes up to 40% incline. If you want everything and can pay for it go for this model. I personally think that 40% incline is overkill unless you are an extreme Trail runner who wants to be able to train all year round. If you want to burn the maximum calories per minute there are cheaper options than an incline treadmill.

The Nordictrack X22i has the same specs as the X32i. The only difference is that the screen is 22inch and you save $1000 because of that.

The true form runner is roughly in the same price range than the 2950. Rather than using an electrical motor, you propel the belt forward yourself. This is a better option when you train high performing athletes who need to do start and stop drills. Especially if you have limited space. It’s still not as good as training outdoors on the pitch, but the true from runner can be used all year round even when the pitch can not be accessed.

The Rogue echo bike is a great value for money option if your main goal is to burn as many calories as possible in a short amount of time. It is roughly priced at $700 and therefore for under most cardio equipment you can get for your home gym. In addition, it is also very space-efficient.

The Versaclimber SM is the ultimate machine for getting you to sweat and burn calories in the shortest amount of time. This machine is not for beginners and therefore has a smaller range than the rest of the cardio equipment in this comparison. The big disadvantage against the echo bike is the higher price tag. If you are super fit, rich and value your time above anything else, get this machine to burn the calories fast before you go on set or in the boardroom. If you are a mere mortal with limited finances get the Rogue echo bike to burn calories.

Summary for the 2950

The 2950 treadmill is, in my opinion, the sensible wealthy treadmill for the home gym owner or the elite/boutique sensible option for a commercial gym. Anyone who enters your gym will be impressed and it will not look cheap. In addition, you get a plethora of functionality without going overboard with the 40% incline. For everyone else, more than 3000 is a lot of money to spend on one machine. You can get up to ten squat stands for that and open an Olympic weightlifting gym. Just the plates might eat your budget up, but that is another topic.

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:

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.