Nordictrack SE9i vs T9.5

This is a comparison between the Nordictrack SE9i elliptical and the T9.5 treadmill. Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review Nordictrack T 9.5S Treadmill $2299

This is a review of the Nordictrack T 9.5 treadmill which was originally published in "Which Nordictrack treadmill to get". Follow the links for more details.

Overview Nordictrack T 9.5S Treadmill $2299

The 9.5 nordictrack treadmill is the top end product with a narrower belt of 20' compared to the 22' of the incline and xx50 series. It also has the biggest screen out of this lineup. Those are the main specifications of interest when you put it into context with the full portfolio. The full specs are:

14” Smart HD Touchscreen
1-Year iFit® Membership Included ($468 Value)
Bluetooth® Audio Capabilities
Two 2” Digitally Amplified Speakers
FlexSelect™ Cushioning
20” x 60” Commercial Tread Belt
AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan
Integrated Tray
0-12% Incline
0-12 MPH Speed
One Touch® Controls
3.5 CHP DurX™ Commercial Plus Motor
1.9” Precision and Balanced Non-Flex Rollers
300 Lb. User Capacity
EKG Grip Pulse
SpaceSaver® Design with EasyLift™ Assist
78.9” L x 35.5” W x 59.4” H Footprint
10-Year Frame Warranty
2-Year Parts Warranty
1-Year Labor Warranty

The 9.5 treadmill is the best treadmill from Nordictrack if you specifically need a belt which is 20' due to space requirements. Otherwise, other models might be a better option for you based on the value you are getting for your money.

Pros of the Nordictrack T 9.5 treadmill

The pros of the Nordictrack 9.5 are:

14-inch screen
20' belt

For one of the smaller treadmills from Nordictrack the 9.5 has the biggest screen. If that is what you are looking for, this treadmill is a good fit for you.

Cons of the Nordictrack T 9.5 treadmill

The biggest con to the T9.5 model is the value for money. If you pay more than $2000 for a treadmill you might as well go for the 2950 and get an even bigger and more modern treadmill. If you need a small treadmill to squeeze into your money and want to save money, go for the T 6.5 which is below $1000.

Alternatives to the T 9.5 treadmill

Alternatives to the Nordictrack 9.5 treadmill are:

A Rogue echo bike is a great option if you want to burn as many calories as possible in the shortest amount of time possible. As it comes in at only around $700 you save yourself a respectable amount of money compared to the NordicTrack 9.5. As an added bonus it is easier on your joints and takes up less space in your home.

The NordicTrack 6.5 treadmill is a small size, small budget option from Nordictrack. This is the treadmill to get when you want to fit it into a tight space or not spend more than $1000 to start your indoor runs.

The True form runner is an alternative model that uses a self-propelled belt resting on bearing. This saves you the hassle of an electronic motor in maintenance and electricity costs. This treadmill is especially good for runners who want to simulate sprints and stops with very sudden acceleration and deceleration.

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.