Nordictrack VX550 vs SE3i

This is a comparison of the Nordictrack VX550 and SE3i including pros, cons, and alternatives . Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review NordicTrack SE 3i 849

This is a review of the NordicTrack SE3i 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 SE3i

The SE3i elliptical is the cheapest elliptical from Nordictrack you can buy in the UK market to date. Its main features are 5-inch backlit display, 14kg flywheel, and 32 preset workouts that come with the machine. The full list of features reads as followed:

5” Backlit Display
iFit Bluetooth - 1 Years Membership Included
Integrated Tablet Holder

14 kg. Effective Inertia-enhanced Flywheel
SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance
22 Digital Resistance Levels
EKG Grip Pulse
125 kg. User Weight Capacity

Oversized Pedals
SoftTouch™ Upper Body Grips

32 Preset Workout Apps
Transport Wheels
Product Weight 54kg
Assembled Dimensions - 158L X 66W X 175H cm
Boxed Weight 60kg
Boxed Dimensions - 64L x 42W x 132H cm
Warranty - 5-Year Frame Warranty, 2-Year Parts and Labour Warranty, subject to registration within 28 days of purchase.

This is the least amount of money you can spend on a Nordictrack elliptical in the UK.

Pros of the NordicTrack SE3i

The pros of the SE3i are:

Low price
Big flywheel

The most attractive feature about the SE3i is the price tag. There is no other NordicTrack elliptical that can beat this. For this price, you are also getting a big flywheel which makes the machine last for longer. If you want a cheap workhorse, or better said, donkey as a cardio machine in your house, this is it.

Cons of the NordicTrack Se3i

The cons of the SE3i are:

Out of date display
Space requirements

This machine will eat up a lot of space in your home or gym and has an out of date design. NordicTrack has already modernized its fleet over in the US, but this facelift has not come through to the UK yet.

Alternatives to the NordicTrack SE3i

This can be alternatives to the SE3i elliptical:

The Nordictrack SE5i is the big brother of the SE3i. It only costs a little extra and gives you a bigger flywheel. Go for this one if you are not considering to buy in multiples of 10 or even 100.

The concept 2 model D rower is a reliable staple in the fitness industry for decades. If you don't want to stand while doing your cardio and like to row, this is a safe bet which does not break the bank.

The Rogue echo bike is my personal favorite when it comes to home gym cardio. This machine is sturdy, affordable, and will make you sweat. The only downside is that it does not come with a lot of multimedia options.

Summary for the NordicTrack SE3i

While it is the cheapest rear-drive elliptical from Nordictrack for the UK i would still go with the SE5i instead, if I was to buy an elliptical.

Overview and review of the Nordictrack VX 550 599 (UK)

This article discusses the pros, cons, and alternatives for the Nordictrack VX550.This review was originally posted in “Which Nordictrack bike to get”. Follow the links for more details.

The VX 550 is one of the lower budget bikes in the NordicTrack line up and is currently only available via the UK website. Its main features are a 9kg flywheel, 5-inch backlit display, and a maximum capacity of 125kg. This is the bike for you if you want a bigger flywheel for relatively little and you do not care about Ifit or other digital features to keep you engaged. The full list of features reads:

This item is NOT compatible with iFit.
5" Backlit Display
Smart BlueTooth (BLE) Chestbelt Compatible
Dual 2-Inch Speakers

Upright Frame
9kg Flywheel
20 Digital Resistance Levels
Onetouch™ Controls
EKG Handgrips
125kg Max User Weight

Oversized Cushion Seat
Vertical and Horizontal Seat Adjustment
Extra-wide Ergonomic Pedals with Adjustable Straps
No AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan Included

Front-mounted Transport Wheels
Tablet Holder Included
20 Workouts Apps
Assembled Dimensions - 150L x 61W x 167H cm
Product Weight 44kg
Boxed Weight 56kg
Boxed Dimensions - 106L x 32W x 66H cm
Warranty - 2 Years parts and labor; 5-year frame guarantee upon warranty registration within 28 days of purchase.

This is currently the cheapest 9kg flywheel you can get from Nordictrack. If you are an above-average cyclist who wants a bike that lasts to get a medium cycle in when it rains, the VX 550 can be a good option for you.

Pros of the VX 550

The pros of Nordictrack VX550 are:

Price
9kg flywheel

The VX550 has a great price point for a Nordictrack Cardio machine. In addition you will get a fairly big flywheel for what you are paying. The GX 4.7R is in the same price range but only has a 7kg flywheel. The combination of price and bigger flywheel makes this the durable low budget option in exchange for not being up to the times in the entertainment and engagement department.

Cons of the VX550

The cons of the VX 550 are:

No Ifit
No Touch screen

The VX550 is not compatible with the Ifit subscription from NordicTrack. This means that the number of days for the VX550 in the NordicTrack portfolio are very numbered. NordicTrack is pushing hard on catching up to Peloton in the entertainment and engagement segment to regain market share and establish recurring revenue. The VX550 does not fit anywhere in this strategy. If you are a commercial buyer who wants buy-in bulk, stay way clear from this one for your gym. Home users will have to make a conscious decision whether it is worth to get a 9kg instead of a 7kg flywheel while trading off Ifit. If you think you need the engagement features, go for the GX 4.7R instead of the VX550.

Alternatives to the VX550

Possible alternatives to the VX550 are:

The Nordictrack GX 4.7 is the better option if you are convinced that you need some instructors and entertainment to keep engaged with your workouts. You will get a smaller flywheel, but in return the GX 4.7 is Ifit compatible and therefore give you a big library of engaging content.

The Nordictrack C700 treadmill is a low budget alternative for anyone who prefers jogging or walking over cycling. The C700 is the cheapest treadmill in the Nordictrack line up that you can currently get. While it is a good option for joggers and walkers, it might be a bit too small for serious runners who put their treadmills through a lot of abuse.

The SE3i elliptical is the low budget elliptical option from Nordictrack. An elliptical can be a good compromise for the entire family or in a small gym to keep multiple happy, rather than just cyclists. The downside of an elliptical is that it needs more space and higher ceilings.

The concept 2 model D rower is the bread and butter machine in the rowing world. If you prefer rowing over cycling you can not go wrong with this model. You can also hang the rower on the wall to save space when you are not using it. The model D will be slightly more expensive than VX550.

My personal favorite is the Rogue echo bike for home gym use. It is slightly more expensive than the VX550 but is built more stable. In return you sacrifice any type of entertainment as it does not come with a screen. The Rogue echo bike is designed for serious athletes and might be a little intimidating for anyone who just wants to stay active and mobile, without pushing themselves to the brink of exhaustion.

Summary for the Nordictrack VX550

The VX550 is a good option if you want a big flywheel at a low price from Nordictrack. In exchange for this, you will get a product which the Nordictrack management will care very little about so expect that it will be harder to get support and parts for it.