Nordictrack VX550 vs VersaClimber H/HP

This is a comparison between the Nordictrack VX550 and the VersaClimner H/HP including pros, cons and alternatives. Follow the links for more details.

Overview and review of the VersaClimber H/HP

Price $2065 - $2300

The VersaClimber H/HP comes in at $2065 - $2300. 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".

Overview of the VersaClimber H/HP

The VersaClimber H/HP models are the range of the VersaClimber portfolio which has been designed for the use at home. This model is the lightest and smallest that you can get out of the VersaClimber range. It’s specifications are:

Height 7’6”
Weight 65lb
Color Black
Footprint 36”x44”

The Versaclimber delivers a stepper and vertical Climber in one machine. This is probably the hardest workout you can get on a machine in your own home. Compared to treadmills and ellipticals you also will have less impact and save your joints from too much pain. The VersaClimber H is not intended for commercial use and the warranty will be voided if placed in a professional gym. With an optional heart rate monitor, you can optimize the experience even further.

Pros of the Versaclimber H/HP

Here are the pros of the Versaclimber H/HP modem:

Price
Space
High intensity
Health

The price is great compared within the Versaclimber line up. This product is priced at half of what the top line range of Versaclimber is at. If you compare it to other innovative options like the TrueForm runner it also holds up on price. If you want something special in your gym or home gym, this option saves you $2000 to $3000.

Especially compared to ellipticals and treadmills the Versaclimber takes up a lot less space. The home version is also very light and can be moved easier in case you were moving house or want to rearrange things at home. This is a compact beast with a punch.

If you buy a cardiovascular machine you probably want it to make you sweat. Otherwise, you would be doing yoga. With the Versaclimber you get what it says on the tin. You will be sweating buckets in no time. Your cardio can be cut short and will still have an impact.

Compared to running on concrete or on a treadmill the Versaclimber has less impact and there is easier on your joints.

Cons of the VersaClimber H/HP

Price
Specificity

Compared to options like the Rogue Echo bike or concept 2 skierg the Versaclimber H/HP is still about $1000 out of range. If you want to exercise at the same time as someone else in the house you can get two Echo bikes for the price if one Versaclimber H/HP.

If you are preparing for an Ironman or want to get better at sprinting the Versaclimber is not specific to these movements. For $500 more you can get a concept 2 package including a skierg, bike and rower for a more versatile training experience, given you have space.

Alternatives to the VersaClimber H/HP

Here are some alternatives to the Versaclimber H/HP you might want to consider:

The Versaclimber SM is the top model of the Versaclimber range. If you are buying for the professional world of gyms this is the machine to go for. You will have extra coverage for warranty and the machine is more than twice the weight of the H model to take a constant beating. It also uses fewer beams and gives the athlete more freedom to move.

If you are looking for a machine for your home gym that focuses more on your upper than your lower body the concept 2 skierg is for you. This machine will enable you to train your arms and back more than the usual bikes and treadmills.

The Rogue echo bike is a solid option to kick your butt at home. It is built like a tank and one of the most modern takes on the air bike. It is also reasonably priced compared to the other options.

Summary for the VersaClimber H/HP

The Versaclimber H is the right choice for you when you want a vertical climber for your home. If you run a gym go for the SM model. If you are on a budget and still want a killer cardiovascular workout than the Rogue echo bike is a great option. If you like to run, outdoors is a good option too, just maybe not all year around winding on where you live.

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.