Nordictrack X32i vs Concept 2 model E
This is a comparison between the Nordictrack X32i treadmill and the Concept 2 Model E rower. Follow the links for more details.
Overview and review of the concept 2 model E
The Concept 2 Model E comes in at $1100. 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 Concept 2 model E
The concept 2 model E tower is one of the top of range rower options from concept 2. The main difference to other rowers is the seat height and protection of the chain. Think of this as a beefed up version of towers that you can easier get on and off.
Concept 2 also delivers the PM5 Monitor with the Model E rower. This computer gets very good feedback a across the board in the industry. It enables you to link multiple rowers together to have a race. Whatever you get, make sure that it has a function to store your times and race against yourself. That is very satisfying and useful. The concept 2 model e rower comes with the following specifications:
-
54” monorail length
-
20” seat height
-
5-year warranty frame parts
-
2-year warranty all part
The concept 2 Model E is a great option to beef up your existing rower assortment or to directly start with a model that has been perfected over time.
Pros of the concept 2 model E
-
Static arm
-
Higher seat
-
PM5 monitor
-
Bulkier frame
The PM5 monitor is fixed on a status arm compared to other rower models. This makes it easier to keep it in place and the material is less likely to fail. Even though the adjustable arms seems nice they actually cause more trouble than extra value. Over time you have to tighten the screws and take care so that monitor will not be all over the place during a challenge challenging workout. A static arm is much preferred in my opinion as long as it fixed at a height that makes sense to do the readings.
A higher seat has several advantages. If you have very big athletes or someone who can not get on the lower seat option from other rowers, than this is the solution. It is also great if you want to switch between workouts quickly in circuit training.
The PM5 monitor is also an advantage of other models. This monitor is becoming standard across the concept 2 range but just check before purchase whether it is really on or you need to select another option. I hear a lot of good about this monitor.
The bulkier frame will make it possible for the model E to take more of beating if your intention is to use it in a gym setup.
Cons of the concept 2 model E
The cons of the concept 2 model e are
-
Price
-
Specificity
-
Space requirements
The price of the model E is quite a bit higher than for most other rower options. If you only want to row you might be able to save the worth of a barbell or a couple of plates by going for a different option.
Rowing is not very specific to most sports except CrossFit and rowing itself. If you are building a team that competes in some kind of major league you will still need treadmills besides the rowers. In addition, the higher seat is also less specific to actual rowing. The Olympic rowing boats are tiny and you sit very closely to the ground.
The last disadvantage of a rower is the space requirement. Compared to a bike, especially for a home gym, the length of the unit can turn into a real headache.
Alternatives to the Concept 2 model E
The concept 2 model d rower would be the logical choice if you want to save some money. It is basically the same machine, just with slower seat and less fancy. If you want to row and be budget conscious this might be the option for you.
The Rogue echo bike is a solid alternative for the home gym to kick your butt. It costs considerably less than the model E and delivers a challenging, maybe even better impact on your cardiovascular system.
The air assault runner is the budget option for self-propelled running. It is still a lot triple the price of the model E. If you are running an establishment to produce the best you probably need a rower and one of these self-propelled machines.
Summary for the Concept 2 model E
The model E is a sound upgrade on the model E aimed at rehab or big boys. It is also one of the best things money can buy from concept 2. Is it worth the extra money compared to the model D? Probably not if you care more about the budget than having the best things in life.
Further reading
- Which barbell to buy from Rogue
- Which plates to buy from Rogue
- Which rack to buy from Rogue
- Which belt to buy from Rogue
Overview and review NordicTrack Commercial X32i 3999 - $4999
This is a review of NordicTrack X32i which was originally published in "Which Nordictrack treadmill to get". Follow the links for more details.
Related articles
Overview NordicTrack Commercial X32i 3999 - $4999
The Nordictrack commercial 32i is the current top of the line treadmill from Nordictrack. It comes with all bells and whistles maxed out and leaves nothing unwanted. Of course with this comes a high price tag which some people might find hard to swallow. The same is the case for the space requirements is this machines doe not fold and is huge. The full list of features includes:
-
32” Smart HD Touchscreen
-
1-Year iFit® Membership Included ($468 Value)**
-
Bluetooth® Audio Capabilities
-
Two 3” Digitally Amplified Speakers
-
Reflex™ Cushioning
-
22” x 65” Commercial Tread Belt
-
Dual AutoBreeze™ Workout Fans
-
0 - 40% Incline
-
0 – 6% Decline
-
0 - 12 MPH Speed
-
OneTouch® Controls
-
4.25 CHP DurX™ Commercial Plus Motor
-
Reinforced Steel Construction
-
2.5” Precision and Balanced Non-Flex Rollers
-
iFit Bluetooth® Chest Strap Included
-
300 Lb. User Capacity
-
50 On-Board Workout Programs
-
76.5” L x 40” W x 73” H Footprint
-
10-Year Frame Warranty
-
2-Year Parts Warranty
-
1-Year Labor Warranty
If you have the money and space, you can not go wrong with this treadmill. It is top class and beats most of its competitors in terms of comfort, features, and performance.
Pros of the Nordictrack commercial 32i
-
Big screen
-
Wide range of inclines/declines
-
Powerful motor
-
Great cushioning
-
High weight capacity
-
Wide belt
This ocmbination makes it a great fit for health facilities who want to work with a wide arrange of clients. If you are either a very big athlete or struggle with too much weight, you can get nothing better in terms of cushioning. The screen is massive and with the I fit functionalities which come with this machine you can simulate almost any run you want to prepare for. As long as it is available on Google maps the Nordictrack 32i will simulate the ups and downs.
Cons of the Nordictrack commercial 32i
-
Overkill
-
Price
-
Can not be folded
While having the best of everything is nice it is usually hard on resources. If you have $4000 - $5000 to spend on a treadmill, this is good. Do you really need a 40% incline and a 32-inch screen which are the mina price drivers compared to other models? Probably not. Apart from this the space requirements for this treadmill are bigger than almost anything else on the market. If you have to fit it in a small space this is not the one to get. In addition, you have no option fo fold the Nordictrack 32i to gain space.
Alternatives to the NordicTrack commercial 32i
The TrueForm Runner is an alternative to the Nordictrack 32i which plays in the same price range. The True Form runner has no screen or incline and works without a motor. The main concept is that this treadmill runs on bearing. Therefore it is the better fit for fast interval training and sprints with a lot of acceleration. Basketball players, football players, and other team sport/sprint related athletes might get more use to increase performance out of this machine.
The NordicTrack 2950 is the top of the line model which costs $1000 less. You get 15% of incline and a 22-inch screen with about the same bells and whistles otherwise. I still think this is more than enough for running indoors and lets you get 3 instead of 2 treadmills against $10.000. If you want luxury but don't want to go crazy on spending, go with this one.
The Rogue Echo Bike is a very compact low price option at about $700 if you want to keep your knees safe and still get a good workout in. It is robust, easy to store and you can get a whole fleet of them for the price of two X32i. If your gym has not a lot of space or you want to maximize it, this is a solid option. In terms of comfort do not expect too much as this bike does not have any fans and screens or digital gadgets attached to it.
Summary for the Nordictrack commercial 32i
The NordicTrack 32i is a great option for the very wealthy home gym owner, as you can not get anything better for comfort and performance or a boutique commercial gym. If you only have one treadmill in your facility, this is a good option. the Nordictrack 32i is not a good option for budget gyms which have to maximize the number of machines in their space for peak times or low budget home gym owners. For the price of one 32i you can already outfit an entire home gym.
