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Nordictrack X32i vs Run Rocket [Article, Video]

Posted by Pascal Landshoeft

Apr 26, 2020 9:00:00 AM

Nordictrack X32i vs Run Rocket

This is a comparison between the Nordictrack X32i treadmill and the Run rocket. Follow the links for more details.

 
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Overview and review of the Run rocket

The Run Rocket comes in at $1999. 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 Run Rocket

 
The run rocket is a piece of acceleration equipment which especially helps for sprint and acceleration training. This machine will be very useful for 
 
  • Football players 
  • Rugby players 
  • Soccer players 
  • Tennis players 
 
And any other sport where you have to sprint and change direction often. The Run rocket has adjustable resistance and comes with the following specifications: 
 
  • Length 37“
  • Width 28“
  • Height 40“
  • Weight 165l
  • 44lb Flywheel 
 
The big difference to many other machines or sleds is that the run rocket provides consistent resistance when you are running forward and does not pull back on you. Sleds have the challenge that they have an uneven resistance and also not truly mimic a running pattern. Bands and straps simulate a real running resistance, but the pullback leaves your athletes exposed to injury risk. The run rocket solves both of these problems for sprinting work. 
 

Pros of the Run Rocket

 
The pros of the run rocket are:
 
  • Sturdy 
  • No pull back 
  • Easy swap 
 
This machine is built like a professional lawnmower. It can be left outside and survives rain and other weather conditions. It’s the ideal companion for the pitch. 
 
The resistance immediately stops when the forward pull ceases. This makes it a good machine for sprint work without breaking any ankles. 
 
With the hook and click system, you can easily swap between athletes to get a good workout in for the entire team. Parachutes are way more complicated to handle.
 

Cons of the Run rocket

 
The cons of the run rocket are 
 
  • Space requirements 
  • Price 
 
To work effectively with the run rocket you need access to a pitch. This machine is a waste of your time and money if it is placed into a tiny gym or back garden. You need the necessary space to do a bit of distance for your sprint work. 
 
Compared to other sprint Resistance options like bands and harnesses the run rocket is ten times the price and also does not include the necessary vests for the entire team. They would come in at an additional $50 to $100 a player depending on what you are getting. 
 

Alternatives to the Run rocket

 
  • Resistance bands
 
Resistance bands of all forms and lengths can be an alternative to the run rocket. While less easy to use and setup they come in at a fraction of the cost.
 

Summary for the Run rocket

 
The run rocket is the right option for professional training facilities which focus on speed. If you are lucky enough to be a world class athlete who has a pitch in their own home and to whom $2000 are peanuts tja this is a gijd piece of equipment to get. You can spend a whole lot of more money on things which will do a lot less for your professional development. 
 

Further reading

 

 

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.

 

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

 
The biggest pros of the Nordic track commercial 32i are:
 
  • 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

 
The biggest cons of the Nordic track commercial 32i are:
 
  • 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

 
Alternatives to the Nordictrack 32i are:
 
 
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. 

Topics: Treadmill