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:
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.