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TITAN magnetic resistance rowing machine vs Nordictrack X22i

Written by Pascal Landshoeft | Feb 8, 2021 5:00:00 PM

TITAN magnetic resistance rowing machine vs Nordictrack X22i

This is a comparison between the TITAN magnetic rower and the Nordictrack X22i including pros, cons, and alternatives. This article has been originally published in which conditioning equipment to get from TITAN. Follow the links for more details.

 
 
 
 

Overview and review Nordictrack Commercial X22i $2999 - $3999

This is a review of the Nordictrack X22i. The original was published in "Which Nordictrack trwadmill to get". Follow the links for more details.

 

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Overview Nordictrack Commercial X22i $2999 - $3999

 

The X22i is the little brother of the Nordictrack 32i. It has the same specs and bells and whistles except that the touch screen is 22 instead of 32 inches. Downsizing the screen by this much saves you about $1000 on the purchase to spend on other things for your home gym. The specifications for the X22i are:
 
  • 22” Smart HD Touchscreen
  • 1-Year iFit® Membership Included ($468 Value)**
  • Bluetooth® Audio Capabilities
  • Two 3” Digitally-Amplified Speakers
  • Reflex™ Cushioning
  • 22” x 60” Commercial Tread Belt
  • Dual AutoBreeze™ Workout Fans
  • 0 - 40% Incline
  • 0 – 6% Decline
  • 0 - 12 MPH Speed
  • One Touch® Controls
  • 4.0 CHP DurX™ Commercial Plus Motor◊
  • 2.5” Precision and Balanced Non-Flex Rollers
  • iFit Bluetooth® Chest Strap Included
  • 300 Lb. User Capacity
  • 50 On-Board Workout Programs
  • 70.2” L x 39.6” W x 71.6” H Footprint
  • 10-Year Frame Warranty
  • 2-Year Parts Warranty
  • 1-Year Labor Warranty
 
All things being equal this is a good option for a home gym that has been given a good budget or professional facilities that want the best and still be able to buy in bulk. The 32i might be a better option in facilities that work a lot with clients who are visually impaired in some way to give them a bigger screen to look at. 
 

Pros of the Nordictrack X22i

 
The X22i has the benefits of all of the high-end incline Nordictrack treadmills which includes:
 
  • Great cushioning
  • Big range of inclines
  • High rate finish
  • Wide belt
  • Powerful motor 
  • High weight capacity
 
This treadmill has been built for professional use. It has the right cushioning and can take up to 300 lbs of weight. In addition, you can go up to 40% of the incline in various increments. The finish is immaculate and combined with a great digital package to round up the experience. This is not the Mayback, but still the Mercedes E class of NordicTrack treadmills. 
 

Cons of the Nordictrack X22i

 
The cons of the Nordictrack 22i are:
 
  • Smaller screen compared to the 32i
  • Can not be folded 
  • Price 
  • Overkill
 
If you are already looking at incline treadmills with touch screen chances are high that you not that much of a budget-conscious buyer. These treadmills usually start around $3000 and go upwards from there. If you are already willing to invest that much into a treadmill, why get the smaller screen? Yes, $1000 is a good argument compared to the 32i, but to be honest, if you comparing the X32i and the X22i based on price, I think you went in at the wrong end of the portfolio. But that is just my opinion. 
 
This treadmill uses the same base as the X32i and is, therefore, the biggest frame Nordictrack provides. This treadmill can not be folded and has a wider belt than most standard treadmills. If you have limited space in your home or want to fit as many treadmills as possible into a small space, this is not the right option for you. 
 
As this treadmill provides the best of everything you also pay one of the highest prices for a treadmill from Nordictrack. In most cases, you will not make use of most of the incline options and other bells and whistles and not get your full value out of them. Less is more with most gym equipment as the fancier the use case, the less likely it is that you will actually use what you are paying for. Unless being fancy is part of your brand strategy or what you like. But that relates to Status which this treadmill also can represent. 
 

Alternatives for the Nordictrack X22i

 
Alternatives to the Nordictrack x22i are:
 
 
The True Form Runner is an alternative to the Nordictrack 22i 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 X22i. 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.
 
Now currently the ultimate holy grail in calories per second is probably a Versaclimber. The footprint is low, the calories per second very high. The only downside the Versaclimber's have compared to the Rogue Echo bike is that they at least are double the price. More likely in the $3000 - $4000 range.
 

Summary of the X22i

 
If you want the best of everything but can not afford the 32i, go with the X22i. I am still not a fan of compromising when I am willing to fork out more than $1000 on fitness equipment, but that is up to the individual. If it was for me and I ad decided that I need a touch screen and 40% inclined I might as well wait for a little and put some extra money for the X32i aside and be proud of myself. 

Overview and review of the TITAN magnetic resistance rowing machine

This is an overview of the TITAN magnetic resistance rowing machine including pros, cons, and alternatives. This article was originally published in Which cardio equipment to get from TITAN. Follow the links for more details.

 
 

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Overview of the TITAN Magnetic resistance Rowing fitness machine

 
The TITAN fitness magnetic rower is a low budget option to get a rowing machine into your home gym or professional gym. While the price is low and it also sits very low to the ground it is not great for high-performance rowing. If you are looking for easy resistance like a stroll in the park this is the right machine for you. If you want to crank the handle like there is no tomorrow you have to go with one of the air resistance or water resistance rowers that are more upmarket. The full specifications of this machine are:
 
Dimensions: 60-in x 22.5-in x 19-in.
Seat: 12.5-in x 9.75-in x 2-in.
Footrests: 10.375-in x 4.5-in.
Handles: 16-in x 1-in
Color: Gray/Black
Track material: Aluminum
Frame material: Steel
Weight Capacity: 250lb.
Product weight: 50lb.
 
- Great for cardiovascular and aerobic exercise
- 8 resistance settings
- Large LCD screen to count time, calories and number of row pulls
- Large pedals are slip-resistant with adjustable straps for feet
- Easy to fold and stand up between usage
- Heavy-duty construction with padded seat and non-slip handlebar grip
 
This is great if you just want to stay active and do not want to go outside for any kind of reason. It will also be easier on your joints than a treadmill as you can stay seated while using it. It will not fit under the bed but can be put into a tall closet when it is upright.
 

Pros of the TITAN Magnetic resistance Rowing fitness machine

 
The pros of the TITAN magnetic resistance rowing machine are:
 
  • Silent
  • Price
  • Low seat
 
The mechanics of the TITAN magnetic resistance rower allow that it is very silent to use. You do not have the air or water noises from the higher-priced professional models. So if you want to use it when the children are asleep in the next or you are in a big apartment complex with pesky neighbors, this can do the trick.
 
For a rower, this is very cheap. Most other rowers will start around $400 and go up to $2000 depending on what kind of resistance and media package you are getting. So if you just want a low price option to train at home without a lot of hassle, the magnetic rower is for you.
 
Another bonus of the TITAN magnetic rowing fitness machine is that the seat is very close to the floor. This leaves a lot of room if you are big to sit on it and fully stretch out on each row.
 

Cons of the TITAN Magnetic resistance Rowing fitness machine

 
The cons of the TITAN magnetic Rowing fitness machine are:
 
  • Magnetic resistance
  • Fairly light
  • Low-quality footrests
  • Outdated computer unit
 
The magnetic resistance itself is prone to break and you can easily overpull it. If you are reasonably strong and go at this machine with full force the magnetic resistance will break and you have a free-spinning wheel for your pull. This makes it impossible to use this machine if you want to go all balls out on interval training. This machine has been designed for a smooth, even ride.
 
You want cardio equipment to be light so that you can move it around easily, but not so light that you feel like you might crush it. It depends on how big you are, but I weigh 105kg and I am 185cm tall. When I sit on this I feel like I would destroy it in 2-3 proper sessions, but then it clearly was not designed with the kind of workout in mind that I want from a rower.
 
The footrests are made of cheap plastic which will probably not withstand the test of time unless you are very timid with it. Also, the computer unit is outdated and only provides minimal information.
 

Alternatives to the TITAN Magnetic resistance Rowing fitness machine

 
These are the alternatives for the TITAN magnetic resistance rowing machine:
 
 
The Rogue Echo Bike is my personal go-to option for a proper interval cardio machine that does not cost a fortune. This bike is sturdy, the details have been taken care of, and the computer unit makes your life easier. It does not have any entertainment on board, but if you want to do a proper interval training bout, this is the machine to get.
 
If you intend to row the concept 2 rower model D is the industry standard which has been around for years all over the world. This machine is operated with air resistance and a chain, some newer models with a belt. This rower can be used by athletes of all ages and skill levels to improve their rowing and endurance. The resistance increases based on how hard you pull the handle in the beginning. The only disadvantage is that it costs about 3 -4 times what this magnetic rower costs.
 
If you are looking for a machine to keep fit at home that is not too hard on your joints and can be easily stored, then the Total Gym can be an option. It is not great as a rowing machine but is more versatile to train all of your muscle groups. Besides, it can also be stored under the bed.
 
If you want to stay and do not want to get outside because you are scared or want to stay close to your safe environment at home than an under the desk treadmill is also a great option.
 

Conclusion for the TITAN Magnetic resistance Rowing fitness machine

 
The TITAN magnetic resistance rowing machine is a good choice when you want a rower for your home that is silent, cheap, and not too challenging. Ideal for a nursing home where people might be afraid to go outside. If you are a serious athlete or hobby warrior I personally think you are saving at the wrong end as you will rip this thing apart in no time.