This is an excellent opportunity to get some great deals.  See my NordicTrack Treadmill Reviews and my NordicTrack Elliptical Trainer Reviews.

However, over the last several years NordicTrack has not only improved the quality of their treadmills, but they also have included some of the most innovative features found on any treadmill in the industry.  These include the motivational technology known as iFit Live. 

iFit Live allows your treadmill to communicate with the Internet.  You can go to iFit.com and create a profile that includes your fitness goals.  Based on that information iFit Live will download a personalized 8-week progressive workout that includes audio coaching.  In addition, you can trace routes on Google Maps and iFit Live will simulate running the terrain by controlling the incline feature of your NordicTrack Treadmill. 

The quality of NordicTrack treadmills has improved significantly, and consequently most of their treadmills now match the warranties on Sole treadmills. 

In conclusion, both treadmills are durable and offering a rewarding workout.  However, NordicTrack exceeds in technology and motivational programming.

Click here for my NordicTrack Treadmill Reviews.

Click here for my Sole Treadmill Reviews.

 I am considering the following treadmills and hear so many different opinions. They are the NordicTrack C900 ($999 & $249 for Assembly), the Spirit XT285 ($1,000 & $165 for assembly) and the Epic View 550 SD Trainer Treadmill from Costco ($999.00 including assembly). I know that the NordicTrack and the Epic View are both from Icon Fitness. The television in the Epic View isn’t that important.

 I am just starting and would like to build up to a more strenuous workout for weight loss and cardio. The warranty for the NordicTrack C900  a Lifetime Frame Warranty, Lifetime Motor Warranty, 3-Year Parts and 1-Year Labor. The Spirit XT285 is 10 year for parts and I don’t’ know what the labor warranty is. The Epic View 550 SD Trainer Treadmill from Costco a Lifetime Frame Warranty, Lifetime Motor Warranty and 1-Year Parts & Labor. Most of the information I got from your reviews and were helpful, but I really need more information to make an informed decision.

 Thank you so much for your assistance.

 My Response:

 I might rule out the Epic and consider either the NordicTrack C 900 or the Spirit XT 285.  The C 900 has some interesting features, like iFit  Live(which is an extra charge).  iFit Live is a program that will help you to set goals, define a workout routine and track your progress. In addition, the C 900 has a longer deck, larger motor, and probably larger rollers.  NordicTrack, being part of the largest fitness equipment in the world, offers some of the best overall value for treadmills.

Spirit is built by the same company that builds Sole treadmills.  Both have a excellent reputation.  Usually the Spirit models are pricier because they are sold through fitness specialty stores, but the price you quoted below appears to be a bargain.  Apparently it was selling for $1,500 previously.  So if you are looking for a solid machine, minus the bells and whistles, the Spirit would be a could choice.

The new NordicTrack models for 2011 include (All include iFit Live, speakers, MP3 input, fan & lifetime warranty.)…

• NordicTrack C900 Treadmill - Includes 3.0 HP motor, 20″x60″ running surface, 3-year parts and 1-year labor warranty. Typically will sell for $999.
• NordicTrack Commercial 1500 Treadmill (Not released) – Includes 3.25 HP motor, 20″x60″ running surface, upgraded shock absorption, 5-year parts and 2-year labor warranty. Typically will sell for $1,299.
• NordicTrack Commercial 1750 Treadmill  – Includes 3.5 HP motor, 20″x60″ running surface, upgraded shock absorption, 3″ rollers, declines to 3%, 5-year parts and 2-year labor warranty. Typically will sell for $1,499 and include free iFit Live.
• NordicTrack Elite 9500 PRO Treadmill  – Includes 3.8 HP motor, 22″x60″ running surface, upgraded shock absorption, 3″ rollers, declines to 3%, 10″ full color touch screen display with android browser ,5-year parts and 2-year labor warranty. Typically will sell for $1,999 and include free iFit Live.

Overall NordicTrack has raised the bar for 2011.  Their models not only out spec the competition regarding motor, deck and roller size, but they offer some of the most innovative technology available on cardio machines.

Free Shipping on the Incline Trainer X7i

For those not familar with the NordicTrack Incline Trainers, they allow you to incline the deck up to 40%.  There are several benefits…

1. You get an intense cardio workout, not unlike hiking a hill or mountain.
2. You can target different leg muscles as you increase the incline.
3. There is typically less impact to your joints since you would normally walk at a steep incline rather than walk.

The NordicTrack incline trainer have gotten a certain degree of noteriety because they are used on the popular TV show “Biggest Loser”. 

In addition to the 40% incline, the NordicTrack X7i also allows you to decline the deck 6%.  Furthermore it comes with a full color display and installed Google Map/iFit interactive programs.  For an extra cost you can also use iFit Live.   For more information go to my NordicTrack X7i Incline Trainer Review.

An example is the NordicTrack Elite 7500 and the ProForm Perspective ES.  Both have 60″ treadbelts, speakers, fans and a 7″ digital TV.  If you look at the consoles, they are almost exactly the same.  The Elite 7500 has a 1/2 HP larger motor and iFit technology, although the Perspective ES had an extended warranty. 

As of 9/11/09 the ProForm Perspective ES was selling for $1,249 and the NordicTrack Elite 7500 was going for $2,499.  Almost the same machine, but the price is almost doubled on the Elite 7500.  Most likely the price on the Elite 7500 will drop $1,000 by next week. 

If you are considering either a NordicTrack or a ProForm treadmill you first want to determine what your fitness goals are and which features will accommodate those goals, i.e. motor, deck length , workout programs.  Then shop around.  See which models have the features you are looking for and at what price. You may find by shopping both brands you can save yourself several hundred dollars.

To help you get the best value I monitor the NordicTrack and ProForm sites regularly.  I’ll alert you to some great buys as they come available.  (ycqsefka2p)

NordicTrack brought back the NordicTrack XT, a TV equipped treadmill with a huge 3.5 HP motor and 60″ long treadbelt.  They are offering it at a bargain $1,399 (See Review).

Finally, I got an exclusve discount on extended warranties for NordicTrack treadmills – 10% off.  I know the right people.  Since NordicTrack gives you only a 1-year parts and labor warranty, it makes sense to protect you investment.   You can learn more at my NordicTrack Review.

NordicTrack Reflex Deck

I received an email from my contact at NordicTrack.  He was trying to boost sales for a couple of treadmills that use their patented Reflex deck.  It actually is an intriguing design.  The deck is made from a slab of poplar wood.  The same wood they use for snow boards.  What makes this deck unique is the way it absorbs shock. 

Unlike typical treadmills that use shocks or grommets to absorb shock.  The Reflex deck bends with the impact of your foot and then rebounds, giving a slight jolt.  It may be the most forgiving deck in the industry, and ideal for individuals who want minimal shock to their lower joints. According to my contact at NordicTrack, the Reflex treadmills are extremely popular with the executives in the company who are over 50.   

One of the reasons sales may be lacking on the Reflex treadmills is the fact the deck looks flimsy.  I personally was concerned when I first saw one.  I asked about the durability of the deck and the response was that they never had a problem with a deck cracking.  In fact, the deck is rated for a maximum 350 lb. person.  That may be higher than I would rate it, but overall the deck is solid.

So should you consider a NordicTrack Reflex deck treadmill?  I would say this deck is ideal for individuals that are older or have injuries or stress issues with their joints.  It may not be the right choice for serious runners who are looking for a more solid impact like they would get running outside.  As of 7/9/09 NordicTrack had two Reflex deck models.  The Reflex SR and the Apex 8500.  The prices vary drastically from week to week.  That is their marketing strategy.  Watch for current sales.  I usually will alert you on the review page if the price is a bargain.