NordicTrack Treadmill Reviews

"A Leader in Treadmill Innovation"

The NordicTrack Treadmill is the premium brand of Icon Fitness. Icon is the world's largest treadmill manufacturer. They make other popular models like ProForm, Reebok, and Epic.

Note: NordicTrack sells direct, and often has some excellent discounts online. Check out their sales items — they offer the best value. Go to www.NordicTrack.com for their latest deals. Free shipping is included on most models.

I met with various directors, managers and VPs, and overall was impressed. There are considerable resources put into the construction, design and innovation of NordicTrack treadmills. In fact, they have a room designed to mechanically abuse their machines. Heavy weights are continually dropped on the deck, motors are run at high speeds for hundreds of hours.

One of the major focuses of NordicTrack treadmills is innovation, and this is where they excel. Their iFit technology, Reflex and adjustable cushion decks, and treadmills with built-in flat screen TVs are several reasons why NordicTrack is so popular.

Built-in Flat Screen TV

NordicTrack offers three models with built-in flat screen TVs. Each designed to accommodate difference levels of exercising. Let's face it, walking or running on a treadmill can get boring. As hard as you try, you're always in the same place. With these TV equipped models you can watch your favorite cable show or DVD, meanwhile the screen will provide feedback on your progress, including time, distance and calories burned. See reviews on:

iFIT Technology

A perfect example of their innovation is their iFIT technology and workout cards. Each card offers an 8-week program that covers 24 different workouts. There are four categories of workouts, along with three levels of intensity; beginner, intermediate, and advanced. Once you finish one workout, you move on to the next. Certified personal trainers design the workouts.

The iFIT card controls the speed, incline and duration of your treadmill workout. It includes audio coaching and motivation, in addition to helpful tips. For example, your personal trainer will provide suggestions on proper breathing and posture. I find iFit to be an ingenious concept that helps achieve your fitness goals. (Note: Not all models are equipped with iFit.)

Adjustable Cushion and Reflex Deck

Another creative concept is the Adjustable Cushion Deck, found on models like the Viewpoint 3000. The idea behind an adjustable deck is that users will prefer different levels of impact absorption. For example, depending on your weight or whether you're a walker or runner, you may desire more or less shock absorption.

In addition, they have several models with the Reflex Deck. It is built out of poplar wood, which is the same wood used for snowboards. It absorbs impact like no other treadmill. See review on NordicTrack Apex 8500 and the NordicTrack Apex 4500.

Volume Sales = Value

Because of the shear volume of sales, NordicTrack and their parent company, Icon Fitness, can offer some excellent value. You need to pick and choose because they change up their sales and discounts weekly. One of their current deals is the NordicTrack Elite 7500. Includes a powerful 3.5 HP motor, 7" flat screeen TV, iFit technology, 20" x 60" treadbelt, 5-year parts warranty, adjustable cushioned deck and premium sound system for $1,999 with shipping. Not bad.

Warranty

The one area where NordicTrack falls short is on their warranties. Their parts and labor warranty is normally one year, although they have lifetime coverage on their motors (The exception is the S3000, Elite 7000 and Elite 7500). Considering the overall value, in most cases you are still ahead of the game if you get an extended warranty.

Also, I need to mention past problems with their customer service. Due to the shear volume of equipment NordicTrack sells, there have been problems getting through to their customer service. I met with Dan Jones, Director of customer service, and mentioned that issue. He agreed there has been a problem that is being addressed. They recently added more staff to answer phones, and are committing $2 million to improve the situation. Let's assume that will have an impact, and their service will greatly improve.

One other concern is their suggested weight limits. In my opinion, just about every manufacturer overrates the weight capacity of their machines, and that is also true with NordicTrack. Use common sense if you are over 300 lbs and considering buying a budget treadmill.

Often the decks are too thin to accommodate the weight, and the motors are not powerful enough. Also, if you are planning on running or jogging, consider spending in excess of $1,200. You want a motor that does not strain at higher speeds, and you want a deck that can withstand the harder impact.

NordicTrack Treadmill Reviews

Our Review

NordicTrack treadmills offer some of the best value in their price range. Their features and innovative technology are second to none. I would recommend caution when buying their machines in the sub $1,000 range. That holds true with any treadmill manufacturer. To reach price points of let's say $700, you have to make concessions. On the other hand, in the $1,000 - $3,000 price range you can get some excellent deals.

Consumer Reports

CR gave the NordicTrack S3000 one of their highest ratings. They rated it a "Very Good" for quality, and an "Excellent" for exercise range. They also rated the C2250 a "Best Buy" for a bugdet, walking treadmill. It is replace with the C2500.

Epinions.com

On this popular customer review site there were a number of reviews on. They averaged 4-5 stars out of five.

Runner's World

RW also gave a very favorable review to the S 3000. They said, "This machine is as sturdy as they come, receiving a perfect score from testers for the stability ranking." They also liked the 20" x 60" treadbelt, which made it a comfortable running treadmill.

ConsumerGuide Nordic Track Review

ConsumerGuide rated the C2200 a "Best Buy", which is replaced the by the C2155.

Below are our list of NordicTrack Reviews. Prices listed below are as of 7/7/08 and include shipping...

NordicTrack A2350 Review - $799

NordicTrack C2155 Review - $699

NordicTrack C2500 Review - $899

NordicTrack Apex 6500 - $1,299

NordicTrack Viewpoint 3000 with TV - $999

NordicTrack 4200 with TV - $1,499

NordicTrack X-5 Incline Trainer - $1,599

NordicTrack Apex 8500 with TV - $1,799

NordicTrack 7500 Elite - $1,799

NordicTrack Viewpoint 3500 with TV - $1,899

Nordictrack S 3000 Institutional Review - $2,999

NordicTrack A2550 - $1,699

NordicTrack Elite 7000 - $2,599

Also see NordicTrack Elliptical Trainer Reviews

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