NordicTrack Treadmill Review
NordicTrack was an early entrant into the home fitness market with their skiing machines, which proved popular with people wanting the benefits of the intense workout offered by cross country skiing but without the snow! That was well over 20 years ago and since then things have moved on a bit. NordicTrack branched out into other areas - treadmills, elliptical trainers, exercise bikes - and attracted the attention of Icon Health and Fitness, a behometh in the exercise equipment market. Pre-Icon, NordicTrack weren't exactly the best choice on the market and suffered from poor build quality and components and terrible warranties. Quite why they sold so well I don't know, but NordicTrack had a certain cache that proved enduring. However, Icon shook things up and improved things considerably, turning NordicTrack into a half decent brand in the process. There are basically two sides to NordicTrack's treadmill business - machines aimed at the home market that retail for around $700-$2,500 and commercial machines that top $4,000.
NordicTrack Treadmill Review - First Impressions...
NordicTrack's range is pretty extensive, partly due to Icon's policy of rebadging identical treadmills across their portfolio of brands. It's hard to tell some NordicTrack models from an Image or HealthRider treadmill.One thing to be clear on with NordicTrack is to go for the newer models. The older machines have been left behind by new developments in treadmill technology and belong in a museum. Whilst the commercial models are pretty good, it's the mid-price range that NordicTrack has really targetted in recent years. This is evident in common features such as the myriad of electronic features and controls, Reflex Decks and impact absorption systems. Our NordicTrack treadmill review found machines stuffed with workout programs, calorie and carb counters, display consoles with enough lights to leave a sizeable carbon footprint, TVs, cooling fans, sound systems and speakers...all that's missing is a fridge and shower! The decks are pretty good and offer a comfortable surface on which to walk or run, which I liked. Responsive and not too spongy, they were kind to my knees when I tried out a couple of models at a local store. However, my main problem with most NordicTrack treadmills are the weak motors and warranties on the home models. A 2.0 to 2.5 HP continuous drive motor just doesn't cut it on a $1,600 treadmill with the likes of Sole around. And as for the warranties -- a lifetime warranty on the motor seems pretty generous, but a mere one year on parts and labour? Looking for the best price on Nordic Track treadmills? Let our Treadmill Buying Guide help you.
NordicTrack Treadmill Review - So What do we Think...?So how do NordicTrack treadmills stand up to the best of the competition?Hmm, well the mid-price models aren't rubbish, but they fall some way short of class leading brands like Spirit. Half decent build quality, stability and value for money with weak motors and so-so warranties. One exception is the S3000 treadmill, which is a brilliant, solid, heavy duty, value for money machine. The commercial machines are well worth a look, but do you really need to spend over $4,000 on a treadmill for home use? Nope, as half that will get you a brilliant machine from another manufacturer like Sole that will serve you just as well over the long term. Not convinced? If you're set on a NordicTrack, WorkoutWarehouse.com NordicTrack S3000 Treadmill Review
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