Saturday, June 25th
2022 Treadmill Reviews
Nordictrack
- Cost: $1,099 to $3,799
NordicTrack may be on your radar for its cross-training machines that have been featured on TV ads for decades, but their treadmills have a lot to offer as well. The brand is part of the Icon Health and Fitness group; sister brand ProForm is also featured in our reviews. The parent company enjoys a fantastic "A+" rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Equipment overview:
- Treadmill Style: Non-Folding
- Price Range: $1,099 to $3,799
- Different Models: 8
- Financing Available: Yes
- Livestream Classes Included: Yes, with iFit membership
- Incline Range: Up to 12% or 40%, depending on the model; some include decline settings
- Speed Range: Up to 12 mph
- Return Policy: 30 days plus $250 return shipping charge
- Warranty: 10 years on the frame; 2 years on the parts; 1 year on labor
- Shipping: $199
Entry-level treadmill not lacking in features
NordicTrack's base model is the EXP 7i, reasonably priced at $1,099. What will you get at that price point? A tiny 7" touchscreen, for one (get your magnifying glass). But, otherwise, this is a fantastic entry-level treadmill, with inclines from 0-12%, speeds up to 12 mph, a powerful motor that uses NordicTrack's Smart-Response drive system with reduced vibration and self-cooling, and a 300-lb. user weight capacity. Even the warranty is impressive for this "basic" treadmill: 10 years of coverage on the frame, 2 years on parts, and 1 year on labor.
Up to 40% incline available
If you want a treadmill with extreme incline capabilities, NordicTrack is likely going to be high on your list of favorites. (See what we did there?) Two of their models, the Commercial X22i and Commercial X32i, have an incline range from -5% all the way up to a staggering (literally) 40%. We've used one of these machines at a 40% incline and can say from experience that it's intense - and that you will need to put this treadmill in a room with higher-than-average ceilings.
Complimentary 1-year iFit membership
Every NordicTrack incline trainer comes with a complimentary 1-year membership to iFit. Whether you want on-demand workouts or live sessions with personal trainers, you'll get it here. Your trainer can digitally adjust your speed and incline to match the training they're giving you. The iFit platform includes options for strength training, yoga and mindfulness, and many other modalities well beyond running or walking on your treadmill.
Bluetooth capabilities on all machines
And, either in your iFIt session or during your self-directed workout, you can sync your Bluetooth-capable headphones to your treadmill: making it seamless to hear your trainer or your best Spotify playlist.
Many complaints, but all handled well
How about this company's reputation? While Icon has that perfect rating from the BBB, that's a little surprising given that there were over 1200 complaints closed in the 12 months prior to this review. How does a company have that many negative reviews and still come away with a flawless "A+" ? By responding appropriately and consistently to each complaint. That's not easy to do during times of high demand, inventory shortages, and problems with delivery partners across the country (as you'll see if you read some of the other retailers' reviews here), but Icon seems to be handling it well across all of the company's brands.
Glowing reviews on the treadmills
And, there aren't too many complaints about the treadmills themselves. Read through the reviews on the NordicTrack site and elsewhere and you'll find descriptions like "transformative" and "best machine I've ever owned" .
No free shipping here
So, why does NordicTrack get a 4-star rating instead of a 4.5 stars like its sister brand, ProForm? It's the extra $199 you'll have to pay for shipping. (ProForm delivers for free.) If we're really splitting hairs, we'll also mention that one of NordicTrack's 10 treadmill models was out of stock at the time of our most recent visit, while all of ProForm's 5 machines were in stock.
Trustworthy option for buying treadmills
In every other regard, the two brands come in neck-and-neck. This makes NordicTrack one of our favorite options for buying a new treadmill: a fantastic blend of higher-end features and world-class durability, all priced within reach of most customers.
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Where Can You Find the Best Treadmills?
With so many people dropping their gym memberships and turning to home fitness, it's no surprise that these popular cardio machines have seen a dramatic rise in popularity. You may have even tried to shop for one, only to find that they're out of stock - indefinitely!
Fortunately, there are several online retailers that have managed to keep up with demand on all types of treadmills, from budget models with the most basic features to the high-tech equipment with all the bells and whistles. If you're buying a treadmill for the first time, you might feel a little lost as to what to look for.
Treadmill FAQ
Continued from above...
Your first consideration might be your budget, so keep in mind that you can get decent, entry-level treadmills for under $750. If money is no object, decide which features matter the most to you. For example, do you want the biggest variety of workouts? In that case, look for treadmills that have a wide range of incline settings: most machines with an incline will give you up to 15%, but some go as high as 40%.
One of today's most sought-after features in the home fitness world is the ability to access live workouts. This is a fantastic substitute for expensive boutique gym classes or even your average fitness center workout: take classes with top trainers from around the world, compete with other people on a live leaderboard, or access pre-recorded workouts (not just for the treadmill, but also for strength, yoga, and much more). Not every treadmill has that capability built in: you might have to prop up your tablet or smartphone on the machine's console and use a third-party app to get it done.
As you decide which type of treadmill you want and where to buy it, here are several additional factors to keep in mind:
- Availability. Does the retailer have treadmills in stock for immediate shipment? If not, how long is the wait time to get your machine delivered?
- Treadmill Features. If you need a machine with specific capabilities, like decline settings or Bluetooth connectivity, does the store offer something that works? Be sure to consider other features like folding vs. non-folding models, user weight capacity, room space requirements (especially if you're choosing a treadmill with a high incline setting), and so on.
- Price. Can you get a treadmill that fits your budget? Don't forget to factor in any required delivery fees: some retailers include shipping in the cost, but others may charge up to $400 for shipping and set-up.
- Reputation. What do customers say about the durability and overall performance of the treadmill? Are there any complaints filed with the Better Business Bureau? Does the company get high marks for customer service?
- Warranty. What kind of coverage does your treadmill have if something breaks down? Most treadmills come with a lifetime warranty on the frame and welds and more limited terms on the motor, belt and electronics - but some only cover those components for a year or less.
TopConsumerReviews.com has reviewed and ranked the best online retailers of treadmills available today. We hope this information helps you find the right fitness equipment for your home - at the best price!
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