Dear Mr. Waters,

I enjoyed reading your reviews of elliptical trainers.  I have been distressing about buying an elliptical to get in shape.  A little bit about myself.  I’m a tall guy, 6′6″ tall, built like a baseball player (235 lbs), but I’m out of shape.  Once upon a time, about a decade ago, I had a great routine involving running and using an elliptical.  I’d like to get back on the elliptical again, and am shopping for one.  I anticipate that I’ll be using it an hour a day for about 2 months (to get in shape for skiing), and then a few times a week after that.

I am comparing two models.  My preferred is the Proform ZE9, which is on sale at Dicks for $799.  And the other is the Nordic Track Audiostrider 990 Pro, which is $990 at Sears.  They are very similar, except the Proform has a longer stride.

My only concern is that I cannot find a review of the Proform ZE9 anywhere!  I’d like to do my homework to make sure I get a decent product, and I’d like to hear from others to make a decision as to whether to buy the warranty.

Can you help me?  Is the ZE9 a newer version of a comparable piece of equipment?  Would you recommend the extended warranty?  Any advice you can give would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks in advance!

Response:

Regarding the durability of these machines.  They both qualify as budget models.  They have a decent track record, but these are not heavy duty machines.  It looks like the ZE9 is the better value.

If you have a Dick’s in your area I also recommend you check out the Sole E25.  It cost $999, but has a 3-year parts warranty.  It has an incline feature, but it is manual.  All the Sole ellipticals have a very good service record.  The quality of the Sole E25 surpasses both the NordicTrack and the ProForm.

I hope that helps.
Fred

I’m down to deciding between three treadmills.  Sole F80, Spirit XT  385,  and Spirit XT 485. I am looking to use the machine five days a week running between 5-7 miles  a day at speeds of 7 or 8mph.  Although I am a male, I am much shorter  and weigh only 135 lbs so in truth can all these machines handle the demands I will put on them.  According to your review, Sole F80’s 3.0 motor can  handle running but  I noticed where your review stated that Spirit XT385 with a similar sized motor could not handle serious running.  Is this the case?

If  I go with Spirit is it best to go with Spirit XT485 considering the heavy demands I will put on it.  It is only me so no other users will be on this  machine.

 Thank you!

Reply:

I feel that either the Sole F80 or the Spirit XT385 should be adequate for your needs, especially considering your weight.
 
I’m not sure where you are considering buying from, but compare the  warranties.  Online the Sole warranty is 5-years parts and 2-years labor,  the Spirit is 10-years parts and 1-year labor.  Personally I would prefer  the longer service warranty.
 
Also, if you buy from Dick’s don’t buy their extended warranty.  It is a scam.
 
Fred

My wife and I are contemplating buying an elliptical for use in our home. There are so many brands and models out there it’s hard to know what’s best for us. I am 5’9” 180 lbs and my wife is 5’4” 125. Do have any advice on what elliptical we should consider in the $1,200 – $1,300 range and under. Either front, center on rear drive models. My wife prefers the look of the front and center drive versions but it is not a necessity. I would say that we would each use it about 5 times per week on average. I enjoy a more strenuous work out as well if that matters.

Any advice or guidance you could provide would be appreciated!

Hi Kyle,

Probably the best value, and best built machine in that price range is the Sole E35. It comes with a 5-year parts and 2-year labor warranty. The feedback has generally be very positive. Here is my review. http://www.fitness-equipment-source.com/elliptical-reviews/sole-e35.htm

Regards,

Fred

Thanks Fred –

I have read your review on the E35 as well as other reviews and it seems as though as you stated that the reviews are very favorable. My only concern with that machine is the size at 81”’s it takes up a lot of space. I’m still leaning towards that machine but do you have a front or center drive option with less of a footprint that you like that I might consider? Also, do you have a recommendation for a machine under $1,000 as well?

Thanks for your help,

Kyle

Kyle,

NordicTrack and ProForm have a center drive machine. The basic design and components. are the same The difference is the features. They range from $699-$899. They are decent machines, but by no means as heavy duty as the Sole E35. Also, their warranty is 1-year parts and labor. You may be able to find a version at your local Sears.

Here are the links.

http://www.fitness-equipment-source.com/elliptical-reviews/proform-crosswalk-850.html

http://www.fitness-equipment-source.com/elliptical-reviews/nordictrack-act-elliptical.htm

Fred

Thanks Fred.

Are there concerns regarding the durability of the ACT? If we extended the ACT warranty by a year at approximately $100 that would make the E35 about $300 more than the ACT but it appears the quality you get with the E35 is probably worth it.

Kyle

Kyle,

If I were to choose, I would pay the extra $300. I would put the NordicTrack ACT in the budget elliptical category. For the money it is not a bad machine, but not nearly as durable as the Sole E35.

There is a cheaper version of the Sole E35, which is the Sole E25 at $999. Structurely, they are the same machines, but on my review you can get a list of the differences. http://www.fitness-equipment-source.com/elliptical-reviews/nordictrack-act-elliptical.htm

 i am interested in buying the incline trainer however i have 1 question…can you run on this machine? obviously its not advised with the incline up but if the incline is laying flat is the motor quick enough for a light jog to a slow run? i have been told by a few people that its not fast enough to run on and its just a machine to walk on…i hope i can run on it…please let me knwo when you get the chance! thanks – amanda

Hi Amanda

Response

Yes, you can run on the Incline Trainer.  It goes up to 10 mph.  There is one issue.  You have a 54″ long treadbelt.  That is aan dequate length for an average height individual to run on.  However, the way the Incline Trainer is designed, when you lower the treadbelt a portion of it is positioned in front of the console.  You are going to lose several or more inches of running area when you have the belt at a level position.  Take a look at the photos on the left and you will see what I mean.

So which builds a better treadmill? It depends on the model and the current sales? Both ProForm and Horizon price their treadmills aggressively, and you will find drastic changes in the prices from one week to the next. That said, ProForm has some advantages due to the size of their parent company. As mentioned, Icon Fitness is the largest fitness equipment manufacturer in the world. They are not only #1, but are #1 by a considerable margin.

This affords Icon Fitness, and their brands like ProForm, some economic advantages. For example, their R&D is second to none, which have resulted in the some unique features like iFit technology. Workout programs on a disk that you can insert in certain of their models. the iFit programs follow an arranged series of treadmill training routines that control the the speed and incline of your machine. They are designed by professional trainers, and include audio coaching. You’ll find many ProForm treadmills have an abundance of features like fans, speakers (some with subwoofers), iPod/MP3 inputs and digital TVs.

In general, due to an economy of scale, ProForm can produce more for less. That doesn’t mean that Horizon can’t compete with certain models. For example, the Horizon T1201 and the T901 will match up well with any ProForm treadmills at the $999 price range.

So which model should you buy? First, it depend on your fitness needs and goals. If you are a jogger, neither brand will have a sufficient model at the $599 price range. You need to determine how you will use the machine, and how many users there will be. You also have to factor your weight and height. Taller users, especially runners, will need a treadmill with a longer deck.

Once you have determined your needs you can start looking for the model that will suite your needs. Compare the features and the prices from both brands. If you plan to spend more than $1,000, also compare models from NordicTrack, Smooth, Sole, BowFlex, PaceMaster and Spirit. However, below $800 ProForm and Horizon are the major contenders. Avoid treadmills below $500, you start to get into what I consider the throw-away models.

You can check my ratings and recommendations for the latest prices and special offers.

To a Healthy Life,

Fred

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)

I often get inquiries as to which is better a Sole treadmill or Smooth treadmill.  First, I have to confess that I use to work for Smooth several years ago, however, I believe both brands offer quality equipment at a value price.  Here are some considerations.

Both Sole and Smooth offer 2-year labor, 5-year parts and lifetime motor warranties on most of their models. This says something about the durability of their machines.  They would go broke with that kind of warranty if these treadmills did not hold up.

Sole sells online and through Dick’s Sporting Goods.  That means if you have a Dick’s in the area you can try one out.  Smooth online sells online.  Actually they have some retailers in limited areas.  Although I believe that the Smooth treadmills a excellent machines, if a reader contacts me for advice I will often suggest they go to Dick’s and see for themselves.  Although, the service and the expertise of the salespeople at Dick’s is rather poor.

Smooth has a better deal on their entry model.  They are currently selling the Smooth 5.45 for $899 with shipping.  The Sole F63 is selling for $999.  The Smooth 5.45 comes with a 2-year labor warranty.

The Sole F80 is one of the best values at $1,500.  It has a superb service record.  Their Sole F85 is a solid contender at $2,000.  However, Sole sells through other online resources and, as I mentioned, through Dick’s.  This limits them from running special offers and discounting their models.

Smooth primarily sells online and direct.  They are constantly running sales and offering incentives like free in-room delivery.  Also, their two top treadmills, the Smooth 9.45ST and Smooth 9.45TV come with lifetime parts warranties. 

So which is better, Smooth or Sole Treadmills?

If they continue selling the Smooth 5.45 at $899 with 2-years service, I may opt for that.  At $1,500 the Sole F80 is the winner, as is the Sole F85 at $2,000.  The Smooth 9.45ST with the lifetime warranty has some nice features and is a good buy at around $2,300.  The Smooth 9.45TV, with a 15″ flat screen TV, is the best TV equipped treadmill on the market.

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.