NordicTrack Elite 2900 Treadmill Review

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The NordicTrack Elite 2900 is no longer available. See the NordicTrack Review Page for the latest models.

The NordicTrack Elite 2900 Treadmill is a solid jogging machine, with several innovative features. NordicTrack is a subsidiary of Icon Fitness, the largest fitness equipment company in the world. They have the leading R&D in the industry, which produces some excellent ideas. In addition, due to the economy of scale and their massive sales volume, NordicTrack can offer some of the best value for treadmills.

The Elite 2900 is a serious contender for the competitive $1,500 price range. Here are several important reasons why:

• iFIT Technology -If you've read any of my other NordicTrack Review you know I feel this is an outstanding feature. With the iFIT workout cards the treadmill speed, incline and duration is controlled, providing a challenging workout. That alone is nothing special, since all treadmills have installed programs. What makes the iFIT technology unique is certified personal trainers design the workouts.
  
  There are four categories of cards - weight loss, performance, wellness and body shaping. Each card has 24 workouts that cover an 8-week period. With each workout there is an audio of the trainer, who motivates and encourages you. The trainer also recommends ways to improve your performance with tips on posture, stride, breathing, etc. A very cool feature that gets people moving.
  
  
• DuraSoft Advanced Cushioning - This is another unique concept from NordicTrack. You can actually adjust the shock absorption of the Elite 2900 deck. There is a handle along the deck, which you slide forward or backwards. Although you will not notice a dramatic difference, you can make the cushioning sturdier or softer, depending on your preference.
  
  
• 20"X 60" Treadbelt - Most treadmills are 53"-55". That is ideal for walking and medium height users, but if you plan to jog or are above 6'1", having an extra long treadbelt makes a difference. You don't feel like you are falling off the end.

There is one feature I thought was different. It is the "Workout Intensity Meter." A light goes from blue to red. This alerts you to the level of your exercise and whether it is measuring up to your fitness goal. Now if they could add an electrical shock that would really motivate you.

Other features include:

• 2.75" HP continuous duty motor - Adequate for joggers, but upgrade if you are a serious runner.
• Built-in fan - It will not blow you away, but does provide some relief.
• 21 installed workout programs, which is a generous selection. You get selections that focus on different goals like weight loss and competitive training.

My one criticism is with the display. I prefer multi-window consoles. With the Elite 2900 you have one window, but they manage to cram all the necessary feedback into that area. Here is one feature I found novel - you get an animated display of yourself either walking, jogging or running. The animation changes as you change speeds. Not sure if that will result in losing more weight, but it caught my attention.

In addition, the warranty is not that impressive, except for the generous lifetime coverage on the motor. Parts and labor are one year. You can upgrade to 2-years for $89. Not bad. I would consider the 4-year coverage for $149. That is a bargain.

Our Review - NordicTrack Elite 2900 Treadmill

The Elite 2900 has comparable features to other major contenders in the $1,500 price range (Sole F80, Smooth 6.45, BowFlex 7). However, the iFIT technology and the 60" deck make it stand out. Also, I recently talked to their corporate office and they mentioned this particular model had a good service track record.

It offers a good value if you find it at $1,500 with shipping. To learn more and see a video on the iFIT go to the product page.

Also See:

NordicTrack A2350 Treadmill

NordicTrack A2550 Treadmill

NordicTrack Elite 7000

NordicTrack Elite 7500