NordicTrack T9.2 folding treadmill review

NordicTrack T18 TreadmillPrice: £699
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Overall Rating: 4
Build Quality: 4
Ease of use: 4
Console Features: 4.5
Comfort: 4
Value for Money: 4.5

If you’re looking for a good value treadmill that delivers in terms of technology, I would recommend the NordicTrack T9.2. At a price of £699, the T9.2 has much to offer including iFit Live technology compatibility, a wide range of programmes so you can adapt your workouts and good safety features.

Far superior in terms of spec in comparison to other treadmill brands in this price range, I was particularly impressed with the inclusion of iFit Live when purchased via Fitness Superstore. Although I’ve tried this out before on the NordicTrack T7.2, I had to purchase this as an additional module to reap the benefit of it.

If you’ve not used iFit Live before, you really should give it a try. It’s certainly helped me get through a 15k run when I’ve not been in the mood. Basically, it allows you to log onto the web and connect to Google Earth. You can then choose any destination to run in, taking your training pretty much anywhere you like in the world. I’ve tested out loads of pre-programmed destinations via my TV (you can also use your computer/laptop), such as the Sydney Harbour, but you can try pretty much anywhere. It definitely beats staring at a wall!

Comfortable training experience

NordicTrack T9.2 treadmill belt

With a cushion-deck, provided by DualShox cushioning, this is definitely one of the softer treadmills on the market in this price range. The result is a comfortable, smooth running experience, whether it’s a light jog or a run. However, when really sprinting, it did feel a bit uncomfortable and was quite noisy so serious runners may want to look at alternative, higher spec models.

The motor size is really good with a top speed of 20kph, which caters for most runners. Despite the larger motor, I also found the T9.2 treadmill quieter in comparison to earlier models, though still quite noisy compared to other treadmills.

The treadmill belt is a nice size. At 51cm wide by 140 cm long, it’s the width you’d find on treadmills at the gym. The benefit is that it caters to most (except the really tall) and also means you don’t need to worry about slightly drifting as you run, which is very common. With a 150kg maximum user weight, the overall feel was very sturdy too and though I’m only 85kg myself, I feel confident it would provide a comfortable running experience even if you’re closer to the weight limit.

Peace of mind

A key feature of this folding treadmill is definitely the soft drop lowering system. When folding the treadmill away, it effectively self-lowers, making it far more manageable, meaning less chance of damaging the machine or yourself. I tested this out by asking my wife to fold it away. At 5 feet tall, she managed it without any problems at all.

The standard warranty is 1 year parts & labour. However, you can get this extended free of charge to 2 years parts & labour if you register it with Nordic Track by warranty card or via their website within 28 days.

Summary

Overall, a really good treadmill in this price range, ideal for most users. However, if you’re very tall, I would suggest looking for a longer treadmill belt (longer than 140cm) and trying before you buy. Serious runners may also want to look for a stronger model too to get superior comfort.

NordicTrack T18.0 Treadmill Review

NordicTrack T18 TreadmillPrice: £899
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Overall Rating: 4
Build Quality: 3.5
Ease of use: 4
Console Features: 5
Comfort: 4
Value for Money: 4

 

The T18.0 is a treadmill from the upper end of the NordicTrack range.  As a brand Nordic are well known for being innovators in the fitness industry, often the first to include the latest technology on their products.

Starting with the 3.0 CHP Durx TM  Commercial Pro motor, it is dynamically spin balanced which provides superior performance, claiming to reduce both vibration and noise. With a peak power output of 4.5HP, this motor is well capable of propelling users up to a maximum speed of 22km/h with a maximum incline of 15%. This puts it near the top of the pile in terms of out and out performance amongst the majority of folding treadmills. You would normally associate these sort of figures with non folding or even commercial machines.

The belt is large (51cm wide by 152cm long) and well capable of accommodating users of any height and the 160kg (25 stone) maximum weight capacity means the T18.0 really does cater for everyone.

The result of a treadmill this large and robust is that it takes up a fair amount of space at 210cm long by 97cm wide when in use.  The impact reduction control TM cushioning system is well sprung, reducing impact by 15-33% and incorporates a movable isolator to allow users to change the support from mimicking road running to providing a softer, joint friendlier workout.

The deck is foldable, using the patented Spacesaver design with Easylift TM assist and soft drop mechanism so that despite its substantial size, literally anyone can fold or unfold it very easily indeed.  The console is large, but then it does incorporate a lot of features.

NordicTrack T18 Treadmill ConsoleThere are 28 different preset workouts utilising speed, incline or both at the same time and calorie burn, all designed to get maximum results. The LED display shows all the feedback and program profiles clearly and brightly and there is a Polar heart rate sensor and included chest strap to go with the pulse grip sensors on the handles. These will only monitor heart rate however, as there are no heart rate control programs included.

If that isn’t enough variety for you then there is also the option of subscribing to iFit Live as reviewed in more detail on other Nordic Track models. A years subscription will cost £99.95 including the wireless module. An ipod compatible music port with speakers is the icing on the cake for this feature packed console.  As is often the case with NordicTrack products, specification is the first priority, sometimes at the detriment to build quality.

Not so here, this is a lot of treadmill for the money and with the standard 2 year parts and labour warranty with 10 years on the motor you do actually feel as though it would stand the test of time which is not something you can say about all of the Nordic range!  One annoying gripe I did have however, was that there is nowhere on the console to put a water bottle!

PROS

  • Massive amount of specification
  • Huge motor and belt size suitable for all user types
  • Easy to fold

CONS

  • Very large treadmill for the home market
  • No water bottle storage facility

In summary then, if you have the room for a big treadmill, want to spend less than £1000 and you want loads of program options, entertainment features, a soft adjustable running deck and the ability to run at very fast speeds in absolute stability then look no further.  Just remember you will have to get off every time you want a drink of water!

Price: £899
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Horizon T4000 Premier Treadmill Review

Horizon-T4000-TreadmillPrice: £999
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Overall Rating: 4.5
Build Quality: 4
Ease of use: 4
Console Features: 5
Comfort: 5
Value for Money: 4

Having reviewed both the Elite 507 and the T5000 models from the Horizon range, it was difficult to envisage exactly what the T4000 would bring to the table. The answer in a nutshell is a slightly smaller, less expensive alternative to its bigger cousins.

So, what exactly has been sacrificed with the launch of the T4000? Well in truth, all of the important features are all present and correct. It has the same 2.5HP digital drive motor and the same 4.4mm thick orthopaedic belt and VCS cushioning system.

Horizon-T4000-Treadmill-ConsoleWhat Horizon have done is effectively remove some of the bells and whistles. There are still 10 programmes including heart rate control and custom design options and the pulse grip and polar console chip remains. (wireless chest strap an optional accessory) The feedback via the LED display is easy to read and navigation is very similar to the 507.

There are no ergo jog wheels, no ipod dock like the T5000 and the running belt is slightly shorter. But, at 51cm x 140cm this will only potentially be an issue for users over 6ft 4 or those with a particularly long stride.

It is still a robust performer with a 25 stone weight capacity, although at high speed there was some movement in the frame and the console did vibrate a little.  This however, seems a relatively small compromise when you can purchase the T4000 for £300 less than either a T5000 or an Elite 507. This makes for a very comfortable, well made treadmill on the right side of £1000.

This puts it in a different price category and frankly seems to offer quite a lot more than the competition at this level.  Other manufacturers seem to have focused more on motivational features, like Nordic Tracks iFit Modules and SD card programmes and ipod docking systems but then compromise on the overall build quality as a result.

Horizon Fitness have maintained great build quality (the same 5 year parts and 3 years labour warranty applied to all their models) and brought it into a very competitive market place without many compromises at all.

PROS

  • Great cushioning system, very comfortable running surface.
  • Compact and easy to fold.
  • Solid, class leading build quality with a great warranty.
  • Price tag, a lot of treadmill for the money.

CONS

  • Some motor noise and frame vibration at high speeds with heavy users.

In summary then, the T4000 treadmill represents great value and is certainly one of the best treadmills around for the price.  In terms of comfort, reliability and build quality, three of the most important priorities when choosing a home treadmill you will struggle to find anything better. It may not be the most sophisticated console but there will be more than enough features and variation for most people.

Best Price: £999
Buy From: Fitness Superstore