Nordic Track C100 Folding Treadmill

Nordic Track C100 treadmillPrice: £599
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Overall rating: 5
Ease of use: 5
Console features: 4
Value for money: 4.5
Comfort: 5
Build quality: 5

The Nordic Track C100 Treadmill was a pleasure to test. Having tested several Nordic Track treadmills in the past, including the T9.2 and T7.2, I was expecting great things from the C100 and I wasn’t disappointed.

Sleek and spacious build

The first notable point about the C100 is its overall look. As soon as you see it, you just know that it’s going to deliver in terms of comfort and performance. In comparison to other models at its price point, it stands out with its large, engaging console, sleek looks and solid build. I was impressed to see that it had a 51cm/20” wide treadbelt. This is the size you get on commercial models in the gym, so it is definitely nice and spacious.The length – 55”/140cm – doesn’t go amiss either. I’m tall (just over 6ft) and I was able to run naturally and confidently. Other treadmills at this price point will often have smaller treadbelts which can make it awkward, particularly for taller runners and sprinters.

Powerful motor

Also common at this price point would be less powerful motors. The C100 boasts a 2.75 CHP (continuous horse power) motor. Being a stronger motor, it means this treadmill offers a max speed of 20km/h and 10% incline. For me, that’s exactly what I’m after. In terms of speed, that’s right up there at the top for a home, non-commercial model and most people wouldn’t need any faster for home use.

Comfort features

Another key selling point about this treadmill is its FlexSelect™ adjustable cushioning. Basically, this allows you to change the feel of the treadbelt. You can either have a firm platform or a more cushioned surface which cuts down the impact on your joints. Personally, I think this functionality is inspired. It caters to everyone’s preferences and it couldn’t be easier to switch either – you simply twist a dial when the deck is lifted up. (Also easy to achieve with the assist lift and drop). And you can tell the difference – it’s not a gimmick. Add the spacious treadbelt size, and it’s the perfect combination.

Engaging and simple console

Nordic Track C100 treadmill console

The console on the C100 is very present. It’s wide and easy to navigate. Unlike other models in this price range that have far smaller consoles that can be tricky and fiddly to use while you’re running, this one is nice and big and has handy one touch incline and speed controls to make things easier. There is also an easy button to locate the programmes so it’s all made very simple. There are 16 programmes in total, which is a decent amount by any home model standards.

The only thing this machine does lack is the iFit Live compatibility you get with many of the other Nordic Track treadmills, such as the T9.2, T17.2 and T23.0. However, if you want that interactive training functionality, you will be looking at a higher price point. Although the C100 lacks the interactive training, it certainly makes up for it with its built in programmes, great looks and attractive price.

Space saving design

Nordic Track C100 treadmill folded

The C100 treadmill folds conveniently

The fact the treadmill can be folded away is definitely a key selling point. For many of us, having a treadmill constantly set up just isn’t practical, so the fact you can store the C100 tidily away is brilliant. It features an assisted drop so it’s very safe to open and close. And it means you can store it tidily without taking up loads of floor space.

Warranty

Nordic’s warranty of lifetime on frame, 10 years on motor and two years parts and labour is very good. One thing to remember though is that you have to register the warranty within 28 days of buying with Nordic Track or the 2 years parts and labour reverts to one year. Don’t be caught out! All details are included in the box with the treadmill. Just don’t forget to look.

Summary

Overall, this is a very high quality home treadmill, which is typical for Nordic Track. It’s a very solid machine, providing a stable platform for users up to 125kg (that’s approximately 19 and a half stone). It’s currently available at an amazing price at Fitness Superstore – just £599. Considering it’s just missing the iFit Live compatibility, I totally recommend it.

Buy Nordic Track C100 Treadmill at FItness Superstore. They have some great 360 degree view images too, so you can get a really good look.

 

 

Life Fitness F3 Folding Treadmill

Life Fitness F3 treadmillPrice: from £1999
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

Overall rating: 4
Ease of use: 5
Console features: 5
Value for money: 4
Comfort: 5
Build quality: 5

If you’re looking for a treadmill to use at home that has more in common with the commercial models, the Life Fitness F3 is a cracking choice. Starting at £1999 (with the Go console – the Life Fitness F3 Treadmill with Track Plus console bumps up the price to £2595) it’s a higher ticket price for a home treadmill but, as the saying goes, “you get what you pay for” and in this instance it’s quality.

The F3 offers excellent build throughout the machine as well as versatile training. Not only does it look the part (it’s really sleek and stylish) but I was particularly content with the running area. I felt very comfortable on the solid treadbelt, and I could really feel the difference from the Flexdeck Shock Absorption, which promises up to 30% reduction on impact. It definitely felt more comfortable than other home models.

As mentioned, you can choose between either the Go or Track Plus console. Both are easy to use and have USB connection, which is great. The Go console is more than adequate with 13 built in training programmes which offer great variety and handy controls like the warm up/cool down. However, if you’re looking for innovation, the Track Plus will certainly deliver as, on top of the 14 programmes, it comes with access to the Life Fitness Virtual Trainer website which lets you download countless more programmes. I also loved the fact I could link my iPad and access RunSocial (formally Paofit). It’s compatible with Android™ and Apple® fitness apps. Great!

As already said, the console is easy to use and a pretty cool feature is the “walk, jog, run” preset buttons. A brilliant quick use option.

One thing I can’t fail to point out is the fact that the F3 is fairly large for a home treadmill. But you can forgive that because the result is a far superior treadmill in terms of stability. It’s therefore brilliant that the treadmill folds. For me, it’s not critical I have a treadmill that folds, but if space is an issue, it’s great as it folds away so smoothly and is easy to manoeuvre. So it might be a bit big and bulky but it can still be conveniently stored away when not in use.

The warranty for the F3 treadmill is lifetime on frame and lifesprings, 10 years on motor and 3 years parts and labour.

Summary

The F3 folding treadmill from Life Fitness is as close to perfection as you will get within this price bracket. The deck is firm yet supportive, the console looks sleek and minimalist yet loaded with features, the price is on the high side but you’re paying for top quality equipment and the ease of use is second to none. Overall a great running experience can be had on the F3, especially if you link your iPad/tablet to it and take advantage of the apps that are available. The best one in my opinion is Runsocial by Paofit.

Buy at Fitness Superstore:

Life Fitness F3 Folding Treadmill with Go console
Life Fitness F3 Folding Treadmill with Track Plus console

 

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

NordicTrack T7.2 folding treadmill review

NordicTrack T7.2 treadmillPrice: £599
Buy From: Fitness Superstore

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

The NordicTrack T7.2 is a really good value treadmill. At £599, you get a really great machine for your money.

Technology focus

What I find really appealing about the NordicTracks is their technology focus. They’re well known for being innovators in the industry and this machine is great if you want lots of ways to bring variety into your training. With 20 workout apps to choose from to help motivate and track your training, it really helps to make running more fun, and means you can track your goals more easily.

Another key selling point for this treadmill is its iFit Live compatibility. By purchasing the iFit Live module, you’ll be able to take your training pretty much anywhere in the world by connecting to Google Earth. I really enjoyed running around Paris with my favourite running tracks playing on my iPod (the treadmill has an iPod compatible port). The Jillian Michaels personal training program is particularly impressive. I thought this was a really great program. Easy to follow, you can tailor it to you and it’s definitely one to get you motivated!

The module costs about £99, but you could check out higher spec models such as the NordicTrack T9.2 folding treadmill, which comes with iFit Live included when purchased through Fitness Superstore. It’s a bit pricier at £699, but a superior machine so you do get more for your money.

Comfortable training

The T7.2 includes the innovative cushion-deck, provided by DualShox cushioning which marries a cushioned strike area with a firmer take off very well. Of course, the higher spec models still offer a more comfortable experience but, for a treadmill at the lower end of the price scale, it’s certainly more than adequate.

Another good feature is the gym-width belt – 51cm wide by 140 cm long. What’s really good about a wider belt is that you have less chance of stepping off the belt, which can be dangerous. Lots of us tend to drift slightly when we run, so I really do recommend a belt of this width. Although the belt length area isn’t as long as a treadmill you’d find in a gym, it certainly caters to most. Only the exceptionally tall would have any difficulty. So if you are over 6 feet, you might want to consider alternative machines or at least test it out before buying.

With a 2.25 CHP DurX Motor, it has a self-cooling drive system with an axial fan, which reduces noise. Not the quietest treadmill ever, but certainly not offensively loud. Again, in this price range, I rate it as fairly good.

Safety

NordicTrack T7.2 treadmill folded

There are some good safety features with this treadmill, namely the EasyLift assist, which makes the treadmill easier to manage. The great design also allows the treadmill to be stored vertically, which is a great space saver and prevents it from being a hazard.

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 value treadmill in this price range, ideal for most users, though you may want to look at treadmills with a longer belt if you’re really tall. I also strongly recommend purchasing the iFit module to boost your training as this is what makes these treadmills stand out from the crowd.