2012 9.35 model from Smooth

Check out next our review and go to Conclusions for a more detailed overview.

Specifications

Speed: up to 12 mph

Speed buttons are located on the handlebar.

Incline: up to 15 levels

Incline buttons are located on the handlebar.

Motor: 4.0 CHP

Belt: 21 in x 62/ 53.3 cm x 157

Cushioning System: Im-Pression Shock Absorption system

Folding Options: not included

Maximum User Weight: 400 lbs/ 181.82 kg

Unit Dimensions: 79 in L x 34 W x 57 H

Unit Weight: 297 lbs/ 135 kg

Warranty: lifetime for frame and motor, 7 years for parts and 2 years for labor

Features

Display Info

The blue backlit LCD display offers feedback information on speed, time, distance, incline, calories burned and heart rate control.

Other buttons available are: Quick keys for speed and incline, Quick start/ pause and Program select. There is also a button for Fan.

Heart Rate Info

You can either check your heart rate by using the handgrips or the wireless chest strap.

Workouts

Users can choose out of 31 available workouts, of which 8 preset Incline workouts, 8 preset Speed workouts, 5 Speed/ Incline, 4 Heart Rate, 1 fitness test and 4 custom programs.

To start a program, press Program select key, select Program and press Enter. Press Speed +/- to change the program and press Enter. Set time and level by pressing Speed +/ -. Start the workout.

There are 4 HR workouts: Target HR, Fat Burn, Cardio, Performance. Also press Speed +/- to select the desired program. Set time and target heart rate and begin the workout.

To customize a program, press Program Select and press Enter. There are 4 customs for the users to build their own program. Set speed, incline and time and start the workout.

Speed and incline buttons are located on the handlebars.

Virtual Fitness Trainer - included

This feature tracks your progress and creates custom workouts for you. Additionally, you get tips and advice to help your performance.

SmoothSound Audio system without iPod compatibility – included

QuickChange Handrail Speed and Incline controls – included

SmoothAir Two Speed Fan – included

Transprt Wheels – included

Water bottle holders – included

Features Presentation Video from Smooth

Conclusions

As any premium treadmill is supposed to be, Smooth 9.35 Treadmill ranks well in all categories. You get performance, protection and great warranty. Not to mention a wide running surface. Here is why you should check out the 9.35 model before making your purchase decision.

Pros

A major advantage of this treadmill is the large running surface. No user should be afraid of falling of the treadmill. No taller user should worry about a longer pace and all users up to 400 lbs will feel comfortable on this belt. Of course, a responsibility this big can only be powered by a monster motor. The 9.35 model incorporates a powerful motor that runs smoothly till the end, no strains whatsoever.

Moreover, a motor this powerful can only be backed up by a matching cushioning system. The patented cushioning system of 9.35 is the perfect match to this heavy-duty treadmill. Even after the most difficult workouts , we feel brand new and fresh, no pain, no strain.

We really like this treadmill. It gives us a stable feeling that has never failed us so far. Moreover, the workouts array is wide enough for all users to satisfy their fitness goals, depending on their fitness level. As a plus, a fitness test is available for avid runners.

The warranty is great, there is also a 2 speed fan to cool off at any time and the console is quite aesthetic. Also, the sound system works like a charm.

Main Attraction

The cool thing about this treadmill is the Virtual Fitness trainer that boosts any user’s performance. It is also a great motivation tool.

Speed and incline buttons are located in the handlebars and I know no runner who doesn’t find this feature a great advantage.

And on top of it all, you also get to check your heart rate wirelessly.

Drawbacks

Given all of the above, I see no drawback that may make your reconsider your choice.

To conclude, this $2000 unit is indeed a premium machine. It looks like one and acts like one. We’ve only been satisfied so far which is why we warmly recommend the 9.35 from Smooth.

Click here for the official page of this model at Smooth website.

Request for comments:

Have you run on the 2012 Smooth 9.35 treadmill? How did you like it? Would you recommend it to other runners as a home treadmill?

You can buy this treadmill:

At Amazon: Smooth Fitness 9.35HR Treadmill for 1799 $

At Smooth Fitness: Smooth Fitness 9.35HR Treadmill for 1999 $

Assembly of any treadmill can be tough, especially if you’re not the handyman or handy woman type. Extra help, besides manual and exploded diagrams, is always welcome. We don’t like paying extra for assembly from the manufacturer, even if, sometimes, we should. In most cases, 2 persons are needed to assembly a treadmill, it takes around 2-3 hours to do it, and you make more mess than you would like to. Icon Fitness models are not the exception to this rule.

In the next NordicTrack videos we’ve found the help we needed to have a treadmill up and running.

The NordicTrack Elite 9500 Pro Assembly Video

The NordicTrack X9i Incline Trainer Assembly Video

The NordicTrack C 900 Assembly Video

The NordicTrack T 7 Assembly Video

The assembly is not the only tough part. Calibration of a treadmill’s speed and incline is also an important step, and that’s why you should know how it’s done properly. We believe Icon Fitness videos will help you, so we’ve listed them below.

Incline Calibration Video, Standard Console

Incline Calibration Video, Touch Screen Console

How To Calibrate Speed Video

How To Center The Belt Video

How To Lubricate The Walking Belt Video

How To Tension The Walking Belt Video

If you have another Icon Fitness treadmill, like ProForm, FreeMotion, HealthRider, or Rebook, the maintenance instructions will fit for them too.

Osprey

What it brings to the table is a series of indisputable advantages, but lacks some of the key requirements.

Follow us next for a review of the Osprey unit and jump to Conclusions for a wider perspective over this model.

Specifications

Speed: up to 11 mph

Incline: up to 12%

Motor: 2.75 HP Continuous Duty

Belt: 20 in. x 52 in./ 51 cm x 132

Cushioning System: Swing Arm with Progressive shock absorption deck

Folding Option: included

Maximum User Weight: 300 lbs/ 136 kg

Unit Dimensions: 69 in L x 34 W x 55H/ 175 cm x 86.4 x 139.7

Unit Weight: 154 lbs/ 70 kg

Warranty: lifetime for frame and motor, 5 years for parts and electronics, 2 years for in-home labor

Features

Display Info

The large LED display records user’s age, gender, weight, height and fitness level. Feedback is offered on distance, time, speed, incline, pulse.

Other buttons are LCD display, Program button, Express Incline and Speed buttons.

There is a Sleep mode and a Display mode for store display purposes.

Heart Rate Info

You can either use the hand grips or the wireless strap to check your heart rate.

Workouts

The Osprey treadmill comes with 16 programs of which: 3 Target programs (Time, Speed, Distance), 3 preset programs with 12 levels of intensity each, Speed interval program with 12 levels of intensity, Weight Loss program, 5K running or walking “LEARN” program, Heart Rate control programs and a Fitness Test.

To start a program, press the program buttons when the treadmill is on Power On mode. If you’re a first time user, you must set up your profile. There are 9 available user profiles. Set gender, weight, height, age and the user target heart rate.

After completing user information setup, press Speed Up/ Down to adjust the workout load level from 1 to 9. Press Stop/ Enter to confirm. Begin the workout you want by selecting the appropriate button.

Calculate your maximum heart rate by using the following formula: 220 minus age.

IWM system- included

Speakers with MP3 input- included

Water bottle holders -2

Conclusions

The Osprey treadmill was a surprise for us. Backed up by unique engineering, the Osprey unit is suitable for users with average heights and weights that focus on walking, jogging and running. Moreover, this is a treadmill for those with a limited budget.

Pros

The motor is powerful enough for joggers and walkers. The cool thing about it is that it incorporates a technology that allows the smooth running of the tread belt. It’s quiet and smooth and has a lifetime guarantee.

The cushioning system does a great job at protecting users from impact. The cushioning system is also based on a Yowza patented system that adjusts the cushions to your stride and keeps you safe from harm all workout long. As far as protection goes, this is a star treadmill. We’re here to represent it.

A major turn on is the 9 user profiles availability. This treadmill not only invites your family to join in, but also your friends. It’s a great motivational tool that has proven its results. Most of our friends see us working out and they say they would too, but they’re not that convinced. Until we say they can create their own profiles. This is a major fire starter.

Once they get on the belt, they can choose out of 16 workouts, which is quite surprising and satisfactory. Workouts are specifically created for each type of goal and also include a Fitness Test which is an advantage for avid runners.
The console is by far catchy. Yowza is renowned for the sleek console designs and Osprey is here to take the legacy forward. It has nice perks, it’s easy to use and looks cool.

Not to mention, you get a low maintenance deck which won’t require any extra and of course, the quality of all the components is indisputable. Yowza has proven to be a trustworthy treadmill producer. The warranty states it as well.

Main attraction

The highlight of this treadmill is the Transformer technology. No, it’s not any SF-kind of story, but a treadmill that has a new kind of folding frame, with components of higher quality than most folding treadmills. Not to mention it features a gas-assisted lifting system that makes folding much easier.

The IWM system patented by Yowza is also featured on the Osprey model. This system allows you to monitor your weight and adjust your workouts so that they meet your weight target. Plus, you get accurate feedback on no of calories you’ve burned, which is a kicker if you have weight problems and if you lack motivation.

Drawbacks

But there is one detail that may throw you off completely. The deck is 52 in. long. I know, it’s a major party pooper. The Sebring model has a longer belt, you may want to check it out.

And another minus is that you shouldn’t expect any fans to cool you off, cause there aren’t any. But there is a cool down mode that is kind of convenient.

We recommend the Osprey treadmill for the Transformer technology, high quality components, program variety, killer features and accurate feedback options, all for $1100.

Click here for the product page at Yowza website.

You can buy this treadmill:

At Yowza Fitness: Osprey Transformer Treadmill for 1000 $

A compilation of decent quality, interesting functionality, various preset programming options, all in a space saver treadmill. Nevertheless, it has its share of imperfections that may determine you to look somewhere else.

Read our detailed review on the T 5.7 and go to Conclusions for a final overview.

Specifications

Speed: up to 10 mph 1-Touch

Incline: up to 12% 1-Touch

Motor: 2.5 CHP DURX

Belt: 20 in x 55/ 51 cm x 139.7

Cushioning System: Dual Shox system

Folding Option: Space Saver System

Maximum User Weight: 325 lbs/ 147 kg

Warranty: lifetime for frame, 25 years for motor, 1 year for parts and labor

Features

Display Info

The 6″ backlit display tracks elapsed time, walked/ run distance, workout intensity bar, approx no of calories you’ve burned, incline, no of vertical feet, speed, heart rate and also shows a matrix that offers several display tabs. Press increase/ decrease to reach the desired tab.

The My Trail tab shows a track that represents ¼ mile/ 400m. As you work out, the flashing sign shows your progress. The intensity level bar shows the approximate intensity level of your exercise. Press Stop, remove key and reinsert key to reset.

1-Touch speed and incline controls ease up any alterations you want to perform during workouts.

The T 5.7 also features a 7 x 30 scrolling Cross Trainer display that offers graphic feedback on your workout and alerts you when it’s time for cross-training exercises.

Heart Rate Readings

The T 5.7 allows you to check your heart rate by using the Cardiogrip heart rate monitor or the wireless chest pulse, but the latter is not included in the price.

Workouts

This console features 20 onboard workouts, of which 10 calorie workouts and 10 distance workouts.

To start in Manual mode, press the Manual control button. To select an onboard workout, press either Calorie or Distance button repeatedly. Once your selection is done, the display shows duration, distance, name, maximum speed setting and maximum incline setting. A profile of the speed settings will appear in the matrix. For Calorie workouts, you’ll also be given the approx no of calories you’ll be burning. Start the workout.

The T 5.7 also features iFit Live technology that you can use by purchasing separately the iFit Live module. Insert the Live module into the console, select a user and then select an iFit Live workout by pressing one of the iFit Live workouts buttons. Before downloading any workout, you must add them to your queue.

Information Mode

This mode keeps track of treadmill information and allows you to personalize console settings. Hold down Stop while inserting the key into the console and then release the Stop button.

Stereo Sound System with iPod compatibility- included

iFit Live - Compatible, but not included.

The Module Must be purchased separately.

Fan - not included

Conclusions

The T 5.7 treadmill proves that Nordictrack is keen on offering more (quality, features and programming) for less ($). This unit brings forward the basic attributes of treadmills in its price range plus a wide array of impressive other perks. This treadmill sets the stage for average weight and average height walkers and joggers, but we recommend it only to those interested in light jogging, and not on a daily basis.

Pros

In motor talk, continuous duty means that the motor runs with no strains. The T 5.7 offers just that plus the power to sustain even highest inclines and speeds. Still, incline doesn’t feel sturdy at maximum speed and incline. Avid runners should find a more advanced machine.

The cushioning system is not the best of the best, but still it’s comfortable to the feet. Working out on the T 5.7 is definitely not a pamper, but still the cushioning is efficient enough.

Talking about the console, what I can say is that it looks good and works great. Sure, not the sleekest of them all, but definitely an equipment easy to use and follow. Plus, the matrix keeps you constantly connected to your performance, which is a nice motivational tool.

Additionally, the T 5.7 introduces the cross-trainer display that shows graphic feedback of your workouts. How great is that? Plus, you’re being alerted when it’s time for cross-training. It may not sound like much, but this is another way to keep up your motivation.

Are you an iPod fan? Great. You’ll definitely like the sound of your favorite tunes. The sound system is one of the best ever found in this price range.

Workouts are plenty, mainly Calories and Distance. If you consider yourself out of this range, you should check out other treadmills with more diverse selection of programs.

The warranty is convenient, plus you get to fold it.

Main attraction

The quality of this machine is the main attraction. Moreover, assembling doesn’t require too much time and it’s quite easy.

Sure, you also benefit from iFit compatibility.

Drawbacks

But then again, you have to buy the iFit Live module separately. We’re not talking about a fortune, but still it’s collateral investment. Still, once you get it, you benefit from many customization options and detailed performance tracking.

The T 5.7 has wireless heart monitoring compatibility, but once again, you have to purchase it separately.

We do recommend this treadmill for the overall experience, for the user-friendly programming options, its power and feature diversity. Maybe $1300 is a bit spicy for the reduced running surface and the appealing gadgets that you must buy separately, but if on sale (like max $1,000), the T 5.7 is a definite catch for a home treadmill.

Click here for the product page at NordicTrack website.

I have owned a Sole S77 treadmill for almost two years. The treadmill comes with a lifetime warranty for most major components and a two year in home repair warranty for all parts.

The original Sole S77 I purchased was a great treadmill when it works, but unfortunately it had several parts that needed to be replaced or repaired during the time I had it. The first problem with the treadmill occurred a couple months after I got it. Bearings in the rear roller broke and the roller had to be replaced. Sole initially thought it was a front roller issue, but after replacing that roller they had to replace the rear one. So, those were the first two visits from the Sole repairman to my house. About eight months later, the console of the treadmill malfunctioned and Sole sent me new boards and cables to be replaced. The treadmill worked again for a couple months and then the console crashed again. In response, Sole sent an entirely new console. Another two visits from the repairman and the treadmill was working. A few months later, I noticed a squeaking noise in the deck of the treadmill. Sole sent me new cushions to install in the deck. The squeaking persisted, and then a bracket on the frame snapped off. It was a bad weld which resulted in the frame breaking (see photos). Sole saw the pictures of the frame and sent me a new S77 treadmill to replace the original one.

I got my new S77 treadmill delivered and set it up. It looked great, but when I turned it on the motor sounded like an outboard engine from a boat and it vibrated a lot. There was also a thumping sound coming from the rear roller. I called Sole and held the phone next to the treadmill. They said the noise from the motor was so loud they thought they were in the same room with me. The tech from Sole also said it sounded worse than a motor would after 10 years of heavy use. The sad thing is that this was a BRAND NEW treadmill straight from the manufacturer.

Sole sent a replacement motor, the repairman installed it, and the noise was still there. Sole sent another motor and new front and rear rollers, the repairman installed them, but the noise still didn’t go away. Sole concluded it was an electronic problem with either the motor board or the power regulator. So, more parts were mailed to me. They were installed and the outboard motor sound was gone.

However, the repairs were not over. Once the outboard motor sound was fixed, a new motor issue was identified. The brush cover on the most recent motor replaced was damaged during shipping and the plastic finger from the brush cover was lodged somewhere in the motor, causing a scraping sound. Sole is now sending another motor. That will be the fourth service call in six weeks since the second treadmill was delivered. With luck, the treadmill will be fixed. With a little more luck, it might not have the same frequency of problems as the original S77 I purchased less than 2 years ago.

Sole obviously has some quality control issues with their suppliers. Despite the great service from Sole, I am hard pressed to recommend buying a treadmill from them due to the quality control problems from their manufacturer. Also, I learned that the warranty for their products begins with the original purchase. So in my case, I have a couple months left on my 2 year warranty and then I am stuck paying for repairs. Even though Sole sent me a BRAND NEW treadmill, it is treated for warranty purposes like it was bought 1 1/2 years ago. So, if a console, motor, roller, etc. breaks six month from now (or sooner) which has been my experience on multiple occasions, I am stuck with the repair bill (even if Sole replaces defective parts – or frames a year down the road).

I hope Sole can fix the problems with quality control, because the customer service is solid from the company. But, for people like me who buy treadmills to actually use them, the routine downtime with the unit is unacceptable.

I am sure that, at some point, each runner has had the occasion to express his or her opinion about treadmills during a conversation with other runners. Some love it, others hate it, and the rest of the crowd prefers keeping a neutral position in the debate.

If you’re reading this post, it means you’re considering exploring the advantages of treadmills. I want to put my 5 years experience with treadmills to good use and help you find your own answer to this question by sharing the 4 treadmill interactive systems that have made my exercising more fun.

1. iFIT Live

From my point of view, iFIT Live is the top of the interactive systems of the moment that allows you to control both workouts and your diet information. This feature connects the treadmill console to your own iFIT account through a wireless Internet connection and downloads from there trainer workouts, Google Maps workouts, event and competition workouts. Once you download the workouts in the console, you start running. You can access your iFIT account from any computer or your iPhone to schedule the workouts for the next days, weeks or months. Results will be recorded in the treadmill console and then be sent back to your account through the Wi-Fi connection, so you can keep records of your progress from one place.

The fun part is when you use the Google Maps workouts with the automatic terrain simulator option. You may run in Paris, London, Boston, New York, on a mountain trail or wherever your heart desires. Time flies quickly when there are so many workouts options. Plus, you get to see your progress and the ‘surroundings’ while you exercise (the 10 inch display is the nicest view of all).

To use this system, we recommend ProForm Trailrunner 4.0 and FreeMotion 770 Interactive.

Your costs  are 0 for the first year when you see the mention that iFIT is included with your purchase. At the end of this period you can renew with $80/year. When you see the mention that iFIT is compatible, you must pay the subscription from the beginning, and sometimes you may also need to buy the iFIT module separately.

2. Life Fitness Virtual Trainer

Life Fitness has thought of a useful way for users to create workouts and upload/download them to treadmills consoles, no matter if they use a compatible machine at the gym or at home. This is how Virtual Trainer works: you create an account with them, customize workouts, plugin a regular USB and save on it the exercises from your account. Through the same USB, you upload the workouts in the treadmill’s console and start running.

The fun part is the iPhone/iPad application that communicates and synchronizes data with the Life Fitness account and the treadmill console, without any USB system. It is entertaining to have the liberty to create workouts from anywhere. Plus, you can receive help and workouts suggestions from online friends (or buddies, how they are called by Life Fitness).

To use this system, we recommend the Track Console with the 2012 F3 or T3 treadmill.

Your costs are 0, as long as the treadmill is compatible with the Life Fitness Virtual Trainer. The iPhone app has extra features that you can add for a fee, like the workouts from Life Fitness trainers ($2.99 per download).

3. Livestrong Fitness Passport Set Top Box

The people at Livestrong have built the Fitness Passport Set Top Box to make the treadmill workout experience fun with just a TV screen and a box.  You can run on trails anywhere in the world at your own pace, and enjoy the “surroundings” at the same time. The video quality of the trails adds an authentic note to the outdoor simulations.

The fun part is the visual and the audio experience that can make you feel almost as if you were running outdoors.

To use this system, we recommend the LSPRO2 treadmill.

Your costs are 0, if you want to use the 2 trails included in the package. Extra video packs can be purchased online.

4. Lifespan/Smoth Fitness Club

Video Presentation From SMOOTH, Virtual Fitness Trainer

Lifespan Fitness Club or My Smooth Virtual Trainer are literally the same thing. That is why I’m listing them together. In this system users correlate the workouts’ intensity with their health condition. Even if health assessment is an interesting and unique functionality, it’s better to have this analysis done by your own physician.  The rest of the features are similar to what I’ve described above: you create workouts, schedule them and upload the results to your PC, in your account, all through an USB device. You also have professional assistance to help you design customized workouts.

There is actually no fun part with this system, but it is helpful for those who like Life Span or Smooth treadmills and want to workout efficiently. Setting goals and planning the steps to achieve them have an important part in a solid exercise program. 

To use this system, we recommend Lifespan TR1200i ,  LifeSpan TR3000i and Smooth 8.35

Your costs are 0, if your treadmill includes lifetime membership included. If it’s not included, don’t pay extra.

What Do You Do When You’re Bored On The Treadmill

All of us struggle to find the enthusiasm to run on treadmills. I’ve shared a few interactive systems that I find interesting and fun enough to distract me from the cruel truth that running indoors is sometimes boring. How about you? I’m looking forward to hearing your thoughts on how you break through the monotony. Share your ideas in the comments.

The X9i has a series of high-quality basics and a variety of irresistible features and technologies, all meant to make losing weight fun and efficient. The extra long running surface in particular is a feature that distinguishes this unit from many others.

Follow us next for a detailed review and go to Conclusions for a final overlook on the X9i Incliner.

Specifications

Speed: up to 12 mph 1-Touch

Incline: up to 40% 1-Touch

Decline: -6-0% 1-Touch

Motor: 3.0 CHP DurX Commercial Motor

Belt: 20 in x 62/ 51 cm x 158

Cushioning System: Reflex system

Folding Option: not included

Maximum User Weight: 350 lbs/ 159 kg

Unit Dimensions:

Length: 69″ (175 cm)
Width: 37″ (94 cm)

Warranty: lifetime for motor and frame, 5 years for parts & electronics, 2 years for labor.

Treadmill Assembly Video from NordicTrack

The NordicTrack X9i Incline Trainer Assembly Video

Features

Display Info

The full-color 10″ touch screen displays info on incline, elapsed time, time left (except for Manual mode), approx number of burned calories, approx number of calories you’re burning/ h, distance, number of vertical feet you have climbed, speed, a ¼ mile track, pace in min/ mile, current lap number and heart rate.

The displays at the top of the screen show 2 types of information. Touch each display until you get the information you desire.

Use Back and Home buttons to navigate the tablet.

The console features a browser powered by Android. You only need to connect it to your wireless network to use it.

Heart Rate Info

The X9i comes with the Cardiogrip heart rate monitor and the Wireless Chest Pulse, included in the price.

Workouts

The console features a selection of 44 built-in workouts apps. Workouts include 8 Calorie, 8 Intensity, 8 Speed, 8 Incline and 6 iFit Live demo workouts.

To use the manual mode, touch the Home button from the main menu.

To use an onboard workout, press Calorie, Intensity or Incline button or simply touch the runner icon on the screen. Select the desired workout and you’ll get name, duration and distance of the workout. Also, you’ll get a glimpse on the no of calories you’ll be burning during workout. Start the workout.

To use a Set-a-Goal workout, select the main menu and touch the Set-a-Goal button on the screen or press the Set-a-Goal button on the console. Set a calorie, distance, time or pace goal by touching the appropriate button. Touch increase/ decrease buttons to set incline and speed.

To use an iFit workout, you first need a wireless network and an iFit account. Log in to your iFit account and download a workout from your schedule by touching Map, Train, Video or Lose Weight button. Download other workouts to continuously create a schedule. You can also compete in a previously scheduled race by touching the Compete button. Touch Track to view your workout history. You can switch users by touching the user button.

Information Mode

This mode allows you to choose a language and the unit of measurement, turn on/ off display mode and enable/ disable key. Touch the Equipment Settings button to get to this mode.

Maintenance Mode

This mode allows users to update console’s firmware, calibrate the incline, the screen, view technical info and view a button’s keycode.

Wireless Network Mode

To get to this mode and set up a wireless network connection, touch the Wireless Network button. Stereo sound system with iPod compatibility- included

Internet Browser powered by Android

Touch the globe button near the lower left corner of the screen. Then, select a website.

iFit technology powered by Google Maps- included (with a one year subscription activated at registration)

2 Autobreeze workout fans- included

Conclusions

The X9i Incline Trainer from Nordictrack is indisputably a unique treadmill. For $2000, you get not only quality basics but also simply irresistible extras that make it worth the whole time you’ve been searching for your home treadmill. The X9i is the ultimate combination of 5 star functionality and great programming.

But let’s leave the superlatives aside and let’s check what this treadmill brings to the table.

Pros

Where to start? First off, this is a sturdy and powerful treadmill, sturdier than the x7i Incliner or X5i for example.

Its motor is created for smooth, quiet and prolonged workouts, even in the fiercest conditions. A commercial grade motor can only be joined by an equally efficient cushioning system. The technology used by Nordictrack ensures full impact absorption across the entire running surface. We find this technology pretty much amazing.

Talking about the running surface, here we have a more than average belt, able to sustain taller and heavier users. This treadmill really does accommodate every user.

The program variety is quite generous. It’s usually the case that reaching your goals entails strong motivation and effective workouts. The X9i marks them both and brings forward a wide selection of programs that you can edit and set up as you desire. And easily that is, because this treadmill has an advanced console with touch screen, so you can imagine by now how easily it is to just touch few buttons and make all the settings you want, even during workouts. The Set-a-Goal center is quite user-friendly as you get to custom your workouts to match your needs. Customization is a weapon for fitness success, that’s what I say.

Not to mention, you get the chest strap included in the price. And the warranty is above satisfactory. So, does it get any better than this?

Main attraction

Yes! How does 40% incline and -6% decline sound, on a sturdy treadmill? Pretty great, right? Especially if you’re interested in losing weight and developing muscles. The advantage with incline trainers is that you don’t need to run fast to accomplish these goals.

The buzz also surrounds the iFit technology powered by Google Maps that is simply a great combination. You get to customize your workouts, to track them and check permanently your progress, to train for higher goals and, on top of it, to run around the world. Sounds good to me. This system replaces the User Profiles feature usually integrated in the console software. From the iFIT account you can switch between users, and download personalized workouts directly in the console.

If you’re a busy runner and can’t get the time for your daily workout, you can always check your e-mails and do your reading while burning those calories. The Browser powered by Android can help you do that. It works smoothly, loads quickly and massively boosts motivation.

And additionally, the fan does its job perfectly.

Drawbacks

Any cons? Yes, there are at least 2 we are aware of. At 40% incline, it gets a bit louder, but only if you see other users on the treadmill. Otherwise, you won’t even notice it. You’ll be too exhausted from the workout to hear it anyway.

The iFIT subscription you receive at registration expires after one year. Then you must start paying for this service.

All in all, we totally recommend this unit that is 5-stars in every single way you can imagine. $2000 doesn’t sound like too much for a treadmill that is this great.

If you have a story with NordicTrack Incliners to tell, write us.

Click here for the product’s page at NordicTrack.

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I ordered a Nordictrack Elite 9500 Pro treadmill from Sears on Jan 25, 2012 and it was delivered sometime around Feb 2nd. This treadmill is incredibly heavy, and it had some very minor damage to the box when it was delivered. When I opened the box, I noticed that the plastic panels (top and bottom) of the treadmill at the front had some minor damage (holes, cracks, and they were out of alignment).

It looked like it might be just cosmetic damage, but I called up Icon Fitness customer support anyway. The person I talked to was very friendly and seemed very knowledgeable, and he recommended that I have the panels replaced. He placed an order for me (all covered by warranty), and the parts shipped promptly.

A few days later (after I was able to get some help to move the treadmill to where I wanted it installed), I put the machine together, carefully following the instructions in the instruction manual. After I had it assembled, I followed instructions and tried to calibrate the incline. The machine jiggled a little bit for a few minutes, then did nothing for a while, and after that it said that the calibration failed. After calibration failed, nothing worked any more (I couldn’t start the treadmill or get it to do anything other than just play around with the touch screen).

At this point, the plastic panels had not arrived yet, so I called up customer service to let them know, and they added an note to the work order request for the technician to check out the incline. At this point, I was disappointed, but you have to expect things like this to happen sometimes.

The new panels for the treadmill arrived shortly afterwards, and I had been told to call up the repair company that would be doing the repairs. I tried calling a half dozen times during the day, and always just received an answering message. I finally gave up figuring that they didn’t actually answer their phones and expected me to leave a message. I left a message saying the parts were here, and could they please schedule someone to come and take a look at the machine.

About a week later, the contractor finally got back to me and asked me if the parts had arrived yet (obviously they never listened to my message). This was the first time that I started to get a little annoyed, but there wasn’t much I could do about it. I scheduled an appointment for the next week (by the time the technician even showed up at my house, it was about three weeks after I had first contacted Icon Fitness).

The technician showed up on time, and rather than investigate the reason for the unit not working, he proceeded to take the unit apart so he could replace the plastic panels. He disconnected many of the wires, removed a few major internal pieces, and started complaining about how difficult it was to replace the panels. After an hour or so, he told me that there were major bent pieces inside and that the frame must have been dropped. He said there wasn’t any point continuing with the installation until ordering those pieces, and so he said he would order them and that he would come back with a helper to make installation easier.

I waited for about 5 days, and then called Icon Fitness customer service to see what the status was. The person I talked to said that the replacement items had been “noted”, but that the order had not been placed. The Icon Fitness representative said he would take care of it, and I received an order status later that day, and the items shipped soon afterwards.

As soon as I received the tracking number for the parts, I called up the technician directly to see if we could schedule an appointment. The technician said he was booked for several weeks, and that I would need to wait for his “scheduler” to get back to me (at some unknown point in the future). This was very frustrating to me (and I never had a good impression of this technician anyway), so I called up Icon Fitness to see if they could send someone else.

Again, Icon Fitness handled my call very professionally, and two days later I was called by another repair company and they scheduled an appointment for about a week later. The person who came this time seemed much more knowledgeable. He looked at my treadmill with horror, and asked who had left the unit completely disassembled. He said he couldn’t put it together without a wiring diagram.

In addition, he said that if the incline was not working, they needed to either replace the incline motor or the main control board. He also looked at the new parts that the previous technician had ordered, and said that there was nothing wrong with the supposed “bent pieces” and suggested that the previous technician probably just ordered them so he could get out of working on my job and move on to his next appointment. This thought hadn’t occurred to me, but did seem very consistent with how the previous technician had been acting. The previous technician had also continuously mentioned that he wanted extra help, so that may have been on his mind as well.

So, the second technician ordered yet more parts, and then left without being able to work on my treadmill at all. A few days later, new parts arrived and a new technician called up to schedule an appointment (same company this time, but just a different technician). He tried to schedule an appointment while I was away on spring break, and at my request, the appointment was moved a week later. This time, the technician that arrived seemed very competent and a hard worker.

I had called up Icon Fitness support to get the wiring diagram, and after printing it out and giving it to him, he went about putting my treadmill together. He worked for about 2-3 hours before finally getting everything together and replacing the panels and the parts associated with the incline function. He tried to start the treadmill to see if he could calibrate it, but nothing worked at all. The touch screen operated, but didn’t seem to be talking to the rest of the treadmill.

So, the technician called Icon Fitness and after about 15 minutes of debugging, they decided the unit needed a new console. So the new console was ordered two days ago, and today I received an email saying that the console is out of stock. At this point, who knows when they will have the parts and be able to schedule another appointment.

It is really hard to imagine that after more than two months of having this treadmill, it has not worked once, and I don’t know when it will ever work.

I had considered returning it, and called up Sears (who I had ordered it from). They said I could return it and they would send me a UPS tag. The treadmill weights about 375 poinds, so I doubt that UPS would ever have picked it up. Besides, I had arranged things and bought floor mats for the treadmill, and I really did want to see it get working. I explained this to Sears, and they said they could make arrangements, or they could give me a 10% rebate for my troubles. I decided to take the money and work with Icon Fitness to see if they could make the treadmill actually work.

On a side note, I tried to post a negative review to Icon Fitness’s website. I wrote up a review that I thought stated only facts (it was similar in tone to what I wrote in this message). I got an email back from Icon Fitness with a link to click to validate my email address and make the review go live. Well, I clicked that link but my review never went live, nor did I receive any explanation as to why my review was rejected.

I sent numerous emails back to Icon Fitness asking why my review was not posted, and never even received a response. Without any feedback as to why my review was rejected, it leaves me with no other conclusion than that they are “cherry picking” their reviews to only post the positive ones.

To summarize, here are a few of my thoughts:

1) The Icon Fitness customer service people I talked to were always very professional and easy to get ahold of, and when they shipped parts, the parts always shipped promptly (except for the out of stock main console that I’m still waiting on). The quality of their representatives is not a problem.

2) My experience with the quality of the technicians they work with was not very positive (I guess mostly just the first one, so it could have just been bad luck)

3) Icon Fitness does a horrible job of managing the scheduling of repairs. They should be the one calling up the repair technicians to schedule and not me. They also should be smart enough to figure out that the technicians are heavily booked, and they should schedule appointments at the same time that the parts ship. It has been over two months since I first called Icon Fitness, and I’ve only had three visits from a technician (an average of about three weeks from when I contact Icon Fitness until a technician actually arrives at my house). They could easily manage this much better.

4) There should be some limit on repair times, and if they cannot fix the unit within a reasonable amount of time, they should just ship a new unit. Even if the next technician replaces the console soon and makes the unit work, it will have been 2 1/2 months. That is just a ridiculous amount of time. Any time I try to talk to Icon Fitness about this, they simply say we only do what the technician requests.

5) While the customer service agents were always professional, I felt that they could have noticed how messed up my order has been, and made some sort of effort to get more urgent service. I did ask (very nicely) to talk to a manager, but my request was denied. Instead, they just kept following the formula of sending more parts and more technicians.

6) Icon Fitness should be more honest with the reviews they post on their site and allow me to post a bad review. The other complaints I have are more a matter of “competence”, but this one is a matter of honesty and integrity. It just seems incredibly dishonest to only post positive reviews on your site, and it makes me wonder what they are trying to hide. If they though my review was not appropriate, at least they could have told me why, but they did not seem to want to do that.

Icon Fitness customer representatives have been trying to sell me their extended warranty. What sort of value is an extended warranty if it takes them more than two months to do a repair?

Anyway, that is my story. I made the mistake of cancelling my fitness club membership when my treadmill arrived. Silly me. I’ve now basically given up mentally on the treadmill ever working, and am trying to do runs outside (although the weather isn’t great for running here at the moment).

Thank you for listening!
Ron Miller

Answer:
We recommend the following treadmills, depending on the budget you have to spend:

$1000 budget – LifeSpan 1200i is the right choice.

$1500 budget – Sole F80 would be our choice because it has adjustable cushion system and you can modify it as you feel comfortable.

$2000 budget – We warmly recommend the Precor 9.27. Precor has patented cushion systems installed with all their treadmills and they are worth every penny. If you have more than $2000 to spend, you can always choose a Precor treadmill with the Foot Plant technology included (these are the 3.1, 3.3 and 3.5 models)

We are always available to help. So please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have more questions.

Answer:
To change the distance format display, you must access the Console Settings:

1. Remove the key from the console
2. Hold down the Stop Button and at the same time insert the Key in the console
3. The display will show the ‘English’ (miles) or Metric (for kilometeres).
4. Press ‘Speed’ button to select the system of measurement you want