NordicTrack X7i Incline Trainer Review
NordicTrack has 3 offers on the market for Incline Trainers. Besides NordicTrack X7i, you can buy a X3i Incline Trainer or a X5i Incline Trainer.
The difference between the 3 options is obvious. The NordicTrack X3i is available at $1,400, NordicTrack X5i at $1,600 while X7i costs $2,000 (excluding shipping costs for all options).
But, X7i Incline Trainer comes with new technological innovations which may worth the money: Touch Screen Technology, Google Maps workouts, better decline, more powerful motor, increased speed and much more.
Very important to mention is that this treadmill is for home use only (meaning this is not a gym or office machine, no matter how good or powerful its features may seem to be).
Find more about our opinion on this treadmill in Conclusions.
NordicTrack X7i Incline Trainer Specifications
1. Speed: 0 – 12 MPH (1 Touch Technology)
You have 2 options to change the incline: through up/down arrows or through 1 Touch technology. The first option is a classic. The 2nd one is a modern version. Through 1 Touch you can get to 1 mph speed by 1 push of a button (speed will increase gradually to the selected speed).
2. Inclination: 0-40% 1-Touch Incline and -6-0% 1-Touch Decline
The innovation of the NordicTrack X7 Incliner is that you can change the incline or decline of the treadmill with 1 touch. 1 Touch options on the console are: 40, 30, 20, 15, 10, 5, 0, -2, -4, -6.
When the incline is from -6% to 20%, the maximum speed is 12 mph; from 20.5% to 30%, the maximum speed is 8 mph; from 30.5% to 40%, the maximum speed is 6 mph.
3. Motor: 3.0 CHP DurX Commercial Pro Motor
Based on the international acknowledgement this is the smoothest, quietest motor available today. The lifetime warranty is a good sign this is true.
4. Belt: 20in x 55in (50,8 cm x 139,7 cm)
Belt is backed by Reflex Cushioning System for joint protection and workout comfort.
5. Supported User Weight: 350 lbs (158,76 kg)
6. Warranty:
You receive a Lifetime Frame Warranty, a Lifetime Motor Warranty and 1-Year Parts & Labor warranty.
NordicTrack X7i Incline Trainer Special Features
1. Console Includes:
- 7 inches Full-Color Touch-Screen Display
- 1 Touch control over Speed and Incline/Decline of the treadmill
- 29 preset workouts
- iFit LIVE workouts
- Different Displays mode
- US/Metric info display
2. Display Info:
The console offers different display modes. To select a display option, push Display button and use the up/down arrows to get to the one you want.
As you walk or run on the incline trainer, the display can show the following workout information:
- Elapsed time
- Approx. number of calories
- Distance
- Incline
- Speed
- A track representing 1/4 mile (400 meters)
- The time to complete one lap at the current speed setting
- Current lap
- Pace in minutes/mile or minutes/km
- Number of vertical feet climbed
- Heart Rate
3. Manual Mode:
When the key is inserted, the main menu appears. Push Start button on the Touch Screen or the Start button on the console. If you want to change the speed, know that each time you press one of the buttons, the speed setting will change by 0.1 mph; if you hold down the button, the speed setting will change in increments of 0.5 mph. If you want to choose a speed with decimals, like 5.5 mph—press two numbered buttons in succession (5 and immediately another 5).
4. Pre-set Workouts: 29 Total
The console includes twenty calorie burn workouts and nine all terrain trails workouts (Google trails). Each workout automatically controls the speed and incline of the incline trainer. Plus you can set a time, distance, or calorie goal for all workouts.
The 9 terrain workouts are: Arch Trail at Arches National Park, the Diamond Head Trail in Hawaii, Appalachian Trail in New Hampshire, Bright Angel at the Grand Canyon, Skyline Trail at Mount Rainier, Cathedral Rock in Nevada, Rapid River in Boise Idaho, Looking Glass in North Carolina and Panorama at Yosemite National Park.
5. Burn 5X the Calories:
Having enabled the 40% incline, the number of burned calories is higher as muscles activity is more intense.
Nordictrack X7i Incline Trainer has a 5 level calorie burn demonstration you can find more about on their website.
6. iFit LIVE Module:
The console includes the iFit Live module that allows the incline trainer to communicate with a wireless network which enables to download personalized workouts and to track and analyze workout results on the iFit Live website. Jillian Michaels is the personal trainer.
To use this feature you must have your own wireless network and a iFit.com membership. Settings Mode will allow you to do the proper technical set-up so that you can use this module. Read more about it in this review.
What does iFit LIVE module do? On the Nordictrack X7i Incliner this module is built-in to the Terrain Simulator, so you can experience trails all over the world. Plus, to simulate the physical features of the terrain, iFit Live automatically adjusts incline and decline up to 40% / -6%. You can race against Facebook friends personalize the workout schedule, track nutrition and activities, download workout videos.
7. Heart Rate readings: through Contact Handrails
To measure your heart rate correctly you must stand on the walking platform and hold the metal contacts on the handrails (like 10 seconds).
8. Calibration Mode
This feature allows you to calibrate incline and speed or to update the console software (process done automatically). You just need to push the right buttons.
9. Stereo Sound System:
You can connect an iPod, MP3 player or a CD player in the console. Sound volume is controlled from the console.
10. Fan:
It’s located on the console. You have 3 speed settings for control.
Conclusions
Well, NordicTrack X7i Incline Trainer is a futuristic piece of equipment. We like it a lot because this machine has the answer to many limitations other treadmills impose.
For example, on a treadmill you could get bored easily: X7i Incliner has so many workouts options this can’t happen so easily. Or, you consider that with a treadmill you can’t train correctly because you don’t have professional guidance: with X7i Incliner you have Jillian your own personal trainer.
Let’s say you consider that a treadmill doesn’t allow you to train for a real marathon (due to terrain or speed limitations): with this treadmill (40% incline, -6 decline options, google map based workouts and terrain simulations) you can easily train for a real marathon. Imagine that trail workouts have automatic control over speed and incline. All you need to do is get to the finish line. Yes, this is all for real 
You have to be warned that assembling or moving this treadmill is not a piece of cake. Assembly requires 2 persons. The same is required when you move the treadmill (we say 3 men are needed for this process). We have a recommendation to make, which saved our machine from braking before we even tested it. Before moving the treadmill, insert the key into the console, raise the incline to the maximum incline level, remove the key, and unplug the power cord. Only then you can move it.
Also, the technical requirements to set-up the iFit LIVE module can be overwhelming for non technical people. Just ask for an expert assistance if you need it.
But once you get over the set-up steps, you’ll find yourself in front of a complex machine with features that can satisfy all your expectations from a treadmill: touch screen, unlimited workouts, powerful motor, and exceptional incline/decline system.
Still, NordicTrack could do some improvements on the reflex cushioning system. To reproduce the real terrain feeling, the running surface should be a little rougher (maybe add Adjustable Shock Cylinders with a few levels of control). And the design could be also improved (the technical innovations should match the frame design accordingly). Right now the look is based on the same classic NordicTrack design.
One small detail we noticed. On one of their webpages NordicTrack lists a $3,000 web price for X7i Trainer Incline (with $1,000 discount available), but on another they list $2,000 only (no sale price). They should get the story to be the same on all webpages they own (for credibility reasons).
But, either way, this is definitely not a $3,000 machine. And the reason why it could worth spending $2,000 is because of all the latest technology they incorporate. In the end, we admit it’s nice to have the latest fashionable treadmill. Isn’t it?
Other reviews we strongly recommend if you are a Incline Trainer fan:
Read the Nordictrack Incline Trainer X3i Review or the Nordictrack X5i Incline Trainer Treadmill Review too. It’s good to have a lower priced treadmill if you don’t need all Incline X7i has to offer.
Follow the Mobia vs Treadclimber vs Incline Trainer link and you will read a comparison review between this product and 2 others that could worth your attention before deciding on which to spend your money: Mobia ($2,000) vs Bowflex Treadclimber ($3,300) vs Nordictrack X7i Incline Trainer ($2,000). Also you can check the official page for more details.
I was injured in a automobile accident in 05 and subsequently my balance is not so good. I suffered a head injury which put me into a wheelchair but I can still walk. I used your treadmill at Flaman in West Edmonton Mall and was greatly pleased because it has the rope that attaches to you as a safety (so if you fall it then stops saving you).That safety cord is the reason in which I will get one now because it has given the bonus to know that if I fall the treadmill won’t eat my face off should that happen.
@Paul – Thank you for your comment. We wish you all the best and a full recovery as early as possible! We look forward to your feedback after you train on it for a longer period of time.
Thanks for the write-up. I have had an X10 trainer for the last 6 years, but it has bit the dust. One thing I loved about the X10 is that it would go to 50% grade, and it had a long enough track to run as well as incline train. What is your experience with the X7 as far as typical running versus incline training? Is the track long and wide enough?
Thanks, Wes
@Wes – X7 has a 55 inches long belt. It’s long and wide enough to feel comfortable while running intensively (My height is 67 inches).
Please excuse me if this is a dumb question. This can be used at a 0 incline correct?
@Carmen, this is a good question. You can use it at 0% incline. It works as any other treadmill.
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I had such high hopes for this machine when I first bought it and for the first while it was an awesome training device. There were a few glitches at first which I was able to live with but over time those glitches have accumulated.
For starters, the timer has always been off by over 3 minutes per hour and the heart rate monitor never worked properly even when standing still and you should be able to take readings while moving otherwise what’s the purpose. I was able to live with these glitches as I always wear my heart rate monitor watch anyway which is far more accurate and I know is consistent throughout all forms of training.
I consider myself to be very athletic and use the machine at a fairly good pace and for long periods of time, sometimes over 2 hours. I thought the machine was quite noisy as well but then thought I could live with that too as I normally wear headphones and it blocks most of the noise. But the the drive shaft broke on the unit and I was told it would be weeks before anyone could come out. I decided to purchase a drive shaft myself and install it for the $60.00 it would cost and I had it up and running in three days.
So now finally the speed is off and again it will be weeks before anyone can even come and look at it let alone how long it might take to actually fix the unit, this is getting to be far too much and I would have to recommend highly against buying this machine, if these types of things continue past warranty, it will be nothing but one hassle after another.
This is essentially an extremely expensive piece of junk that is fast becoming a very expensive ugly piece of furniture only good for hanging clothes on to dry out out after going for a run on a real treadmill, stay away from this unit, and if you are thinking about spending this kind of cash, go with another company that has better service, you may rue the day you bought this heap of junk just as I do!!
@Steve – Thank you for taking the time to leave a comment. I agree with you that there are small compromises that can be made with any treadmill, like the handles bars heart rate readings. We always recommend the wireless heart rate as it offers more accurate results. The noise, is something to live with, as long as the treadmill operates well. My Incliner still resists well, after almost 2 years. I didn’t understand how long yours operated before the drive shaft broke. I hope that someone from Icon sees these comments and reacts quickly. I would be also upset in your situation. This type of support should take very little time. If you have the time to follow up, let us know when they get to fix the speed issues. Thanks again!
My height is 72 inches. Do you think that the belt is long enough for me to run? thank you
@Giuseppe – If you want to use the incline treadmill for running, then you may have the impression the belt is too short at high speed. It depends on how fast you usually run and how long your stride is. X9i incline would fit better for your height because it has a longer belt. If you want to use the treadmill for walking/jogging at high incline, you will have no problem with x7i. Happy training!
Stupid question – maybe- but I can’t get anywhere to test this trainer to answer it myself. Was wondering how high the ceilings had to be to use this machine at 40 incline – I am 6′ tall?
@Paul – This is a fair question. We didn’t make exact measurements, but I would say that the room height should be around 3 meters to exercise comfortably.
My heart rate icon is always on blocking the screen even when I don’t touch the pulse handles. I can’t see about 10% of the screen
@Terry – from your description, this seems to be a software error. We recommend contacting Nordictrack for technical assistance. This is the support link we use in such situations: https://service.nordictrack.com/CustomerService/contactUs.do?dr=NT If you can, please let us know what they replied. This is a new error for us, and I am sure the answer will be useful for us and other Nordictrack users in the future.
I bought my Nordictrack from Sears just over a year ago. I’ve used it for 10 months and then the problems started. 1) Belt wouldn’t stay tight. Called extended warranty company (UCS) and got replacement parts. Simple they used the wrong screws when it was built. 2) Belt won’t keep constant speed and sometime stops. Called warranty company again. They sent out a motor control board. 3) Belt won’t keep constant speed and sometimes stops- call warranty Company again, they didn’t know how to fix it. So they connected me to Nordictrack. They trouble shooted it and suggested a motor, another motor control board and a reed switch. Guess what…not fixed. 4) Now the tech needs to come out to either figure out what can still be wrong or say it can’t be fixed and it needs to be replaced. So now I have to leave work a 4th time to handle this piece of S*** machine.
I wouldn’t buy another of these machines. If you do I would get the extend warranty. It’s certainly has paid for its self.
@Chris – thank you for the comment. We are not happy to hear about your experience. We hope they can solve your problem soon. Keep us posted!
Hi, I was wondering what’s the slowest speed the treadmill starts at? Both this one and the Nordic X5i version. Does it start at 0.1 mph? Thanks!
@Katherine – When you press start, the walking belt begins to move at 1 mph with both x5i and x7i. I hope this info is helpful.
I’m looking for something that starts much slower, at 0.1 mph preferably.
@Katherine – please give me a few days to do some research and I will reply with a list of treadmills that start at 0.1 and are good purchases. Will send you the list by email
Thanks!