NordicTrack X9i Incline Trainer Treadmill Review

It is considered as one of the best incline treadmills from NordicTrack, the X9i Incline Trainer is certainly designed with highlight features that provide users with the most effective workouts. Although it still has some small downsides, this treadmill always makes their customers satisfied with benefits it can bring to them.

NordicTrack X9i Incline Trainer - Pros & Cons

Powerful motor

If you are finding a machine with a powerful motor for your intensive training, the X9i Incline Trainer is an ideal option. It has a 3.0 CHP continuous motor which can operate smoothly and quietly at a top speed up to 12MPH. This is not the strongest motor for an incline treadmill like a 5 HP motor of FreeMotion i11.9 Incline Trainer or a 4.50 CHP DurX motor of NordicTrack Incline Trainer X15i, however, it never makes users disappointed.

Tread belt

This running machine provides a 22×60 inch running belt equipped with a patented reflex cushioning that is super suitable for the tall users and has ability to prevent trainee’s feet, hips and joints from suffering the effects caused by the stride impact.

Inline and decline

With this treadmill, you not only have chance to enjoy 40% incline but also get benefits from more cross-training options thanks to 6% decline also. These high inline and decline levels allow users to do uphill or downhill workouts at home.

Read more: Top rated treadmills for home use

Programs

44 various inbuilt workout programs for speed, incline, calorie loss and intensity will not make you feel bored because you won’t have to repeat the same workout program. Besides, this machine enables you to enjoy more personalized workout programs through the iFit feature. With these various programs, you will always have something new for each single day.

iFit LIVE Built-In

Like other high-end models, the NordicTrack X9i treadmill features a built-in iFit feature which needs the Wi-Fi in your home to connect your treadmill to the Internet. This feature allows user to download extra workout programs or access the Google map routes not featured within the treadmill. Especially while most other treadmills come with the iFit compatibility without the iFit module, this model features an inbuilt iFit module. Therefore you don’t need to purchase the iFit module separately.

Web enabled Touchscreen

The web browser is built into the console and just by using the wireless internet in your home that lets you surf the net, read emails, checking in with Facebook friends or catch up on the latest news. Plus, the console is touch sensitive and is also full-color to help you see your workout stats or use it easily.

Built-in Tablet Holder

There is an adjustable built-in tablet holder placed above the console to keep your tablet at a suitable position allowing you to enjoy music movies or videos during your workouts.

iPod Compatibility

NordicTrack X9i comes with an iPod port to let you connect the MP3 device and enjoy your favorite music through the two 3-inch speakers during your exercise without getting too exhausted even when you do intensive training.

Warranty

NordicTrack provides customer with a lifetime warranty for frame, deck and motor, 5 years for electronics and parts and 2 years for labor when purchasing the X9i treadmill.

NordicTrack X9i Incline Trainer - My personal review

Comfort

The first thing makes I fall in love with this treadmill is its long running belt that allows me to take long strides comfortably. Moreover, since I used this unit, I have never experienced any pains on my joints or legs because the tread belt is well-cushioned and thanks to how it shifts my body weight. Besides, I don’t have to worry about disturbing my neighborhood by the noise caused by my treadmill as before.

The 2.5 inch rollers on the fitness machine indeed give a smooth and quiet workout session. Moreover, I feel that I can endure intensive training without getting too exhausted thanks to listening to my favorite music during working out through the iPod compatibility feature and two 3-inch speakers with a great rich sound.

Another nice feature makes me feel comfort when training on the machine is built-in cooling fans. I don’t need to use a separated fan to keep me cool during my training. These fans are also manually adjustable to help you set your own cooling rates depending on the workout program you choose. All these comfortable and supportive features help me beat every fatigue to make the best out of my exercise session.

Convenience

A 7 inch INTERACTIVE touch screen display designed with a web browser is very user-friendly for the runner. With it, I can track my speed, incline, calorie loss, time consumed and distance covered easily. Like most good treadmills on the market, the treadmill has heart rate monitoring feature but this is more convenient than other models because the Dual Handgrip sensors that are designed on the handle bars to let me monitor my heart rate easily. In addition to this, I also experience a wireless heart rate monitoring due to its wireless chest strap. Plus, in order to satisfy user’s entertainment needs, a tablet holder is designed to safe-keep my tablet at an appropriate position as I work out. It can be adjusted to my preferred viewing angle. However, the machine can’t be folded like other foldable models that will be a difficulty for those who only have a limited space at home.

Performance

Despite not having a 3-in-1 design that mimics a stair-climber, elliptical trainer and treadmill like on my old machine- the New Bowflex TreadClimber TC100, the X9i comes with outstanding features to be suitable for the needs of a runner who intends to make workouts for quick calorie burn (while New Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 is only used for walkers).

With this model, I not only have chance to burn calorie rapidly but also give my legs the ultimate fitness challenge thanks to running with a 12MPH speed and incline and decline levels (40% incline and a 6% decline level). New Bowflex TreadClimber TC100 used to make me surprised by burning up to 2.5x more calories compared to a standard treadmill so I can’t imagine that there is any machine can perform better than it. But this model of the NordicTrack can do that. It is proved to burn calories 5 times faster than when walking on the flat surfaces.

The new version of the X9i for 2016 also has extra-quiet performance. The motor responds quickly yet quietly to changes I make in speed and incline. Moreover, a powerful motor equipped on this machine can withstand a 350 pounds weight limit. It’s sturdy and stable enough for me to do productive workout sessions.

Quality and durability

In my opinion, it is very sturdy and durable despite its rather heavy weight. Its commercial quality motor can run stably even at highest speed without too noise or shake. A lifetime warranty on the motor as the way the manufacture ensures the quality of its product. The frame is also strong enough to withstand my heavy weight and heavy workouts.

NordicTrack designs the X9i Incline Trainer with 2.5″ rollers which is larger than ones on other machine is not only for quiet operation as I mentioned but also for promoting the machine’s longevity. Although, it comes with only 1-ply deck while most powerful treadmills have 2-ply deck such as on NordicTrack Incline Trainer X15i or Sole F80, I have never seen any signs of tear or wear after several months using it.

Use

I'm using it mostly for weight loss and it works effectively for me. A 350 pounds weight limit and a 22×60 inch running belt are can be suitable for most user even heavy and tall ones. While some incline trainers has lower speed so they are just used for walking. Base on the great features on this model, I highly recommend this treadmill for running, or for those who want to loves to run on intense incline levels, reshape their muscles and also loose calories in a big way. But it will not suit the narrow spaces.

Similar models to NordicTrack X9i Incline Trainer

NordicTrack Commercial 1750

The first similar treadmill of the X9i is the NordicTrack Commercial 1750. The 1750 has a Commercial 3.8 HP motor, a roomy 60″ x 22″ workout area with incline/decline, and advanced cushioning. Compared to the X9i, the track is 2″ wider and equipped with On/Off Cushioning to reduce the physical shock of exercise about 30% and in case you want to replicate the feel of running on asphalt, you just need to toggle the cushioning to “Off.”.

Especially, with a top speed of 12 mph combined with automated 15% incline and 3% decline level, this is also an ideal option for runners and is great for interval training. The Commercial 1750 comes with various workout programs focusing on interval training, speed training, calorie burn and heart rate control workouts. Besides, there are also other advanced features you can enjoy in this machine like on the X9i such as iFit, wireless heart rate monitoring, cooling fans or 7″ web-enabled touchscreen.

In addition to the model of NordicTrack which having similar features to the X9i, I also find out another similar model to it.

HORIZON ELITE T9

I would like to recommend HORIZON ELITE T9 as the best replacement for the X9i. Although this model has smaller motor (2.75) than the X9i, it still provides speeds from 0.5 to 12 MPH. Other typical similar features between them include a full 60″ x 20″ track, 44 Workout Programs, 350 pounds maximum weight capacity.

Moreover, if you feel the X9i is not convenient for you to store and move, HORIZON ELITE T9 with foldable feature will solve this issue. However, because of a little bit more expensive price, the X9i of course has better feature like 40% incline and -6 % decline level, burning calorie faster and so on.