So, you want the freedom and convenience of an in-home treadmill, but don’t want to compromise on the quality of commercial gym quality? Today, we are going to investigate a popular treadmill that promises to fill that gap without breaking your budget. It’s the NordicTrack T9.5S.
How do the benefits and features of the NordicTrack T9.5S weigh up against the price?
About NordicTrack
The history of NordicTrack dates back to 1975, with the introduction to the market of the revolutionary ski machine. The company quickly established itself as a major force in the home fitness market. In 1998, NordicTrack was acquired by Icon Health and Fitness. In the 2000s, NordicTrack extended their range of cardio and strength training equipment. Their product range now includes ellipticals, exercise bikes, and treadmills.
NordicTrack T9.5 S
Key Specs:
- Motor: 3.6 CHP
- Running Belt: 20” x 60”
- Speed: 0-12 mph
- Max User Weight: 300 lbs.
- Dimensions: 78.9” L x 35.5” W x 59.4”
PROS:
CONS:
50 Programs
The NordicTrack T9.5S is stacked with an incredible 50 workout programs. That provides you with enough versatility and workout functionality to do a different professionally created workout every day for almost two months! This is a great feature that will ensure that you will never get bored. It also provides workout programs for all members of the family and every fitness level.
Flex Select Cushioning
NordicTrack’s Flex Select cushioning softens the impact of every running step by engaging dampeners. This ensures joint-friendly low impact cushioning and closely simulates a real running experience.
SMART Response Drive System
The NordicTrack T9.5S is powered by a 3.6 CHP DurX Commercial Plus Motor. This provides plenty of power to produce a smooth, quiet running experience. The max speed on this treadmill is 12 miles per hour, which is pretty standard for this price range and allows for a pretty intense workout.
There are a couple of extra features to the drive system worth noting. First, it has a self-cooling system to ensure that the treadmill never overheats. Secondly, the drive system has a larger than normal housing, which makes sure that there is no vibration.
Foldable
The NordicTrack T9.5S is a foldable treadmill. This allows you to use it in challenging space environments, folding it so that it can be stored vertically when not in use. A simple one-touch system smoothly folds and unfolds the treadmill.
Console
The console on the NordicTrack T9.5S impresses with its 14-inch full-color touchscreen. This makes your training experience a lot more attractive as you follow the onscreen programs. The console also provides you with a music port with built-in speakers. You also get a dual-speed workout fan to cool you down.
iFit
The NordicTrack T9.5S comes with a free 12-month membership to iFit. Through iFit, you can access thousands (more than 16,000 at last count) of workout programs. You are also able to simulate running in any environment, following the best running trails from around the globe. There are also trainer-led programs that provide complete guidance through your workout by a certified personal trainer.
Warranty
NordicTrack support purchasers with a decent warranty. Here is what they provide:
- Lifetime warranty on the frame and motor
- 5-year warranty on parts
- 2-year warranty on labor
You will find quite a few treadmills, even in this price range, that only provide you with a 12-month labor warranty, so 2 years is a good deal here.
Auto Incline
The NordicTrack T9.5S provides you with a 0-12 percent auto incline function. The incline is controlled by an easily accessible button on the console so that you can easily adjust the angle of the running belt mid-workout. This makes it great for high-intensity interval training.
What’s Not So Good
The NordicTrack T9.5S impresses in many regards. However, there are a couple of things that we don’t like. The weight limit of 300 pounds is a little on the light side for a commercial quality treadmill in this price range. An extra fifty pounds would add to the durability and allow larger people to use the machine.
The running deck of the NordicTrack T9.5S, at 20” x 60” will suit most users. However, people who are taller than 6’2” would benefit from an extra couple of inches in either direction. There also appears to be a catch with the 12 months of free iFit subscription. You will need to provide your credit card details in order to access this offer, which may (understandably) make some people feel wary.
What Others Are Saying
The NordicTrack T9.5S has a very high rating from many customers. Many reviewers commented on the commercial quality build of the machine and the tons of programs that come with it. People were also impressed with the soft cushioning of the running belt, the amazing sound system that comes with the console and the complimentary 12-month iFit membership.
In terms of negatives, several customers mentioned that the iFit functionality often freezes and that you have to provide a credit card number to access this ‘free’ gift. It was also noted that the weight limit was a little low.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for an entry-level commercial-grade treadmill from a trusted name in the fitness industry, then the NordicTrack T9.5S is a smart choice. While it doesn’t have all the features of higher-end models, neither does it have the price tag of those machines. It does have a couple of drawbacks, including the limited weight capacity, but, overall, the NordicTrack 9.5S is a great choice.