NordicTrack SE9i

Assembly: Elliptical Trainers usually require assembly. For this machine, assembly was considered very simple since very few threaded fasteners were included in the hardware kit and most parts were pre-assembled. User manuals can help or hinder assembly. The diagrams that illustrated the steps were clear and detailed. All told, we found that the combination of written instructions and diagrams very helpful in the assembly process. Operation: The sounds this elliptical trainer made when pedaled were quiet, the frame was considered spongy, and the pedal-arm linkage felt well constructed and tight. Controls: The resistance level controls are often the most commonly accessed buttons and on this elliptical trainer are large in size, which makes it easy to use them during exercise. The controls are laid out as you would expect with the increment control on the top or right, or for a dial control, having a clockwise rotation. This machine has individual increment and decrement controls which were positioned appropriately; adjacent to one another. Access to the level controls is fairly open but requires navigating around the stationary handgrips. Display: Seeing a numeric and graphic indication of the resistance-level setting is convenient. The resistance-level setting is displayed as a numeric value, but the characters are less than 1/4 inch in height and constantly as a graphical image. Glare does not affect the visibility of the display. Ergonomics: Elliptical Path: The pedaling action was slightly heavy making it somewhat hard to accelerate or stop pedaling. The pedaling motion at the front and/or back of the elliptical cycle had noticeable transitions. To maintain good lower-body alignment, a minimal side-to-side pedal separation is best. The spacing on this machine was considered excellent. Exercise: Stepping through the resistance levels resulted in evenly distributed changes; where each change was slightly different than the prior setting. The difference between the lowest and highest resistance-level setting determines the range of exercise intensity; which for this machine was considered good.

The NordicTrack SE9i is part of the Elliptical exercisers test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, Elliptical Exercisers models like the SE9i are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.

Ergonomics: Ergonomics considers how well an elliptical accommodates people of various sizes and aspects of the pedaling motion.

Exercise range: Exercise range considers aspects of exercise intensity and measures incline and the effort to pedal the machine through the resistance level settings.

Ease of use: Ease of use considers ease of use aspects of controls, display and using the programs.