Norditrack Treadmills - Smile When You Say That

Norditrack treadmills are for people who move fast, so fast they don't even pronounce things correctly. 'Norditrack treadmill' is actually pronounced 'Nordic Track treadmills'.

Nordic Track treadmills are produced by Icon Health and Fitness, the largest producer of treadmills, which also produces Proform, Reebok, Gold's Gym, Weslo and other treadmill brands and training equipment.

Nordic Track began with its very popular aerobic skier over twenty years ago.

Today, its treadmills are marketed in retail stores and at online suppliers.

The Nordic Track machines benefit from having access to Icon's 200 designers but suffers from Icon's emphasis on packaging rather than quality.

Still, several of the Nordic Track models are sold at large discount retailers like Sears where they offer good savings for those who look for reasonable value.

The Good, The Bad. . .

Nordic Track treadmill machines suffer the problem of inconsistency, some rated very good by those who review treadmills and others not recommended at all.

The Nordic Track exp1000 is a case in point.

Equipped with a 1.5CHP motor with power incline, a 20"x55" treadbelt, and a grip pulse sensor, the exp1000 should have been a suitable treadmill for people who only need enough machine for walking, weight loss, and general health, but the exp1000 was beset by reliability problems.

Even at only a few hundred dollars, that and a weak warranty made the exp1000 a questionable deal.

The Nordic Track 7600R and 8600 are another matter. Both designed for light commercial use or intense training at home, the 7600 and 8600 are substantial machines with all the bells and whistles. One review advises a wary eye where electronics are concerned, a general problem for Nordic Track, but otherwise praises the features and reliability of these machines.

The 8600 has a 5.0CHP motor, a 20"x60" treadbelt, highly-rated cushioning, a pulse sensor with chest strap optional, one-touch speed control up to 12MPH, and power incline to 15%.

It's not cheap, though - remember, it's commercial grade: $4200.