The SE9i elliptical trainer is part of NordicTrack’s SpaceSaver Series, which debuted in 2017. It has a frame that is quite similar to the ProForm Smart Strider 735 in terms of manufacture.
The NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i is a heavy-duty elliptical trainer with an eddy current resistance system, an automated inclination system, and an iFit-compatible touchscreen interface.
It features a folding design and the ability to be stored vertically. It’s a fantastic trainer for light to hard cardio, interval training, weight reduction, and stamina building.
It’s one of the most durable folding elliptical trainers in this price and feature range. However, it comes with a more complex console, more exercise programs, is already iFit equipped and has Bluetooth connectivity because it is from a newer generation of ellipticals.
Frame & Construction
The NordicTrack SE9i SpaceSaver is built to last, with a weight capacity of 325 pounds (147 kg).
It’s constructed from heavy-gauge steel tubes with precision-welded junction locations.
A corrosion-resistant and scratch-resistant paint finish are applied to all of the steel bars used in its manufacture.
Light gray is utilized for the moving parts and the console mast, while black is used for the unit’s base.
These are the only colors available for this machine.
This NordicTrack elliptical trainer is constructed similarly to many other commercial-grade versions.
However, because it only comes with an in-home guarantee, it is only suitable for usage at home.
The entire machine is huge when fully completed.
It measures 80″ (203 cm) in length and 32 (81 cm) in width. Additionally, NordicTrack recommends leaving at least two feet of clearance all around the machine for safe operation.
Consequently, it isn’t precisely a machine for a tiny room or apartment. On the other hand, because it is part of the SpaceSaver Series, it features a foldable design that allows for a lot of storage.
The console mast, which includes the moving arms and console, may be folded down over the pedals, and the machine can be stored upright on its back.
It’s a huge and hefty machine. It weighs around 190 pounds (86.1 kg). On the one hand, all of this weight contributes to the machine’s overall stability and sturdiness.
You may rest certain that it will not rock as you workout, even if you are close to its maximum weight capability.
Additionally, each of its bases includes adjustable stabilizers with rubberized covers, which add to the stability.
Even though both of its bases have transport wheels and the front base has a lifting handle, NordicTrack recommended that the user safely lift 100 lbs (45 kg) to put the unit upright and transfer it for storage.
The SpaceSaver SE9i elliptical trainer from NordicTrack has two sets of handlebars, one movable and the other permanent.
Moveable handlebars connect the console mast and the pedal bars. They have a basic grip design with rubber foam grips that provide excellent hand adhesion and comfort.
Inclination controls are placed into the left movable handlebar, while resistance controls are built into the right.
Stainless steel grip pulse sensors are integrated into the fixed handlebars. On the other hand, the console machine is telemetric and can measure your pulse using an HR chest strap.
The pedals on the machine are exceptionally big, accommodating athletic shoes of various sizes.
They have an inner border and a cushioned surface for enhanced shock absorption, foot stability, and traction.
They may also be adjusted in angle; each one has a little handle on the back that allows you to lock it into the proper position.
From heel to toe, the pedal angles change.
Stainless steel sealed ball bearings are used in the couplings between the moving arms, console mast, and pedal bars.
This produces a very smooth action and reduces the likelihood of squeaking noises in the joints.
Inclination and Stride
The stride length of the NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i elliptical trainer is 18″ (46 cm).
This machine is best for those who are between the heights of 5’3″ and 5’7″ (160 – 171 cm) when it comes to stride.
Taller users can, of course, utilize the machine without difficulty, but their range of motion will be restricted.
An automated inclination mechanism is included with this trainer.
It is made up of a lever assembly attached to the unit’s front section.
Because it’s powered, you can only modify the inclination via the console or the left grip controls.
It has an inclination range of 0° to 10° that can only be changed gradually; no rapid incline settings are available for the resistance adjustment.
Because this is a rear-drive elliptical, the ride may seem like going down a gentle hill even when the inclination is set to zero.
The pedals are also significantly elevated when the inclination is set to maximum.
The highest pedal position is approximately 27″ (68 cm) from the ground. Consequently, placing and using the trainer in a room with a ceiling at least 27″ higher than your height is suggested.
Resistance Level
The NordicTrack SE9i is a rear-drive elliptical machine, as we described previously.
It has a mid-range flywheel (18 lbs / 8.1 kg) with a balanced design that provides reasonably continuous momentum and a steady pedaling motion.
Reverse pedaling is also possible thanks to the flywheel and brake component. Consequently, you may add some variety to your routines. In addition, if you pedal backward, the console will continue to track your exercise metrics, and the resistance will stay constant, based on the console’s set level.
A heavy-duty v-belt provides transmission between the unit’s primary pulley and the flywheel, resulting in a whisper-quiet operation.
It does not require maintenance and produces far less vibration than a chain drive.
A motorized magnetic resistance mechanism is included with this NordicTrack elliptical trainer.
A tiny motor and a magnetic brake component make up the system. Consequently, the machine’s resistance can only be modified from the console or the controls fitted into the right mobile grip.
A power supply must also be connected to the machine; a standard connector and cord are available.
There are 24 different degrees of resistance to choose from.
The first 1-3 tension levels offer relatively minimal resistance, making them ideal for people who need to recuperate from ailments or want a mild workout.
On the other hand, the highest resistance levels allow for a far more strenuous cardio exercise, and when combined with the inclination, the machine may simulate a rather steep ascent.
Last but not least, the unit’s resistance may be increased progressively in 1 level increments.
The 2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 tension levels are also accessible through rapid resistance adjustment controls on the panel.
Console
A 7-inch touchscreen console with LED illumination and a full-color display is included with the NordicTrack SE9i.
The first features to note are the safest choice is to hide the unit’s gears button to prevent unauthorized access.
A kid safety passcode and a lock screen pattern function are also available.
Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and iFit are all available on the console machine.
This means you can connect it to your iPad, smartphone, or laptop to transfer your exercise data immediately into your iFit account.
Not only that, but the console already features several iFit shortcuts. It allows you to instantly access customizable virtual trails via GoogleMaps, download customized exercises, competes with other users, set calorie, time, and distance objectives, and view high-definition films with simulated workouts, among other things.
The biggest disadvantage of these capabilities is that the unit does not have an iFit subscription.
Even if you don’t have an iFit account, you may still make use of a wide range of training options.
The trainer’s console has 30 workouts saved in its memory. Each program has a distinct objective: some boost calorie and fat burning, while others focus on muscle toning and heart rate.
The unit will auto-adjust the inclination and resistance while utilizing one of the onboard programs.
All of the major training parameters, including time, distance, speed, RPM, calories, and heart rate, will be shown on the console.
Speed and distance may be set in metric or standard terms, and heart rate can be measured using either the sensors in the stationary handlebars or the Bluetooth HR chest strap that comes with the bike.
The console of the machine has several additional functions built-in.
The first is the sound system, which has two speakers and can be used with most MP3 players or cellphones.
Above the quick speed keys, there is an audio jack input and volume controls.
The built-in cooling fan, which has numerous speed settings, is the second option.
This fan is somewhat bigger and more effective than the fans on prior ellipticals.
Finally, a tablet holder is located at the top of the console and can accommodate almost any tablet.
The item, however, lacks a USB connector for docking your tablet.
Assembly
The majority of the machine is already constructed and folded.
All you have to do now is connect the machine to a power source and install the base stabilizers and tablet holder.
It shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes to do this task. The guidebook contains all of the directions needed to complete this activity. A Phillips screwdriver is required for the assembling of the unit’s bases.
Because the apartment is so little, there isn’t much to do in upkeep.
Internal parts and the unit’s joints are pre-oiled from the manufacturer, so they shouldn’t need to be lubricated again for many years.
Consequently, all you have to do is periodically check for loose bolts and parts, clean the machine, and keep liquids away from the console.
