Nordictrack SE7i vs Commercial 9.9 Elliptical – Which is Best?

Trying to compare the Nordictrack SE7i vs Commercial 9.9 elliptical trainers?

Wondering how they compare – and which is the best option for you?

These are both affordable starter ellipticals which give you a more immersive experience with iFit streaming and studio workouts.

However, you’ve probably noticed that they look really different.

The SE7i is a rear-drive elliptical (meaning that the flywheel is placed behind the pedals) and the Nordictrack 9.9 is a front-drive elliptical (meaning the flywheel is in front of the pedals).

There are also some other key differences between these machines that you should know if you’re trying to choose between them.

This post will show you the key differences between the Nordictrack SE7i vs Commercial 9.9 elliptical trainers to help you find the best option for you.

So let’s dive in!

Nordictrack SE7i vs Commercial 9.9: Design 

As stated above, the design is different for these two trainers. One is front-drive. One is rear-drive.

What’s the difference between a rear drive vs front drive machine? Which is best?

Well, there isn’t really a consensus as to which one is best. Each one has benefits. It depends more on the specific models and other factors (that we’ll cover below).

Some people feel that a front drive trainer is a bit more stable feelig with the flywheel below the console to help anchor the machine. A front drive design can also take up less space when in use.

This is true for the Commercial 9.9 vs Nordictrack SE7i trainer.

The Commercial 9.9 measures: 68.25 x 28.75 inches

The SE7i elliptical comes in a bit longer and wider at: 80 x 32 inches

However the Nordictrack SE7i has one main benefit that the Commercial 9.9 does not have: it folds up. 

Most rear drive ellipticals don’t fold up. However, the SE7i does fold up for easy movement and storage.

So that definitely gives it a big advantage over the Commercial 9.9 if you’re looking for a folding design – that’s easy to store away in a closet or corner.

If you don’t really care about having a folding elliptical, you might be more open to the Commercial 9.9 design with the front-drive design.

Nordictrack SE7i vs Commercial 9.9: Price

Prices jump around a bit, depending on the season.

However as of this writing the Nordictrack SE7i has the advantage of being more affordable. You can get it for around $1199 direct from the Manufacturer with Free Shipping here.

The Nordictrack Commercial 9.9 currently runs about $1872 with Free Shipping here.

However you can also take advantage of the current deal on this machine: if you commit to buying a 4-year iFit  monthly membership (at $39 a month), you can get the Commercial 9.9 for Free.

So if you’re looking to make your payments more affordable and easier to manage, this might be your better option.

Commercial 9.9 vs Nordictrack SE7i: Console

Nordictrack upgraded these models both of them have full-color, HD, touch-screens with iFit streaming.

The difference? Size.

The Nordictrack Commercial 9.9 has a smaller 7-inch screen as seen here:

The Nordictrack SE7i console is 10-inches across as seen here:

The larger console is obviously nicer to have since it’s more enjoyable to watch. It can also help pull you into the action a bit more while running world trails or taking fitness classes with iFIt.

Note that both consoles come with similar speakers and Bluetooth audio. Plus you can tilt the screens on both models for a better viewing angle.

Incline Differences

Incline is not the same as resistance. It changes the slope of your running pathway and helps you to work different sets of muscle groups.

It’s not necessary to have to get an effective workout – but a lot of people do like to have it.

Here’s the difference between the Nordictrack SE7i vs Commercial 9.9 trainer. The Commercial 9.9 gives you up to 20 degrees of power incline (meaning you change it from the console).

The Nordictrack SE7i does not offer incline.

So if you’re looking for a more effective crosstraining workout, the Nordictrack 9.9 would be the better option.

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Nordictrack SE7i or Commercial 9.9: Stability

As we discussed above, the front drive trainers have a reputation of feeling just a bit more stable.  And this is the case here.

The Commercial 9.9 also comes in heavier than the SE7i model – at 244 pounds

The SE7i elliptical comes in at 215 pounds.

It’s not a huge difference. But it does give a slight advantage to the Commercial 9.9 in terms of stability.

Bottom Line?

So which is best when comparing the Nordictrack SE7i and Commercial 9.9 ellipticals?

Both trainers give you advantages.

The main advantage of the SE7i elliptical is that it’s more affordable and much easier on the budget.

It also folds up making it great for smaller workout spaces. And you get the larger screen, making the iFit workouts more fun to watch.

The Commercial 9.9 elliptical has a smaller footprint and takes up less space when in use. Plus it’s slightly more stable feeling with the heavier unit weight and front-drive design.

And you can add more crosstraining to your workouts with the incline feature.

So at the end of the day, it comes down to what’s most important to you.

Want to learn more? Check out the links below for where to buy either model with Free Shipping to your home.

Click to Save on the SE7i Elliptical

Click for A Special Offer On the Commercial 9.9

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Nordictrack Spacesaver SE9i Elliptical – A Good Buy for You?

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