NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical – New Front Drive Model

Overview

The Commercial 9.9 is one of the newest releases by NordicTrack, replacing the previous base model in the Front Drive Series, the C 9.5. It includes some new styling touches and some upgrades, but maintains most of the features that made the C 9.5 so popular, like power incline, tons of workouts, numerous resistance levels and of course, iFit built right into the beautiful 7″ touch screen display.

Let’s take a look at some of the best features..

Tons of Workout Options

One of the hallmarks of the NordicTrack brand is the sheer number of workouts that are offered. On top of the ones that are built into the machine, which is already more than you get on most other brands, you have an ever-growing library of additional workouts via iFit, the company’s exclusive interactive workout experience.

You can choose from endless workout options led by world renowned personal trainers and instructors, from beginner to advance and everything in between. You can workout virtually in studio or choose a location anywhere in the world with the integrated Google map functionality.

Power Incline and Resistance Levels

Just like the more advanced ellipticals in the series, the recently discontinued mid-range Commercial 12.9 and the top of the line Commercial 14.9, the new 9.9 gives you up to 20% incline (5% more than most brands) so you can really ramp up your workouts (no pun intended).

Incline training allows you to increase the cardio workload and also target additional leg muscles that you can’t hit without it. It’s a good way to challenge yourself, as you can raise it up as you get more comfortable on the machine, and vary your workout to maximize results.

There’s plenty of resistance levels on the NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 as well…22 in total that you can change with a touch of a button. As you move up in levels the strides get a bit harder, so you have to work harder to complete a full stride. You’ll notice that at first the higher levels seem a bit difficult, but over time it’ll be less of a challenge.

Touch Screen Display

Almost all of the NordicTrack ellipticals have touch screen displays these days, which really makes your workout that much more enjoyable and closer to a health club experience. You can see all of your workout stats and iFit functionality right in front of you on a 7″ Smart HD display. The best part is seeing all of the different exotic locations…it feels like you are literally there enjoying an outdoor workout away from it all.

Additional Features

On top of all of the workouts, incline, resistance and iFit, you get a generous 25 lb. flywheel, oversized cushioned pedals, AutoBreeze workout fan, Soft Touch grips, water bottle holder, transport wheels and more.

NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Test Drive

For the most part, the Commercial 9.9 is quite similar to the C 9.5 it is replacing. It looks similar, although the console was redesigned and there are some new finishing touches on the rest of the frame. You have the 7″ touch screen, 20% incline and 22 resistance levels (2 less than the 9.5). So all in all, the experience was quite similar.

The machine does seem to feel a bit more sturdy than the C 9.5, although it has the same max weight capacity of 350 lbs. as the previous model. The oversized pedals are quite comfortable, and ideal for all sized users. You have the stationary arms with grip heart rate and independent arms for an upper body workout. The console is spacious, with one touch controls for incline or resistance. You can choose a number or simply go up and down to change the levels of each.

There’s plenty of on-board workouts, but we like to use the ones available via iFit. For those who aren’t familiar with this program, it’s found exclusively on NordicTrack and ProForm cardio machines, and gives you the ability to track and share your workouts, train worldwide with experienced trainers in studio or out, choose locations anywhere via Google maps, get nutrition and sleep recommendations, and a whole lot more.

One of the coolest parts of iFit is that the incline and resistance are adjusted automatically for you during the on-demand workouts, so you don’t have to make those changes yourself and disrupt your routine.

iFit requires a yearly membership, although as of this review the first year is free of charge. So you can test it out and see how you like it before committing to an ongoing membership.

The motion is smooth and natural for the most part, although not as impact-free as the company’s Free Stride trainers. However those are much more expensive, so if you’re looking to stay under $2,000 the front drive ellipticals will be perfect for you.

There’s Bluetooth audio for a more enjoyable experience, one of the newer additions technology wise. You also get a water bottle holder, transport wheels and some other comfort features as we mention above.

All in all we like the new Commercial 9.9 elliptical from NordicTrack. One thing to note though is that they lowered the warranty on all ellipticals and treadmills to some degree. Interestingly they improved their warranties significantly a few years back, so we’re not sure why they are reverting. You no longer get lifetime coverage on the frame…it is now 10 years. Still a long period of time, but lifetime sounds better to us. Hopefully they work on that and bring it back up to lifetime at some point.

Note: NordicTrack released a new front series model called the AirGlide 14i. Check that one out as well. It adds a tilting touch screen as well as decline training capability.

Conclusion

Overall, we were impressed by the new 9.9 model elliptical as it kept all of the features and capabilities we liked on the C 9.5, along with a few noticeable enhancements.

You get a great touch screen, loads of workouts and resistance, iFit technology, incline training, Bluetooth, oversized pedals and plenty of comfort features. All of that for under $1,500, which is quite impressive and something you just don’t get from the competition.

If you want something a little sturdier and more advanced, check out the mid-range Commercial 12.9 or the top end Commercial 14.9, both great options as well. And if the budge is more open look at the FreeStride Trainers…those are very popular and have a lot more to offer.