NordicTrack X16 Elliptical

Overview: The X16 is one of the newest elliptical trainers from NordicTrack. Although it is nearly identical stylewise to the FreeStride Trainers, it no longer bears the “FS” moniker that previous models has. Still, it provides the same low impact, “free stride” movement which customers have loved for many years, as well as some nice upgrades from previous models.

Let’s start with the best features and move on to our in-depth review.

Industry Leading Auto Adjustable Stride

One of the most attractive features of the NordicTrack X16 is the impressive 32″ stride. As a comparison, most home ellipticals on the market have 18″-20″, maybe 24″ on the high end. With 32″ you can really stretch out, giving you the ability to do a wide range of workouts from walks to jogs to runs.

Incline & Decline Capability

Incline capability is still very hard to find these days. And decline, forget about it! The NordicTrack X16 gives you both. With up to 10% incline and 10% decline you can really change up your workout and target muscle groups differently than you can on a level elliptical. It replicates an uphill/downhill run, which is great for those who typically like to train outdoors.

(Note that the AirGlide 14i also gives you incline & decline, -5% to 15%)

iFit Unlimited Workouts

Like all of the new NordicTrack ellipticals, the X16 comes with iFIT, an immersive workout experience that gives you access to endless on-demand and live workouts with trainers all over the world, Google map locations, workout tracking and sharing, AI trainers and much more.

Note that they are no longer offering a free trial of iFIT with purchase. You need to pay for it right out of the gate, but at $39 a month it’s well worth it in our opinion.

Hands Free Auto Adjusted Workouts

One of the coolest features of the iFIT program is the fact that the machine automatically adjusts its own resistance levels as well as incline and decline to match the workout you select. So you can start up your trainer led program and not have to worry about adjusting anything as you go.

Other Great Features

On top of all of this you get a 16″ touch screen with streaming capability, up to 26 resistance levels, oversized pedals, Bluetooth capability, workout fan, charging port and a maximum user weight of 375 lbs.

Everything you need for a great workout is included, which is what makes the X16 a very good choice for your home gym.

NordicTrack X16 Elliptical Test Drive

As far as the workout, the X16 is very similar to the FreeStride Trainers we’ve tested out in the past, including the FS10i which has been a favorite of ours for a long time. However, if you put those two machines side by side the X16 is a lot more modern looking, all black and sleek.

That said, the workout on the X16 is very enjoyable. The mid drive orientation makes it feel like you’re walking on air, as opposed to the tighter feel of the front/rear drive ellipticals. You have plenty of room to extend your stride or keep it tight, whichever your workout calls for. You have plenty of resistance levels to choose from so you can start slow and work your way up as you build strength and get more comfortable on the machine.

The touch screen experience is awesome. If you’re used to the typical LED display where you’re watching dots go around a track, you’re really going to appreciate the iFIT workouts on the 16″ touch screen. You can choose from over 10,000 workouts with personal trainers all around the world with Google maps. You can track your workouts, sync them to popular fitness apps and set goals. The screen is also tilting so you can get a better angle…previous models had a fixed screen.

There’s a new AI coach that wasn’t part of iFIT when we last reviewed the Freestride Trainers. The trainer can schedule all of your workouts and keep you on track to hit your fitness goals. That is still in beta at the time of this review so they will probably roll out some additional features.

As we mentioned above, NordicTrack no longer gives you a free trial of IFIT like they used to for many years. We’re not quite sure why they stopped as other companies are still offering free trials. Bowflex is still offering 2 free months on their JRNY program, which is similar to iFIT in many ways. Still, we believe it’s worth the expense for all of the features it offers.

Another new feature is streaming capability, also something that was not available on previous models. So now you can watch Netflix, YouTube and any other services while you work out, which really helps to pass the time.

All in all the X16 is a great elliptical for your home. You get a smooth, generous stride, you get incline and decline training, you get a large touch screen with iFIT workouts and streaming capability, plus a number of other features, capabilities and comfort features.

NordicTrack X16 Review – Conclusion

If you’re in the market for a new, compact elliptical for your home today, definitely check out this new model. It has everything you need for a great workout…tons of workouts, touch screen, incline, decline, Bluetooth, iFIT and much more.

Also take a look at the AirGlide ellipticals (7i and 14i) if you want to save a little money. Whichever one you choose, though, you can’t go wrong with a NordicTrack elliptical.