NordicTrack FS9i FreeStride Trainer Review

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The NordicTrack FS9i FreeStride Trainer is an upgrade over the earlier FS7i model, with a longer stride path, larger console, and heavier flywheel amongst the improvements.

Although it’s not the only machine of its type on the market, it’s certainly one of the most affordable, which is why we want to find out how it compares to equipment like the Precor AMT and other center drive elliptical trainers.

In this review we’ll be taking a look at everything from the web-enabled console through to the workout programs and warranty coverage to help you decide if this is the best equipment to help you achieve your own fitness goals.

Design features

The goal with any elliptical trainer is to create a range of motion that emulates your natural walking, jogging, and running stride.

Unfortunately most ellipticals are bound by a fixed stride path, which is usually anywhere from 14″ to 36″ in length, depending on your budget.

By making the stride length variable, you’re able to use the NordicTrack FS9i to quickly switch between walking and running, and even change exercises entirely and opt for a stepper style workout.

The floating stride mechanism relies on belts instead of rails, which combines with the center drive design to create a maximum stride length of 38″. This is the same as the earlier FS7i, but an improvement over Precor’s AMT machines (36″ stride).

One of the features that has been upgraded is the incline range.

The FS9i is fitted with a power adjustable incline that can be adjusted from -10 degrees through to +10 degrees. These decline settings weren’t available at all on the FS7i, and allow you to place a greater emphasis on your quads and calves.

The higher inclines switch the focus to a different set of muscles, with more of an emphasis on the hamstrings and glutes. Using the moveable handles at the same time also recruits a range of upper body muscle groups, including your biceps, shoulders, and back.

Having such a wide stride range means the FS9i can be used as either a stepper, elliptical, or treadmill. This also means it’s not designed around a specific user height, making it ideal for family environments.

Under the covers you have a 20 lb inertia-enhanced flywheel to provide a smoother, more natural ride.

Unfortunately the angle of the pedals isn’t adjustable, but their oversized design and grooved cushioning helps to improve traction and stability during high intensity workouts.

NordicTrack FS9i vs. Yowza Miami elliptical
To save you having to reach for the console, these handles have been fitted with controls that let you make adjustments to the resistance and incline settings.

In our review of the FS7i, we compared NordicTrack’s FreeStride Trainers with the CardioCore ellipticals from Yowza Fitness.

Both sets of machines have avoided using rails to support the pedals, and both offer a maximum stride length in excess of 30″, but it’s the NordicTrack FS9i that comes out on top overall.

Although Yowza’s top-of-the-line Miami elliptical offers an unbeatable 60% incline, you’re looking at fewer resistance levels (16 instead of 26), a shorter maximum stride (32″ compared to 38″), and a console that isn’t touch screen or web-enabled.

We’ve seen each machine available for around the $2900 mark, so there isn’t a great deal of difference in terms of price.

Yowza do offer a slightly longer parts warranty (7 years instead of 5), but in our opinion this isn’t enough to outweigh the additional entertainment options, wider stride variation, increased resistance levels, and all of the fitness benefits that come with iFit.

Console features

If you’re short on time but still want an effective cardio workout, having a console that’s intuitive to use can make all the difference.

The 10″ full colour touch screen makes this much easier, as you can navigate through a simple menu system to a workout category, where you can select your desired workout.

This isn’t a feature that all NordicTrack fitness equipment has, and some of their recumbent bikes only have two buttons to scan through the 30 onboard workout programs.

Being web-enabled also means you can browse the internet while you walk, jog, step, or run. The larger screen size (upgraded from a 7″ display on the NordicTrack FS7i), makes it easier to check your email, watch sports, and even check the latest updates on your social media profiles.

Although you don’t have an HDTV screen (available on NordicTrack’s Commercial treadmills), the entertainment features do extend to iPod and MP3 compatibility.

This means you can listen to your favourite music via the dual speaker system, with volume controls on the console within easy reach.

Alongside the volume controls you also have the option to adjust the fan power, which is designed to keep you cool during your workout. If you don’t want to keep making manual adjustments, you can set the fan to ‘Auto’ mode, which automatically adjusts the fan speed based on your pace.

We just talked about how the touch screen makes it quicker to select an onboard workout program, but NordicTrack have also added OneTouch™ controls to make quick adjustments to the incline and resistance settings.

As with the earlier FS7i model, the NordicTrack FS9i doesn’t include CardioGrip touch sensors, but you can still keep track of your heart rate using the NordicTrack® Wireless Chest Strap (included).

This is actually a more reliable way to measure your heart rate, as it transmits a continuous signal to the display, and doesn’t require you to maintain a specific grip position.

Workout program selection

If you want to achieve your health and fitness goals in the shortest possible timeframe, nutrition will certainly play a part. But there are many other factors to bear in mind, with two of the most important being workout variation and motivation.

With over 30 years experience in the fitness equipment industry, this is something NordicTrack are well aware of, which is why their FS9i FreeStride Trainer has so many workout programs to choose from.

Ease of assembly / maintenance required

There’s no getting away from the fact that the NordicTrack FS9i looks like a complex piece of equipment. But the good news is most of the unit arrives pre-assembled, cutting down on the number of steps you need to follow.

You will need a second person to help you lift the main unit into its upright position, but after that there’s no more heavy lifting.

Although the steps are very straightforward, NordicTrack do mention an in-home assembly service if it’s not something you want to do yourself.

Unfortunately while curb side delivery is standard, the in-home service carries an additional cost, isn’t available for all equipment, and doesn’t serve all regions. It’s best to visit their website or give them a call to see if they have an assembly service for the FS9i FreeStride Trainer in your area. Alternatively, Amazon also offer a home assembly service for ellipticals. (Check if your zip code is included using the form below)

Honestly the instructions are pretty thorough, using concise written explanations alongside clear diagrams showing the parts references and how they fit together.

Perhaps some of the steps could do with a couple more angles, or even a YouTube video showing the entire process, but this doesn’t seem to be something that’s available on their channel.

View the NordicTrack FS9i user manual

Maintenance required
As with most of their equipment, the level of ongoing maintenance has been kept to a minimum.

This is helped by the fact that the pedals glide on belts instead of rails, but also that according to the manual, a damp cloth and mild soap solution is all you need to clean the outer covers.

You also get a troubleshooting guide that walks you through any minor issues, such as adjusting the reed switch (controls console feedback) or calibrating the incline.

If you need anything more, you can always visit www.nordictrackservice.com.

Transport options
Apart from the benefits to your posture, the center drive design means the footprint is about half that of a traditional elliptical trainer.

If you need to move the FS9i at all after assembly, there is a set of front-mounted transport wheels and a carry handle, but it’s still going to be quite bulky and heavy.

What’s covered by the warranty?