NordicTrack C 630 C Series Treadmill Review

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The NordicTrack C 630 Treadmill is one of the most affordable in their C Series, and is an upgrade over the earlier 600 C.

This is actually classed as an entry level model, with the C 970, C990, and C1630 Pro making up the complete C Series collection.

But how does this impact the features, entertainment options, and number of workout programs, and would it be more cost efficient to buy one of the later models?

That’s one of the questions we’ll be answering in this review, by taking a look at everything from the design features and workout programs, to iFit options and the assembly process.

Design and safety features

If you’re looking for a new treadmill to use for running indoors, you’re going to need a machine with a long enough treadbelt.

The running area for the NordicTrack C 630 measures 55″ (L) x 20″ (W), which is partly a reflection on its entry level design. Unfortunately this probably isn’t going to be long enough for taller users who want to build up to a full running stride.

In most cases if you’re taller than 6 ft, we would recommend a running area of at least 60″ in length. The NordicTrack C 970 does actually provide a running surface of 60″ (L) x 20″ (W) and is the next model up in the collection.

If you’re under 5′ 8″ or only want to use the treadmill for walking and jogging workouts then the C 630 will still be an excellent choice. But if you’re taller and want to run at the top 10 mph belt speed without worrying too much about your foot position then we would certainly recommend taking a look at the C 970 or even the C 990.

As well as the 10 mph maximum belt speed, the NordicTrack C 630 provides you with a 0-10% motorized incline range to increase the intensity of your workouts, burning more calories in a shorter time.

This is slightly more limited than machines like the NordicTrack 1750 Commercial treadmill, which offers a full 15% incline and 3% decline, but is above expectations for a treadmill at this price point.

Stride cushioning and motor power
Running deck cushioning is also available, with a slight difference to the Runner’s Flex system on the 1750 model.

FlexSelect is NordicTrack’s impact absorption system that can be switched on to reduce the impact of your foot fall by up to 30%, or switched off to emulate the feeling of running on the road.

This is adjustable via rotations to the cushioning isolators on each side of the running deck, where a half turn is enough to switch between the two settings.

The motor that powers the treadbelt is a 2.6 CHP DurX design, which confirms our feeling that this is a treadmill better suited to walking and jogging than it is running and sprinting.

In comparison, NordicTrack’s 1750 commercial model uses a 3.8 CHP DurX Commercial Pro motor, which is really what’s needed to power the higher inclines and belt speeds. This is also what enables the quick change in speed that’s needed as part of interval training.

The motor for the C 630 also doesn’t come with a lifetime warranty, which is something that’s pretty much standard across the other treadmills in this collection.

It does however have a self-cooling system to reduce noise, reduce maintenance, and improve its lifespan.

One final feature we look at when reviewing NordicTrack treadmills is the size and design of the rollers.

At 1.9″ it’s smaller than most treadmills, creating more wear on the treadbelt and requiring a higher level of maintenance than designs like the C 1630 Pro, which is fitted with 2.5″ rollers.

Safety features
In terms of safety features, you’re not going to be getting the same password protected console that can be found on some of Precor’s high-end treadmills, but you do get a safety key and lanyard.

This has become somewhat of a standard feature amongst modern treadmills, with one end attached to your clothing, and the other to the console. That way, if you were to slip or fall, the clip would detach from the console and the treadbelt would quickly come to a stop.

Console features

If you’re buying a new treadmill, the design of the display console should be a decisive factor in which model you choose.

The running deck would of course be our primary concern. Making sure the running surface is large enough, motor is powerful enough, and cushioning system was available if needed. But you’re also going to want a console that’s intuitive to use, provides detailed workout feedback, and perhaps even comes with a range of entertainment options.

That’s what NordicTrack have managed to achieve with their C 630 C Series treadmill, which includes a range of entertainment features to make your workouts more enjoyable.

Firstly you have the shelf that’s attached to the top of the console. Not only does this support tablet devices at close to eye level, but it also lets you watch your favourite movies and TV shows while you workout, without obstructing the workout feedback from the screen.

The screen itself is a 6″ backlit LED, with a wide viewing angle for tracking your workout progress. Feedback includes speed, time, distance, calories burned, and heart rate.

Unfortunately this isn’t as large as the screens later in the series (the C 1630 Pro has an 8″ backlit screen), but it’s still more than capable of displaying important workout stats in a way that’s easy to read.

There’s even enough space for a visual representation of a quarter-mile running track to be included, which can be a great metric to set goals against.

OneTouch iFit, speed, and incline controls
Directly below the screen you have a series of iFit control buttons, which can be used to quickly find new workout programs and setup a new running route to follow.

On each side of the console you also have NordicTrack’s OneTouch buttons for adjusting the treadbelt speed and running deck incline. These are a huge improvement over the arrows you normally find on lower priced treadmills, and help you maintain focus on your workout instead of pressing buttons.

If you do want to make minor adjustments between the predefined settings then you also have this option with the plus and minus buttons below the AutoBreeze workout fan.

The fan itself will actually change speed to match your running pace, helping to keep you cool during high intensity workouts.

Heart rate monitoring and entertainment features
If you need to stay within a heart rate zone during your walking, jogging, or running session, CardioGrip touch sensors have been built into the handles. If you want to track your heart rate throughout the workout and don’t want to hold the handles, telemetry heart rate monitoring lets you use a chest belt to transmit the signal to the console instead.

Although you don’t have the larger 15″ HDTV screen of NordicTrack’s high-end treadmills, the combination of tablet support and backlit screen can still provide some great entertainment options.

You also have iPod and MP3 connectivity, allowing you to play your favourite motivational workout music via the speakers built into the console.

Workout program selection

Without enough variation in your workout routine it can be difficult to find the motivation to run as frequently or as far as you would like to or need to.

That’s why NordicTrack have programmed 20 workout apps into the C 630 treadmill, which have been split into three main categories – onboard, ‘Set-A-Goal’, and iFit.

Onboard workouts are available in a number of different types as well. You can either choose a workout that’s tailored towards calorie burning, endurance and intensity, or speed.

Whichever program you choose, your progress will be shown on the LED screen via the display matrix, which will highlight the segment you’re currently at.

‘Set-A-Goal’ works by allowing you to set a target for the number of calories you want to burn, distance you want to run, or the duration of your workout.

After the program begins, you will have complete control over the incline and belt speed, and once you reach your goal, the belt then slows to a stop.

iFit workouts will require a subscription to the service and access to a wireless network for downloading the programs from the site to your console.

So despite being classed as an entry level treadmill, the C 630 actually includes workout programs that can help you achieve a variety of different fitness goals.

Having the 10% incline option will also boost calorie burning due to the increased intensity placed on lower body muscle groups.

But how does this measure up to the other treadmills in NordicTrack’s C Series?

Well the top-of-the-line C 1630 Pro offers nearly twice the workout options, with 34 programs split across calorie burning, intensity, speed, and incline settings.

If this still isn’t enough, then the NordicTrack 2450 Commercial treadmill has 40 workout programs to choose from, and is even fitted with a 7″ web enabled touch screen to view Google Maps and Street View of your iFit running routes.

However, this really depends on how strict your budget is, and if you’re looking for an affordable machine that offers some effective workout variety, the C 630 still does an excellent job.

Ease of assembly / maintenance required

Something we’ve noticed with the majority of brands under the Icon Health and Fitness banner is the clarity and level of detail included in the user manuals.

The assembly instructions for the NordicTrack C 630 are no exception, with a part identification chart accompanying the exploded drawings and textual explanations for each step.

As with their elliptical machines, the bulk of the assembly has already been completed for you by the time you open the box.

The running deck arrives as a single unit, leaving you to attach the side uprights, construct the handrails, and assemble then mount the display console.

There’s nothing particularly complicated about the assembly process, and all instructions include clear references to the parts you need and diagrams showing how they fit together.

Connecting the console and associated wires from the base up through the uprights is going to be the most time consuming part, but the whole process shouldn’t take much longer than 60 minutes.

View NordicTrack C 630 C Series Treadmill user manual

Folding and transport
Unlike Precor who exclusively design their treadmills to be non-folding, NordicTrack have developed collections of both non-folding and folding designs.

The NordicTrack C 630 falls into the latter category, with a SpaceSaver design that lets you lift the running deck to a near-vertical position, then roll the treadmill to the desired location using the transport wheels on the base.

In the folded position, the running deck is held securely in place using a latch pin that engages on one side of the frame.

However, this isn’t one of the designs that uses NordicTrack’s EasyLift Assist telescoping shock system, meaning the deck feels slightly heavier when it’s being lifted and lowered.

What’s covered by the warranty?