The Nordic Track X5 Incline Trainer Treadmill – Not Great

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Ohiyo!

Every month or so we’ll get in one of these Nordic Track units at the DOJO and the repairs are almost always the same: burned out motor, burned out incline motor and broken or bent upright bars. We’ve also had in a few broken decks. In my opinion, based on my 20+ years in the industry, the two motors in the unit are much too small and low powered for the amount of work they are being required to do — 2 HP for a high incline walking treadmill just doesn’t cut it. As regular readers of this site already know, walking (especially at high inclines) puts far more stress on a motor than running does, and the amount of stress at a 30% incline on top of that will burn out any small, over geared motor in just a few months.

When you factor in the light weight upright bars, you have a treadmill that is only meant for the smallest and lightest of users. 165lbs or 180lbs at the most. Any more than that and you’ll have a burned out motor on your hands.

Unfortunately, using the Incline Trainer at lower inclines isn’t practical either with its 20″ x 52″ deck at $1599 price point. Coming in shy of $1600 you can find a number of higher quality treadmills.

For being an iffy workout choice, the Treadmill Sensei gives the Nordic Track X5 Incline Trainer 2 out of 5 golden buddahs.

Two buddahs…that’s it.

The Nordic Track X5 Incline Treadmill

Nordic Track X5 Incline Trainer Treadmill Specifications
Motor: 2hp
Max Speed: 10mph
Max Incline: 30%
Walking Area: 20″ x 52″
Max User Weight: 300lbs
Programs: 23
Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
Heart Rate Control: Yes
Display: LED
Folding: Yes
Unit Weight: Approx. 250lbs
Price: $1599