NordicTrack C990 Review

KEY FEATURES

• A relatively large running surface of 20- by 60-inch. This is especially useful for runners because tread belt gives you enough room to run freely without giving you the feeling you could fall off the belt.
• With the pulse workouts, you can train at a certain heart rate target level using the heart rate monitoring function. The treadmill will automatically adjust the incline and speed to keep your heart rate below your desired maximum heart rate as much as possible. You’ll have to connect a wireless chest strap to use this function, which isn’t included.
• iFit allows a user to ‘run anywhere in the world’ using Google maps. The treadmill automatically adjusts according to the terrain. If you place a tablet in the tablet holder then Google Streetview will be able to show the track on your tablet. This is one of the features of the paid iFit subscription. You don’t have to use iFit in order to use all of the other options or workout programs of the C990.
  

REVIEW OF THE PRODUCT

Build Quality: 5/5

The C 990 features a 3.0 CHP motor, which allows a user to run at a maximum of 12 miles per hour. A 3.0 Continuous Horse Power motor is strong enough for walkers, joggers and most runners.

Even though the user weight capacity is 300 pounds, serious runners who weigh more than 200 pounds might want to consider a motor with more CHP. Because their weight and workout intensity could put too much pressure on the motor. As a result, it might not perform at its best. However, the motor is probably powerful enough for the majority of users.

Oftentimes the warranty period tells a lot about the build quality of the treadmill. NordicTrack offers the following warranty period for this treadmill; frame & motor lifetime, parts 3 years and labor 1 year. A lifetime guarantee on the frame, motor and 1 year on labor is quite standard for higher-end treadmills. Additionally, 3 years of warranty on the parts could be considered as decent.

Comfort: 4/5

The FlexSelect cushioning is an adjustable system which can be turned on or off by rotating the orange knob underneath the running area. If you turn it on the cushioning on the belt feels softer. This will help to protect your joints.

Turning it off will provide you with a more ‘real’ running experience. The deck feels firmer and more stable. This can be useful for runners who want to simulate an outdoor running experience. It’s especially useful for runners who train for a running event, like a marathon.

Ease of Use: 4/5

The console design of the NordicTrack is simple and that’s why it is quite easy to use. There are the usual buttons like; speed and incline buttons on the sides. The speed goes up to 12 mph and the incline goes up to 12 percent.

On the middle of the console, you’ll find the 32 built-in workout programs which are designed by certified personal trainers. They are divided into 4 main sections; speed, incline, heart rate control and calorie burn programs, which are specifically designed for weight loss. So there are training programs to support a variety of fitness goals.

The 7-inch full-color touch screen is big and bright enough to read the statistics about your current workout. The console screen will give you an overview about your; heart rate, incline, decline, calories burned and speed. Which is basically all of the stats you might want to monitor.

Ease of Assembly: 3/5

There are 22 steps you’ll have to take to assemble the treadmill. If you compare this to other treadmills the assembly processes ​might be a bit long, but all of the steps are pretty detailed.

Plus, the first step is about activating your warranty and the last step contains various useful tips. So the assembly of the treadmill itself actually consists of 20 actionable steps.

It’s recommended that you or someone who you assemble the treadmill with has at least some technical skills. This might come in handy.

"HOW DOES IT COMPARE?"