| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Motor | Workouts | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NordicTrack C 990 Check Discounted Price | L:78.3" W:35.75" H:56.4" | 325 lbs | 3.0 CHP, 1-12 MPH | 32, iFit ready, | Frame: lifetime Motor: lifetime Parts: 1 year Labor: 1 year |
Although the first version of NordicTrack C 990 was released in 2014, a newer improved version was released in 2016. That is the NTL19815 model number, the one that comes with a touch-screen console, and the model that we’re going to address in this review.
This NordicTrack treadmill is one of the models with an excellent price / quality ratio at the moment. It’s actually similar in construction to the NordicTrack T 6.5 S, but it offers a wider array of features an functions. For example, it has a longer running surface, a more powerful motor, superior console with 12 more workout apps, also being iFit enabled. In other words, it’s a treadmill one category higher than the T 6.5 S, pretty close to the light commercial class.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 78.3L x 35.75W x 56.4H inches (199L x 91W x 143H cm)
- Tread belt dimensions: 60L x 20W inches (152.4L x 51W cm)
- Assembled weight: 260 lbs (118 kg)
- Supported weight: 325 lbs (147.4 kg)
- Motor: 3.0 CHP
- Incline: Automatic, 0-12%
- Deck cushioning: FlexSelect, adjustable
- Speed levels: 0-12 MPH
- Console: 32 workout programs, iFit enabled
- Amenities: Sound system, tablet holder, workout fan, 2x accessory trays
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Motor lifetime / Parts 3 years / Labor 1 year
Frame and deck
The NordicTrack C990 is a treadmill with a construction similar to a light commercial one. However, it does have a folding design. It’s folding mechanism consists of a hydraulic leg, which allows you to lock the deck up and assists its unfolding. The machine doesn’t exactly
have a small footprint, being over 78″ (199 cm) long and approx. 36″ (91 cm) wide, but with the deck folded up, it requires a bit less than half. Also, with the deck folded up, the machine’s height will reach approx 68″ (173 cm).
Needless to say, the frame of this NordicTrack treadmill is made of steel. It features a rather heavy construction, weighing over 250 lbs. That’s actually a plus though, as the weight adds a lot of stability to the machine. The front part of the metallic frame features transport wheels both at its front and rear. Therefore, moving it once you’ve finished with your workout shouldn’t be a problem.
The rear part of the deck is equipped with a set of adjustable stabilizers. The deck’s sustaining metallic frame is coated with corrosion resistant black paint, while the bars which sustain the console are silver, these being the only colors available for this model.
The NordicTrack C 990 treadmill features a solid deck, able to support users up to 300 lbs (136 kg). It’s definitely a deck made to support running workouts, not just walking or jogging. It integrates the FlexSelect cushioning system, which consists of 3 suspension cells on each side of the deck. The firmness of these suspension cells is adjustable. You can rotate them in order to increase or decrease the overall firmness of the deck. The deck’s cushioning system can reduce up to 25% of the running impact on your joints.
This treadmill is equipped with a heavy-duty one-ply belt, which offers a running surface of 60″L x 20″W (152 x 51 cm). This means it can accommodate comfortably users up to 6’2″ – 6’5″ (188-195 cm), for running workouts. Of course, if you’re taller you’ll still be able to run on it, but in this case the treadmill may feel a bit small. And finally, the deck integrates a 2.5″ (6.3 cm) rear roller, dynamically balanced, with sealed ball bearings for a superior grip on the tread belt, and the longest performance possible.
Incline and step-up height
The NordicTrack C 990 treadmill is equipped with an automatic lift system for the deck, which provides a total incline of 12% (approx. 9°). Although it’s considerably less than the 
30-40 degrees incline that some of the commercial grade treadmills can provide, but still, it offers the possibility to intensify your workouts. To put it differently, running at 10 MPH with the deck setup at maximum incline, a non-professional runner may not last more than a couple of minutes.
Since the treadmill’s lift is motorized, it can only be adjusted from the console. There are 12 possible adjustment settings, each setting changing the deck’s incline by 1%. Also, some of the pre-set programs of the treadmill will adjust incline automatically, depending on the current segment of that particular workout.
When it comes to step-up height, the running surface stands at approx. 8″ (20 cm) above floor level, at 0% incline. At 12% incline, the front part will raise by a few inches, but basically you’ll be situated on the deck at the middle, not all the way at the front. Differently put, the maximum elevation that you will get by running at maximum incline should be approx. 12″ (31 cm). So, in conclusion here, the ceiling height in the room where the treadmill will be in use should be higher than your own height, plus about 15″ (38 cm), in order to avoid any issues.
Motor
Since it’s a motorized treadmill, it requires to be connected to a power circuit of 120-v, 15 amp. It comes with a power plug not an adapter, and a 4 ft. long cable, which plugs into the machine close to its front base.
When it comes to its power draw, the higher the speed and incline, the more amps it will draw from your circuit. But as a general idea, it will pull approx. 5 amp, on a 5 MPH speed setting and 5% incline.
In terms of specs, the motor equipped on this NordicTrack treadmill is a 3.0 CHP model, built to withstand long duration workouts, continuing to provide a smooth motion of the belt without overheating or any other issues, even if the user is close to the maximum supported weight. It features a small flywheel for extra stability and smoothness. It supplies speeds up to 12 MPH. Speed can be adjusted in increments of 0.1 and 0.5 MPH, which is quite a plus, as you can easily find the most appropriate pace for your jog or run.
Console
The console supplied with the NordicTrack C 990 is an improved unit, superior to the older NTL19814. That’s because it features a 7″ display with touch-screen technology, which allows you to directly control the workout apps available through iFit. Indeed, this console 
is iFit capable, integrating an iFit module, thus in order to connect to this online database, you only need a subscription. The iFit connects to your smart device or laptop via WiFi, in order to access the iFit database. Also, in case you’re wondering, via iFit you can benefit from a wide database of custom workouts, compete with friends, or even use custom GoogleMaps tracks, which will automatically control the speed and incline of your treadmill.
However, an iFit subscription is not necessary in order to use the treadmill. The console has its own database of workouts, 32 in number, which is pretty impressive. These workouts have various focuses, some of them being fat-loss focused, others offering an interval training setting etc. It offers the possibility to setup target goals for time, distance and calories. Also, it has the manual mode, which allows you to directly adjust speed and incline as you run.
The display tracks all the important workout statistics, including time elapsed, distance, calories burned, intensity, heart rate and the number of vertical feet you have climbed. Evidently, the current speed and incline settings are also displayed. Speed can be tracked in MPH or km/h, while distance can be tracked in miles or km.
The console features quick speed and incline controls on each side. But speed and incline can also be adjusted gradually, from the arrow keys and plus / minus keys under the fan.
In terms of amenities, the NordicTrack C 990 console integrates several. Among them we can count a sound system, workout fan, accessory trays and tablet holder. The sound system consists of two acoustic chambered speakers, situated on the sides of the console. It’s compatible with most MP3 players, smartphones or tablets. The quality of sound it renders is quite impressive, far superior to the speakers of any tablet or laptop. The workout fan is considerably larger than the fans equipped on various other treadmills in this price range. It’s also automatic, matching its speed to the intensity of your workout. It’s speed can also be manually adjusted from the keys on the console.
A tablet holder is supplied with the treadmill, accessory that requires to be attached to the top part of the console. It’s solid and large enough to support any tablet. The casing of the fan features a small “lip” which can serve as a tablet support as well. But a tablet placed on it will partially cover the console controls.
Finally, the curved bar right under the console integrates a set of stainless steel sensors for monitoring your heart rate. However, the console is also Bluetooth enabled, and can read pulse from a Bluetooth HR chest strap transmitter (accessory which is not included).
Assembly and Maintenance
The deck comes already assembled and attached to the front metallic frame. All you need to add are the console posts, the accessory tray and the console, connecting its wires. The whole operation shouldn’t take more than one hour. A detailed user’s manual is supplied with the treadmill, offering step-by-step guidance for the assembly. An Allen wrenches required for some screws and adjusting the belt, are supplied, but you will also need your own adjustable wrench and Phillips screwdriver.
Maintenance requires the periodic lubrication of the belt. Also, it’s recommended to keep the running belt clean, free of any dirt, sand, textile fibers or other objects that may be dragged and caught in the motor.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame construction;
- Solid deck, being able to support users up to 325 lbs;
- Easy folding mechanism, space-saving design;
- 3-cell (on each side), adjustable deck cushioning;
- Motorized incline, 0% – 12%;
- 3.0 CHP motor, speeds up to 12 MPH;
- Speed can be adjusted increments of 0.1 MPH, and 0.5
MPH allowing you to find the perfect pace for your workout; - EGK pulse sensors integrated in handlebars;
- Bluetooth enabled console, can read pulse from a HR chest strap transmitter;
- 32 preset workout programs;
- iFit ready;
- Touch-screen display, with intuitive interface;
- Various amenities such as sound system, cooling fan, tablet shelf, accessory trays;
- Quiet operation;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- HR chest strap not included;
- iFit subscription not included.
Summary
The NordicTrack C 990 is a treadmill with a sturdy construction, pretty similar to the commercial models. It features a running deck with adjustable cushioning, folding design, and a 3.0 CHP motor which can definitely support running workouts. It’s equipped with a new generation, touch-screen console, iFit enabled, which also has 32 preset workouts. Differently put, it’s a solid treadmill, designed for users of all levels, excellent for cardio workouts, weight loss, interval training or building stamina. Therefore, we can safely say it offers excellent value for the price.