| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Flywheel weight | Stride | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
NordicTrack SE9i Check Discounted Price | L:80" W:32" H:77" | 325 lbs | 18 lbs | 18" | 30 workouts, iFit enabled, Bluetooth |
The SE9i elliptical trainer is part of the SpaceSaver Series released by NordicTrack in 2017. In terms of frame construction, it’s quite similar to the ProForm Smart Strider 735. However, since it’s from a newer generation of ellipticals, it comes with a more advanced console, more workout programs, it’s already iFit enabled, and has Bluetooth connectivity. For reference, this is the NordicTrack elliptical part number NTEL14416.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 80L x 32W x 77H inches (203L x 81W x 195H cm)
- Assembled weight: 190 lbs (86.1 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 18 lbs (8.1 kg)
- Supported weight: 325 lbs (147.4 kg)
- Stride: 18 inches (46 cm)
- Incline: Automatic, 0°-10°
- Pedals: Cushioned, angle-adjustable
- Resistance system: Eddy current, 24 levels
- Console: 30 workouts, Bluetooth and iFit enabled
- Amenities: Sound system, cooling fan, tablet holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 5 years / Labor 2 year
Frame construction & parts
The NordicTrack SE9i SpaceSaver features quite a sturdy construction with a weight capacity of 325 lbs (147 kg). It’s made of heavy-duty steel tubing with precision-welded joint points. All the
steel bars in its construction are double-coated by a corrosion-resistant and scratch-resistant paint finish. The color used for the moving parts and the console mast is light gray, while the base of the unit is black, these being the only colors available for this unit.
In terms of construction, this NordicTrack elliptical trainer is similar to many other commercial-grade models. However, it only comes with an in-home warranty, so it is considered an elliptical trainer for home use only.
The fully assembled unit is fairly large. It’s approx. 80″ (203 cm) long and 32 (81 cm) wide. On top of that, NordicTrack recommended assigning at least two feet of clearance all around the unit for safe operation. So, these being said, it’s not exactly a machine for a small room or apartment. But on the other hand, since it’s a unit from the SpaceSaver Series, it has a folding design and provides great storage possibilities. The console mast with the moving arms and console can fold down over the pedals, while the unit can be stored up vertically, resting on its rear part.
Since it’s a pretty large machine, it’s also considerably heavy. It weighs approx. 190 lbs (86.1 kg). On the one hand, though, all this weight plays an important role for the machine’s overall stability and sturdiness. Even if you’re close to its maximum weight capacity, you can be sure that it won’t rock when you exercise. Plus, both its bases feature adjustable stabilizers with rubberized caps which also enhance its stability.
On the other hand, even though both its bases are equipped with transport wheels, and the front 
base features a lifting handle, NordicTrack recommends that the user should be able to safely lift 100 lbs (45 kg) in order to place the unit in upright position and move it for storage.
The NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i elliptical trainer features two sets of handlebars, one mobile and one fixed. The mobile handlebars are attached to the console mast and to the pedal bars. They feature a simple grip design with rubber foam grips for superior hand adherence and comfort. The left mobile handlebar integrates incline controls while the right one has built-in resistance controls. The fixed handlebars integrate stainless steel grip pulse sensors. However, the console unit is also telemetric and can track your pulse via an HR chest strap.
The unit’s pedals are extra large; they can accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They have an inner border and a cushioned surface for superior shock absorption, foot stability, and traction. They’re also angle-adjustable; each one is equipped with a small handle at the rear which allows you to lock it into the desired position. The pedal angles adjust from heel to toe.
The joints between the moving arms, console mast, and pedal bars integrate stainless steel, sealed ball bearings. This results in a very smooth motion and the joints are less likely to develop squeaking noises.
Stride & incline
The NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i elliptical trainer features an 18″ (46 cm) stride. This being said, when it comes to stride, this machine is perfect for users between 5’3″ and 5’7″ (160 – 171 cm). 
Taller users can, of course, use the unit as well with no problem, but in this case, their range of motion will be limited.
This trainer is equipped with an automatic incline system. It consists of a lever assembly attached under the front part of the unit. It’s fully motorized, so the incline adjustment can only be done from the console or the left grip controls. It offers an incline range between 0° and 10°, which can only be adjusted gradually; there are no quick incline settings as for the resistance adjustment.
Since this is a rear-drive elliptical, even when the incline is set at zero the feel of the ride may resemble going down on a soft ramp. Also, the pedals deliver quite an elevation when the incline is set at maximum. The highest pedal position reaches approx. 27″ (68 cm) above floor level. So, it’s recommended to place and use the trainer in a room with a ceiling that is at least 27″ higher than your own height.
Drive & resistance
As we’ve already mentioned above, the NordicTrack SE9i is a rear-drive elliptical machine. It’s equipped with a mid-range flywheel (18 lbs / 8.1 kg) which has a balanced design, providing a fairly consistent momentum and a steady pedaling motion. The flywheel and brake assembly also
permit reverse pedaling. Therefore, you can put some diversity into your workouts. Also, if pedaling in reverse, the console will continue to track your workout metrics and the resistance will remain constant, depending on the selected level from the console.
The transmission between the unit’s main pulley and the flywheel is provided by a heavy-duty v-belt which delivers a whisper-quiet operation. As opposed to a chain drive it doesn’t need lubrication and generates considerably less vibration.
This NordicTrack elliptical trainer is equipped with a motorized magnetic resistance system. It consists of a small motor and a magnetic brake assembly. Due to this fact, the machine’s resistance can only be adjusted from the console or from the controls built-in the right mobile grip. Also, the unit needs to be connected to a power source; a standard plug with cable are included.
There are 24 levels of resistance available. The first 1-3 tension settings provide very little resistance, being perfect for anyone who requires recovery training from certain injuries, or in general, a very light workout. Conversely, the highest resistance settings offer the possibility to perform a much more intense cardio workout, and with the added incline, the unit can generate the feel of a pretty steep climb.
Last but not least, the unit’s resistance can be adjusted gradually, in increments of 1 level. However, there also are quick resistance adjustment keys on the console for the 2, 4, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, and 24 tension settings.
Console
The NordicTrack SE9i is equipped with a 7-inch LCD touchscreen console with LED backlight and a full-color display. The first features to mention about it is the safety options to hide the unit’s 
gears button in order to prevent unauthorized access. There’s a child safety passcode feature and also a lockscreen pattern feature.
The console unit is Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and iFit enabled. This means you can sync it with your tablet, smartphone or laptop in order to directly stream your workout data into your iFit account. Not only that, the console already has several iFit shortcuts installed. It gives you the possibility to quickly access the customizable virtual trails via GoogleMaps, download personalized workouts, compete with other users, set goals for calories, time or distance, watch high-definition videos with simulated workouts and more. The main downside with regards to all these features is that an iFit membership is not included with the unit.
But nonetheless, you still benefit from a wide array of training possibilities even without an iFit account. The trainer’s console has a 30 preset workouts in its memory. Each program has its own focus; some of them promote calories and fat burning, others are for muscle toning, and others are heart rate focused. When using one of the onboard programs, the unit will auto-adjust the incline and resistance. The console will show all the important workout metrics, including time, distance, speed, RPM, calories, and heart rate. Speed and distance can be set either in metric or standard units, while for heart rate reading you can either use the sensors in the stationary handlebars or the included Bluetooth HR chest strap.
There are several extra features built-in the unit’s console. One is the sound system which consists of two speakers and is compatible with most MP3 players or smartphones. There’s an audio jack input above the quick speed buttons along with volume controls. The second one is the built-in cooling fan which has several speed settings. Compared to the fans on the older ellipticals, this one is slightly larger and more effective. And finally, there’s a tablet holder placed at the top of the console which can host just about any type of tablet. However, the unit does not have a USB port for docking your tablet.
Assembly and Maintenance
Most of the machine comes pre-assembled and folded. You only need to attach the base stabilizers, the tablet holder, unfold the unit, and connect it to a power source. This shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes. The manual provides all the instructions necessary for this task. The required tool for the assembly of the unit’s bases is a Phillips screwdriver.
The unit is pretty compact, so in terms of maintenance, there isn’t much to be done. The internal parts and the unit’s joints are pre-lubricated from the factory and shouldn’t require further lubrication for many years of use. Therefore, you only have to check for loose bolts and parts from time to time, remove the dust from the unit, and keep liquids away from the console.
The Pros
- Extremely sturdy construction – can hold users up to 325 lbs;
- Space-saving design – the unit can be stored vertically;
- Transport wheels on both bases;
- Adjustable stabilizers on both bases;
- Angle-adjustable pedals with cushioning;
- Mobile handlebars with incline/resistance adjustment keys;
- Fixed handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Extremely quiet drive;
- Motorized incline, with up to 10°;
- Automatic eddy current resistance system with up to 24 levels;
- 7-inch, full color, touchscreen console;
- The console is iFit enabled and has several iFit built-in shortcuts;
- The console is Bluetooth enabled – can read your pulse via a wireless HR chest strap;
- HR chest strap included;
- 30 preset workout programs;
- The possibility to setup workout goals for time, distance and calories;
- Sound system included;
- Cooling fan included;
- Tablet holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Very little assembly required;
- Very little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- No USB port for docking your phone or tablet;
- An iFit membership is not included with the machine.
Summary
The NordicTrack SpaceSaver SE9i is a heavy-duty elliptical trainer featuring an eddy current resistance system, and automatic incline system, and an iFit enabled touchscreen console. It has a folding design and offers the possibility to be stored vertically. It’s an excellent trainer for light to intense cardio exercising, interval training, weight loss, and stamina development. It’s one of the best trainers available in this price and feature range.