NordicTrack Elite 16.9 Elliptical Review (2024)

Quick Summary

Would you train harder with a TV on board?

The NordicTrack Elite 16.9 elliptical offers the distraction of a 15″ HDTV — but it’s a serious trainer too.

NordicTrack engineers have included what really matters on an elliptical trainer: smooth resistance and a comfortable stride.

Learn more from our full review of the NordicTrack Elite 16.9 below.

Our Rating

Rating: 91.3/100. The NordicTrack Elite 16.9 is the top elliptical trainer in its high-end series. It combines a long 20″ to 22″ stride, the smooth resistance of a 32-pound drive, and modern tech we love for training and entertainment. Some specs are a 15″ HDTV, a full color 7″ touch screen for showing workouts and the Internet, and easy iFit integration.

With the web price of $1,699 it’s a best buy in its price class considering its six-year parts warranty, advanced tech and great ergonomics… But like any elliptical trainer, it’s not the best choice for each and every shopper. Here are points to consider before bringing the Elite 16.9 home.

Pros:

Quick assembly (15 minutes)
15″ high definition TV
32-pound flywheel
26 resistance levels
Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR™)
20″ to 22″ stride, depending on the incline
Power incline of 0 degrees to 20 degrees
Resistance and incline controls on handlebars
35 built-in workouts
iFit-enabled
Full color 7″ touch screen to show workouts and data
Web browser
iPod-compatible (2″ speakers)
Wireless heart rate monitor (Chest strap included)
Water bottle holder
Long warranties on parts and labor

Cons:

NordicTrack’s customer service often gets low marks from customers
Not a SpaceSaver, but does have transport wheels (Footprint is 72″ L x 23.5″ W)

Introduction

With it’s new sale price the NordicTrack Elite 16.9 is a top elliptical among the $1,699 options. Inspired by club quality elliptical trainers, it supports an ergonomic 20″ to 22″ stride and offers smooth resistance from one of NordicTrack’s heaviest drives.

Most adults will find that it’s a great fit in terms of stride length, weight capacity, smooth performance and challenge. Besides those important basics, the Elite 16.9 shows off NordicTrack’s latest tech for workouts and entertainment: an iFit-enabled console, iPod-compatibility, a touch screen with web browser, and more.

Workout Programs

The NordicTrack Elite 16.9 is preloaded with 35 elliptical workouts. Each was designed by a certified personal trainer and looks great on the console’s 7″ full-color touch screen display. These programs make it easy to get a smart training session by automating the magnetic resistance and incline. The programs fall into four categories: Ramp, Calorie, Intensity and Performance.

For unlimited workout variety the Elite 16.9 is iFit-enabled. Using the console’s 7″ touch screen you can use high definition video workouts featuring world-class personal trainers, download a new and custom-tailored personal trainer workout every day, and use the interactive iFit Google Maps™ feature. With Google Maps™ workout downloads the Elite 16.9 can show an interactive Google Street View for any training route you draw, plus the elliptical machine will adjust its incline to simulate the landscape.

iFit subscriptions cost $99/year and allow four user profiles each.

NordicTrack Elite 16.9 Features

The NordicTrack Elite 16.9 elliptical has a 20″ to 22″ stride. The stride length doesn’t have independent controls but changes naturally with the incline. Other ellipticals in this series have shorter maximum strides.

The flywheel weighs 32 pounds and offers 26 resistance levels. The options can fit a wide range of trainees, from newcomers to elliptical training to those with advanced experience.

For extra calorie burn and targeted body-shaping you can use a power incline with 20 degree maximum.
The workout control center is a full color 7″ touch screen. It lets you navigate the preset workouts and iFit, plus it has an Android web browser.

For heart rate data the Elite 16.9 can use wireless data (chest strap included) or information from contact sensors on the handlebars.

The NordicTrack Elite 16.9 is compatible with iPods and other MP3 players. It has a port and Intermix Acoustics 2.0 speakers.

Warranty & Guarantee

The NordicTrack Elite 16.9 elliptical warranty includes:

– Frame: Lifetime
– Parts: 6 Years
– Labor: 3 Years

NordicTrack also includes a 30-day money back guarantee.

Conclusion

The NordicTrack Elite 16.9 elliptical is at the top of its line — and that’s an impressive line. Is it your best choice? This fitness machine delivers the best elliptical workouts and overall value to taller trainees who would take advantage of its 15″ HDTV. If that’s not you, then the lower-priced Elite 11.9 could be a better value.