NordicTrack AudioStrider
990 Pro
Elliptical Trainer Review
"Best Buy"
 The NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Pro is the 2010 version of the popular AudioStrider 990. They are very similar in design and features, with one exception. The Pro model has the new iFit Live technology (See Below).
A word on the 2009 AudioStrider 990. NordicTrack has been selling this model for several years, which is rare for this company. They tend to change models yearly. However, the 990 has been such a huge success with their customers that they didn't want to mess with a winner. Besides the various design features, the AudioStrider 990 has a good service record. In addition, it received a "Best Buy" rating from a popular consumer magazine.
Note: As of 9/1/10 the
NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Pro Elliptical Trainer was selling for $999 with shipping. A good value. Go to www.NordicTrackEllipticals.com for the latest price.*
NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Pro Features
iFit Live — iFit Live is an innovative interface that is designed to motivate and entertain you when burning calories and working up a sweat.
The previous version of iFit was a series of workout cards that you inserted into your elliptical trainer. It controled the resistance of the machine, while providing motivational audio to push you harder. Each card covered eight weeks of progressive training, and focuses on specific fitness goals. The workouts were designed by certified professional trainers. So they are like having your own personal trainer in your home.
 iFit Live takes the iFit technology to a whole new level. First, the cards are gone and instead your treadmill communicates with your computer through wi-fi. (Obviously, if you do not have wi-fi it won't work.) All your workout data like distance run, time, calories burned, etc., is downloaded and tracked on your personal profile page on iFit.com. You also have these additional features...
- With Google Maps™ you can map your own workout route and your elliptical will simulate the resistance to the contour of the land. With a laptop you can get a satellite, map or street view, if available, of the route.
- Race against your Facebook friends.
- Workout with Jillian Michaels. You can download workout routines from Ms. Michaels that include her audio coaching.
- Download additional workouts specific to your fitness goals.
- Other features include a nutrition and activity tracker, motivating text messages and emails, and workout videos available for download. Note, there is an additional cost for iFit Live.
18" - 20" Adjustable Stride Length — A 2" variation is not a lot, but it does allow users to set the length that better suites their height and comfort level.
Power Incline — This is the main feature that has made the AudioStrider 990 a big seller. You can adjust the incline from 10-30 percent. This gives you the benefit of increasing your cardio workout. It also lets your glutes, quads and calves.
 25 Workout Programs — If you don't want to spend the money for iFit Live, the NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Pro comes with 25 installed workout programs. There are 15 toning target programs and 10 performance programs, which is a generous selection in comparison to other brands and models of elliptical trainers.
Cooling Fan — It actually provides some relief and and optimally points at your core.
Speakers and MP3 Input — The speaker system is better than you will find on most fitness equipment.
Our Review - NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Pro
I suspect the Pro version of the NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 will continue to be a huge seller for the company, when priced aggressively ($999). The features like the power incline and adjustable stride have made this an appealing offer. The addition of iFit Live make this package even more attractive.
It should be noted that this elliptical trainer rates in the high-end of budget models. Although the AudioStrider 990 has had a respectable service record considering the price, it still has some limitations. If you plan to do strenuous, intense workouts, I would recommend you start looking at elliptical machines in the plus $1,500 range. Also, the suggested 350 lbs. user weight limit is way over the top. I would put the weight limit at 230 lbs.
Final note! Is the NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Pro the best built elliptical trainer for $999? Difficult to say, but when you factor in all the features it is definitely one of the "Best Buy" values at $999!
Go to www.NordicTrack.com to learn more.
Customer Review - 2009 Version
I have had my elliptical since March of ’08. I have lost 51 pounds by using it for 30-45 minutes five times a week on average. The weight loss would be more dramatic if I had radically changed my eating habits…I probably snack more than I should. The machine has operated very well with minimal, very occasional clunks and squeaks. Gone from 38” slacks to 34”…this machine is quite literally a life saver.
This is a great machine. It's smooth and quite, EXCEPT for the beeping that occurs every time you change resistance levels. There's no volume control so you can't turn it off. NordicTrak Support has an SD card that turns off this beep for some models. However, they will not provide it for this model (I checked). Otherwise, it's a really nice machine.
Barry
I've had my Nordic Track Audio Strider 990 for 7 weeks. The ordering & delivery process was smooth - I ordered it online and applied for the payment plan. I received a $4000 line of credit from Icon fitness, which covered the Nordic Track and is able to be used at all Icon companies. Nordic Track contacted me within 6 hours to confirm order and to sell me the 4 year warranty for the same price that the 3 year was listed as on the original sale website. I ordered the elliptical on Tuesday night and it was delivered to my house by Old Dominion freight on Friday - the distribution center was only 100 miles from my house, so that delivery time might be atypical. The box did have some damage on delivery - it appeared to have been punched by a forklift tine at some point. The product inside wasn't damaged - the pieces were packaged in styrofoam inside the box so it cushioned them from the fork.
Assembly took longer than the manual estimated and definitely takes two people. As we were assembling we discovered that the plastic cover over the front leg where you attach the incline mechamism was assembled a little off track - where the two halves snap together at the front of the shaft the sides weren't aligned properly so the locking tabs were on the outside inside of locked into the slots on the inside. The cover was bolted down securely and the incline ramp hasn't been impacted. All the parts were present and clearly labeled.
The unit has been used almost every day at least once, sometimes twice, by both myself and my husband. I weigh 125 (130 at the time of delivery), he weighs 231 (238 at the time of delivery). When I first started using the unit it was very quiet. Once my husband starting using it I started hearing a clanking noise in the right leg where it hooks onto the flywheel. The screw also worked loose in the right foot pedal. I tightened the screw and the noise there stopped. The flywheel/leg clanking has not stopped - this model does fold up so those clips can release from the flywheel allowing the legs to fold. I have tried to tighten the clip on that side but there are no parts to adjust. I haven't noticed an impact in performance and the sound has quieted considerably in the last several weeks of use. The operation is smooth and I have had no trouble with resistance or incline changes. The footpads are large and comfortable, even for my husband. The heart rate monitor has been accurate, matches to my polar monitor most of the time. The programs are nicely done and have good variety. The only minor annoyance is that it beeps every minute, even if the resistance isn't changing at that section of the program.
Overall, I'm very pleased with the performance so far. My previous elliptical broke after three months (ProForm Cardio Stride), so I'll see how this one is doing at that point and send an update.
Shannon
|