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The NordicTrack 14.9 and Sole E95 are two high-end elliptical machines with important differences. Find out what the right choice is for you.
Some of the main differences between the NordicTrack 14.9 and the Sole E95 are that the NordicTrack has a shorter but adjustable stride length, a bigger screen with more functionality, a few more resistance levels, a heavier flywheel, and a compacter design.
On the other hand, the Sole E95 has a higher weight capacity, stride length that is more suited for most people, better warranties, adjustable pedals, more positive customer reviews, and the ability to function well without a paid subscription.
An important thing to note first is that the customer reviews of the NordicTrack 14.9 are not that positive.
This is mainly because the screen does not always work as desired, the IFIT subscription is paid, and the elliptical does not work that well without the subscription. Additionally, there tend to be just a few more quality control issues.
If you plan to get the paid IFIT subscription and the stride length is suited for your height (up to about 5′ 7″ = 170.2 cm), you could give the NordicTrack 14.9 the benefit of the doubt thanks to its features.
On the other hand, even though its screen is more basic, the Sole E95 is a very solid elliptical machine without any additional subscription costs. Customers tend to be a lot happier with this machine.
Important differences NordicTrack 14.9 vs Sole E95
Elliptical machines, especially models from different brands, can vary a lot in terms of features. The same goes for the NordicTrack 14.9 and the Sole E95.
At the same time, not all features are equally important. In the first table below, you can find the feature differences that will influence the decision of most people to the largest extent.
| Feature | NordicTrack 14.9 | Sole E95 |
|---|---|---|
| Customer Reviews | Not That Positive | Generally Positive |
| Weight limit | 350 pounds (158 kg) | 400 pounds (181 kg) |
| Stride Length | 17.5″ to 18.7″ (44.5 cm to 47.5 cm) (Auto Adjustable) | 20″ (50.8 cm) |
| Screen | 14” Smart HD Touchscreen | 10.1″ TFT LCD |
| Resistance Levels | 26 Digital Resistance Levels | 20 Levels |
| Flywheel Weight | 32 lbs (14.5 kg) | 27 lbs (12.3 kg) |
| Dimensions | 67″ L x 29″ W x 69″ H | 82″ L x 31″ W x 71″ H |
| Warranties* | 10 Years Frame, 2 Years Parts, 1 Year Labor | Lifetime Frame, 5 Years Electronics, 5 Years Parts, 2 Years Labor |
| Adjustable Pedals | No | Yes, 10 Positions |
| Price** | $$$ | $$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
*Warranties can vary from seller to seller
**Price difference at the time of writing
Other features NordicTrack 14.9 and Sole E95
There are also differences between the NordicTrack 14.9 and Sole E95 that are less relevant for most people. Additionally, there are a variety of features the elliptical machines have in common.
| Feature | NordicTrack 14.9 | Sole E95 |
|---|---|---|
| Step Up Height | Not Mentioned | 14″ |
| Weight | 210 lbs (95.3 kg) Box Weight | 236 lbs (107 kg) |
| Foldable | No | No |
| Transport Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Additional Static Handles | Yes | Yes |
| Moving Handles | Multi Grip | Multi grip |
| Pedal Cushions | Yes | Yes |
| Workout Programs | Big Collection Through IFIT (Separate Subscription After Free Trial) | 8 Included + 2 Custom |
| Adjustable Console | No | Yes, 10 Positions |
| Bluetooth Audio Capabilities | Yes | Yes |
| Cooling Fans | Yes | Yes |
| Incline Options | 0%-20%, Power Adjustable | 20 Levels, Power Adjustable |
| Resistance Type | SMR™ Silent Magnetic Resistance | ECB (Magnetic) |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Connectable Through Bluetooth, Need Your Own Measuring Device | Pulse Grip & Included Bluetooth Chest Strap |
| Controls On Moving Handles | Yes | Yes |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
Differences NordicTrack 14.9 vs Sole E95 in detail
If you are familiar with elliptical machine features, the table of differences between the NordicTrack 14.9 and the Sole E95 can be enough to help you make a decision.
On the other hand, it could also be unclear why, for who, and to what extent certain of the details matter. You can find some of the most confusing and important features explained below.
Stride length
The stride length of an elliptical machine comes down to how much distance the pedals cover from front to back.
You want this feature in the right range for you personally to keep your elliptical workouts comfortable and to be able to push yourself enough.
The difference between the NordicTrack 14.9 and Sole E95 is one of the things that will influence your choice the most. Because you will use your elliptical machine for so many hours, you definitely want the right stride length.
You can adjust the stride length of the NordicTrack 14.9 from 17.5″ to 18.7″ (44.5 cm to 47.5 cm). The Sole E95 has a static stride length of 20″ (50.8 cm).
The recommendations for this feature are typically given in terms of your height. In practice, the ideal range will depend on the length of your legs.
A general recommendation is that the 20″ stride length of the Sole E95 is suited for individuals who are 5’3″ – 6′ (160 cm to 183 cm) tall. Smaller people may prefer the NordicTrack 14.9.
Individuals over 5′ 7″ (170.2 cm) tall may find the stride length of the NordicTrack machine lacking. Ideally, you would try out an elliptical machine at your local gym to see what you prefer.
From looking at the average height of people, individuals will generally prefer the stride length of the Sole E95. That being said, based on your personal height, you may prefer the NordicTrack 14.9.
Winner: Sole E95 (for the average individual, smaller people will likely prefer the NordicTrack)
Flywheel weight
A flywheel of an elliptical machine is the rotating disk to which the pedals are attached. This part can vary in a few details, including its weight.
The NordicTrack 14.9 has a flywheel weight of 32 lbs (14.5 kg), the Sole E95 has a flywheel weight of 27 lbs (12.3 kg).
At first, this may not sound like much but 5 pounds is an 18.5% increase over 27 pounds. This is likely enough to feel a difference.
A heavier elliptical machine flywheel is typically preferred for a few reasons. The first and main one is that a heavier flywheel tends to give you smoother workouts.
This is because the heavier flywheel builds up more momentum. When/if you time your movements suboptimally, the turning won’t be interrupted as easily.
Additionally, a heavier flywheel makes starting and the “push” and “pull” parts of the rotations just a bit harder. That being said, this difference will be relatively small due to the increase in the momentum of the heavier wheel.
In short, most people prefer a heavier flywheel for their elliptical machine for smooth movements and a good challenge. The NordicTrack 14.9 is better in this area by a nice amount.
Winner: NordicTrack 14.9
Price
The NordicTrack 14.9 and Sole E95 each have their advantages and disadvantages. In situations like that, the price difference can sometimes make the decision a lot clearer.
That being said, at the time of writing, the NordicTrack 14.9 and Sole E95 have the same prices on the brand websites.
Keep in mind that this price difference depends on where you buy your models and varies over time.
Winner: Depends on where you get your model. At the time of writing, similar.
User reviews
The feature differences on paper are helpful to get an idea of what elliptical machine is better for who and to what extent.
At the same time, looking at customer reviews sometimes uncovers suboptimal features; quality control issues, and other important details.
In the case of the NordicTrack 14.9 vs the Sole E95, it is clear that customers tend to be happier with the Sole E95.
One of the areas where customers tend to be the most unhappy about the NordicTrack 14.9 is the screen, the included IFIT subscription, and the lacking machine performance without these things.
First of all, the screen does not always work as desired in terms of staying connected to the internet, software, and smoothness. Secondly, the people in the negative reviews are often not a fan of IFIT and its subscription cost.
As you can expect from more complicated fitness equipment like an elliptical machine, both the NordicTrack 14.9 and the E95 can take a while to assemble and have a few quality issues here and there.
That being said, these quality issues seem to be just a bit more common for the NordicTrack 14.9. Customer supports from both brands tend to be slow in their responses.
Overall, customers tend to be happy with their Sole E95 elliptical machine. Customer reviews about the NordicTrack 14.9 a relatively high amount less positive.
Is the NordicTrack 14.9 or Sole E95 better for you?
In short, the Sole E95 has a slightly higher weight limit, bigger stride length, better warranty, adjustable pedals, and more positive customer reviews.
On the flip side, the NordicTrack 14.9 has a smaller but somewhat adjustable stride length, a bigger screen with more extensive functionality, a few more resistance levels, a heavier flywheel, and a smaller size.
Keep in mind that you generally want an IFIT paid subscription to make full use of the NordicTrack 14.9. The extra cost of this adds up over time.
If you plan to use this IFIT subscription, the NordicTrack 14.9 could be the right choice for you if the stride length range is suited for your height (up to about 5′ 7″ = 170.2 cm).
Other individuals who just want good elliptical machine workouts without paid subscriptions and a more standard stride length will generally prefer the Sole E95.
It is true that the NordicTrack 14.9 has more resistance levels and a higher flywheel weight. However, the not-so-positive customer reviews about this machine are somewhat of a red flag, certainly at this price range.
At the same time, the resistance levels and the flywheel weight of the Sole E95 will be more than good enough for most people. In combination with the sturdy frame, good warranties, and adjustable pedals, this is a solid pick.
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