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The NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i and SE9i are two models from the NordicTrack Spacesaver Elliptical series. How do they compare?
The NordicTrack Spacesaver Elliptical series is a collection of elliptical machines that offer a great workout while trying to keep the required storage space to a minimum.
Some of the most important differences between the NordicTrack SE7i and NordicTrack SE9i include the screen size, option for incline angles, number of resistance levels, heart rate monitoring, and price.
Besides price, the NordicTrack SE9i takes the lead in these features. It has a screen that is 4 inches (10.16 cm) bigger, the option to use up to a 10% incline, 2 extra resistance levels (24 total), and a heart rate monitor.
This can make it the better option for people with suboptimal vision, people who are annoyed by pressing small buttons and reading small text while using the elliptical, and people who really love the immersive experience of iFIT, and people who want to get just that little bit more out of their workout.
For people who just want to get in a great elliptical workout at the lowest price possible, the NordicTrack SE7i is the better choice and a great option in general. At the time of writing, the reviews for the SE7i are also more positive.
This article will also go over some of the other features of the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i and NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i, and in what situations the differences between the two matter the most.
Important differences NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i vs SE9i
Both the Spacesaver SE7i and Spacesaver SE9i models are from the same NordicTrack brand. Even so, since they are their own separate models, there will still be some differences.
Not all of these differences are that important. In the first table below you can see some of the most important features when it comes to investing in an elliptical machine.
| Feature | NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i | NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i |
|---|---|---|
| Screen | 10” HD Smart Touchscreen | 14″ Smart HD Touchscreen |
| Incline Options | / | 0 to 10% |
| Resistance Levels | 22 Levels | 24 Levels |
| Heart Rate Monitor | No | Fit Bluetooth® Smart Chest Strap Included |
| Controls On Moving Handles | No | Yes |
| Price | $$$ | $$$$ |
| Check Current Price | Check Current Price |
Common features NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i and SE9i
There are other features besides the ones above. For some of these, the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i and NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i are similar, for others they are different.
| Feature | NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i | NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i |
|---|---|---|
| Footprint Dimensions | 80″ L x 32″ W x 67″ H | 80″ L x 32″ W x 67″ H |
| Weight | 215 Lb In Box | 218 Lb In Box |
| Weight limit | 325 pounds (147.42 kg) | 325 pounds (147.42 kg) |
| Foldable | Yes | Yes |
| Transport Wheels | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty | 10-year frame warranty, 2-year parts warranty, and 1-year labor warranty |
| Stride | 18″ Auto-Adjustable | 18″ Auto-Adjustable |
| Position Drive | Rear | Rear |
| Silent Magnetic Resistance | Yes | Yes |
| Flywheel | 18 lbs | 18 lbs |
| iFIT | 30-Day iFIT Family Membership Included | 30-Day iFIT Family Membership Included |
| Adjustable Pedals | Yes | Yes |
| Pedal Cushions | Yes | Yes |
| Bluetooth Audio Capabilities | Yes | Yes |
| Color Screen | Yes | Yes |
| Audio | Two 2” Digitally Amplified Speakers | Two 2” Digitally Amplified Speakers |
| Workout Fans | AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan | AutoBreeze™ Workout Fan |
| Additional Static Handles | Yes | Yes |
Differences NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i vs SE9i explained
Seeing the differences between the NordicTrack SE7i and NordicTrack SE9i in a table is definitely a helpful start.
That being said, some of the differences deserve a bit more explanation in the sense of for what type of people the differences matter in what ways. This can help you make a better decision between these two treadmills.
Incline options
One of the biggest differences between the NordicTrack SE7i and SE9i is that the SE9i has the option to use the elliptical machine at different incline levels. That means that the front part can be raised to a certain extent.
One of the consequences of this is that the more incline you go, the more you shift over the focus to your calf muscles. Not in the biggest amounts but you will likely feel the difference.
Something that comes down more to personal preference is that some people find varying degrees of incline more fun, especially in combination with the iFit services. This can make it easier to stick to your workout plan.
One thing to keep in mind is that due to the incline functions of the NordicTrack SE9i, this option requires a workout space with a higher ceiling compared to the NordicTrack SE7i.
Generally speaking, you want at least about 30 inches (76.2 cm) extra on top of the 67 inches (170.18 cm), so a workout room of at least about 97 inches (246.38 cm) height in total. The exact room required ultimately depends on your own height.
The NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i does not offer any incline angles.
Winner: NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i
Screen
Next, the screen of the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i is smaller than the screen of the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i.
In older versions of these machines, the SE7i didn’t have a touchscreen and also a smaller screen, now the only difference is the size. Both models have a touchscreen that is suited for iFit workouts.
The Spacesaver SE7i model has a 10-inch (25.4 cm) screen, the Spacesaver SE9i model has a 14-inch (35.56 cm) screen. Besides that, both screens have the same functionality.
This difference is not that big but significant enough to change your experience to some extent. There are two main groups of people for who the screen size will matter the most.
First of all, people with suboptimal vision, whether this is elderly people or just people with glasses, can benefit from the increased size of buttons and text on the bigger screen of the NordicTrack SE9i.
Even for people with good vision, this can come in handy when you are moving up and down while using the elliptical. This can help you avoid involuntary workout stops and save you the time and annoyance from selecting the wrong options.
Secondly, some people benefit from making their runs more immersive with the larger screen and the help of the iFIT workouts.
It can make your elliptical workouts more fun which in turn helps with motivation and pushing yourself further (but not too far).
Winner: NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i
Resistance levels
A small but potentially relevant difference is the number of resistance levels in both machines. The NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i has 22 resistance levels.
On the other hand, the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i has 24 resistance levels. Additionally, the moving handles of the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i have buttons to adjust the resistance levels (and incline angle).
The NordicTrack SE7i does not have the same buttons on the moving handles.
Winner: NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i
Heart rate monitor
This next aspect of the comparison between the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i and NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i is generally not as important as the other features for most people but still worth mentioning.
Older versions of both of the machines had built-in EKG Grip Pulse. Basically, a bar that you can hold to get an estimate of your heart rate. These are generally not the most accurate and convenient to use.
Newer versions of the machines don’t have these. However, the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i does come with a Fit Bluetooth® Smart Chest Strap that can be connected to the elliptical machine.
Monitoring your heart rate can be helpful for many individuals to really customize the intensity of their elliptical workout plan. That being said, a heart rate monitor is also definitely not essential to get in a good workout.
Whether this benefit of the NordicTrack SE9i is important to you depends on things like your age, workout goals, and workout plan.
Winner: NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i
Price
So far, the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i has the upper hand when it comes to features. However, one thing to keep in mind is that these extra features do come at a higher price.
The exact price differences depend on where you buy your models and vary over time. However, at the time of writing, on most sites the NordicTrack SE9i requires an investment that is a good amount higher than the NordicTrack SE7i.
The NordicTrack SE9i is definitely more of a luxury option but the price difference is not that big that you would never consider it.
Especially if you love the extra benefits, plan to use the machine a lot, and have the budget for it, the NordicTrack SE9i can be a great choice.
That being said, the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i does offer a good elliptical workout at a lower price than the SE9i.
Winner: NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i
User reviews
Generally, looking at the differences in features offers the most objective comparison, especially when comparing two models of the same company and product line.
Sometimes it can be helpful to check out the specific reviews too. In the case of the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i and NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i, the points for improvement in the reviews are very similar. At the time of writing, the SE7i does get more positive reviews.
Users are generally very happy with their machine when the elliptical machine is set up right. Some people have issues constructing the machine to this point. Like many fitness machines, sometimes the parts do not always survive shipping that well.
Additionally, you can use the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i and SE9i without an iFit subscription but this is not always clear to users.
That being said, overall the reviews of these NordicTrack elliptical machines are still relatively positive. One upside of buying from a well-known brand like NordicTrack is that they generally have good warranty policies if there are any issues.
Is the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i or SE9i right for you?
Which of these two models is the best elliptical machine for you ultimately depends on things like how much you value the differences, your budget, your workout plan, how much room you have, etc.
The NordicTrack Spacesaver SE9i offers incline options, 2 extra resistance levels, a bigger touch screen, and a heart rate monitor.
These things can be helpful for individuals with suboptimal vision. Additionally, the bigger screen also offers a more immersive iFIT experience.
The heart rate, incline settings, and resistance levels can make your workouts that little more enjoyable and effective.
On the other hand, the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i does offer the ability to get in a good elliptical workout at a lower price. At the time of writing, the reviews for this model are also more positive.
In general, the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i will be enough for most people to get in good elliptical workouts. The NordicTrack SE9i is more of a premium option that is priced slightly higher but can certainly be worth it for the extra features.
