NordicTrack EXP 10i - A Solid, Affordable Option

The NordicTrack EXP 10i is one of the newer offerings in the company's entry level series. At under $2,000 as of this writing of this review, it has a number of features and capabilities that you won't find on similarly priced treadmills.

NordicTrack has made a name for itself for packing just about everything you could ask for into their cardio machines, while keeping the costs very competitive comparatively. 

Let's jump into our review to see what the EXP 10i is all about...

EXP 10i - The Machine

The EXP 10i, like the rest of the EXP Series, features a new, modern, sleek design. It's all black head to toe, ditching the silver from previous models, and has angled uprights positioning the console at a much better angle.

Let's look at some of the other important specs...

• 2.75 CHP Plus Motor
• 20" x 55" Tread Belt
• 10" HD Touch Screen
• 0-12 mph 1-Touch™ Speed
• 0-12% 1-Touch™ Incline
• Runner's Flex Cushioning
• Bluetooth Audio/Heart Rate
• iFit Enabled
• 300 lbs User Weight Capacity
• AutoBreeze workout fan
• Warranty: Ten years on frame, motor, deck; 2 years parts, electronics; 1 year labor

The Buzz

The new EXP Series was very well received when it was first introduced a few years back as a replacement for the previous entry level series.

Originally there were three models: the EXP 7i, 10i and top of the line 14i. However, it seems like the latter model was discontinued for some reason, leaving just the EXP 7i and EXP 10i treadmills as your two choices.

Both models have a really nice array of features, including touch screen displays, premium audio, Bluetooth connectivity, incline capability and of course, the company's awesome iFit program.

So just about anything you could want in a home treadmill it's there.

The NordicTrack EXP 10i gives you up to 12 degrees of incline, so you can ramp up your training for more cardio burn. You can adjust the speed up to 12 mph, which is more than enough for most users.

All NordicTrack treadmills now come with SpaceSaver Design so you can fold it up with a touch of a button and store it between workouts.

You get a nice 10" touch screen display (7" on the EXP 7i) and you can tap into all of the iFit workouts that the company offers. New treadmills typically come with a 30 day trial of iFit so you can try it out and see if it's something you enjoy using.

iFit gives you endless workout options on and off the treadmill and you can choose trainers and destinations across the world via Google Maps. It's a great, motivating interactive experience.

One of the coolest features is the fact that the EXP 10i auto adjusts the speed and incline based on the workouts you choose, so you don't have to do it manually unless you want to.

All in all, the EXP 10i does not disappoint, and is a good addition to the NordicTrack treadmill family.

How Does the NordicTrack EXP 10i Compare to the Other Models?

There's a number of different treadmills to choose from, so here is a brief overview of how the NordicTrack EXP 10i is different than the rest of the line up.

As we mentioned, the EXP Series is the entry level series and it consists of the EXP 7i and EXP 10i.

The base EXP 7i has a 20" x 55" deck, incline up to 12%, speed up to 10 mph, a 2.6 CHP motor and a 7" HD touch screen display.

The up-level EXP 10i as you read about above has everything that the EXP 7i has, plus a larger 10" touch screen and a stronger 2.75 CHP motor.

Moving up in the lineup there's the very popular Commercial Series, which consists of the Commercial 1250, Commercial 1750, and top of the line 2450.

Note there used to be an even more high end Commercial 2950, but that has since been discontinued.

The Commercial Series models are a bit more expensive than the EXP Series treadmills, but also give you a bit more of everything.

These treadmills give you stronger motors, larger running decks (22" x 60"), incline up to 15% instead of 12%, and larger touch screens (up to 22").

They also have more advanced technology and larger 2.5" rollers, as opposed to 1.9" on the EXP models. Larger rollers mean smoother motion on the belt.

You then have the Incline Series, consisting of the popular X22i and X32i.

Here you have 22" and 32" touch screens, respectively, stronger motors, additional incline to a whopping 40% and decline to 6". The X32i has an even larger 22" x 65" running deck.

So in a nutshell, as you move up in the lineup you're getting larger touch screens, more powerful motors, larger decks on some models, more incline and more decline. Of course you are paying more for these additional features.

The EXP Series is going to be your best bet if you're on a budget and just going to be doing some moderate running. If you're more of a serious runner and the budget is a bit more open consider one of the Commercial Series models...those are going to be more advanced than the EXP Series.

If both incline and decline are important, and you really want to replicate outdoor hill training, then look at the Incline treadmills. Again, those are pricey, so make sure that's what you need.

If not, any one of the EXP Series treadmills is a great choice.

NordicTrack EXP 10i Review - Bottom Line

If you're in the market for a solid entry level treadmill the NordicTrack EXP 10i is definitely worth a close look.

You get a very user friendly touch screen display, diverse iFit workouts, incline capability, solid cushioning and easy folding/storage, all for a very competitive price.

If you are more of a serious runner, or multiple people will be using the treadmill on a regular basis, consider one of the Commercial Series models, which will better stand up to heavy use.

And if you want to save a bit more, look at the entry level EXP 7i, which only differs from the EXP 10i in the size of the touch screen and a few minor features.

Whichever model you choose, you will definitely be happy with all that these treadmills have to offer.