When it comes to the best high-end home treadmill that money can buy, the NordicTrack Commercial X32i Treadmill certainly comes to mind. But costing over £4,000, what are you getting?
Well, if you’re someone who has the budget and wants one of the most intense and immersive running experiences you can get from home, then the NordicTrack Commercial X32i is certainly worth looking into.
So, here is our NordicTrack X32i review where we will provide you with all of the information that you need to make an informed decision.
Note: The NordicTrack X32i has recently been replaced by the NordicTrack X24 Incline Trainer. See our review of the NordicTrack X24 Incline Trainer.
How We Tested the NordicTrack Commercial X32i Treadmill
Before we start talking about all of the bells and whistles that the NordicTrack X32i comes with, it’s worth mentioning that in addition to testing the machine over a few days, our engineers regularly assemble and demonstrate the X32i.
So we have the opportunity to see how the machine performs over a prolonged time with feedback from its users.
It is worth mentioning that although the X32i is designed to commercial specifications, it is intended for home use only and the warranty won't cover commercial use. But it appears to be more than capable of surviving in a commercial environment.
Specifications
The NordicTrack Commercial X32i is one of the most impressive treadmills that your money can buy, so let’s do a quick overview of all of the main features that it brings to the table.
- 4.25 CHP Motor
- AutoAdjust Incline and Decline from -6% to +40%
- 0 - 19 kph quick speed control
- iFit Enabled with 30-day free trial
- 31.5” full-colour touchscreen display
- 2.5" precision-balanced rollers
- 55cm x 165cm running deck
- Reflex deck cushioning
- Bluetooth audio headphone and heart rate connectivity
- Autobreeze fans
- 136kg weight capacity
- Assembled dimensions: 196cm (L) x 102cm (W) x 185cm (H)
- Product weight: 170kg
- Box size: 198cm (L) x 107cm (W) x 86cm (H)
- Box weight: 209kg
NordicTrack Commercial X32i Review
What we want to do right now is to take a much closer look at the NordicTrack Commercial X32i Treadmill, especially as far as all of its main features, its durability and construction, and its overall performance are concerned.
Let’s figure out whether or not the NordicTrack X32i is right for you.
Functionality and Performance
First things first, let’s see how well the NordicTrack X32i performs when it comes to regular use.
Incline and Decline
Starting, we have one of the most noticeable features of the X32i which is its incline/ decline settings with an impressive range of -6% to a steep +40%. incline and decline settings.
For anybody who has never experienced a 40% incline on a treadmill, it is like running up a mountain and will have your heart pumping in no time.
With such a wide range of inclines to choose from, the 12 quick-adjust buttons down the left-hand side of the console make it easy to adjust the angle. Without these buttons, manually pressing the up or down arrow to adjust the incline to 40% could take a while.
Even better is that while following an iFit workout the incline will AutoAdjust to follow along to the workout or terrain you are running.
What’s impressive is that the NordicTrack X32i is built so well that it remains steady and stable when inclined to its maximum, even when running at high speeds.
As far as the incline and decline features go, if you are looking for a treadmill with a steep incline then the X32i is a winner.
Speed
As the NordicTrack X32i is a commercial spec unit it can reach a fairly high top speed of 19kph. Although, the previous 2019 model of the X32i used to reach a top speed of 22kph.
But all NordicTrack treadmills are being reduced to a maximum speed of 19kph. This is likely due to some health and safety concerns and 19kph is plenty fast enough, especially with such steep inclines.
Sure, some treadmills out there may be able to reach higher top speeds but let’s face it, unless you are an Olympic sprinter, you’ll probably never get anywhere close to running that fast.
For home use and even for professional training purposes, the NordicTrack X32i should be more than fast enough to get your sweat flowing.
Cushioning
Something that we appreciate about the NordicTrack X32i is the fact that it comes with so-called Reflex cushioning. Reflex cushioning in this case features four separate 3” springs that are located under the high-quality composite deck.
These springs reduce the amount of shock and impact suffered by the runner, therefore making the running experience much more comfortable.
As far as a comfortable running experience goes, this treadmill certainly provides it. Unless you are very heavy on your feet, your knees and hips really shouldn't suffer much impact at all. It allows for quite a comfortable experience no doubt.
What's also worth noting is that the shock absorption helps to encourage a natural running motion. Moreover, there is a reflex system in place which helps to provide you with a bit of spring in your step with each lift-off, so you don't lose any of your energy or momentum.
Handlebars and Sensors
What many people will also appreciate about the NordicTrack X32i, something that we certainly like, is that it comes with a triple handlebar or handrail setup. Sure, it features the classic rails like any other treadmill, the horizontal ones located at your side and the front handlebars that you can hold onto.
However, what stands out about the NordicTrack X32i is that it now features the so-called sled push bars. These are special handlebars that are vertically positioned and shoulder-width, therefore recreating the pushing of a sled.
It’s a great addition that any treadmill should have, something that can really improve your training experience and provide you with increased benefits. The bottom line is that these sled push bars help make the workout just a little more challenging, therefore adding a whole new element to your workout routine.
Now, something that needs to be said about the handlebars on this particular treadmill is that they no longer come with touch sensors for heart rate. The previous models all featured touch sensors to keep track of your heart rate and other such vectors, however, these aren't present anymore.
Nordictrack has moved away from touch sensors as they tend not to be inaccurate, and instead, now encourages people to purchase chest strap sensors for a more accurate reading.
While some people might see this as a drawback, we don't as they are an extra cost that is relatively useless. The chest strap monitors are much more accurate and relatively cheap.
Size and Portability
Something that needs to be said about this commercial spec treadmill is the simple fact that it is absolutely massive. Even in the box it is huge and weighs 209kg. So, you will need to make sure the delivery team are going to unpack the machine and carry it in for you or assemble it.
Below is an image of the box in our warehouse to give you an idea of how big it is.
This is certainly not a treadmill that you would purchase if you were short on space.
Unlike other models out there, it also doesn't have any special features that allow it to fold up or become more compact. This is an absolutely monstrous treadmill, and you need the space for it. It's probably not something that you want sitting in the middle of your apartment living room.
However, with that being said, the big advantage of having such a large treadmill is that you also have a lot of space to work with. It has a large deck so you can sprint as fast as you want and spread your legs far apart without any issues. It's also more than wide enough to accommodate the largest of people with ease.
All of that said, it does have two small wheels in the front for portability. Therefore, if you needed to move it short distances from one side of the room to another, you could certainly do so. However, weighing 170kg makes even this quite difficult.
Once you have this unit set up, it's best if it stays stationary, because moving it is quite a chore.
Noise Level
One of the things that many people are concerned about when they buy a treadmill is how noisy it is. This is especially the case if you live with other people or in an apartment building where noise levels matter. However, one of the big benefits of this particular treadmill is the fact that it's not all that loud.
Sure, it creates a bit of noise, especially if you are running at top speeds, but this is unavoidable. What needs to be said here is that the cushioning in the deck is more than good enough to remove most of that impact or thudding sound from each step taken.
Yes, there is still a bit of noise and if you're closeby you can hear that someone’s running. Especially because the motor makes a bit of noise too, but it's certainly no deal breaker. As far as commercial treadmills are concerned, although we wouldn't say that it is particularly quiet, it's also not especially loud. It's pretty moderate in this sense.
Keep in mind that it does also have a dual speed air fan which can create a bit of noise, although we noticed that people can't really hear the air fan running over the treadmill itself.
Yes, there are also speakers integrated into the unit, which is quite convenient for people who want to stream their favorite music. They are more than loud enough to drown out the sound of your running, the motor running, and even the air fan.
This is a feature that we really like, because most treadmills, although they have speakers, aren't good enough so you can actually hear the music you want to listen to. However, this isn't the case here, because as far as commercial treadmills are concerned, this one has some of the best speakers of all.
If noise is major concern then studio bikes may be worth considering, such as the NordicTrack S27i.
Construction Quality
Now that we know how well the NordicTrack X32i works, let's take a closer look at the overall construction quality.
4.25 CHP Motor
First and foremost, when it comes to the motor, this unit features a 4.25 CHP motor, which is about as powerful a motor as any commercial treadmill has. It's more than strong enough to power this unit to top speeds of 19 kph.
Of course, the motor is also designed to be strong enough to allow users to run at full incline, which as you might remember, is 40% on this unit.
On that note, what stands out about this motor is that it's also powerful enough so that it stays smooth even at top speed on maximum incline. Sometimes if a motor isn't strong enough you will feel it struggle.
Furthermore, there are then large 2.5” rollers which help to transfer the power the power from the motor to the running belt.
Thanks to these large rollers, the feel of the NordicTrack X32i is extremely smooth.
Large Running Deck
Next, when it comes to the deck of the X32i, it comes in at large 55cm x 165cm. If this doesn't mean much to you, what you need to know is that this is an ideal size for most people, even larger people training for athletic events. Being 165cm in length should be more than enough to allow even the tallest of people to reach their longest stride without any issues.
One reason why there is so much space to work with is because the motor is located at the base of the platform, which means that there isn't any large motor cover or hood on top of the belt, which allows for more space.
What also stands out is that the belt that you run on is textured ever so gently so that you won't slip and fall in the event that you start sweating on it.
The Frame
In terms of overall construction and durability, the other thing that needs mentioning here is the frame. As we mentioned previously, the maximum weight capacity of this treadmill is 136kg, and that is in part thanks to the solid powder-coated steel beams that it is built with.
As far as commercial treadmills go, this is one of the toughest ones out there. This is also thanks to the two steel side beams and the triple cross beams in place to allow for extra stability. Overall, you definitely don't need to be concerned about durability with the NordicTrack X32i.
NordicTrack have confidence in the frame of the X32i and offer a lifetime warranty on the frame.
Related Review: NordicTrack Commercial 2450
31.5" Touchscreen Display
Saving one of the best features for last, we will now look at the large 31.5" touchscreen that is iFit enabled for a truly immersive workout experience.
This is by far the largest screen we have seen on a treadmill and it adds a certain wow factor to the X32i.
Using the screen is relatively straight forward as the layout has been kept simple but displays all your workout information clearly.
When you purchase the X32i you get a 30 day free trial to the iFit subscription so you can test out the interactive workouts.
iFit gives you access to a library of thousands of workouts and not just running. You can also follow along to other classes such as Yoga and strength training.
Plus, the iFit workouts automatically adjust your incline and speed to help get the most out of your workouts. It will even adjust the incline to follow the terrain of a route you are running.
The variety of workouts combined with the large screen help to keep you motivated and much more enjoyable making time fly.
But after the 30 day trial finishes there is a monthly subscription if you want to continue using iFit. It also can't be used with any other apps which is a little frustrating.
However, iFit is one of the best fitness apps on the market and we highly recommend trying it out.
Manual Mode
If you decide you don't want to pay for the iFit subscription, you don't need to have an active subscription to use it. If you use manual mode you can simply run at your own pace and you also get access to a handful of onboard iFit workouts programs.
So they don't entirely cut you off if you don't want to pay for the subscription. Especially when considering the cost of this machine it would be a big red flag if you needed a subscription to use it.
Controls
As we briefly mentioned earlier, you can quickly adjust the speed and incline of the treadmill using the quick-adjust buttons on either side of the display.
In addition, there are large up and down controls under the display for small changes in speed and incline. So if you are going a little bit too fast you can turn it down slightly.
There are also dual air fans built into the console to help keep you cool while you run.
What you might also appreciate is that the console features two large pockets just behind the screen, so you can put your water bottle, keys, phone, or anything else right there while you exercise.
NordicTrack X32i Review – The Bottom Line
The bottom line is that the NordicTrack X32i treadmill is a herculean unit that any professional runner would be proud to have. Although it does of course cost a pretty penny, being one of the more expensive treadmills out there, it is also one of the better ones.
The frame and the overall construction quality are about as good as it gets, combined with high end performance, many awesome features, and a comfort level that just can't be beat.
