The NordicTrack C 990 Treadmill Review - All New With iFit Touch Display

The NordicTrack C 990 is the mid-priced model in the very popular C Series, offering a host of great features at an affordable price.  It was recently upgraded with a 7" web-enabled touch screen with iFit, a strong motor, special cushioning and entertainment features the brand is known for.

C990 - The Machine

The C 990, like the rest of the series, offers easy folding with SpaceSaver design, so it's simple to store between workouts.  It has a powerful 3.0 CHP motor, incline capability up to 12%, adjustable cushioning (soft or hard) and heart rate monitoring right in the handlebars.

Let's take a look at the important specs...

• 3.0 CHP DurX™ Motor
• 20" x 60" Tread Belt
• 0-12 mph 1-Touch™ Speed
• 0-12% 1-Touch™ Incline
• 7" Smart HD Touch Display
• 32 Workouts
• FlexSelect™ Cushioning
• iFit™ Coach Enabled
• Adjustable AutoBreeze Fan
• 300 lbs User Weight Capacity
• iPod Compatible Sound System
• Spacesaver Design with Easylift™ Assist
• Warranty: Lifetime frame and motor, 3 year parts, 1 year labor

The Buzz

UPDATE: As of our latest review the C990 is no longer being sold. It has been replaced by the new, comparable NordicTrack EXP 7i, part of the affordable yet capable T Series. Check that one out!

NordicTrack has a strong reputation for delivering a feature and capability packed treadmill without the high price tag, and the C 990 is no exception.

Expert reviews have been quite positive, and the improvements have made this machine even better than it was previously.

The NordicTrack C 990 is very similar to the up-level C 1650 model, which offers a more powerful motor and a larger touchscreen. 

Users like the fact that they are fully entertained while they work out, with the option to browse the web, listen to their favorite music or watch movies while they work out.  

iFit Coach technology, something only found on ICON Health machines, gives you additional workout options and one of the best features, Google maps that allow you to run anywhere in the world while the machine automatically adjusts its speed and incline.

The C990 allows you to access iFit right on the machine itself, as opposed to on the entry level C700, which requires a tablet or smart phone. You can get all of the additional workouts, Google maps and tracking capability at the touch of a button.

All of this is packed into a space saver design that is ideal for most home environments.  It is easily folded, and the cushioning minimizes impact on your knees and joints.

With plenty of built in workouts as well as incline capability, the C990 can definitely help you reach your fitness goals.

How Does The C 990 Compare to the Other NordicTrack Treadmills?

The C 990 is the mid-level treadmill in the company's C Series, a line of very capable machines that is more affordable than the Commercial and Incline Trainer series.

It gives those on more of a budget the opportunity to own a treadmill with all of the features and capabilities of a higher priced cardio machine.

The base model in the series is the C 700, with a basic LED display, 2.75 CHP motor, up to 10 mph and 10 degrees of incline, 20" x 55" deck and 20 built in workouts.

Moving up you have the C 990, which as you've read above gives you much better features than the base C 700: a 7" touch screen display, 3.0 CHP motor, up to 12 mph and 12 degrees of incline, a 20" x 60" deck and 32 built in workout programs.

The top of the line C 1650 gives you a 10" HD touch screen, a 3.5 CHP motor and 34 workouts, along with everything the C 990 offers.

So the NordicTrack C 990 is a big step up from the C 700, and well worth the additional $200-$300 in our opinion.  The jump from the C 990 to the C 1650 is not as significant, although you do get a stronger motor and a larger touch screen console.

How does the C990 compare to the other NordicTrack treadmills?  

As we mentioned, it's much more affordable than the other machines, yet doesn't sacrifice much.  The Commercial 1750, which is about $400-$500 more, will give you more incline as well as decline capability, stronger motors and more advanced cushioning.

So if you think you might need a more durable treadmill, check out the Commercial 1750 and the other models in the series.  The Incline Trainers, which are very similar to the Commercial treadmills, give you up to 40% incline and 6% decline.  If you want a more intense uphill and downhill workout, you can consider one of those models...although they are the most expensive of all.

NordicTrack C990 vs the Sole F63

The C Series doesn't have much competition, but you can make a comparison of the C990 vs the Sole F63 treadmill.  The two machines are similarly priced, and have a lot of the same features and capabilities.

The C990 and F63 both have 3.0 CHP motors, 20" x 60" decks and easy folding capability.  But there are some considerable differences worth noting.

The C990 excels in the following areas:

• Touch screen display vs a basic LED
• 32 built in workouts vs 10
• iFit Coach technology

The F63 excels in the following areas:

• 15 incline levels vs 12
• 325 lb. max weight vs 300 lb.
• Wireless heart rate vs. grip only
• 2.5" rollers vs 1.9"

So the C 990 is going to give you more workouts and features, and the Sole F63 is going to be a more durable treadmill with a little more incline and wireless heart rate monitoring included and a free strap.

Choosing between the C990 vs the Sole F63 is simply a matter of deciding which treadmill has more of what you are looking for.

NordicTrack C 990 Review - Bottom Line

The NordicTrack C 990 treadmill is a great choice for those looking for a value treadmill with tons of great features.

In addition to the numerous entertainment options, you get a nice sized belt with cushioning, heart rate monitoring, incline and a good number of workouts to choose from.  

The display is bright and easy to use and you get a tablet holder, strong fan and an accessory tray to hold your water bottle, towel or whatever else you have with you.

This one is a great option, and definitely worth a look in the price category.

If you want to save a little money consider the C 700 base model, and also look at the up-level C 1650 if you want a bigger touch screen and more powerful motor.