NordicTrack EXP 7i - Packed With Great Features

The EXP 7i is one of the newest treadmills in NordicTrack's lineup, the base model in the EXP series. These are the more affordable machines that the company offers, but don't let the price fool you. You get plenty of features and capabilities, many of which you won't find on pricier treadmills from other manufacturers.

Let's get right into our EXP 7i review to see what this one is all about...

EXP 7i - The Machine

The EXP 7i features a new sleek, modern design, with convenient one touch inline/speed controls, great cushioning and a smart response drive system.

Here are the most appealing specs...

• 3.0 CHP Plus Motor
• 20" x 60" Tread Belt
• 7" HD Touch Screen
• 0-12 mph 1-Touch™ Speed
• 0-12% 1-Touch™ Incline
• FlexSelect Cushioning
• Bluetooth Audio
• 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

It seems like the NordicTrack treadmills just keep getting better and better. Each new model that the company releases improves upon the previous one, with more incline, more advanced cushioning, better displays, larger running decks and other nice upgrades.

The EXP 7i is no exception. This treadmill improves upon the previous T Series models which NordicTrack recently discontinued in favor of the EXP 7i, EXP 10i and the upper end EXP 14i.

All of the EXP Series treadmills are considered entry level, yet with all that they have to offer they are more like advanced models in many respects.

The EXP7i comes with speeds up to 12 mph and incline up to 12%, a nice jump from the 10 mph and 10% incline on previous models. 

You get a nice 7" HD touch screen display to view all of your workout stats and tap into the company's iFit program, which gives you an endless library of live and on-demand workouts with professional trainers, tracking capability, community board, automatic incline and speed changes and so much more.

iFit allows you to choose locations around the world and work out there virtually, which is a really cool feature. iFit does require a membership, but you usually get at least a month for free to test it out.

Other great features on the NordicTrack EXP 7i include Bluetooth audio, capable 3.0 CHP motor, a workout fan, large 20" x 60" deck, SpaceSaver design and a 300 lb. max weight capacity.

All in all this is a great treadmill for the home gym, especially given it's competitive pricetag.

How Does the NordicTrack EXP 7i Compare to the Other Models?

There are a number of different NordicTrack treadmills and they do change series and model names periodically, so it can be difficult to keep track of everything.

Here's a brief overview to help you...

The EXP 7i, as we mentioned, is part of the EXP Series, which is the most affordable in the lineup.

Its big brother, the EXP 10i, adds a 10" touch screen, a 3.5 CHP motor and 3% decline capability on top of the 12% incline. Other than these features, the two machines are very similar. You then have the new EXP 14i which is similar to the other two yet with a larger 14" touch screen display.

Moving up you have the popular Commercial Series, which includes the Commercial 1750, mid-range 2450 and top of the line 2950. These are more advanced than the EXP treadmills, and are built for heavier use.

The Commercial Series gives you stronger motors (3.75 CHP to 4.25 CHP), larger running decks (22" x 60"), decline to 3% and more incline to 15% and more advanced Runner's Flex cushioning, among other upgrades.

The Incline Series, which includes the X22i and X32i currently, builds upon the Commercial Series with larger touch screens (22" and 32"), larger running deck on the X32i (22" x 65"), and even more incline and decline capability (6% decline, 40% incline) to take your training to the next level.

So the EXP 7i is going to be a good choice for regular use in your home gym. If you're more of a runner or there will be multiple users in your household, the Commercial Series might be a better option, especially the Treadmill Talk favorite 1750.

And to ramp it up even more (no pun intended), the Incline Trainers are pretty incredible with incline and decline capability you simply won't find anywhere else.

NordicTrack EXP 7i Review - Bottom Line

If you're looking for a solid entry level treadmill for your home, you can't go wrong with the NordicTrack EXP 7i. It's got just about everything you could ask for in a home machine...touch screen display, good incline, solid cushioning, iFit interactive workouts, Bluetooth technology, easy folding capability and much, much more.

Again, if you're more of a runner, definitely consider the Commercial 1750 or one of the other models. They're a bit more expensive than the EXP Series, but you get a lot more.

And finally, if you really want to take it to the next level, look at the Incline Trainer Series.

Whichever model you choose, you really can't go wrong with any of the NordicTrack treadmills. The company has figured out how to make walking, jogging or running a lot more enjoyable.