NordicTrack T23.0 Treadmill Review

NordicTrack entered the market for higher end treadmills in 2011 from solid roots in the mid-market segment. Having got some experience under their belt, they’re starting to turn out some really rather good treadmills. In late 2012, they released the T23.0 treadmill and this was a huge success and became one of the most popular machines in the premium segment. In mid-2014, they sadly stopped making the T23.0 🙁 This was something we couldn’t understand as the T23.0 represented amazing value for money. But now, we know their logic – they were preparing an all new version of the T23.0 for 2015! So, we got our hands on one and have updated our original review 🙂

First impressions of the new Nordic T23.0 are that this is a serious machine with a lot of toys as it’s difficult for the eye not to gravitate towards the console with its big screen in the middle – but more on that later! First and most importantly, we need to establish what the basics are like. At the heart of this treadmill is a powerful (upgraded) motor rated at 3.25 horsepower on a continuous duty basis, with a peak output of 5 hp! From our initial inspection of the key components of the treadmill, we were surprised to find that the nice big rollers fitted to the original machine – something that helps to reduce noise and can help to increase the life of the motor – have been replaced with smaller diameter rollers. While this isn’t a be all end all deal breaker, it is certainly a bit of  a letdown. The running deck is an over-sized one, so even the tallest of users would feel comfortable running on the T23.

Our biggest criticism of the original version was that it was fitted with Nordic’s QuadFlex cushioning technology which provided a LOT of impact absorption. This was great for those on weight loss programmes that needed extra support, but was just too soft for those wanting a treadmill for running indoors to prepare for an outdoor event. So, we’re delighted that NordicTrack have actioned this feedback and fitted the new version of the T23.0 with their brand new FlexSelect cushioning technology. This provides a perfect solution for all users as it’s adjustable. So those wishing to have a soft deck can set it to the softest setting and those preparing for a road running event such as a marathon can set it to the other end and get a firmer running surface!

Despite the console of the machine looking a little bit like something out of Starship Enterprise, basic use of the treadmill is extremely simple with a nice selection of quick speed and incline keys and an intuitive layout. At the center of the console sits a dazzling 10 inch (25.4 cm) full colour LCD touchscreen that provides one of the most intuitive and easy to use user interfaces that we’ve seen on a treadmill. With this display, there’s no question of wondering which little window provides what pieces of workout feedback: it’s all crystal clear and many of the ‘standard’ features one would find on a normal treadmill such as quarter mile track display are transformed by having such a large and clear screen. Apart from this, further inspection of the console reveals that it’s actually a full Android based tablet, which means that you can browse the web or stream a film as you train. Clearly, it’s unlikely that you’d be able to concentrate to read your emails while running at a fast speed, but for those trying to burn the calories, we can confirm that walking fast at 15% incline whilst distracting yourself on Facebook is certainly very feasible 🙂 With such a fancy console, you’d be right to assume that there’s absolutely no shortage of programmes!

There is a wide selection of preset ones grouped together into 4 categories: calorie, speed, incline and intensity goal. Whilst that would be plenty to provide a decent level of variety for most users, the T23.0 is equipped with a built-in iFit Live module, which coupled with the built-in Android tablet screen, and a home wireless internet network opens up a whole additional work of interactive training. With iFit Live, there are over 1,000 programmes that can be downloaded to your treadmill and every exercise session is recorded and the stats save in your iFit account. Not only that, with its built-in Google functionality, you gain the benefit of being able to plot a run anywhere in the world and (where available) watching your progress on the course using Google’s street view. We really like this feature as there’s a big element of the sightseeing all over world as you walk or run providing additional motivation to train a bit longer. Historically, our main criticism of iFit Live has been the hassle factor of getting the treadmill to connect and having to put a laptop or a tablet on top of the console and getting this to connect separately at the same time as needing to use the standard controls on the console. The NordicTrack T23.0 does away with all this through the combination of having everything (including the tablet!) built right into the console!

Thankfully, the T23.0 has a folding, space-saver feature given its long running deck. Once folded, the length of floorspace needed reduces by more than 50% to just over a meter. As expected, the deck also has a soft-drop feature. Additionally, there are transport wheels provided too, but this is a very big and heavy treadmill, so it really shouldn’t be getting moved about much.

There are some nice additional touches on this Nordic. One example would be the ‘auto speed’ fan where the speed of the fan increases or decreases in line with the speed of the running belt. It’s questionable how well this works, but it’s a fun feature nonetheless! Another point to note is that the built-in speakers are actually pretty good and less ‘tinny’ than most treadmill speakers we’ve come across. As with all NordicTrack treadmills, the warranty is lifetime on the frame, 10 years on the motor and 2 years for other parts and labour – though you need to remember to register the machine on the NordicTrack website to quality for the 2nd year.