NordicTrack Commercial 2950 Folding Treadmill Review

Over the past few years NordicTrack has been working relentlessly on its iFit interactive training service that plugs into all of its current range machines. It’s been successful in establishing itself at the premium end of the home fitness market and we wanted to see exactly what that looks like when shopping at the top end of the catalogue so we got hold of the flagship treadmill in the current range, the Commercial 2950.

There have been a few different versions of this treadmill over the years with each successive model making improvements on the model before. Sometimes the changes have been subtle and sometimes more significant, but the C2950 has always been impressive and we were keen to see how this most recent version (NTL19221-INT) stacks up. While the word commercial features in the name, this model is and always has been, aimed exclusively at the home fitness market, though it does have a very high spec and is not unlike a commercial machine, hence the name, and we’re not complaining here because this really is a high-spec model that echoes the models found in many commercial gyms.

The C2950 is a large machine machine (over 140kg) and so unsurprisingly you’ll want another person to help with putting it together, though the assembly process itself is really not any different many smaller models and takes less than an hour to complete. Once assembled it’s quite easy to move around so getting it situated where you want it isn’t very hard thanks to the transport wheels (though to make life even easier you’ll want to make sure you assemble this machine in the room you want it to live in).

It’s easy to see that this is a proper piece of kit even before it’s built, the size of the box alone makes that very clear, but once it’s built this is a big machine without being overbearingly huge. With a footprint of 206cm x 99cm (81” x39”), it’s large but will fit into a space only a little larger than many mid-sized models. The main benefit of this is that you get an impressively spacious 51cm x 152cm (22” x 60”) running deck which is even larger than the one found on the previous model. The deck provides ample room to move around during your run and makes even sprinting at full speed feel safe. We’ve not seen a larger running area on a domestic treadmill and it has to be said that it feels very good.

The running experience here is every bit as good as on the old version of the C2950. With NordicTrack’s Runners Flex™ cushioning system it’s possible to adjust the level of impact absorption. Make it harder for a road running experience or softer for a run that’ll be even kinder to your joints. It’s easy to change and the difference between the two settings is noticeable. This is sure to appeal to anyone that will be sharing use of this machine with other regular users in the household and to anyone that needs to take extra care of their joints. This set-up, combined with the oversized deck really does make this a superb running platform.

Another element that makes the C2950 feel like a premium machine is the size of the front and rear rollers. Here both front and rear have a 2.5” (6.35cm) diameter which is larger than that to be found on most domestic models. The large diameter of the rollers means that the motor can run at a lower RPM for any given speed as compared with machines that have smaller rollers. This in turn means that the C2950 is actually quieter to run on than many other models despite the larger overall size. And it also reduces the stress on internal components to help significantly improve the overall lifespan of this machine.

The drive motor is a 4.25 horsepower DurX™ commercial plus power plant and as you’d expect for a motor of this size it makes light work of driving the belt up to a top speed of 22kph (13.7mph) and even at the top incline setting of 15% at full speed, it really doesn’t sound like it’s ever breaking a sweat, unlike any foolhardy soul who attempts that sprint at that incline level! With proper regular maintenance (mainly just ensuring the running belt is properly lubricated) there’s no reason why the power plant installed here won’t run for a very, very long time as it never seems to strain. There’s also a 3% decline function here which doesn’t sound like much but you can take your reviewers word for it, it makes a difference! This function makes this treadmill excellent at simulating real-world running scenarios and helps to ensure that the overall running experience that much more engaging.

In terms of the console, like the previous version of this machine, the C2950 features a plush 22″ touch screen. However, here the console has been upgraded to an Android 9 OS and features improved graphics and better processor cooling fan. It’s also been fitted with dual 2.4 GHz & 5 GHz Wi-Fi connectivity and it has to be said that all these things combined do make for a smoother overall experience than before. On previous versions of this machine, there is the odd occasion here and there where the input can sometimes, at certain points in a workout, feel a bit laggy but that’s gone here and the experience has been enhanced making interactions feel very slick.

To get the most out of the C2950 we’d recommend signing up for an iFit account (a 30-day Family membership of iFit Coach is included with this machine). Like the previous model, this version of the C2950 does not have any traditional onboard workouts but rather has a set of video workouts that are streamed to the console. You can always use it in simple manual mode if you’re not into training videos though it has to be said that the video workouts are extremely well put together and if you struggle for motivation to keep getting on and going for a run, they are genuinely fun and engaging and can really help with this aspect of regular exercise.

The warranty on the machine is NordicTrack’s standard lifetime frame, 10 years motor and 2 years for all other parts and labour .

So, what do we think? Well, we’re not surprised to find that we really like this machine. It delivers everything the previous models did but does do what it does, that much better than before. With rock-solid build quality, advanced interactive training features, adjustable cushioning, incline and decline settings and a simply enormous running area this version of the C2950 is technically excellent from both a mechanical and electronic perspective and delivers the sort of running experience that will leave even experienced runners feeling properly satisfied.

Best Price

The NordicTrack Commercial 2950 is not currently available from any retailers we're aware of in the UK.
It may be worth looking for a used machine on ebay

Review Summary - In Brief

The NordicTrack C2950 ticks all the boxes for exactly what a premium treadmill should be. A combination of impressive specifications, ability to motivate, improved components and attention to detail ensure that this machine adapts to the needs of different potential users with differing goals. Whether you're training for a marathon, want to shed a few pounds, or are trying to get in shape and improve your mobility, the C2950 will deliver a safe workout and a very enjoyable, and challenging one at that. We love the C2950! With this machine, NordicTrack has once again delivered a top-spec'd, premium running machine. It shouldn't be a surprise that it's made our treadmill of the month!

NordicTrack Commercial 2950 Specifications

  • 4.25 HP DurX™ Commercial Pro motor
  • 0-22kph (0-13.7mph) speed range with OneTouch™ controls
  • -3% to +15% power-adjustable decline/incline with OneTouch™ controls
  • 55cm (21.6”) x 152cm (59.8”) running surface
  • Non-stretch, 2-ply tread belt
  • 2.5” (6.35cm) precision machined and balanced non-flex rollers
  • RunnersFlex™ cushioning technology
  • 22” full-colour touchscreen display
  • Feedback: Several display modes available (the display mode that you select will determine which workout information is shown). The screen can show: incline level, vertical gain, vertical loss, elapsed time, calories burned, calories per hour, distance, speed, a track representing 400m (1/4 mile), pace, heart rate
  • Included workouts: Manual mode, daily updated map workout. Selection of streamed video-based workouts.
  • Interactivity: iFit® Coach Enabled, 30-day Free iFit trial included (Verified payment details required for iFit sign up. Auto-renews at the end of the trial period unless cancelled)
  • iFit workouts: Thousands of on-demand video workouts streamed via iFit (subscription required).
  • Heart Rate Measurement via Dual-EKG pulse grips + Bluetooth® Smart wireless receiver (chest strap included)
  • SpaceSaver® folding design with EasyLift™ Assist
  • Conveniences: Dual AutoBreeze™ workout fan, accessory tray, transportation wheels
  • Audio: Compatible music port for iPod®/mp3, dual 3-inch speakers
  • Dimensions in Use (L x W x H): 199cm (78.3”) x 100cm (39.4”) x 170cm (66.9”)
  • Folded Dimensions (L x W x H): 93cm (36.6″) x 100cm (39.4″) x 190cm (74.8″)
  • Max. user weight: 135kg (297.6lbs)
  • Product weight: 143kg (315.3lbs)
  • Power supply: mains
  • Warranty: Lifetime frame and motor, 5 years parts and electronics, 2 years labour (if registered within 28 days of purchase)

NordicTrack Commercial 2950 Treadmill - Console / Display Unit

NordicTrack Commercial 2950 Treadmill - User Reviews

The Pros

  • Upgraded 22" console
  • Impressive oversized running deck
  • Adjustable cushioning
  • Heavy duty with no shaking
  • 15% incline and a 3% decline feature

The Cons

  • If we really have to pick something, then it's that it requires good WiFi
NordicTrack Commercial 2950 Treadmill Reviewer Ratings

Power - 9.5
Appearance - 9
Running Area - 9.5
Comfort - 9
Reliability - 9
Noise - 9
Ease Of Use - 8.5
Controls - 9
Warranty - 8.5
Value for Money - 8
Best Price

The NordicTrack Commercial 2950 is not currently available from any retailers we're aware of in the UK.
It may be worth looking for a used machine on ebay

Also see our Treadmill Comparison Table

Whilst every effort is made to give you accurate information we cannot guarantee the technical specification. Models change on a regular basis and may differ slightly from the above review. We recommend you contact the retailer if you have a question regarding technical data. Please read our Legal Disclaimer

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