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The Elliptical X16 is a FreeStride trainer, which allows you to train with movements replicating a stair stepper, elliptical, and treadmill.
Updated: October 31, 2024
My biggest struggle with elliptical machines is the set stride length. I'm not the tallest person, so what is comfortable for someone above average height often isn't comfortable for me. The NordicTrack X16 solves this problem with a super adjustable stride ranging from 0" to 32". With iFIT, there are so many training options to explore!
Even better, NordicTrack makes the best elliptical training content. Unlike cycling and running classes, there aren't many elliptical training platforms to choose from. Fortunately, iFIT nailed it by allowing elliptical users to follow along seamlessly with the iFIT coaches' running, hiking, skiing, and even rollerskating classes.
Read the rest of our NordicTrack X16 Elliptical review to decide if this cardio machine fits your needs and if subscribing to iFIT is worthwhile for your household!
The NordicTrack X16 Elliptical hasn't entered our studio yet, so it's hard for us to nail down the details of its quality. However, we have a long history with NordicTrack, having tested most of their cardio machines over the years. Our experience includes the NordicTrack FS14i, the X16's predecessor.
We have high hopes that the X16 is as durable or even more durable than the FS14i. It has an above-average weight capacity of 375 lbs. The warranty is also pretty nice: ten years for the frame, two years for parts, and one year for labor. You can extend the warranty, too.
The steel frame is less traditional than most ellipticals, with two uprights instead of a single column. It sits on a U-shaped stabilizer reinforced with cross bars. The frame should stay steady throughout your training. We will add details on the X16's performance when we receive it.
The NordicTrack X16 has two flywheels. NordicTrack doesn't disclose the flywheel weight, but we expect it to total 20 lbs like the previous model. It uses a center drive to allow the stride to adjust instantaneously.
The pedals are oversized to fit most athletic shoes. They are cushioned to reduce foot pain and numbness when training on the elliptical. The pedals are not adjustable, but I haven't had any trouble with NordicTrack ellipticals causing me pain or discomfort.
The Step-up height may be difficult for some users. We anticipate that it will be around 12" or so. There are no stationary handles, which would have provided support for stepping up and down from the elliptical. You can use the moving handles, but be cautious.
The moving handles do not have a variable range of motion. However, the grip area is spacious, so you can adjust your grip to what feels most comfortable. I'm curious to try the X16 for myself because sometimes elliptical handle ranges are too much for my short stature (5'4").
The handles have buttons on the ends to adjust incline and resistance. These buttons are very convenient for making manual adjustments while training, so you don't interrupt your stride.
The stride length variability is the most important feature of the NordicTrack X16 Elliptical. It ranges from 0 to 32 inches. This variability allows you to adjust from a stair stepper motion (mainly vertical) to a long elliptical stride. NordicTrack classifies the movements between the two extremes as "treadmill" because it resembles a running stride more closely.
The NordicTrack X16 Elliptical does not fold. It weighs 289 lbs as it comes in the box. Out of the box, it is still very heavy. While one exerciser may be able to roll it around on its transport wheels themselves, it can be cumbersome. The pedals move freely, so you will need to be careful not to hit yourself or anything else with them.
I recommend finding the X16 Elliptical a permanent location. You will also need to ensure there is adequate space around it—in front and behind it—to accommodate its long stride. The elliptical pedals and legs could hit a wall if you are not careful.
The incline and step-up height raise the exerciser quite a bit, so we recommend that users who are 6 feet tall have at least 8.5' ceilings.
There are 26 magnetic resistance levels. Given NordicTrack ellipticals' past performances, we expect the resistance to be quiet yet powerful. If you are using iFIT, the resistance will automatically adjust to match the trainer's cues and become more tailored to your fitness level with SmartAdjust over time.
The NordicTrack X16 Elliptical inclines and declines from -10% to 10%. This feature allows the elliptical to create a more immersive training experience when used with iFIT's outdoor classes. The incline will match the grade of the terrain shown on screen as closely as possible.
The incline and decline also target different muscle groups and strengthen them at different angles. This variable training is good for a more well-rounded workout.
The NordicTrack X16 has a great range of features with iFIT but is a bit more limited without an iFIT membership or free account. Below, I will mainly cover the onboard features so we can dive into the iFIT-specific features toward the end of this review.
The NordicTrack X16 has a great console layout. The storage and screen appear very accessible. NordicTrack reduced the number of physical buttons on the X16. You have the typical start and stop buttons. You also have buttons to increase and decrease speed, incline, fan speed, and volume. The individual buttons for different speed and incline levels are now on the screenThe X16 Elliptical has a sleek console with a large screen. There are physical buttons for adjusting the resistance, incline, fan, and volume. There are also more buttons on the screen for more precise control over your performance settings. The console tilts up and down to help reduce glare while you are watching the screen.
The NordicTrack X16's 16-inch screen is great for viewing all your metrics and iFIT training classes. Most users should have an easy time viewing and navigating the onscreen content. It does not rotate for off-screen viewing, but there isn't a lot of space around the X16 to train next to it anyway.
NordicTrack's newest touchscreens lag less than their previous generation. They seem much higher quality and clearer to watch.
The speakers on the X16 are front-facing and positioned at the bottom of the screen. Our experience with the new speakers on the NordicTrack 2450 treadmill reveals that they are high-quality and loud enough to hear while training. However, there are other listening options.
With iFIT, you can control the audio of the iFIT classes and entertainment separately. This feature allows you to customize the audio mix to your liking.
Bluetooth allows the NordicTrack X16 Elliptical to connect with headphones and heart rate monitors. It is easy to connect a device via Bluetooth, and if your headphones have volume controls, they will control the X16's volume.
Alternatively (or in addition to the other audio options), you can turn on closed captions.
The X16 Elliptical has one cup holder. It does not have other storage options, such as a tablet rack or storage tray. I wish there were a spot to keep my phone and a water bottle, but it seems like I will just have to choose one or the other.
The fan should be powerful enough to cool you off. I haven't had any issues with NordicTrack fans so far. The fan has multiple speeds and an auto setting. The auto features will speed up the fan automatically when you work harder.
The biggest appeal of the NordicTrack X16 Elliptical is its 3-in-1 performance. It includes a stair stepper motion and an elliptical motion, and the third motion is supposed to replicate treadmill running. I've tested the FS14i, the X16's predecessor, and I don't think it quite mimics running. At least, it doesn't feel significantly different from the elliptical motion.
NordicTrack's FreeStride trainers have not been able to handle high speeds very well, which is the biggest reason it doesn't mimic running very well. Instead, you want to increase your resistance on the X16 to up the intensity rather than the speed. If you push the X16 really fast through its full range of motion, it may feel a little clanky like the FS14i did.
The stair stepper motion is my favorite. It feels smooth and even, and it is great for adding heavy resistance for a challenging workout. As for the elliptical motion, it takes a little practice to get a smooth rhythmic motion since you can vary the stride length so easily. After a couple of sessions, I got the hang of it.
The resistance gives the X16 plenty of performance variability to make your workout light or very intense. The incline and moving handles help you target as many muscles as possible for a well-rounded workout.
iFIT is the onscreen training service for the NordicTrack X16. It works with all NordicTrack and ProForm cardio machines. You only need one membership to use iFIT on these brands' machines, so iFIT is a great choice for anyone who wants a whole home gym of cardio machines.
With the X16 Elliptical, iFIT provides thousands of training classes. You can follow all of the workouts meant for treadmills as well as elliptical-specific classes. iFIT's classes are generally filmed outdoors, and because the elliptical isn't a popular outdoor cardio option, iFIT coaches ski, hike, or roller skate to mimic your elliptical training.
As your coach ascends mountains and descends into valleys, your elliptical's incline will automatically adjust to match the grade of that terrain as closely as possible. As for the resistance, it will either match the program's preset levels or learn your fitness level with SmartAdjust.
To help iFIT learn your training capabilities, override the presets whenever they are too difficult or too easy. Based on your feedback, iFIT will adjust your current workout and future workouts.
iFIT also has new entertainment options. Netflix and Prime Video are available through iFIT (if you have your own subscription to either platform). Spotify should be added to iFIT in a future update. For now, music is available through Feed.FM radio. You can choose from different genre stations and skip six songs per hour.
Another feature we are waiting for iFIT to add is the Google Maps feature. This feature was previously available on iFIT but hasn't yet been added to the newest update. Once added, users can create routes anywhere that Google Maps has data by drawing it on the screen. Then, you can train on the elliptical while watching Google Street View images. The elliptical incline will also adjust to match the onscreen grade.
Without iFIT, you are limited to a few featured and present classes or manual training. However, you need a free iFIT account to access these. Without a free iFIT account, your machine may not work at all. We have had mixed results with NordicTrack equipment without logging in, and what is offered is subject to change.
iFIT is essential for training on the NordicTrack X16 Elliptical. I recommend it for exercisers who plan to subscribe. You can also access your iFIT account on your phone, tablet, or smart TV for strength and yoga training.
The NordicTrack X16 Elliptical is a FreeStride trainer with a variable stride length. The pedals move up and down like a stair stepper. They also move in a compact or exaggerated elliptical motion, comparable to a running stride or a traditional elliptical. The variable stride length is great for households with both tall and short users because it suits everyone.
iFIT provides all of the onscreen training content for the NordicTrack X16. You can also access Netflix and Prime Video if you subscribe to either streaming platform. Whether you want to train or watch TV, the X16's 16-inch touchscreen matches your training style.
The NordicTrack X16 Elliptical provides an intense, low-impact, full-body workout with magnetic resistance and a -10% to 10% incline range.
