The New NordicTrack C 12.9 Review - A Solid Elliptical Trainer

The NordicTrack Commercial 12.9 is one of the newer elliptical trainers first introduced a short while ago, joining the other members of the company's front-drive series: base Commercial 9.9 and top of the line Commercial 14.9.

It's a very affordable model with some great features and capabilities, and definitely worth a look if you're in the market for something a bit more advanced than an entry level elliptical.

Let's dive into our review to see what this one is all about....

Commercial 12.9 - What You Get

The C 12.9 has a 10" web-enabled touchscreen, so in addition to checking all of your workout stats such as distance, calories, time and incline you can view interactive maps and work out with professional trainers all over the world.

Here are some of the most important specs....

• Front driven flywheel mechanism 
  
• 10”color, Smart HD touchscreen
• iFit® enabled (tracking, training, maps)
  
• 24 resistance levels using SMR® technology
  
• Tons of workout applications
  
• 0-20 degrees power incline
• AutoBreeze workout fan
  
• Bluetooth audio and speakers
  
• 18-20” power adjustable stride
• 10 year frame, 2 years parts and 2 years labor warranty
• 350 lb. Max user weight 

What's the Word on the Street?

UPDATE: It looks like the Commercial 12.9 has been discontinued. The other Commercial models still remain. You can read about them below or check out our latest NordicTrack elliptical reviews here.

NordicTrack introduces new models very often, and discontinues others that were recently introduced.  So it can get a little confusing after a while as often you'll see an elliptical for sale one day, and the next day it is no longer available.

Still, the company does try to give you as much as possible without charging a lot, so we can forgive them for making it difficult for us to keep track of the current lineup. :)

The Commercial 12.9 has been well received so far, and it does give you a lot of features for the money.  

As we mentioned, there are two other models in the series currently: the base Commercial 9.9 and the top-end Commercial 14.9.

In addition to the HD touch screen, you get an 18-20 inch power adjustable stride, 24 different resistance levels, up to 20 degrees of incline and lots of built in workout apps.  

That's a lot of capability that you simply don't get elsewhere.

One of the most popular features is something called iFit, which is an ICON Fitness exclusive that gives you even more professionally designed workouts, personal training, tracking/sharing capability and Google map integration to simulate working out anywhere in the world.

The latest version of iFit gives you GlobeTrek workouts, which are point of view immersive training at various locations worldwide led by top trainers and LiveCast studio, which puts you right in the gym with fellow iFit users, training hard to reach your fitness goals.

Other companies have come out with similar interactive programs, but iFit remains the most comprehensive and entertaining.

The 12.9 also has a heavy 30 pound flywheel, an upgrade from 25 on the Commercial 9.9.

Other nice features mentioned in most reviews include music compatibility with good sound coming out of the dual 2 inch speakers, an AutoBreeze workout fan that syncs to the intensity of your workout, easy one-touch adjustments and an adjustable tablet holder.

How Does The Commercial 12.9 Compare to the Rest of the NordicTrack Ellipticals?

As we mentioned above, there are a lot of NordicTrack ellipticals, so it's often quite difficult to decide which one to choose.  

Other brands make it easier, as all of their ellipticals are similar and there are fewer to choose from.  NordicTrack has something for everyone, and as such there are a lot of options.

The C 12.9 is one of three ellipticals in their front drive series.  So the best comparisons you can make are to the other front drive models, which include the Commercial 9.9 and Commercial 14.9.

The front drive series ranges in price from about $1299 to $1699, so if price is a consideration it's easier to decide which one to choose.  

The Commercial 9.9 is the base model, and a step up from the discontinued C 7.5, with a 7" Smart HD touch screen, 25 lb. flywheel, 22 resistance levels and lots of built in workouts.

The Commercial 12.9 is a step up from the C 9.9, with a 10" touch screen, a 30 lb. flywheel and 24 resistance levels.

Lastly, the top end Commercial 14.9 gives you all of the same features and capabilities as the C 12.9, but with a 14" Smart HD touch screen instead of the 10" and an even heavier flywheel and 26 resistance levels.

Which Front Drive Series NordicTrack elliptical should you choose?  

It really depends on your needs.  If budget is tight, the entry level Commercial 9.9 will serve you perfectly well.

If you're a little more open, or want something more advanced, the C 12.9 is a great choice as they add a bigger touch screen console, more resistance levels, nice additions that makes your training more enjoyable and challenging.

If you just want the most advanced model in the series, then by all means consider the Commercial 14.9 with its large touch screen, heaviest flywheel and maximum resistance levels to choose from.

Our favorite model in the front drive series is the Commercial 12.9 though, as it gives you everything you need for a great workout and is sturdier and smoother than the Commercial 9.9.  

Although the 14" Smart HD touch screen is very cool on the Commercial 14.9, the 10" one on the C 12.9 is ample enough that you don't need to pay the extra $200 or so.

What about comparing the Commercial 12.9 to the other NordicTrack ellipticals?

That's a hard comparison to make.  The FreeStride Trainers and rear drive SpaceSavers are very different, so it's really not an apples to apples comparison.

If you like the idea of a front drive elliptical, then stick with the Commercial Series models.  

If you think you might enjoy a rear drive or mid drive machine, you can learn more about those on our main NordicTrack review page.

NordicTrack Commercial 12.9 Review - Bottom Line

The C 12.9 looks like a nice addition to the front drive elliptical series, with some great features and capabilities to keep you excited about your workouts.

You get power incline, a lot of built in workouts, plenty of resistance levels plus iFit to take your workouts to the next level.  You'd be hard pressed to find all of that for under $1500 elsewhere.

Also consider the C 9.9 for a few hundred less, but the 12.9 has it beat in many areas.  You can also look at the top of the line Commercial 14.9, but besides a larger touch screen it doesn't have that much more to offer.

The NordicTrack Commercial 12.9 elliptical offers a lot of value...a very good choice for your home gym that has plenty to offer.