The NordicTrack Elite 17.7 Elliptical with Adjustable Stride

A new,  mid to high end machine from ICON, the NordicTrack Elite 17.7 elliptical is a slight upgrade from the 14.7, also new this year. The 17.7 lists at $2,999, but is currently on sale direct from the manufacturer for $1,799.

What You Get

The Elite 17.7 features a generously sized 10" LCD touch screen with full color display of time, speed, calories burned, heart rate and more. There are 38 workout programs to help you burn calories, improve performance and get a great cardio workout.

The specs on the NordicTrack Elite 17.7 elliptical  include:

•  20" - 22" Adjustable Stride Length
• 38 Programs
• 26 Intensity Levels of Magnetic Resistance
• -10° to 20° Power Incline Adjustment
• Moving Handlebars
• In-Handle Controls for Resistance & Incline/Decline
• Build-In HD Video Workouts
• Handgrip Pulse Sensors
• Wireless Chest Strap Heart Monitor included
• 10" LCD console display/browser
• Adjustable pedals with Gel Cushioning Inserts
• Inertia Enhanced, 35 lbs. Front Flywheel
• Transport Wheels
• Water Bottle Holder
• 400-lb. User Capacity
• Audio port for MP3, two speakers
• iFit compatible
• Warranty: lifetime frame, 6 years parts, 3 years labor

The Word on the Street

UPDATE: As of 2016, the Elite 17.7 is no longer being sold.  You can check out the latest NordicTrack elliptical reviews here.

The NordicTrack Elite 17.7 elliptical is another new model by NordicTrack that doesn't have a lot of reviews yet, but those who do post reviews are primarily positive, due at least in part to the oversized 10" screen, which is probably the largest on the market. Crisp images and a Google web browser make your workout experience a multi-sensory entertainment excursion, which plenty of reviews credited with helping them stay on track.

A few reviews commented on the striking similarities between the 17.7 and the 14.7. The Elite 17.7 has a slightly lighter weight flywheel, a larger browser window and a warranty that has been extended by one year on both parts and labor. Some reviewers felt that was worth $200 to $300 more; others didn't.

Our Thoughts

You can scroll through your stats with your fingertip on the LCD screen and use the HD workout videos or Google Maps street views to give you a scenic workout.

The front flywheel gives you a taller elliptical curve in a somewhat smaller footprint if space is an issue. 

Our concern with the NordicTrack Elite 17.7 elliptical is that the company seems to be producing several machines that are so similar that there's seems to be no reason for some models.

If you're really into the bells and whistles you may love the selection, but for many users the Elite series is simply going to be confusing.