The NordicTrack Pathfinder Elliptical – Value Priced

The rear drive NordicTrack Pathfinder elliptical has an all new 35-degree power ramp plus an innovative shock system that gives the user a cardio-pumping, fat-blasting workout – for under $1000.

What You Get

On the LCD Grafixx™ display, you get multiple information fields to view speed, time, distance, calories, and pulse. The NordicTrack Pathfinder elliptical comes with 20 workouts (10 Performance, 10 Ramp), as well as the ability to use an iFit® Live module (sold separately) for interactive training and downloadable programs from the internet.

The features include:

15 Digital Resistance Levels

18" to 20" Adjustable Stride Length

15 to 35-degree Motorized Power Ramp™

20 workouts

Dual-Grip CardioGrip™ Heart Rate Monitor

Compatible Music Port for iPod®

Intermix Acoustics™ 2.0

iFit® Live compatibility*

SpaceSaver® Design

350 lb. User Capacity

Warranty: Lifetime frame, 1 year parts & labor

*iFit requires module, membership, wireless network.

The Word on the Street

UPDATE: The NordicTrack Pathfinder is no longer being produced. To find a comparable model check out our NordicTrack reviews page.

An incline increases the intensity of a workout on an elliptical. The NordicTrack Pathfinder elliptical is the company’s first model to take this training method even farther by providing a motorized power ramp with a max incline up to 35 degrees.

The five incline settings from 5 degrees to 35 degrees automatically extend the stride length to 20" when the incline is at the highest setting. (The stride length is at 18" for the lower settings.)

As an added benefit, the NordicTrack Pathfinder’s Shock System stimulates more muscle involvement. These shocks create a dynamic elliptical path, adjustable and unique to you, making your legs stronger and leaner, and doing it in less time.

It’s nice to see so many positive elliptical reviews on the Pathfinder. This NordicTrack model has many good points to mention — its ergonomic comfort, it is easy to assemble, sturdy, quiet, smooth, reliable, and very strong on value.

The resistance is huge and it definitely works the legs more like a commercial dynamic trainer than a budget elliptical trainer. The only drawback to the NordicTrack Pathfinder right now is the iFit Live feature which isn’t living up to user expectations.

The issues with the software programming may not be fixed until late 2010, and (as of the writing of this review) the street trails are not available on the Google Maps.

You should also note that you must purchase an iFit Live module ($50) separately, in addition to paying a $120 yearly membership in order to access the iFit Live website and Google Maps.

Our Thoughts

New for 2010, the Pathfinder is an upgraded version of the AudioStrider 990 Pro, which was an improvement over the 990. The Pathfinder follows the same design as the 990 Pro, but has a key addition with the innovative Shock System.

Value priced at $899 to $999 online with free shipping, the NordicTrack Pathfinder elliptical is a decent trainer; however, don’t buy it just for the iFit Live feature since that will cost you $170 additionally for the first year.