Nordictrack FS5i vs FS7i Freestride Trainer – Which is Best For You? (Updated 2018)

 

Trying to decide between the Nordictrack FS5i vs FS7i Freestrider Trainers?

 

 

Both of these models give you the famous adaptable stride that you can set yourself. So you’re not locked into one set stride as with other elliptical machines and you can do multiple movements like stair stepping, jogging or even hurdling.

Both trainers also come iFit Coach compatible so you can go online and track your workout stats or run trails all over the world.

 

 

However there are several key differences between them that you may not see at first glance.  So how are they differnet – and which one is best for you?

Here’s a comparison between them to help you decide:

 

 

Nordictrack FS5i vs FS7i – Price

 

The FS5i Freestrider is the most affordable trainer in the series coming in around $1599 with Free Shipping here. It’s a little more simple and basic than the FS7i.

The FS7i is the next model up – and the original trainer that put the Freestrider on the map. It comes in around $1999 with Free Shipping here.

 

 

So is the FS7i worth the extra money? Well, there are some pretty strong differences that you may want to consider:

 

 

Nordictrack FS5i vs FS7i Comparison – Console

 

The FS5i has a backlit dual-color console as seen below. It shows your basic workout stats alone with a scrolling message board leading you through your workout.

There’s also a tablet holder above the console. So you can attach your tablet and use it to surf the web as you run – or watch your favorite movies or shows.

 

 

 

The FS7i console is a huge step up – it comes with a larger, full-color, touch-screen HD console.

So you can watch your workout stats in full color. Or connect with iFit Coach to watch over 12,000 different video workouts – including running famous trails all over the world.

 

 

There’s also a tablet holder above the console so, just like with the FS5i Freestrider, you can attach your tablet and surf the web as you run or watch your favorite movies or TV shows.

 

 

 

 

FS5i vs FS7i Freestrider – Incline

 

Incline changes the slope of your elliptical pathway and helps you get a better crosstraining workout. The FS7i has an incline of up to 10 degree – whereas the FS5i has no incline option.

 

 

You don’t need incline to have a great workout, but a lot of people prefer it as it gives them more options to crosstrain.

 

 

 

Nordictrack FS5 vs FS7 – iFit Coach

 

iFit Coach is a very cool new technology that lets you connect your Freestrider to the Internet and run trails all over the world where the scenery pass you by in the console window. You can also take Livestream workouts right from your console – everything from HIIT training to Yoga.

 

 

You can also explore famous walking trails anywhere in the world with different personal trainers as they coach you through your workout.

iFit Coach is however a yearly subscription service. With the FS5i Freestrider it is not included (it’s an add-on option).

With the FS7i Freestrider however (as of this writing), you can get a 1 year membership to iFit Coach included (a $300 value). So you can try iFit out for a full year to see if you like it.

(You don’t need iFit to use any of the Nordictrack Freestriders – they all work fine without iFit Coach. iFit is just an add-on option).

 

 

Also, it’s fair to point out that since the Nordictrack Freestrider FS5i model doesn’t have the full-color console, if you don’t have a tablet you can use to connect to iFit, you won’t be able to watch the iFit world scenery as you run.

You don’t have this problem with the Nordictrack Freestrider FS7i model – you can watch all the iFit world scenery on your console (or on your tablet).

 

 

 

Nordictrack Freestrider Comparison – Flywheel

A heavier flywheel gives you a smoother feeling ride. It’s also great for longer workouts or heavier usage of the machine since it also acts as a sort of anchor.

The FS7i comes with a heavier 20 pound flywheel whereas the FS5i comes with a still-respectable 16 pound flywheel. So the FS7i will hold up a bit better with heavier or more frequent use.

 

 

Nordictrack FS5i vs FS7i – Resistance

The Nordictrack FS5i carries 22 different levels of resistance whereas the FS7i model gives you a few more – 24 levels.

So you have a bit more room to grow with the Nordictrack FS7i Freestrider. It’s not a huge difference of course – but something you may still want to know.

 

 

 

Free Wireless Heart Rate Monitor

While both trainers comes with hand-grip EKG pulse sensors. If you get the Nordictrack FS7i Freestrider through the Manufacturer here, you can also get a Free wireless heart rate monitor included.

 

 

A lot of people like the wireless option because it’s a lot more convenient to use than continually having to grasp the hand sensors.

 

 

Bottom Line?

So which is the best Freestrider model for you?

Well, the Nordictrack FS5i is the more affordable version, making it more attractive if you’re on a budget.

However you do get a lot more with the Nordictrack FS7i Freestrider.

The console alone on the FS7i will give you a lot more entertainment options.

You can watch iFit Coach world scenes in full color. Or take a walking tour of famous places around the world and view it all from your console.

Plus you get the incline to add more crosstraining to your workout. And the heavier flywheel helps to add stability.

Overall many people seem to think these extras are worth the money – which is probably why the FS7i outsells the FS5i model. But at the end of the day it really comes down to what’s the best fit for you.

Want to learn more?

 

Click Here for Free Shipping on the Nordictrack FS7i  

 

 

Click Here for a Special Discount on the Nordictrack FS5i