Strengths:
Interplay™ Universal iPod™ Dock - You can plug your iPod or MP3 player into the built-in audio jack and listen to your favorite music or audiobooks while you workout. This is a great feature to have that can make your workout go by faster.
Fitness Age Center - This is a really neat tool unique to this treadmill series. It lets you calculate your 'fitness' age by measuring your heart rate before and after fitness tests - A great way to track your progress over time.
DuraSoft V™ Adjustable Cushioning - Cushioning is one of the most crucial features to have in a treadmill. You can reduce impact on your joints from 19% to 33%, as compared to road running, with this 5-position, adjustable cushioning.
Adjustable cushioning is also a handy feature if there are multiple users as everyone has their own preference for walking surfaces.
Custom Workout Center - This lets you pre-set your workout time, minimum and maximum speed. So you can customize your own workouts.
22" Extra Wide Belt - Most Treadbelt widths range from 18 - 20". This extra belt size gives you more room to move. It's a feature that's usually found on $2200+ treadmills.
22 Workout Programs - These include 10 iFit Weight Loss workouts designed by a Certified Personal Trainer, 8 iFit Classic Workouts which automatically adjust the incline and speed of your treadmill, focusing on an aerobic, weight-loss or performance goal and finally 4 Create-and-Save workouts where you customize your own workout.
Weaknesses:
We would have like to see a longer parts warranty on the treadmill - parts and labor are only covered for 1 year. However the warranty is still above average and you can get extended warranty coverage upon checkout.
Overall Conclusion: Recommended
The Nordic Track A2550 treadmill gives you core basics of a great treadmill: strong motor, good cushioning, solid warranty, 12% incline and high 325 lb weight capacity.
Plus it also gives you some extra luxury features like the Fitness Age Center, Custom Workout Center, iPod docking station with speakers, 22 workouts, extra wide 22" belt and adjustable cushioning.
While it's not a gym quality treadmill, it's sturdier than many treadmills at this price point. Plus you get lots of fitness tools and some decent basics as well - good value for the money.
Where To Buy:
You can save on the NordicTrack A2550 when you buy direct from the Nordic Track closeout store. They have some great discounts and you can often also save on shipping costs and sales tax as well.
The Nordic Track A2550 treadmill offers some excellent fitness tracking tools like Custom Workout Center (where you design your workouts), Fitness Age center (where you track your fitness progress) and iFit card workouts.
It is an upgrade to the A2350 model with a stronger motor, wider 22" belt, more specialized workout programs and a slightly sturdier build.
Is it right for your workout needs? Here's a review of the NordicTrack A2550 to help you decide:
Quick Stats:
Price: $1529
Motor: 2.5 Commercial DurX™ Motor
Speed: 0 -12 MPH
Incline: 0-12%
Treadbelt: 22 x 55"
Folding: Yes
325 lb Weight Capacity Deck
Lifetime Frame and Motor Warranty, 1 Year parts and Labor
