NordicTrack Freestrider 35s vs. 35si

The NordicTrack Freestrider 35 and NordicTrack Freestrider 35s are great examples of something that really annoys me about fitness machines, practically across the board. The naming conventions of almost all ellipticals tell you so little about what to expect from each machine and do little to differentiate between them. You tell me, what is the difference between the NordicTrack 35 S and the NordicTrack 35 Si – apart for $700 and the letter ‘i’ that is? Not obvious is it?

A glance through the NordicTrack website throws up a few clues.

Most importantly the Freestrider 35 Si comes with an iFit module already included plus a 12 month subscription to iFit Live. This technology is available to the 35 s model but only after paying separately for the iFit Live module a cost of $129 plus a one year subscription (which is currently free). The 35 Si also has a Wireless Heart Rate Monitor to complement the two hand grip sensors in the handlebars.

Users of the 35 S will have to make do with the Cardio-Grip Heart Rate Monitor. The 35S features Upper Body Workout Arms which ‘burn more calories, add muscle tone, provide a great total body workout and increase cardio benefits.’

In comparison the 35Si’s Dual Action Upper Body Arms burn extra calories, increase intensity and help define chest, shoulders, back and core. What makes them dual action is anybody’s guess because they did not see fit to share that information with us on the website. Both versions of the Freestrider have gel cushioned pedals for comfort and support and the 35S boasts integrated speakers, an iPod port and a built-in headphone jack.

The 35Si advertises an Interplay Music Port for iPod or Mp3 player with a built-in sound system and ‘unbeatable sound quality’. Both machines have a cooling system. On the 35S it is called a Core Cooling Fan and is described as offering cooling comfort even during intense training. The 35Si instead offers the CoolAire Workout Fan which is built into the console.

The 35 S has 15 preset target toning workouts and 10 performance workouts. The 35 Si does not list any preset programs but this is presumably because with the iFit Live already included in the 35 Si there is no need of them. Both machines offer a range of resistance levels. The 35S has up to 16 while the 35Si has only 12. The number 35 in the names of both machines references the revolutionary stride length of 35 inches. Somewhat of a hybrid between an elliptical and a stepper the arched angle allows for a longer stride in a short space. Quite a clever little twist.

There doesn’t seem to be much else to choose between the two machines and I am doubtful if the differences listed here would justify the $700 difference in price. If you were really bursting to get the iFit Live then you can purchase the module separately and still save over $500 on the 35 Si.