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Editor’s Note: The NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 is no longer in production. We suggest viewing the NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 as the best alternative, or view our Best NordicTrack Ellipticals roundup for more options.
The NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 elliptical was an affordable elliptical, retailing for just under $1,000, with some bells and whistles. It was a mid-tier option of the NordicTrack AudioStrider line. These machines have all been discontinued as NordicTrack upgraded their line of ellipticals to be more technologically advanced and they now all feature built-in screens for better compatibility with iFIT programming.
The AudioStrider 990 was discontinued along with its counterparts. It isn’t often available on the secondhand market but you can still find numerous parts online if you’re trying to hang onto the model in your gym now. We’ll use online reviews and specs to provide an honest overview in this NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 elliptical review and suggest some alternatives if you’re looking to replace the AudioStrider in your gym.
We Know Ellipticals
The testers at Garage Gym Reviews know ellipticals! We’ve reviewed dozens of ellipticals and other cardio machines, and we love helping you find the best fitness equipment to fill your home gym. Our team is full of fitness professionals like CrossFit-L1 trainers, nutrition coaches, athletes, and home gym owners. We’ll always give you our honest opinion—if we don’t want it in our home gyms, we won’t recommend it for yours.
Looking for an Alternative to the NordicTrack AudioStrider 990?
Best Alternative to NordicTrack AudioStrider 990
NordicTrack Commercial 9.9 Elliptical
Product Highlights
- 7” smart HD Touchscreen
- Water bottle holder, dual 2” digitally amplified speakers
- AutoBreeze workout fan, oversized cushioned pedals
- 22 levels of digital resistance and up to a 20% incline
- Constructed with heavy-duty solid steel
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Programming options
- iFIT enabled
- Quiet
- Sturdy build
- 30 pre-programmed workouts
- Incline options
Cons
- Stride length is small for a commercial elliptical
- Requires a 4-year iFIT membership
- Heavy
Bottom Line
Intended for commercial use, the Commercial 9.9 Elliptical is a sturdy treadmill that offers interactive programming through its required 4-year membership to iFIT.
The AudioStrider 990 is no longer available, but we’re confident we can help you find another elliptical trainer for your home gym. NordicTrack’s current entry-level elliptical, NordicTrack Commercial 9.9, is a solid front-drive elliptical machine. It has a 7-inch HD touchscreen, 20 resistance levels, and 20% incline. Currently, it is available “free” with the purchase of a 4-year family iFIT membership, which is about $1,900. We’ve also reviewed the best NordicTrack ellipticals if you want to check out the rest of the line.
A Quick Look at the NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Elliptical
The AudioStrider 990 was an affordable rear-drive elliptical with a surprising number of amenities for the price point. Be careful if you research this product on your own, however, as NordicTrack also released the very similarly named NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Pro elliptical. The AudioStrider 990 Pro was more expensive and the main difference was the Pro’s adjustable stride length. The stride length on the 990 was fixed at 18 inches.
Pros:
- AutoBreeze workout fan
- Incline and resistance abilities
- Users report easy assembly
- iFIT workout card compatible
Cons:
- Users report that it’s noisy
- 18” stride length may not work for taller users
- Limited reviews available
NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Elliptical Specs
| Dimensions | 81.5” L x 27” W x 66” H |
| Foldable | Yes, SpaceSaver design |
| Weight capacity | 325 lbs |
| Flywheel | Rear |
| Stride length | 18” |
| Incline | 30 degree max incline |
| Resistance options | 15 levels Silent Magnetic Resistance (SMR) |
| Display | Blue backlit LCD |
| Preset programs | 24 (20 preset, 2 custom, 2 heart rate) |
| Interactive programming | iFIT workout card compatible |
| Heart Rate Monitoring | Yes, contact grip |
| Warranty | Lifetime frame, 1 year parts and labor |
Key Features of the NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Elliptical
The AudioStrider has both incline and resistance capabilities. There are also multiple bells and whistles, like the music port which allows users to play music from their iPod or MP3 player through the elliptical speakers. The AudioStrider has iFIT compatibility, but instead of an app, you access iFIT workouts via workout cards which are inserted into the elliptical console. If you didn’t want to deal with workout cards there are also 24 pre-set workouts included.
Footprint, Portability, and Durability
The 990 has a large footprint, which is pretty typical of rear-drive ellipticals. However, the 990 is able to fold up for post-workout storage. NordicTrack also incorporates front-mounted transport wheels to make moving the AudioStrider to a new location easier. The AudioStrider 990 has a 325-pound user weight capacity and a lifetime frame warranty, which speak well to its durability, although there is only a one-year warranty for parts and labor.
Ergonomics
The AudioStrider has an 18-inch stride length, which is right in the middle of the industry standard of 16-20 inches. This will work for most users, but taller people might be a bit uncomfortable and want an elliptical with a 20-inch stride. The 990 also has both stationary and mobile handlebars, so you can decide if you want to incorporate your upper body into the workout.
Technology Benefits and Conveniences
The AudioStrider 990 was pretty technologically advanced for a machine under $1,000 when it was made. In addition to iFIT compatibility via workout cards, there are also 24 built-in workout programs, including heart rate, weight loss, aerobic fitness, competition, and custom. The AudioStrider 990 also features heart rate monitoring via contact-grip handles.
The console features one-touch buttons to change the incline ramp and resistance. There is also a water bottle holder and an AutoBreeze workout fan to keep you cool. The console includes a music port to play your iPod’s music through the integrated speakers.
Final Verdict of Our NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Review
The NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 elliptical was a good machine for home use that customers generally enjoyed having in their home gyms. It’s outdated now that many manufacturers, including NordicTrack, have moved on to machines with integrated touchscreens for streaming workouts. However, if you already have one or you come across a used one for sale and you don’t mind the outdated tech, this could be a solid elliptical for a good price.
NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Elliptical Rating
NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Elliptical
Find out if this discontinued cardio machine is right for you with our NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Elliptical Review.
Product Currency: $
Product Price: 1499
Product In-Stock: InStock
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NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 Elliptical FAQs
How old is NordicTrack AudioStrider 990?
We couldn’t find a release date for the AudioStrider 990, but the newer, upgraded model, the 990 Pro, was originally released in 2003. So it is safe to say the original is over 10 years old.
Does the NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 fold?
Yes, the AudioStrider 990 folds up using NordicTrack’s SpaceSaver design.
How much does a NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 weigh?
We couldn’t find the weight of the AudioStrider 990, though the similar AudioStrider 990 Pro weighs 245 pounds.
Are NordicTrack ellipticals good?
NordicTrack has a reputation for making quality home gym equipment. We’ve reviewed the entire line of NordicTrack ellipticals and we like them all. NordicTrack isn’t a budget brand, but if you can afford it you’ll get quality equipment.
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