Strengths:
Heavier Flywheel - With ellipticals, the heavier the flywheel, the smoother the ride in general. Nordic Track has added a heaviery flywheel to the new 990 elliptical which gives it a more solid, smoother feeling ride.
iFit Live - iFit Live is the newest technology that Nordic Track is putting on a few of their 2010 models.
If you have wireless Internet in your home you can connect your elliptical to the Internet. It's powered by Googlemaps and Google terrain so that you can see different trails all over the world as you workout.
You can customize and download your own workout programs and workout with Jillian Michaels from 'The Biggest Loser' - where she coaches you through your workout.
You can also compete against your Facebook friends, track your activity and nutrition online and even download workout videos.
18" - 20" Adjustable Stride - Many cheaper ellipticals come with a short 14 - 16" strider. A longer stride can help you more fully work your leg muscles and get a more comfortable (and effective) workout.
The adjustable option is nice since everyone, no matter their height, can choose a stride length that feels right for them (taller people tend to prefer a longer 20" stride).
Resistance Controls on the Arm Bars - You can chenge your resistance from the arm bars instead of reaching up to the console. It's a little thing, but still very convenient.
Power Incline For More Effective Workouts - Incline (not the same as resistance) increases the workout slope of the elliptical path. This helps you burn more calories and target different muscle groups.
The 990 elliptical comes with Power Incline of up to 30 degrees - which means you don't have to get off the machine to adjust the incline manually. You just press a button while working out and the elliptical adjusts to your chosen incline.
Folds Up To Save Space- While many treadmills fold up, there are fewer elliptical trainers that fold (and still feel stable). If you don't have a lot of room to workout, the 990 comes in handy since you can just fold it up and away when done.
iPod Port With Built In Sound System - You can plug your iPod or MP3 player into the console audio jack and listen to your favorite music through the speakers built into the console. This alone can make your workouts a lot more enjoyable
25 Personal Trainer Workouts - The new 990 PRO adds a few more workouts to the mix. You get 15 workouts that target specific areas like your buns or thighs. There's also 10 performance-based workouts.
Weaknesses:
The new 990 is impressive - especially at the current price. However it's still a starter elliptical. If you want a commercial machine, be prepared to pay about $1000 more and go for a Sole or Precor.
Summary: Recommended
The Nordic Track Audiostrider 990 PRO elliptical is a super-upgrade on the older, highly rated 990 elliptical. It keeps all the great things about the older 990 (folding, power incline, iPod dock) and adds to it with a heavier flywheel, iFit LIVE capability, adjustable 18 or 20" stride, more workout programs and arm bar resistance controls.
If you want a strong elliptical - with some incredibly entertaining bells and whistles for under $1000 you'll probably love the 990 PRO.
While it's not a commercial grade machine, overall it offers great value for the price.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can get the Nordic Track 990 PRO elliptical direct from the Manufacturer. They're currently throwing in Free Shipping which will also save you about $150.
Nordic Track has added a heavier flywheel to it, giving it a much smoother, professional feel.
Another new addition is iFit LIVE. If you have wireless internet in your home, you can connect the elliptical to the Internet. You can download new workout programs, track your fitness results and race against Facebook friends.
Other new add-ons are an adjustable stride length - choose from 18" or 20" - and resistance controls on the arm bars so you don't have to stop working your upper body to change the resistance.
So is it the right buy for you? Here's a review of the Nordic Track 990 elliptical to help you decide:
Features:
Price: $999 (Sale + Free Shipping)
Stride Length: 18" - 20" Adjustable
Resistance Type: Magnetic
Resistance Levels: 16
Built In Workout Programs: 25
Upper Body Arms: Yes
Heart Rate Monitor: Pulse Grip
Water Bottle Holder: Yes
User Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
Warranty: Lifetime on Frame, 1 year on Parts & Labor
