Strengths:
1) 18" - 20" Adjustable Stride
Many cheaper ellipticals come with a short 14 - 16" strider which doesn't really work your leg muscles to the full extrent. A longer stride can help you more fully work your leg muscles and get a more comfortable workout.
The adjustable option lets everyone, no matter their height, choose a stride length that feels right for them (taller people tend to prefer a longer 20" stride).
2) iFit Live
iFit Live is one of the coolest things to come out of NordicTrack in a long time.
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.
3) 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.
4) 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.
5) 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
6) 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 helps to make your workout more comfortable.
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 more and go for a Sole or a 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.
It also recently took home a "Best Buy" award from a leading consumer magazine. While it's not a commercial grade machine, overall it offers good 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 feel.
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 ( + 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
