# StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill vs NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill (StairMaster) and NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer (NordicTrack) among stair climbers. NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer is the cheaper of the two at $1999.

## Side by side

| Spec | StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill | NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $10099 | $1999 |
| Brand | StairMaster | NordicTrack |
| Step height range (cm) | 20 | — |
| Resistance levels | 20 | 24 |
| Max user weight (kg) | 181 | 170 |
| Drive type | Electronically controlled, chain-driven alternator/brake | Silent magnetic resistance |
| Step rate spm | 24-162 | — |
| Console programs | Apex 16in HD Touchscreen or Apex LED console; Quick Start, Manual, Fat Burner, Calorie Burner, Intervals, Bell-Shaped, Build, Mystery Challenge, Steady, Heart Rate Zone Trainer, Landmark Challenge (virtual world landmarks) | 10in HD touchscreen; 35 built-in workout programs plus iFit (16,000+ on-demand/live classes, 30-day free trial); adaptive FreeStride pedals switch between stepper, elliptical, and treadmill-like motion |
| Flywheel weight (kg) | — | 9 |
| Dimensions (cm) | 147 x 86 x 200 | 149 x 75 x 188 |

## Key differences

- Resistance levels: StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill 20 vs NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer 24
- Max user weight (kg): StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill 181 vs NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer 170
- Drive type: StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill Electronically controlled, chain-driven alternator/brake vs NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer Silent magnetic resistance
- Console programs: StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill Apex 16in HD Touchscreen or Apex LED console; Quick Start, Manual, Fat Burner, Calorie Burner, Intervals, Bell-Shaped, Build, Mystery Challenge, Steady, Heart Rate Zone Trainer, Landmark Challenge (virtual world landmarks) vs NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer 10in HD touchscreen; 35 built-in workout programs plus iFit (16,000+ on-demand/live classes, 30-day free trial); adaptive FreeStride pedals switch between stepper, elliptical, and treadmill-like motion
- Dimensions (cm): StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill 147 x 86 x 200 vs NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer 149 x 75 x 188

## Sources

- StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill: https://www.corehandf.com/products/stairmaster-8gx-1 (corehandf.com, verified 2026-08-01)
- NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer: https://www.nordictrack.com/product/fs10i-freestride-trainer (nordictrack.com, verified 2026-08-01)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/stair-climbers/stairmaster-8gx-gauntlet-vs-nordictrack-fs10i/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill ($10099) vs NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer ($1999) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/stair-climbers/stairmaster-8gx-gauntlet-vs-nordictrack-fs10i/
License: CC BY 4.0.