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StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill vs NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer is cheaper at $1999. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill or NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer?

The NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer is the cheaper at $1999. The NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer both leads on specs and costs less — the straightforward pick.

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Full spec sheet

marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer
US price $10099 $1999
BrandStairMasterNordicTrack
Released
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

Sources — StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill: corehandf.com (verified 2026-08-01). NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer: nordictrack.com (verified 2026-08-01).

What's the difference between the StairMaster 8Gx Gauntlet StepMill and NordicTrack FS10i FreeStride Trainer?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 8). Matching specs are omitted.

  • 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

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