Elliptical Reviews and Ratings 2012 » Schwinn Ellipticals Review

Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer Review

vladimiro — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 15:14:41 +0000

The Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer has an affordable price tag, but even so it does not compromise with the quality of the materials or the pack of features that it offers. It may not be the best out from Schwinn catalog, but it has the same quality that this brand puts in all their elliptical.

It is an elliptical that will last long, even with energetic users that will daily use this elliptical, the construction is sturdy and solid. It also provides a stable and smooth performance. It can hold users with up to 300 pounds. If you can’t buy a better Schwinn, then this is a good choice within its price range.

Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer Specifications

Resistance Levels: 16
Resistance System: Eddy current brake resistance
Stride Length: Fixed, 18″
Number of Workouts: 12
Display Type: LCD
Warranty: Frame: 5 years, Parts: 1 year, Electronics: 1 year, Wear Parts: 90 days
Dimensions : 62″L x 26″W x 71″H
Weight: 154 lbs
Max. User Weight: 300 lbs

Affordable and solid rock

The Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer surprises the most because it is priced below the $1.000 mark, meaning that you would expect a doubtful quality elliptical or at least not very strong, but the 420 is strong and it has good quality for the price you pay for it. There are some things missing from other models of Schwinn like the V-Stride technology, but even so, it is a great elliptical for the price.

That is what surprises users of this elliptical, the fact that it is stable when being used, it is strong enough to hold 300 pound users and it has quality to last long years. A red flag may be raised concerning the 90 days warranty on the wear and labor; usually it means that the manufacturer is trying to hold there something. Not in this case, maybe Schwinn is being over cautious or something.

One other thing that you should really pay attention on this elliptical, and not for the best reasons, is the resistance. Even though it is good enough for experienced elliptical users, for beginners and people who are out of shape, even the first level may seem a bit difficult to overcome. Several users have noticed this difficulty, so pay attention and try it before you buy it.

Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer at a Glance…

Pros:

Small footprint
Affordable
Solid and sturdy
Good pack of features

Cons:

First level of resistance a bit hard to surpass

The Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer overall it is a good product, not the best from Schwinn, but good enough to impress within its price range. It has a reasonable pack of features, lacks some of the most impressive ones of more expensive models, but has the basic ones to make it a good buy for the price you, plus a good quality and a solid elliptical.

Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer Review is a post from: Elliptical Reviews

Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Review

vladimiro — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 19:30:32 +0000

Schwinn doesn’t disappoint with their elliptical, and if the other models are great, even if some have some drawbacks. The Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical is the high end model within Schwinn catalog and has the quality that Schwinn is so proud of and all the features that you can desire in an elliptical like this.

Maybe the most hyped feature about this elliptical is the V-Stride Technology that allows users to change the stride length from 2’’ to 28’’, meaning that you can exercise in this elliptical as if you are running or just walking. The best benefit is that by doing this the elliptical allows you to incorporate different muscles in your exercise, providing a more effective workout.

Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Specifications

Resistance Levels: 16
Resistance System: Eddy current brake resistance
Stride Length: Variable, 2″ – 28″
Workout Programs: 1 Manual program, 11 Profile, 2 Custom for 2 users
Display Type: Touch screen, backlit LCD
Warranty: Frame: 10 years, Parts: 2 years, Electronics: 1 year, Wear Parts: 6 months
Dimensions: 54″L x 34″W x 73″H
Max. User Weight: 300 lbs

The Best among the Best

The heart of the Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical is the Schwinn V-Stride Technology, with which you can change the stride from only 2’’ to 28’’. This way you can target different muscles as you exercise. With the short length strides you can target calves and quads, medium length and you are targeting thighs and glutes, take it to long strides and work all muscles.

The tricky thing about this technology is that it changes the length of the stride not because you want to, but automatically once you start to workout harder and push the handlebars. Leading to understand how some reviews of this product found it very hard to reach the 26’’ stride length, and even less the maximum of 28’’.

Another thing that you should pay attention in this elliptical feature is the maximum user weight, it is set at 300 pounds. The machine weighs 210 pounds and some users have complained that for heavyweight users the 460 loses some stability. If you are closer to 300 pounds is better to try it out first before buying it, and try it at high speeds just to see how it holds.

Other than this, this elliptical is pretty much standard for the price range. The features that you have here are mostly the same as compared to other models for the same price. You get 16 programs, a flywheel of 25 pounds for a smooth and quiet exercise and overall a good elliptical that is worth the Schwinn brand.

Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical at a Glance…

Pros:

V-Stride Technology
Articulating Foot Pedals
Smooth and quiet

Cons:

Not that stable for heavyweight users

Overall the Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical stands above the rest of the Schwinn models. It is a great elliptical that will deliver what it promises. The fact that the stride length keeps on changing as you exercise may take some time to adapt, but once you are over that learning curve you can enjoy your exercise and get those extra benefits from the V-Stride technology.

Schwinn 460 Variable Stride Elliptical Review is a post from: Elliptical Reviews

Schwinn 438 Elliptical Review

vladimiro — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:01:43 +0000

The Schwinn 438 Elliptical has been discontinued by Schwinn, you can still find them for sale but only for retailers and as a used product. For the price you may end up paying for this old model, better to look over the new models from Schwinn. It is a good model priced at middle range, it is reliable and with good options, if you find it in good state.

For the price you used to pay for a brand new Schwinn 438 Elliptical, you would get a close to commercial grade quality elliptical, sturdy and solid, delivering a good performance while remaining smooth for years. It was one of the best choices within its price range.

Schwinn 438 Elliptical Specifications

Resistance Type: Magnetic
Resistance Levels: 8
18” stride
LCD display console with LED prompts
User Weight Capacity: 275 pounds
Warranty: 15 year Frame, 2 years parts, 1 year electronics, 6 month labor

Discontinued Model

The Schwinn 438 Elliptical has been discontinued but may be still dealing cards on the used items section of many online stores and retailers. One of the most hyped features of this elliptical is the choice of 24 built in programs, which is a lot to choose from. Not only will this elliptical deliver you good programs to keep you busy, but it will also make you fit in no time.

The problem that most users point out on this elliptical is the limited range of resistance levels. Even if the resistance works good and it is smooth and quiet, the fact that it only has 8 levels isn’t that pleasing, especially if you have 24 workout programs to choose from that are then limited by 8 resistance levels.

When it comes to comfort this model has articulating foot plates that release pressure from the ball on the foot and distribute the same pressure throughout the whole plant of your feet as you exercise, avoiding your feet to become numb as it is common when you exercise for long hours. And you can also count on adjustable handlebars for added comfort.

Schwinn 438 Elliptical at a Glance…

Pros:

24 Workout programs
Articulating Foot Plates

Cons:

Discontinued
Limited to 8 resistance levels

Too bad the Schwinn 438 Elliptical has been discontinued. It was great model prices at middle range among elliptical and with a quality that was close to commercial grade. It had great features and delivered a solid performance that many user fell in love for. If you find one, in good state and for a just price it still is a good choice.

Schwinn 438 Elliptical Review is a post from: Elliptical Reviews

Schwinn 431 Elliptical Review

Mon, 16 Nov 2009 18:23:24 +0000

The Schwinn elliptical line starts off very strongly and just builds upon the good of its base model in the rest of its ellipticals. The Schwinn 431 elliptical carries over much of what makes the 430 a best seller and provides drastic improvements which make the machine look much more expensive and elegant than its more basic sibling.

Schwinn 431 Elliptical Specifications:

Stride Legnth: 18″
Type of Resistance: Magnetic
Resistance Levels: 16
Dimensions:59″ x 26″ x 68″
Product Weight: 72lbs
Max User Weight: 300 lbs
Display: Backlit LCD
Programs: 16
Warranty: 15 Years frame, 2 years parts, 1 year electronics, and 6 months labor

Showing improvements over the line’s base model, the 431 is an obvious choice for someone who

likes the Schwinn 430 but is looking for more programs and a more classy feel to a machine which will last in the home for a good number of years.

The 431 was new for 2008 and offered customers the extra features they found missing in the 430. The 431 is one of the cases where a company creates a machine to match its customers desires.

Expert Tested, Customer Approved

Very similar to the 430, the 431 comes highly recommended by customers who were extremely satisfied with the machine. People love the solid compact frame which can fit places other machines simply can’t. But within its commpact from the 431 pacts many features.

With a fan and cushioned foot plates the 431 offers comfort in addition to pure quality functionality. The 16 programs add to the smooth and reliable performance to give options keeping your workout exciting as well as helping to target specific needs: heart rate, calorie burn, or endurance.

A joy to use for a quick workout or a extreme test of endurance, the 431 performs well under continued use. The types of squeaks and groans that ellipticals seem to accumulate over time are rare for this machine which makes it even more enjoyable to use.

It does however need proper maintenance like any other elliptical, most squeaks and groans observed on the 431 will be caused by lack of proper maintenance, so follow the instructions.

One of its detracting factors is the fact that this machine which improve upon the 430, usually available at $600, costs another $250 and adds only an upgraded display, more programs, a better warranty, and upgraded foot pedals. Thinking about all you get for the $250, the 431 is as good a value for the money as the 430 no matter what a few customers have to say about.

The only additional complaint refers to the stride length, 18″ is not comfortable for people of all heights but the number of people who make this complaint is quite low.

Known as a great value, people compare and contrast this machine to rivals prior to purchase. One customer had this to say

“I have just recently purchased the Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer. I did quite a bit of research on the various models before making my decision. I can only say that this Elliptical Trainer is the very best for its’ price range. In fact, it is better than many of the higher priced machines that are available.”

Great Value For Money

With its compact size and solid frame the Schwinn 431 Elliptical trainer will easily fit in spaces other machines will not and will transfer little if any vibration to its surroundings, meaning it can be place in the vicinity of furniture and other pieces of equipment without worry.

In addition to fitting well in your home gym, the 431 will also earn its spot there with its 16 resistance levels, smooth operation, and 8 enjoyable programs.

The Schwinn 431 elliptical trainer really does give you what you want!

Schwinn 431 Elliptical Review is a post from: Elliptical Reviews

Schwinn 430 Elliptical Review

Fri, 13 Nov 2009 18:18:58 +0000

One of the most popular and best liked ellipticals among residential users, the Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer has a history of success and has pleased the vast majority of consumers who purchased the machine.

It is the #1 selling elliptical on Amazon and the users seem to have nothing to say but good things.

Schwinn 430 Elliptical Specifications

Stride Legnth: 18″
Type of Resistance: Magnetic
Resistance Levels: 16
Dimensions:59″ x 26″ x 68″
Product Weight: 152lbs
Max User Weight: 275 lbs
Display: LCD
Programs: 8
Warranty: 15 Years frame, 2 years parts, 1 year electronics, and 90 days labor

One of my favorite things about the machines is that it is not only a value priced machine, but also one of the most liked by consumers.

With all the loaded up machines on the market with multiple user settings and fancy features, customers don’t seem to miss the lack of features on the Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer.

To best view the the 430 you must see it through the customers’ eyes and keeping in mind the features the majority actually wants and not the ones that the more expensive machines tack on for good measure. The customers give the best measure of the value of any product here is what one such customer had to say:

“The machine is extremely sturdy, quiet, and worked like a charm – just like a unit found at a gym. We’re extremely pleased with our purchase and would recommend it to anyone!”

Best Seller A Reason

With a solid frame and quality construction throughout the Schwinn 430 is a great elliptical for the average user.

Creaks and moans from an elliptical after just a few uses is quite common among in expensive models and even with much higher price tags than this machine, with this machine it is not a common complaint and with proper maintenance you will see the 430 outlast its warranty without any major incidence.

With solid features and a value price tag of around $600 dollars, the 430 provides a great deal for bang for the buck. From assembly, through using the machine early on and long time users are resoundingly happy with the sense of value they get from the schwinn 430 elliptical machine.

The big downer about this machine for me is its weak warranty. Warranties on ellipticals are commonly shorter than than other exercise equipment, but 90 days on labor and only 2 years of parts coverage is a little short for my taste. The 430 is well suited for most people but may feel a little cramped for people who are much taller than average, usually about 6′ 6″ and up.

Good Value For Money

With its compact size and solid frame the Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer will easily fit in spaces other machines will not and will transfer little if any vibration to its surroundings, meaning it can be place in the vicinity of furniture and other pieces of equipment without worry.

In addition to fitting well in your home gym, the 430 will also earn its spot there with its 16 resistance levels, smooth operation, and 8 enjoyable programs. Traditionally thought of as an entry model, the 430 sells well because it gives customers what they want.

Schwinn 430 Elliptical Review is a post from: Elliptical Reviews