Schwinn Elliptical Trainer Review

Our Schwinn elliptical trainer review looks at a range of quality, mid-price ellipticals that are well worth considering.

Schwinn ellipticals are made by Nautilus, one of the biggest names in exercise equipment and their ellipticals benefit from such heavyweight backing.

Aimed at the low to mid-price bracket, I have to say that I’m rather impressed by the Schwinn elliptical trainers that caught my eye.

They look good, are built well and are smooth, assured performers that feel solid and stable.

Nautilus also makes the Bowflex range, which include some decent treadmills.

For my money, Schwinn elliptical trainers provide a compelling alternative to much of the mediocre competition…

Schwinn Elliptical Trainer Review – Introduction to the Range…

I’ve always been a fan of Schwinn’s exercise bikes, the spinning bikes in particular, which after having spent countless hours on one in spinning classes at the gym have never let me down.

As our Schwinn elliptical trainer review confirms, their ellipticals are an equally good bet!

The three current models that bear further investigation are the:

Schwinn 430 Elliptical Trainer
Schwinn 418 Elliptical Trainer
Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer

These three models cost $799, $999 and $1,299 respectively, although we’ve found them for as low as $599, $799 and $999 so it pays to shop around.

The 430, 418 and 438 are very similar machines – well, the same really except that the 438 has a few more features for the extra money.

Schwinn Elliptical Trainer Review – Features…

Each model is front drive, which is the alternative to the rear drive system found on most high-end ellipticals. Our Schwinn elliptical trainer review left me impressed by the three models, which are keenly priced given the build quality and performance they offer.

Generally speaking, I tend to prefer rear-drive, but there are some excellent front drive systems around, notably that found on Sole ellipticals, probably my favorite mid-price ellipticals at the moment.

Now Sole ellipticals are more expensive and the extra cost is reflected in their quality and performance.

However, these Schwinn ellipticals are options well worth considering if you’re in the market with a budget around the $1,000 mark.

The front drive is smooth as it’s teamed with the eddy current brake system (ECB), which is the premium mode of resistance you’ll find on an elliptical trainer.

You don’t find ECB on many ellipticals at this price.

The other potential drawback of front end drive ellipticals is the stride motion, which can be ‘choppy’.

Schwinn models come with articulating pedals, which give a nice elongated elliptical motion that proves extremely comfortable over the course of a 30 minute workout.

The 430, 418 and 438 all benefit from plenty of workout programs, computer controlled resistance, multiple user settings, reversible motion on the 430 and 438 and heart sensors.

The warranties are not bad, although there’s only a six month warranty on labour and wear items.

Schwinn Elliptical Trainer Review – The Bottom Line…

Having used Schwinn equipment before, it didn’t really need a Schwinn elliptical trainer review for me to recognize that these are decent machines.

Smooth, quiet, well-built and good value for money – I’m impressed!

Granted, they’re not commercial-grade ellipticals but they’re more than adequate for the home exerciser.

If you’ve the funds to stretch beyond the budget offers, such as ProForm ellipticals – and it’s worth stretching, let me tell you! – but can’t quite stretch to…say a Sole, then we’d suggest that one of these Shwinn’s will do the job nicely.