Schwinn 430 Elliptical Review – How Does It Rate?

 

Schwinn 430 Elliptical Review – Highlights:

 

The Schwinn 430 Elliptical machine has been around for years and is one of the most popular Schwinn ellipticals currently on the market.

It’s a starter elliptical coming in for a very affordable price – with all the basics you need for a good workout.

 

However be aware that Schwinn updates these ellipticals every few years (so make sure you’re getting the latest update).

While it’s one of Schwinn’s simpler models, the 430 does give you some good basics. For example you get a healthy 20 inch stride. Stride is the furthest distance between the pedals. A longer stride helps you more fully work your leg muscles and get a more optimal workout.

The machine also feels very sturdy and solid when you pick up the pace on it. Also, the design is a front drive design and many people prefer this design as it tends to be more stable feeling than rear-drive elliptical trainers.

 

 

Schwinn 430 Elliptical Review – Console:

 

The console itself is a decent size with two main LCD windows giving you feedback on 13 different workout stats including your calories burned, resistance, program settings and more.

There’s also a handy shelf in the middle of the console that will hold your tablet or iPhone. So you can watch TV shows or movies on your tablet as you workout. The tablet will only cover half of the console – so you will lose out on a few of the feedback windows – but you will see your main stats like your time, distance and calories below the tablet shelf.

 

Another cool thing about the tablet shelf is that there’s a charging dock so you can charge your phone or tablet as you workout. So you don’t have to worry about running out of battery time on this machine.

The console also stores and shows information for up to 2 different users. This can be handy as you don’t have to re-enter all of your workouts information every time you go to workout.

There’s also a 3-speed fan to keep you cool and a media dock with speakers. So you can also listen to your favorite tunes through the console as you workout.

 

 

You can also keep track of your heart rate with the handy grip sensors in front of the console on the stationary handle bars.

The downside to this console however is that it is not backlit. So if lighting in your area is limited, you might find it hard to see your workout stats.

 

 

Incline Ramp Adds More Challenge

You also get 6 different ramp positions to add more challenge to your workouts. Ramp is very similar to incline in that it changes the slope of your workout and helps you to work different sets of muscle groups – keeping your body from adapting to one set motion.

There are 6 different ramp positions to choose from on this trainer. However be aware that this is a manual ramp – not power ramp.

 

 

 

This means you’ll have to get off the trainer to adjust the ramp – which can get annoying, especially if you like to change the ramp several times during your workouts for high intensity interval training.

 

 

Resistance Levels For Added Calorie-Burning

There are 20 different resistance levels on this elliptical – which is pretty standard. However unlike some trainers, we found these resistance levels to be very tough.

So unless you’re in Olympian-athlete type shape, there’s no worries about topping out at the highest resistance quickly. There is a lot of room to grow with the Schwinn 430.

 

 

Oversized Grip Pedals

The pedals are oversized and grooved for easier grip, which is a nice touch. Because they’re so large, however, we found them a bit awkward and clunky when using the machine (you have to figure out where you’re going to place your feet on the extra-large pedals).

On the other hand, some users have reported that they have to position their feet further back on the pedals to get a more comfortable stride. So the option to do this (vs being locked in one position) is a benefit.

 

 

Schwinn 430 Elliptical Review –  Any Downsides?

 

As stated above, this is a starter elliptical. It is not a commercial grade machine like you get with a higher end brand. Some people have had problems in the past with some of the plastic parts breaking off near the axle and others have complained that the calorie counter is completely off.

And the manual ramp – while it’s a good option – can be annoying since you have to keep getting on and off the machine to change the settings.

If you like the Schwinn name and you want a bit more substance (and a backlit console) you may want to consider the Schwinn 470 – which is the next model up). It has a backlit console, more user profiles and a power ramp feature.

 

 

 

Where to Buy and Save:

You can save on the Schwinn 430 and get it direct from the Manufacturer here. You can also read the latest user reviews and watch a video showing you how it works.

 

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