Review: Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer
Pros
Eddy current resistance, maximum user weight, quiet and smooth, stable, 16 resistance levels, forward and reverse mode
Cons
18-inch stride length, front drive system, small number of workouts, cheap console
Overall Rating |
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The Schwinn 420 Elliptical Trainer features an eddy current brake resistance system, 16 resistance levels, and a maximum user weight of 300 pounds. It has 8 workout programs, including a custom workout, a fitness test, and 6 user-profiles. The stride length is 18-inches, and the handlebars have a heart rate monitoring grip. Included is a console with an integrated MP3 music port that can hold ebooks and magazines. It has a perimeter weighted flywheel with high inertia, transport wheels, and articulating pedals. The LCD display shows resistance level, calories, speed, distance pulse, watts, RPM, interval time, course profile, and time.
The 420 is backed by a 5 year warranty on the frame, 1 year for mechanical and electrical, and 90 days on wear parts. The dimensions are 62″ L x 26″ W x 71″ H; weight 164 pounds.
The Positives
300 pound maximum user weight. This indicates that the trainer is well-constructed, as it allows for anyone up to 250 pounds to use it. If you weigh more than 250, I would recommend looking for a higher user weight. Otherwise, the balance of the trainer may suffer a bit.
Eddy current resistance. This is said to be the most reliable and effective type of resistance, as it has no moving parts unlike magnetic and electromagnetic. This is usually found on the more expensive ellipticals.
Quiet and smooth. Customers reported that it operates quietly and smoothly. The is due in large part to the perimeter weighted flywheel and the eddy current resistance.
Well made steel construction, smooth and quiet glide
- coffee dude (Amazon review)
This machine glides beautifully
- meg (Amazon review)
Stable. At 164 pounds, this elliptical does provide good stability. It’s well constructed and sturdy.
Articulating pedals. For front drive systems, these pedals are a must. They naturally adapt to your motion, and allow the feet to remain flat. These are definitely more comfortable than non-versions.
16 Resistance levels. Lesser expensive models may only have 8 levels of resistance, such as the Schwinn A40, but this one has 16. Needless to say, you probably won’t run out of levels anytime soon.
Forward and reverse mode. The opportunity to go in reverse can break up your workout and exercise different muscles. This can also help prevent plateau.
The Negatives
Front drive system. The 420 does have articulating pedals that adjust to your motion, so this does help. But rear drive models don’t require these pedals because they have a more natural motion. They also require less maintenance.
18-inch stride length. This length is fine for most people under 5’10″, but those who are taller will require at least 20-inches.
Number of workouts. I was a bit surprised that it only had 10 workout programs, while the Schwinn 431 had 19. Then again, the 431 also costs $100 more. Nonetheless, I am not sure that 10 is enough in order to truly have variety over the long run.
Hard-to-read console. Depending on how much light you have in the room, reading the console could be difficult. The 431 model has a back lit screen so you can see in the dark. The display screen is rather small, and the numbers are difficult to read. A bit disappointing.
The numbers displayed are hard to read and seems to be reflected against the background so that you actually see two numbers offset from each other. Besides, the lines of the numbers are pencil thin and can only be read in good light.
- Earl Meseth (Amazon review)
Summary
The overall quality of the Schwinn 420 is solid. It has a very good resistance system, it’s sturdy, and operates quietly and smoothly. The stride length however isn’t ideal for taller individuals, the console is a bit cheap, and you wouldn’t mind seeing a few more workouts. Nonetheless, if you want good performance with a budget just over $500, then this is one to consider.
