The Schwinn 430 elliptical trainer's predecessor, the 418, had received a "Best Buy" recommendation from Consumer Reports. Its replacement has been a bestseller on Amazon.com, where it sells for just under $600.

Description

The Schwinn 430 elliptical trainer provides a whole body workout for cardiovascular fitness, similar to other elliptical trainers. Its use is easy on joints, meaning that it is perfect for those who have had hip or knee problems previously. You simply utilize your normal stride while you work out. In addition, its 18 inch stride is much more comfortable than the smaller strides of some of the other elliptical trainers.

It has eight resistance levels and it workout programs so that you get Friday. You can also program in six user profiles come as well as one manual work out and 1 calorie-goal program. You can easily change a resistance level as you are exercising so that you can challenge yourself to go to the next level without having to stop. The Schwinn 430 elliptical trainer also has a feedback program, including recovery mode, results mode, and a body mass index indicator. This lets you track the progress you're making. In addition, it's BioGlide technology allows for a comfortable stride and the BioFit design gives you a comfortable feel for the footpads and handlebars. In addition, the handlebars incorporate a heart rate monitor, so that you can keep track of your heart rate while you exercise.

Other features include brake resistance for a quiet, smooth stop, wheels so that you can easily move the traitor where you need to, and a water bottle holder so that you can keep a water bottle close by and avoid being dehydrated during a workout. Its footprint is 62 inches long by 27 inches wide by 64 inches tall, so is relatively compact for a good fit in most living areas.

Pros

· As compared to its predecessor, the 418, the new Schwinn 430 utilizes a concave wheel instead of a single wheel rail design for a more stable feel and less shifting during use.

· The 430 has an 18 inch stride, which is far preferable to a shorter strides of similarly priced models. Although you can get an 18-inch stride in other models, you'll pay for it. In general, movement was very smooth.

· The 430 has 16 levels of resistance, and movement from one level to another is gradual and not jarring. By contrast, the 418 had just eight levels.

· The machine itself is sturdy and stable, with a weight of 152 pounds. Although this can make it difficult to move for some people, it is on wheels, which should make moving it relatively easy for most.

· The 430 uses footpedals that articulate, which means that they angle with the elliptical motion. This makes impact injury less of a problem.

Cons

· The warranty. Even though you get a warranty for two years on parts and when you're on electronics, the service warranty itself is only good for 90 days. One recommendation is to consider an extended warranty, since ellipticals often need repair.