If you’re crunched for time and need to do cardio–but don’t want to pound your knees into oblivion by jogging around the pavement in your neighborhood, purchasing an elliptical machine is your best bet.
There’s one problem though–how on earth do you pick a model from the sea of options?
There are models ranging from several hundred up to several thousand dollars. How can we be sure that we are getting a safe and reliable machine, and aren’t wasting hundreds ripped for a fancy brand name? On the other hand, we don’t want to get something cheap, either. There’s no point in saving a bit of money upfront, only to watch the elliptical fall apart a few months later.
To solve this conundrum, we’ve come up with an analysis of two best entry-level options: the Schwinn 430 and the Nautilus E616. These ellipticals are the best for exercisers who want functionality and reliability without breaking the bank.
Schwinn and Nautilus are two popular brands of quality elliptical trainers. This article compares Schwinn 430 with Nautilus E616. The purpose of this comparison is to help readers make an educated decision based on their needs and preferences.
Comparison of Schwinn 430 and Nautilus E616
The Schwinn 430 is the perfect entry-level elliptical for someone who wants to stay fit without paying extra for frills. Schwinn is a century-old company that specializes in making perfect machines for the everyman.
Nautilus is an amazing company with an important place in the history of fitness. They were the first to introduce top-quality fitness machines in the 1960s. The name Nautilus has been synonymous with “elite quality” for over fifty years, and their ellipticals are no exception to that stellar reputation.
Following are some important aspects compared for both products:
1. Performance
Resistance levels of an elliptical determine its performance. E616 has 25 resistance levels while Schwinn 430 has 20 resistance levels, which means that E616 will allow you to make your workout more intense and challenging as compared to Schwinn 430.
2. Programs
There are 29 workout programs in E616. Schwinn 430 on the other hand, features 22 workout programs. So, both machines offer a good number of programs, which means you will never get bored with exercising when working on any of these trainers.
3. Console
Both ellipticals have a dual-track LCD window system. Nautilus E616 records various aspects of your progress including calories, distance, time, etc. and allows goal tracking via Nautilus Connect. The console of E616 is also compatible with MyFitnessPal.
Schwinn 430 records relatively more measurements such as calories, heart rate, strides per minute, distance, time, etc. Goal tracking is also enabled via Schwinn Connect so you can keep up to date on reaching your fitness goals.
4. Handles
Nautilus E616 features dual-action handles that allow you to engage your arms and upper back when working out with your hands and core when working out your legs. The handles on Schwinn 430 allow you to engage your upper body, arms, and back when working out with your hands and back and glutes when working out your legs.
5. Noise Level
Both ellipticals work quietly and don’t produce awkward noise. The pedals on both trainers work smoothly and wonderfully. Both products are a great option for those who live in small spaces.
6. Assembly
Both trainers are easy to assemble and do not require much effort. The instruction manuals included with these ellipticals are easy to understand and follow. It would take you about 40 minutes to an hour to assemble any of these trainers.
7. Price
The listed price of Nautilus E616 is $1,499. The listed price of Schwinn 430 is $999. When prices of both these products are compared, you will find that Schwinn 430 is relatively cheaper while offers roughly the same workout experience.
8. Warranty
Nautilus E616 offers 10-years warranty on frame, 3-years on parts, 1-year on electronics, and 90-days on labor. Schwinn 430 on the other hand, offers a 15-years warranty on frame, 2-years on parts, 1-year on electronics, and 90-days on labor.
Side by Side Comparison
| Features | Schwinn 430 | Nautilus E616 |
|---|---|---|
| Flywheel | 18 lbs | 16 lbs |
| Resistance Levels | 20 | 25 |
| Incline | 0 – 10 degrees | 0 – 11 degrees |
| Stride Length | 20 inches | 20 inches |
| Programs | 22 Workout Programs | 29 Workout Programs |
| Weight Capacity | 300 lbs | 300 lbs |
| Dimensions | 70.1″ L x 28.2″ W x 63.2″ H | 51.2″ L x 21″ W x 34.3″ H |
| Folding/Compact | No | No |
| Display | 2 Blue Backlit LCD Displays | 2 Blue Backlit LCD Displays |
| Warranty | Frame:10 Years Mechanical:2 Years Electrical:1 Year | Frame:10 Years Parts:2 Years Labor:90 Days |
| Enjoy | SEE BEST PRICE | SEE BEST PRICE |
Should I Buy Schwinn 430 or Nautilus E616?
In conclusion, both ellipticals are comparable as they have lots of similar features such as dual track LCD system, goal tracking, monitoring, quieter operation, easy assembly, etc. While Schwinn 430 is relatively cheaper, Nautilus E616 offers more programs, better performance, more resistance levels, etc. In the end, it all depends on your preferences and needs as you can’t go wrong with either one.
They both come from A player brands with a history of excellence. If you are truly on a tight budget, go with the Schwinn 430. It’s a great machine with all the basics. Otherwise, the Nautilus’ additional workout programs and automatic incline provide a better experience that, in our opinion, makes a workout program easier to adhere to. Seeing as how e616 will last for a minimum of 10 years, an average out extra $20 per year is worth it for the best results.
