Date Published: 03/10/2008

The latest elliptical trainers are less expensive and offer more features than ever before. But while you do not have to break the bank to get yourself a good, reliable elliptical trainer, models that are priced at under $1,000 are less likely to prove as durable as those that cost just a few hundred dollars more. Whether you are looking for a budget-priced model or a top-of-the-range elliptical, Consumer Guide will guide you through some of the current models available.


Schwinn 430

If your budget is firmly set below $1,000 and you are not expecting health club-quality performance, the Schwinn 430 is an entry-level elliptical trainer worth considering. The 430 is a compact machine that is fairly sturdy but features a front-drive motion (which is less desirable than a rear drive) and a short 18-inch stride that may not prove sufficient for tall users looking for long workouts. This budget model does, however, offer eight programmed workouts and three feedback programs designed to track your fitness progression over time. The footplates could do with better padding, but this model's warranties are respectable for such an inexpensive machine.

An elliptical trainer can enhance a workout.
Scwhinn 430

Schwinn 438

Still priced at under $1,000 and carrying the same warranties as the 430, the Schwinn 438 is the top of the Schwinn range of elliptical trainers. This machine offers the same front-drive design and 18-inch stride length but adds plenty to the selection of program workouts; in fact, the 438 offers a total of 21 different workout programs, which should be enough to keep your workouts varied and challenging for months or years. The programs include three heart rate-control options, for which the 438 includes a wireless chest strap for hands-free heart rate monitoring. The moving arms offer three different grip positions for a comfortable upper body workout, as well.


ProForm 20.0

The ProForm 20.0 offers plenty of bells and whistles for a relatively inexpensive device but carries a poor 90-day warranty and falls short in its overall performance. The most notable feature of this model is the inclusion of two GameFit interactive video games; the game controllers are located in the arms of the elliptical, so as you work out, you can play the Fat Blocker or the Calorie Destroyer games. The interactive part means that the harder you work out, the easier the games become. The ProForm 20.0 also features built-in speakers and an iPod hook-up, as well as nine program workouts, three personal trainer workouts and two heart rate workouts. These motivational aids aside, though, the 20.0 is a disappointment; its construction feels flimsy and the machine creaks during operation. Coupled with its poor warranty, we'd rather opt for an elliptical trainer that performs well without the gimmicks.


Sole E35

We are fast becoming fans of the Sole brand of home fitness products, and the Sole E35 elliptical only enhances our opinion. This is a relatively inexpensive front-drive elliptical trainer, but it performs exceptionally well. The E35 delivers a natural, smooth, quiet workout with a 20-inch stride length, 20 levels of resistance and eight program workouts. The oversize pedals also feature an inward slope to reduce impact on joints. This elliptical carries a solid warranty; the frame is covered for life, the parts for 5 years and the labor for 2 years of in-home service. The Sole E35 offers great value for an affordable home elliptical trainer.

Sole E95

Sole E95

The E95 is the top-of-the-range Sole elliptical trainer, and it offers even better value for the money than the lower-end models. It is relatively affordable and carries the same impressive warranty as the E35, including 2 years of in-home service; this model is even more sturdily constructed, though, with a maximum user weight capacity of 400 pounds. The E95 features ten workout programs -- including two heart rate-monitoring programs -- along with a water bottle holder, cooling fan and built-in speakers that can connect to an iPod or other MP3 player. This elliptical also includes a wireless chest strap and handgrip sensors to monitor heart rate. The 20-inch stride and adjustable, well-cushioned pedals make for a smooth and challenging workout. The Sole E95 elliptical trainer is another great value buy.