Schwinn is a well known and respected name in the home fitness industry. Over the past century, they have built a reputation for providing top of the line cardio equipment for the home user. Two of their most popular compact ellipticals are the 411 and the A40. Today, we put these two heavy hitters up against each other. Which one is right for you – read on to find out!
About Schwinn
The Schwinn Bicycle Company was born in 1895 and became the major producer of bicycles in the United States throughout most of the 20th century. Today, the fitness arm of Schwinn is part of Nautilus Inc.
Schwinn 411 | Schwinn A40 |
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Number of Programs: 13 | Number of Programs: 7 |
Resistance Levels: 16 | Resistance Levels: 8 |
Stride Length: 18" | Stride Length: 17.5" |
Dimensions: 53.8” L x 24” W x 62.5” | Dimensions: 59” L x 23” W x 64” H |
Maximum User Weight: 300 lbs | Maximum User Weight: 275 lbs |
Wireless HR monitoring: Yes | Wireless HR monitoring: No |
Warranty: Frame 10 years, parts 2 years, electronics 1 year, labor 90 days | Warranty: Frame 2 years, parts 6 months, electronics 6 months, labor 30 days |
Price: $$$ | Price: $$ |
Schwinn 411
Key Specs:
Compact Design
The Schwinn 411 has been built with the space-restricted home user in mind. Its compact footprint is quite a bit smaller than most other ellipticals in the Schwinn range. The machine is just 24 inches in width and 54 inches long. Keep in mind, however, that Schwinn recommends that you also allow for a minimum of 24 inches extra space around the machine.
Sturdy Construction
The Schwinn 411 is constructed from structural steel tubing which is coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The machine is finished in black, apart from the red crank arms. This delivers a pleasingly stable performance, even when you are exercising at the highest intensity.
The maximum user weight on the Schwinn 411 is 300 pounds, which is good but not outstanding at this price range. The unit itself weighs in at 110 pounds, ensuring that it will remain stable even during intense workouts.
Control Panel
The control panel on the Schwinn 411 provides you with a 5.5” LCD screen. That screen is divided into sub-sections so that you can see all of your training data at the same time. The monitor provides the following training data: tracks distance, time, speed, calories, pulse, and RPM.
The Schwinn 411 provides you with advanced heart rate monitoring thanks to its telemetric heart rate compatibility. However, you will have to purchase the heart strap separately for about $70. It does provide you with a hand pulse monitor, though these are not very accurate.
Workout Programs
There are 13 built-in workout programs on the Schwinn 411. These include 11 Challenge programs, including Ride in the Park, Rolling Hills, Mount Hood, Stream Crossing, Pyramids, Easy Tour, Cross Training, Summit Pass, Uphill Finish and Pike’s Peak.
You also get Bluetooth connectivity on the Schwinn 411. That allows you to connect to a range of fitness apps to extend your workout options further.
Resistance
You get a motorized magnetic resistance system on the Schwinn 411. This includes a servo motor and magnetic brake. You get 16 levels of resistance on this machine. The motor contains a belt drive train with a durable poly groove belt, which helps to ensure that the motor operates quietly.
Elliptical Stride
The large ABS pedals on the Schwinn 411 have a step-up height of 9 inches, with aa maximum step height of 17 inches. The pedal bars use industrial-grade rollers to ensure a smooth pedal operation.
Schwinn A40
Key Specs:
Solid Build
The Schwinn A40 is a budget elliptical, yet it is more solid than most. It has six built-in levelers that make it secure. Its max user weight of 275 pounds is very decent for a budget unit.
Contact HR Monitor
You only get hand contact heart rate monitors with this machine. This is a very inaccurate way to monitor your pulse.
Console
You get a large 5” x 3” display on the console. The display provides a read-out of your distance, speed, time, calories, heart rate and current program.
Programs
The Schwinn A40 gives you six built-in workout programs.
So which is Best?
Both the Schwinn 411 and the A40 are budget ellipticals in the Schwinn range. The 411 is the slightly higher spec model that provides enhanced performance thanks to its slightly longer stride length, five more programs, provision for any telemetry strap and quieter level of operation. You also get twice as many resistance levels on the 411. These features make the extra price that you will have to fork out for the 411 well worth it in our opinion.
What Others are Saying
User reviews for both the Schwinn 411 and the A40 are generally complimentary. Many reviewers have expressed appreciation for the quality of the build of these machines. When it comes to the 411, quite a few reviewers mentioned its smooth elliptical motion and the quality and variety of the sixteen built-in workout programs.
Areas, where reviewers were not happy regarding the A40, were the noisy operation, the limited stride length and the inaccuracy of the handheld heart rate monitor. Reviewers were more complimentary of the 411 than the A40.
Final Thoughts
Both the Schwinn 411 and the Schwinn A40 are top quality budget elliptical machines. Of the two, the Schwinn 411 is our preferred option. It may cost a third as much more money than the A40, but it delivers a better quality workout, a fuller stride motion, more resistance levels, and a more responsive console.