Looking for an elliptical trainer? Valuable options would be the Schwinn 470 elliptical as well as the SE7i trainers from NordicTrack. Which one should feature in your home gym for excellent upper body and lower body workouts?
Deciding between Schwinn 470 & NordicTrack SE7i
While both have excellent warranties and impress with accessories like fans and sound systems, you may prefer the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i for its lifetime warranty and space saving feature. The Schwinn elliptical does have the standout feature of 20 inches stride length. So the winner depends on your personal preference.
Schwinn 470 | NordicTrack SE7i |
|---|---|
|  |
Flywheel: 20 lbs | Flywheel: 18 lbs |
Workout Programs: 29 | Workout Programs: 24 |
Resistance Levels: 25 | Resistance Levels: 22 |
iFIT: No | iFIT: Yes |
Stride Length: 20" | Stride Length: 18" |
Incline Levels: 0°-10° | Incline Levels: 0°-10° |
Console: Dual LCD screen | Console: 5" backlit display |
Dimensions: 70. 1 L x 28. 2 W x 63. 2 H | Dimensions: 80" L x 32" W x 67" H |
Weight Limit: 300 lbs | Weight Limit: 325 lbs |
Warranty: 10 years on frame, 5 years on mechanical parts, 1 year on electronics, 90 days labor | Warranty: 10 Year Frame Warranty, 2 Year Parts Warranty, 1 Year Labor Warranty |
Consoles
You have two backlit LCD screens on the Schwinn trainer console, along with a keypad to control your workout.
On the upper display you can view information about your program, the intensity, calories burned and other data. On the lower display you'll see workout values including speed, time, distance and resistance levels. It's comprehensive and easy to see data even in low light conditions.
The NordicTrack SE7i elliptical is more an entry level unit that has a 5" backlit display that help you track metrics. If you use the iFit resources like the Global Workouts and work with your iPad, it will look realistic and make your workout session that much more fun.
Flywheel
The NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i elliptical is a front drive machine similar to their other popular model NordicTrack Elite 10.9. Note the 18lb flywheel can be a bit noisy.
The flywheels on Schwinn 470 elliptical machines are high inertia perimeter weighted types.
Number of Workout Programs
The Schwinn 470 elliptical trainer wins when it comes to the number of workout programs you can pick from. With a total of 29, you can easily find one to suit your preference. The NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i elliptical machines aren't far behind with 24 workout apps.
Resistance Levels
On the Schwinn 470 elliptical you have an ECB (eddy current brake) system and you can quickly change your resistance levels. You have a total of 25 levels of resistance to pick from.
The NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i elliptical trainer isn't as impressive as the 25 levels, but the 22 digital levels of resistance you can pick from are still valuable and enough to exercise different muscle groups. You'll also love that iFit will make automatic adjustments for you.
Stride Length
The Schwinn 470 elliptical is definitely the better choice if you're quite tall. It has a 20" stride length, making it much more comfortable for those with longer legs. On the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i elliptical trainer you only have 18 inches stride length. The bonus is it's an adjustable stride setting.
Incline Levels
You have an adjustable incline on the Schwinn 470 machine with 10 degree motorized features. You simply push buttons on the console to manage this.
The SE7i elliptical has an excellent incline feature. You can set it up to a 20 degree incline by using buttons on the console. When you add the iFit Trainer app you'll feel the incline adjust automatically based on the terrain the trainer simulates for you.
Heart Rate Monitoring Functions
On both these ellipticals you can easily track your heart rate. Simply make sure to touch the stainless steel areas on the handlebars and the elliptical will send the data to the console to display. Another option is to wear a heart rate monitor chest strap, as long as you have an uncoded one.
With the 470, electronic equipment on the left side of the media shelf may interfere with signals going to the receiver in the console. Rather place your mobile phone further to the right.
The NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i elliptical has very similar heart rate monitor features, with heart rate data being sent either from the handgrips or a wearable chest strap.
Built in Features (like cooling fan, speakers, charging port)
The Schwinn 470 elliptical is one of the high end models from this brand so you have everything from a water bottle holder to the media rack and even a fan. There are speakers to play tunes and a port for USB charging.
The NordicTrack Spacesaver ES7i comes with similar features since it also has a water bottle holder. It has a tablet holder at the top of the console and there's a sound system built into the console. You'll have a fan to keep you cool.
Dimensions
When set up the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i elliptical takes up a floor area of 6'8" x 2'8". You can put it in a storage position that will require less space, which makes it a better option if you don't have floor space to keep it set up 24/7.
If you purchase the competition, you'll need an area of 28.2" x 70.1" and the unit is 63.2" high. It weighs 168.7lb, which can be difficult to maneuver but rollers help you push the workout machine across the floor easier.
Warranty
Both elliptical trainer models have great warranty cover, but it's the NordicTrack's lifetime warranty on the frame which trumps the 470's 10 year cover.
For both you'll have 2 year cover on parts, while electronics get 1 year cover by Schwinn and labor is covered for 1 year by NordicTrack. This is 1 year from date of purchase. Schwinn only covers labor for 90 days.
Weight Limits
The two elliptical machines are very similar in who they cater for in terms of weight, but the NordicTrack wins by 25lb. You can safely use it for anyone weighing up to 325lb while the Schwinn 470 has a maximum user weight of 300lb.
Price
For both these elliptical machines you'll need to pay over $1000, making them not the cheapest trainers for home gyms, but you'll get many features and great warranties in this price range.
What Others are Saying
Talking to users of the 470 elliptical trainers, they mention easy assembly and that it works well - mostly silent - as well as adding some fun to the workouts thanks to a wide range of options and programs. Some users feel the trainer's resistance levels are too challenging though.
For the NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i elliptical, feedback mentions that it's easy to assemble but some feel it takes over the entire room and that it's very heavy. Unfortunately many dislike the noisiness of the flywheel.
Final Thoughts:
Here are two definite winners when you have fitness goals and want to try elliptical trainers to reach them. The NordicTrack Spacesaver SE7i will be loved for its storage option and the advantages of the iFit app, while the Schwinn 470 is a crowd favorite for its many programs and when compared to the SE7i specifically, the 20 inches stride length is a winner.
So, which of these characteristics is your priority?