What machines should you trust when you're serious about getting fit? For many, the ideal answer is getting an elliptical and because they don't place much pressure on joints they're safe to use for almost anyone. Also, you're getting a full body workout - upper body AND lower body - with one fitness unit, which makes it better than an exercise bike.
Now, we want to help you pick the best compact elliptical if the Schwinn 470 and the Proform Endurance 520 E are on your shortlist. Below you'll find an in depth review, covering everything from parts and warranty to the resistance levels on these ellipticals.
Brief Comparison Between The Two Ellipticals
Both the Schwinn 470 elliptical and the Proform Endurance 520 E provide you with excellent features like a USB port on each one, wide range of programs and excellent display consoles. But it's the Schwinn 470 elliptical that's often the consumer favorite since it has more options like 25 levels of resistance, an extensive warranty on the frame and even 90 days cover on labor and a 2 years parts warranty. The fact that it's more affordable is an added benefit.
Schwinn 470 | ProForm Carbon El 520e |
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Stride Length: 20" | Stride Length: 19" |
Workout Programs: 29 | Workout Programs: 18 |
Levels of Resistance: 25 | Levels of Resistance: 18 |
Dimensions: 63.2" H x 28.2" W x 70.1" in L | Dimensions: 5'8" L x 2'2" W |
Weight: 165 lbs | Weight: 207 lbs |
Warranty: 10 year frame, 2 years for mechanical parts and 1 year on electronics | Warranty: 1 year |
iFit Compatibility: No | iFit Compatibility: Yes |
Design
On both units you have a backlit console so you can easily see the displayed information. The Proform Endurance 520 E gives you a 5" display and you can track aspects like distance, your calories burned and the cadence.
With the Schwinn 470 elliptical you have a dual track LCD display setup on your console.
What gives you a comfortable workout will be the flywheels. In the Proform endurance 520 E exercise machine you have a 16lb effective inertia-enhanced flywheel and the other has a high inertia perimeter weighted unit.
The Schwinn 470 is the winner when it comes to stride length. You can have a stride 20 inches long and you'll find this elliptical gives you a comfortable workout. On the other elliptical trainers you can only have a maximum stride length of 19 inches.
You may also be impressed with different features on the pedals, since the 470 elliptical has cushioning, while the 520 model's pedals are oversized, making for comfort and convenience, no matter how you decide to place your feet.
Programs, Resistance and Incline Levels
You have 29 workout programs and 25 levels of resistance to pick from with the Schwinn 470, while the Proform endurance 520 E only has 18 program and 18 levels of resistance. This is done made possible thanks to its silent magnetic resistance.
When it comes to incline on these machines, you'll have 10 degree range on the Schwinn elliptical while the competing elliptical trainer offers an adjustable incline ramp where you can pick between 0 and 20%.
Heart Rate Monitoring
On both of these you can easily track your hear rate during your workouts, thanks to heart rate monitors. For example, Schwinn uses contact and telemetry technology to give you feedback. Just note that some users experience the elliptical from Proform doesn't always measure this aspect accurately.
Built in Features
An area where there are clear differences is when you compare the ellipticals' additional built in features.
The Proform Endurance 520 E impresses with its iFit compatibility and you can simply look for a track you want to imagine traveling on by using Google Maps. This is easy by using the tablet holder on the elliptical and connecting your device.
The 470 also offers a similar media shelf for books or a tablet but one can see the designers tried to think of everything that's practical: you have an adjustable fan to keep you cool and there are speakers to play your favorite tunes through.
Both ellipticals have USB charging ports and you have easily accessible water bottle holder spaces so you can stay hydrated throughout the workout.
Size
When you opt for the Schwinn 470 elliptical trainer you need an area of 63.2" high, 28.2" wide and 70.1" in length. The Proform Endurance 520 E will take up 5'8" in length and it's 2'2" wide. The Proform machine at 207lb is much heavier than the Schwinn 470 in weight. The latter is only 164lb, so this machine will be easier to move around if you don't have a space where it can stand permanently.
The Proform Endurance 520 E and the Schwinn 470 elliptical are similar in their capacity, with both able to handle 300 lbs as maximum user weight.
Warranty
Your warranty cover differs considerably, since Schwinn gives you 10 years on the elliptical frame, 2 years for mechanical parts and electronics will be covered for 1 year. If there is labor involved, you'll have cover for 90 days, but know that this rule doesn’t apply to all labor.
When you purchase the Proform Endurance 520 E you'll have 1 year cover. This applies to parts and labor and the one year cover will be relevant from the day of purchase.
Price
These ellipticals aren't exactly in the cheap price range compared to many other elliptical trainers. Both ellipticals will cost you more than $1000, but it's the Proform Endurance 520 E that's the priciest, usually costing over $1500. With this specific Schwinn elliptical model you could expect to pay around $1200 in most cases.
What Others are Saying
Users enjoy the Schwinn 470 elliptical for its ease of setup, as well as the quiet operation. While you can request elliptical replacement parts, you don't always get prompt customer service. Some don't always find the layout of the different components ideal. If you're tall you may prefer removing the water bottle holder to prevent your knees hitting against it.
With the elliptical Proform designed, users also enjoy the quiet workings and find it effective, although the resistance may deteriorate after regular use over the course of a few months. The heart rate monitor may not always be 100% accurate and some don't like that you have to climb off to adjust the incline. But overall, you can have a workout close to what's possible at the gym, if you use it correctly.
Final Thoughts:
Both the Proform Endurance 520 E and the Schwinn 470 elliptical are made with a similar client in mind. You have features like the heart rate monitor and water bottle holder that make for comfortable and effective workouts while you exercise most of your muscle groups.
But it's the Schwinn 470 elliptical that steals the show in most cases. It does offer more programs and 25 levels of resistance, giving you a wide range of options to keep your training schedule interesting. Best of all is that it's usually available at a cheaper price than the Proform elliptical trainer.
Still, both elliptical trainers will be wise additions to your home gym.