Strengths:
Price - Price is a huge benefit here (assuming it stays the same). The 430 is affordable for buyers on a budget. And while it's still an economy elliptical, considering what you get, the value is amazing.
Articulating Footplate - the articulating footplate follows the natural motion of your foot and supports your heel throughout the entire stride motion. This makes for a much smoother feel when you're working out.
Solid Warranty - The Schwinn 430 warranty is quite good compared to similarly priced ellipticals. You get 15 years on the frame, 2 years on parts, 1 year on electronics and 6 months on labor.
8 Workout Programs - These include a manual program, a calorie specific program and 6 user profile programs. There are also 3 feeback programs: Recovery Mode, Results Mode and BMI to help you track your fitness progress.
High User Ratings - Consumer reviews have been very positive for the 430. As of this writing, it rates 4.5 out of 5 stars with users at Amazon.
Popular features with reviewers were the sturdiness of the unit, the ease of assembly and of course the price. Nautilus/Schwinn have a fairly good reputation when it comes to customer service, which was also a popular feature with buyers.
Weaknesses:
The Schwinn 430 is an economy elliptical with a fairly simple, bare bones console. Although it is fairly stable, don't expect the feel of a gym quality unit.
If you're planning on using your elliptical for heavy or prolonged use, you'll probably want to spring for a higher grade unit.
Conclusion: Recommended
The Schwinn 430 elliptical is one of the best budget-buys currently on the market. It packs a lot of value into a very small price. You get an 18" stride, articulating footplate, 8 built in programs, 16 resistance levels and a solid warranty.
User reviews have also been extremely positive - especially for an economy unit. Although it's definitely a budget machine and not suitable for heavy or prolonged use, if you're on a budget and still want a well-built machine, the 430 is a great option.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can get some great deals on the Schwinn 430 from Amazon. You can read the latest user reviews and often get free shipping.
Schwinn is part of the Nautilus Health & Fitness Group - who are responsible for other brands like Stairmaster, Bowflex and Trimline.
They have a great reputation both in the exercise bike and elliptical trainer market.
The Schwinn 430 elliptical trainer is one of their most affordable models and is very popular with buyers so far, probably due to the bargain basement price.
Is it the best buy for your workout needs? Here's a review to help you decide:
Features:
Price: $599 + Free Shipping
Stride Length: 18"
Resistance Type: Magnetic
Resistance Levels: 16
Built In Workout Programs: 8
Upper Body Arms: Yes
Heart Rate Monitor: Pulse Grip
Water Bottle Holder: Yes
User Weight Capacity: 275 pounds
Warranty: 15 years on frame 2 years on parts 1 year on electronics 6 months on labor
