Schwinn 438 vs Sole E25, E35

Question

Your "Best Elliptical Trainer" article is very helpful. Thank you. While your reviews of both Schwinn’s and Sole's machines are generally positive, it seems you usually prefer Sole’s machines. However, you are usually comparing the Schwinn machines to Sole machines that cost 25%-50% more.

For example you compare the Schwinn 418 ($749) and 438 ($999) to the Sole E35 ($1,299). How does the Schwinn 438 compare to the E25 and what are the top 2-3 reasons you prefer one over the other?

Also – I have seen numerous conflicting reviews on the number of resistance levels offered by the 438 (including on Schwinn’s website). Is it 8 or 16?

Doug

Answer

Doug, you make some valid points in your analysis of my reviews on the Schwinn 438 and Schwinn 418 vs the Sole e25 and Sole e35 - let me help clarify my position on why I like the Sole elliptical trainers over the Schwinn ellipticals (Schwinn makes some pretty good mid-level ellipticals by the way)…

For starters, when I compare elliptical trainers across manufacturers I often adjust the price range by $100 - 200 bucks to cover more models and to give the readers a better feel for machines that are in the same general price range - that, and the fact that elliptical trainers and exercise equipment prices tend to fluctuate from month to month based on supply and demand, sales goals and inventory levels

In my review of the Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer, I did give the model a favorable review and a "buy" recommendation. If you take a look at the overview box at the top of the review, you'll see that I compare the Schwinn 438 to a number of ellipticals in the same budget range including two models from Smooth, two models from Sole and the Schwinn 418 elliptical (the Schwinn 418 is the cheaper Schwinn alternative to the 438 and not recommended  for various reasons see Schwinn 418 review for details).

As to your question about the number of resistance levels on the Schwinn 438 elliptical are concerned, I spoke with Tim at Nautilus sales and he couldn't confirm if it had 8 or 16 levels so they patched me through to the technical department and they swore on a stack of Bibles that it's 16 levels of ECB (Eddy Current Brake) magnetic resistance.

Now to the heart of your question Doug, my answer to why I prefer the Sole E25 and Sole E35 over the Schwinn 418 and Schwinn 438 ellipticals - drumroll please….

Sole Ellipticals Advantages Over Schwinn Ellipticals

• heavier flywheels for a smoother more fluid ride
• longer warranties
• heavy duty glide rails and wheels
• longer stride lengths (18" on Schwinn and 20" on Sole)

So again, I'll restate my opinion that if you're shopping for an elliptical trainer around the $1000 price range the Sole E35 is still the best deal on the market.