Best Exercise Equipment


Schwinn 438 Elliptical Review

Exercise equipment expert's Schwinn 438 elliptical trainer rating and complete review.

Similar models from this manufacturer include the Schwinn 418 Elliptical.

Schwinn 438 Elliptical

Schwinn 438 Elliptical

Recommended: YES ****

Reason: Better value than Schwinn 418, only buy this elliptical is you can't afford the Sole e35.

Stride Length: 18"

# Programs: 24 preprogrammed

Resistance Type: Adjustable Magnetic

Heart Rate: Yes - Pulse Grip, Telemetric

Warranty: 15 year frame, 2 years parts

Special Features: Telemetric heart rate monitor, articulating foot plate

Compare To:
Schwinn 418 Elliptical
Smooth CE 2.1 Elliptical
Smooth CE 3.2 Elliptical
Sole e25 Elliptical
Sole e35 Elliptical




Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer

The Schwinn 438 Elliptical is a much better overall elliptical trainer than the Schwinn 418 Elliptical.

For starters, with the 438 you get 24 workout programs built-in to the unit with 8 computer controlled resistance levels.

The other big appeal of the 438 is that it comes standard with telemetric heart rate monitoring and control. That's a really nice option to have if you're serious about getting into shape as it allows you heart rate to control the machine's resistance on the fly.

The frame and components on the 438 are well made, which is indicated by the elliptical's high user weight limit of 300 pounds.

Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer Key Stats and Specs:

  • 16 computer controlled resistance levels
  • 24 programs provide workout variety
  • Quiet magnetic ECB (Eddy Current Brake) resistance
  • Telemetric and grip heart rate make monitoring your progress easy
  • LCD display shows time, speed, distance, revolutions per minute, resistance level, calories, calories per hour, load, heart rate, and course profile
  • Articulating foot plate
  • Maximum user weight is 300 pounds
  • Warranty of 15 year frame, 2 years parts, 1 year electronics and 6 months labor

Like the Schwinn 418, the Schwinn 438 is a good elliptical trainer, and the 438 is a better value than the 418 with the extra features and benefits.

The one glaring issue I have with the 438 is that the stride length is only 18". I would expect in this price range the stride length would be closer to 20".

It might not seem like a big deal having a stride length that's 2" shorter, but if you're a taller person (5'-10" plus, or over 6'-0" like me) those extra couple inches of stride are critical when you really get going fast on an elliptical.

With that said, I do recommend the Schwinn 438 Elliptical. It's a good elliptical for smaller users who will be comfortable with the shorter stride length.

My choice for ellipticals in this price range overall is the Sole e35 Elliptical.


get the Schwinn 438 Elliptical on sale w/ free shipping

read the Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer Review - best in class in this price range.

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