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Schwinn 470 Elliptical Review and Comparison

Schwinn 470 Overview

What better time than the new year to make a commitment to your own health and fitness by investing in a new home elliptical machine. Finding the best machine for your needs and price range can be difficult, while in 2021, finding fitness machines in-stock may prove to be impossible. Do you demand the best possible workout experience for your health? Is the price for your fitness actually priceless? If so, then you need a high-quality home elliptical machine with an incredible performance from a reputable brand and you need look no further than the Schwinn 470 elliptical machine to satisfy your home fitness needs. The Schwinn 470 is the top of the line model in Schwinn’s award-winning and highly-rated at home elliptical machine line and is guaranteed to provide you with the industry leading quality that you have come to expect from the Schwinn brand name.

Every model in the Schwinn home elliptical machine line comes standard with an easy to use and read LCD console, as well as the patented Schwinn Precision Path Foot technology which allows users to use and control their stride in a smooth, natural feeling motion. The Schwinn 470 comes with a whopping twenty-five levels of eddy current resistance and an incredible twenty-nine preset exercise programs which provides an industry leading workout experience all in the comfort of your own home. The high speed, high inertia drive system is excellent for home workout regiments as it provides users with a smooth and quiet exercise session that will not disturb neighbors or other members of the household.

The four models of Schwinn home elliptical machines are all highly rated by its customers and each machine offers something different from the other models. The 470 gives users a machine with more flexibility than the Schwinn 430 and Schwinn 411 while still providing a reasonably competitive price in comparison to the rest of the at home elliptical machine industry. The top of the line Schwinn 470 adds in a ton of features including new technology features and connectivity functions, as well as a longer stride path and larger console screen. When you use the Schwinn 470, you can truly feel that you are using a premium machine and getting a fitness club level workout without ever leaving your home.

Schwinn 470 Elliptical Review and Details
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N/A⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰Bluetooth:⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰
Yes⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰⋰
Heart Rate:
Pulse and Wireless HRMPower Source:Plugin
USB Charging Port:
YesDisplay:DualTrack Backlit
Drive:
FrontFlywheel Weight:N/A
Warranty:
2-Year Parts | 90-Day LaborCompact:Yes
Machine Weight:164 LbsFolding:No
Dimensions:70"L X 28"W X 63"HSpeaker:Yes
Max user weight:325 LbsCooling Fan:Yes
Resistance: 25-Level MagneticMedia Shelf:Yes
Incline Ramp:10° Power AdjustableBottle Holder:Yes
Stride Length:20" FixedHandlebars:Without Built-in Controls
Programs: 29Better Alternative:Nautilus E618
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  • 51ieMM 12qL. SL500
  • 41oSCd5CZKL. SL500
  • 41u4jXNMaeL. SL500
  • 41e26bF9zSL. SL500
  • 51XbnBeZuTL. SL500
  • 41Y2rOvolNL. SL500

Schwinn 470 Elliptical Review and Specifications:

If you have been looking at various home elliptical machines then you already know that size and storage are extremely important factors when deciding on which model to buy. The Schwinn 470 has an innovative, space-saving design that allows it to fit in anything from a studio apartment to a home fitness space. The Schwinn 470 measures only 70.1” long, 28.2” wide, and 63.2” high, giving it the same footprint as the Schwinn 430 machine, but a relatively smaller one than other machines in the home elliptical market.

The Schwinn 470 is designed for users of all shapes, sizes, and fitness levels in mind as this model comes with a manufacturer’s suggested maximum weight capacity of 300 lbs, which matches both the Schwinn 411 and Schwinn 430. This suggested weight capacity aligns with the industry standard and combined with the ergonomically placed handlebars and pedals, users of nearly any height can feel comfortable using the Schwinn 470 home elliptical machine. The power supply is simple and straightforward and requires only a standard wall outlet on a 110V-120V circuit for the power cord that is included in the box.

The Schwinn 470 comes with built-in, convenient transport wheels for ease of mobility and storage when you need to move the machine around your house. As with most home elliptical machines, the Schwinn 470 is not at all foldable so you will need to decide on a dedicated space in your home for it, even when the machine is not in use. Finally, weighing in at 164 lbs, the Schwinn 470 is considerably heavier than both the Schwinn A40 and Schwinn 411 models but slightly lighter than the Schwinn 430.

Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine Monitor

As expected, the Schwinn 470 home elliptical machine comes with the best-rated console of all the Schwinn elliptical machines as it boasts the DualTrack blue backlit LCD screen system that provides you with everything you will need to track from a home elliptical machine. The LCD monitor allows you to keep track of thirteen different display feedbacks which of course includes the usual time, distance, speed, RPM, calories, results, and heart rate. The console is simple to use, even in the middle of a workout, with conveniently placed, color-coded buttons and large, clear text to keep you informed of your performance. The screen for the Schwinn 470 has a beautiful blue backlight which is nice for when you are in a brightly lit room. The LCD screen is decently sized, but for a top of the line machine it lacks a touch screen or direct device connectivity for watching entertainment on.

The newest edition of the Schwinn 470 does come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity which is nice for tech savvy users, but it does not come with any touchscreen capabilities like many higher end machines do. The Bluetooth capabilities help you connect to your personal devices, and gives you the ability to track your fitness workouts in popular apps like MyFitnessPal, GoogleFit, Apple Health, and MapMyRun/Ride. The popular Explore The World app allows you to connect your devices or TV to display exotic locales from around the world that you can enjoy with friends as you workout together.

As with many home exercise machine lines, the Schwinn home elliptical machines come with varying sizes and functionalities when it comes to the monitor on each model. The Schwinn 470 is classified as a large sized screen which definitely matches its top of the line categorization amongst Schwinn’s home elliptical machine line. The absence of touch screen functionality is a little disappointing, but should not be a make or break feature for any machine.

Schwinn 470 Stride and Incline

The Schwinn 470 home elliptical machine comes with standard 20” strides that are smooth and quiet, but the length is not adjustable like on other machines. The 20” is fairly standard for the home elliptical industry and it definitely does not feel cumbersome to operate. The issue of the strides being too short on the Schwinn A40 and the Schwinn 411 do not apply as much for the Schwinn 430 or the Schwinn 470 as the 20” strides are usually more than enough to accommodate even the tallest users.

Like all of Schwinn’s home fitness machines, the Schwinn 470 comes equipped with Schwinn’s patented Precision Path Foot Motion Technology which simulates a natural running motion, while providing a safe, low impact workout for your ankle and knee joints. Unlike the entry-level models for the Schwinn home ellipticals, the Schwinn 470 does come with five incline and five resistance quick keys to add much needed variety and difficulties to your workouts. The incline is automated which means you can adapt your workout on the fly, one of the best features on the Schwinn 470.

Schwinn 470 Handlebar and Pedals

The Schwinn 470 elliptical machine comes with multiple sets of ergonomically designed, built-in handlebars that give users the ability to have full control and stability during their workouts. The fixed set of handlebars are located right below the console and provide a comfortable hand placement so that users can feel in control during their various workout positions. These stationary handlebars are also where users can track their vitals by holding the heart rate sensors. These readings appear in real-time on the console in front of the user and can help track workout performance and heart health. While there is a telemetry heart rate function enabled for the Schwinn 470, the chest strap does need to be purchased separately from the machine.

The second set of handlebars are the mobile ones that are positioned vertically and allow the user to use the Schwinn 470 in the classic elliptical motion that provides a complete body workout. The Schwinn 470 mobile handlebars are designed with ergonomic handles that provide users with multiple different angles to hold them. The curvature of these handles give users full control over how they want to apply their grip and provides users a way to target different muscle groups around their body.

Finally, the pedals on the Schwinn 470 are large and comfortable for users as the articulation helps to absorb any impact on knee and ankle joints. The footplates themselves are a nice substantial size and located 17” off the ground and 6” apart which makes for a smooth, natural motion for your feet. The pedals have a raised lip and grooves to help prevent users from slipping or losing their footing while using the Schwinn 470 home elliptical machine during an intense workout.

Schwinn 470 Accessories and Assembly

Here is where the Schwinn 470 shines compared to its siblings in the Schwinn home elliptical machine line. As far as accessories go, the Schwinn 470 home elliptical comes with a built-in media rack on the console so that you can enjoy reading books or watch a program on your tablet or mobile phone while you workout. The Schwinn 470 comes with an added MP3 player plugin so you can incorporate your music into your workout, as well as a USB port that can charge your mobile devices. An adjustable three-speed fan also helps you to stay cool while you exercise. The Schwinn 470 comes programmed with four user profile capability, in case multiple members of your household intend to use the machine. The Schwinn 470 also comes with sealed acoustic chamber speakers for the best sound and audio quality you can get from a Schwinn elliptical machine.

Assembly of the Schwinn 470 is fairly simple and straightforward as far as home exercise machines go. Schwinn goes above and beyond to provide you with all of the tools and hardware you will need, as well as a detailed instruction manual that is clear and easy to follow. The main frame of the Schwinn 470 comes pre-built so all you really need to do is attach the pedals, handlebars, and the console. Overall, unpacking and assembly should take the average person just over an hour to complete, although some reviewers on sites like Amazon say it can take upwards of two and a half hours so it does depend on how handy you are with tools. Assembly can be safely completed by one person although having a second person helps, especially with moving the Schwinn 470 before and after it has been assembled.

The Schwinn 470 does not require a lot of maintenance either aside from keeping any dust or dirt out of the rails so that the machine can operate smoothly. The inside of the Schwinn 470 frame comes pre-lubricated and should not require additional lubrication for several years. If after a few years you do feel you need to lubricate the parts, the Schwinn 470 instruction manual indicates that a silicone-based lubricant will do the job. Finally, users should ensure that no moisture or dust builds up on the console by wiping it down after every workout.

Schwinn 470 Warranty, Price, and Shipping

The warranty that Schwinn provides for the Schwinn 470 elliptical machine is reasonable but not the best in the home fitness equipment industry. Schwinn does offer a better warranty than one of its entry-level machines and the same as is mid-tier Schwinn 430. Schwinn provides users with a 10-year warranty for the frame, a 2-year warranty for parts, a 1-year warranty for mechanical and electronics, and 90-days for wear and labour. Not necessarily a game-changing warranty, but it does provide customers with a nice peace of mind, especially with longer warranties for the parts that are more prone to breakdown.

Schwinn will ship the Schwinn 470 elliptical machine to anywhere within the continental United States via UPS or FedEx ground, but they will not deliver to P.O. boxes. Shipping costs and taxes differ by state, but will be clearly marked and explained when you checkout on the Schwinn website. Orders are typically processed within 3-5 business days. You can also find the machine on sites such as Amazon or other fitness websites, but the price is not guaranteed to be the same as on the Schwinn website and shipping fees and times may vary depending on the company you purchase from.

The price of the Schwinn 470 is still one of the more attractive things about this model and for a top of the line model, it is a reasonable step up for all of the new features you get. Typically the Schwinn 470 retails for $899, which is a nice value for such a highly regarded brand name in the industry. Just as a warning, with the current rise in popularity of at-home fitness equipment, the Schwinn 470 has been seen selling for an inflated cost on most after-market websites. For the features you get and the brand name you trust, the Schwinn 470 is an excellent value as a top of the line model.

Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine Pros:

  • The price tag of the Schwinn 470 is still reasonable for a top of the line machine, especially for such a trusted brand name in the home elliptical industry.
  • The Schwinn 470 does not take up as much room as other home elliptical machines.
  • The Schwinn 470 has a high inertia perimeter flywheel that is extremely smooth and quiet during workouts so you will not disturb your neighbors or other members of your household.
  • The Schwinn 470 console comes pre-programmed with twenty-nine pre-programmed workouts to add variety to your exercise routine.
  • Twenty-five levels of eddy current resistance provides users with a challenging workout every time.
  • Stationary handles come with heart-rate sensors built into them to track your vitals in real-time which display on the console.
  • Ergonomic design provides users with a comfortable and stable exercise every time.
  • The articulated pedals provide a nice low impact exercise that is easy on the joints.
  • Front moving wheels help make it easy to transport the Schwinn 430 around your house.
  • MP3 connectivity allows you to listen to your music or podcasts as you workout.
  • A USB Charging port helps you to keep your devices fully charged for after your workout.
  • A longer stride at 20” helps fill the gap for taller people who want a home elliptical machine.
  • Four user profiles means that every member of your household can have a different setup.
  • Automate incline helps you change up your workout on the fly.
  • Sealed acoustic chamber speakers provide incredible audio for a workout machine.
  • Bluetooth connectivity means you can sync your progress with popular fitness apps.
  • A nice blue backlit LCD screen provides clarity in any sort of lighting situation.

Schwinn 470 Elliptical Machine Cons:

  • No WiFi connectivity even on the newer models.
  • The LCD Screen still is nothing special compared to other machines on the market and is lacking touch screen capabilities.
  • The stride is fixed and not adjustable.
  • The manufacturer’s weight capacity of 300 lbs can also be limiting for larger people.
  • The warranty is fine, but not great as far as industry standards go.
  • The telemetry heart rate function is enabled, but the chest strap needs to be purchased separately.

Final Verdict and Comparison

For those who demand high quality and features, and want a brand name they can trust, the Schwinn 470 home elliptical machine knocks it out of the park as the top of the line model in this highly rated line. The stride is perfect at 20” and although it is still not adjustable, it does help to accommodate taller people better than the entry-level models. There is the added automated incline for the Schwinn 470 which makes a world of difference when changing up your workout on the fly. The nice blue backlit Dualtrack LCD screen certainly has a premium feel to it compared to the other Schwinn elliptical models as the console does more than enough to provide you with an accurate reading of your vitals as you workout. The newest model of the Schwinn 470 does come with Bluetooth connectivity, which can be conveniently used to sync up your fitness progress with many of the most popular apps for Android or iPhone. The Schwinn 470 is a top of the line home elliptical machine and one thing most users can agree on is that this machine is of higher quality than its price tag indicates. Schwinn is an industry leader in the home fitness industry and has been now for over 100 years so it is backed by generations of satisfied customers. No matter which model you choose, you know that the Schwinn name brings with it high performance and high quality. The Schwinn 470 is a nice step up to the mid-tier Schwinn 430 model and the added features and technology help to provide you with an incredible workout experience all in the comfort of your own home. The Schwinn 470 is a premium, top of the line model for a mid-tier price, and while it certainly could add more features that are standard in other top of the line models, the price tag more than makes up for the deficiencies it may have.

Schwinn Fitness Elliptical Machines Comparison Chart
ReviewImageVerdictPriceCapacityDisplayResistanceStrideInclineProgramsProfilesBluetoothHRM
Schwinn 470Schwinn 470 reviewBest ValueCheck on Amazon300 LbsDualTrack LCD W/ Backlit25 Levels20" FixedPowered 0-10°29 Built-in Workouts4YesWireless & Contact
Schwinn 430Schwinn 430 reviewGreat ValueCheck on Amazon300 LbsDualTrack LCD W/O Backlit20 Levels20" FixedManual 0-10°22 Built-in Workouts2YesContact
Schwinn 411Schwinn 411 reviewGreat ValueCheck on Amazon300 LbsSingleTrack W/O Backlit16 Levels18" FixedNone13 Built-in Workouts1YesWireless & Contact
Schwinn A40Schwinn A40 reviewGreat ValueCheck on Amazon275 LbsSingleTrack W/O Backlit8 Levels17.5" FixedNone7 Built-in Workouts1NoContact

Sayed Hamed Hosseiny
Sayed Hamed Hosseiny

Hi, my name is Sayed Hamed Hosseiny. I am a professional health and fitness trainer with nearly 20 years of experience using ellipticals, rowing machines, and spin bikes. I also have my own EU-based Rock Fitness Pro fitness brand where I design, import and sell exercise equipment such as rowing machines and spin bikes. I and writers on my team also often receive fitness equipment to review and evaluate their functionalities and performance from tens of different exercise machines manufacturers. Fitness equipment tips, guides, reviews, and comparisons on this website are my opinion (and opinions of my fitness expert colleagues) based on tens of criteria. I never accept payment to write reviews of products or say positive things about fitness equipment products. If brands are interested to have me review their rowers, ellipticals, or spin bikes, they can get in touch with me via email provided on the contact page and send a sample of their product.

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