Nautilus E514

Bottom Line

The Nautilus E514 is essentially the same machine as the Schwinn 420 (*Est. $600) with a few key improvements, including a backlit LCD, four heart-rate programs and a better warranty. The E514 offers some good features at a low price, but its durability record is iffy.

Performance

Pleasantly surprised. Consumers find the Nautilus E514's performance unexpectedly good, calling it smooth and quiet. The trainer's eddy current brake system uses magnets to create resistance, which allows exercisers to silently change between 16 resistance levels. Some heavier users question the machine's stability, and one calls it a "light-use elliptical" on Amazon.com. He says, "when I started exercising I was 280 pounds, and the machine sometimes swayed from side to side."

A couple of major letdowns are that the E514 doesn't incline, and its fixed 18-inch stride may be short for users about 6 feet tall.

Ease of Use

Improved display and programs. The Nautilus E514's biggest improvement over the Schwinn 420 is found in the user programs. It not only adds four Polar heart-rate interactive programs and comes with a heart-rate monitor chest strap but the stationary handles measure heart rate, as well. Also included are 12 preset programs. Workout programs and 16 resistance levels are controlled from the center console.

The E514's major improvement is a backlit LCD. When the Schwinn 420 got many complaints about the visibility of its LCD, Nautilus added a blue backlight. A fan is included on the center console, but reviewers find it weak. Assembly is similar to the 420 and sometimes includes missing or broken parts, but overall it's a practical task for the average consumer.

Durability

Risky business. Owners don't praise the E514's durability the way they do with the Schwinn 420. In 35 consumer reviews found on Amazon.com, 10 give the machine 3 stars out of 5 or below, with users citing the failure of numerous parts. One common complaint is that the motor stops working immediately or after just a few weeks of use.

Experts disagree on the Nautilus E514's build quality. TreadmillDoctor.com calls the elliptical ridiculous at any price, while Fred Waters at Fitness-Equipment-Source.com names it an improvement on his Best Buy Schwinn 420.

Customer Service

Slightly longer warranty, but still under par. The Nautilus E514's warranty is a slight improvement on the Schwinn 420's: 10 years on the frame, one year on mechanical and electrical parts, six months on wear parts and 90 days for labor. Most manufacturers offer a lifetime frame warranty and at least two years on parts. As with the Schwinn 420, user reviews show positive customer service response. While the warranty still applies, Nautilus response is efficient and friendly.