Proform Endurance 420 E Elliptical Cross Trainer Review

One of the world’s most successful manufacturers of home fitness equipment, Proform has both the know-how and economies of scale to create fitness machines that meet expectations, at prices that are competitive. Their current range of ellipticals features a wide range of models that cater for everyone from the light user trying to shed a few pounds and tone up a bit, all the way through to the competitive athlete training for an event. The Proform Endurance 420E  is a mid-priced front-drive elliptical that we’d normally expect to be positioned at a higher price point than this, so we took a closer look to see what you’re getting for your money.

As the 420E, like most other ellipticals, comes flat packed, it needs to be assembled. The assembly of this particular model isn’t particularly difficult but definitely does require two people and some patience. It took us about an hour to have it ready to use but for those who have never put an elliptical together before it may take a little longer. Once completed all that remains is to make a quick adjustment to the leg rear levellers to make sure that the unit is completely flat and stable and the 420E is ready for action.

Stand back to admire your handy work and the first thing that will likely strike you is that this is not a small machine. While by no means the largest type of ellipticals and having been designed for use in a domestic setting, it still has a sizeable footprint of 182cm x 66cm (71.6″ x26”) and a height of 173cm (68.1″) at the tallest point. The size and the weight of the 420E leave little doubt that what one is looking at here is not a half-hearted attempt at a home fitness machine and climbing aboard for the first time confirms this. At 79kg the 420E barely notices that it’s got someone standing on it! Step up onto the generously oversized footplates and grab a hold on the handlebars and you get a feeling of both comfort and security provided in part by the fact that it hardly moves as you get on and partly because of the excellent ergonomics.

The 420E features a 20″ (51cm) stride length which provides plenty of room for taller users without making life hard for shorter people. With the distance to the handlebars being set at the midpoint and the 20″ stride being on a relatively flat ellipse, the 420E feels very comfortable throughout the entire elliptical cycle. This was true for all the testers that were used during testing and regardless of user height the experience was a positive one. The fact that the machine itself is heavy enough not to move an inch, even during intense workouts makes this elliptical feel rock-solid but the smoothness of the entire cycle, which is really quite impressive for a cross-trainer in this price bracket. As expected our test model was near silent while in action and apart from the sound of a machine quietly humming away (and the testers occasionally gasping for air!) this elliptical quietly gets on with its work.

Workout options consist of 20 preset onboard workouts and a manual mode and there are 20 levels of resistance that can be adjusted during a workout using the buttons on the console. There are no controls on the handlebars here which is a shame as it means you’ve got to let go in order to make adjustments, but the main console does a very good job of making things fairly easy in this respect by way of the large, bright and easy to reach buttons on the console. The console features a selection of preset workouts. Each preset workout automatically changes the resistance of the pedals and prompts you to maintain a target speed as it guides you through your workout, though it’s possible to manually override the resistance set by the computer to match your needs if you do find the workout too tough.  Following in the footsteps of some of Proforms other ellipticals, once you’ve started your selected workout the console display shows you a target speed/RPM which is a key factor in the effectiveness of your workout. The idea is simple – do as the computer tells you and you’ll be sure that you’re getting an effective workout.

The console display provides live data on your workouts such as RPM, power output, resistance level, heart rate, theoretical distance covered in miles or kilometres (units can be changed to metric and back in the console settings), elapsed time/time remaining, and theoretical calorie burn. It uses a toggle method to display the data and alternates what’s being shown so manages to pack lots of data into a relatively small area. It’s all very easy to understand and the way that the buttons on the console are set up it’s easy to operate while you’re in full flow too.

In addition to the preset workouts, the 420E is also iFit compatible so you can connect a tablet to the elliptical via Bluetooth and get access to customised training programmes, automated workout statistics tracking, Google Maps routes and a new daily workout every day. A subscription is required if you want to use iFit and the full details of what’s available are worth checking out at www.ifit.com if you’re looking for a fully integrated long-term workout programme.

The console on the 420 E is battery powered. The good part is that you’re not restricted as to where you can place it in the room. One downside is that it doesn’t come with any batteries supplied in the box so you can’t actually use with without making an additional purchase of batteries. Another downside is that if you do a lot of interval training you’ll be using the resistance motor a good deal, and if you do that, the batteries don’t last very long. If you want to avoid constantly changing batteries then you’ll need to either by some rechargeable ones, or run it on mains power. Proform sell a 9-volt power supply separately, though we have to say that it’s not cheap!

The 420E also features a tablet holder, built-in Bluetooth wireless heart rate receiver, a music input port, stereo speakers and a water bottle holder. The tablet holder is particularly handy, even if you’re not using iFit, as it’s set at a height that makes watching TV programmes or music videos while working out natural and comfortable.

Last but by no means least the 420E comes with Proform’s 2 year, on-site, parts and labour warranty (registration required).

Best Price

The Proform Endurance 420 E is not currently available from any retailers we're aware of in the UK.
It may be worth looking for a used machine on ebay

Review Summary - In Brief

The 420E has lots of features to keep you motivated and is built well. It both looks good and feels good to use too, though it's not without its faults, admittedly. Assembly isn't the easiest and we'd say buying a power supply for it, even though they're not cheap, is something you'll definitely want to do. So, if you don't like the idea of a somewhat painful assembly, don't mind if your trainer is front or rear-drive and don't mind saving some money into the bargain then we strongly recommend taking a look at our elliptical of the month, the DKN XC-140i which costs less, is one of the easier cross trainers to assemble we've tested and is also feature-rich, to say the least. It comes with a power supply included too.

Proform Endurance 420 E Specifications

  • 6kg (13.2lbs) Inertia Enhanced flywheel
  • 20 digital levels of SMR Silent™ Magnetic Resistance
  • 51cm (20’’) stride length
  • Large LCD console display with Watts meter
  • Console Feedback: Time, distance, pulse, calories, speed, rpm, resistance, watts
  • 20 pre-set workout apps (watts and calorie workouts), iFit® enabled (subscription sold separately)
  • iFit® Bluetooth® Smart Enabled (comes with a 30-day Family membership)
  • Heart rate measurement via Pulse grip sensors + Bluetooth Smart wireless receiver (chest strap optional)
  • Features: Music port for iPod/mp3, Intermix Acoustics 2.0 speakers, tablet holder, water bottle holder
  • Oversized adjustable pedals
  • Handlebars: Soft touch grips
  • Dimensions (L x W x H): 173cm (68.1’’) x 65cm (25.6’’) x 170cm (66.9’’)
  • Product Weight: 86kg (196.2lbs)
  • Max. User Weight: 115kg (253.5lbs)
  • Front mounted transport wheels
  • Warranty: 2 years parts, labour and frame (if registered within 28 days of purchase)

Proform Endurance 420 E Elliptical Cross Trainer - Console / Display Unit

Proform Endurance 420 E Elliptical Cross Trainer - User Reviews

The Pros

  • Comfortable and ergonomically sound
  • Plenty of workouts
  • Good for a wide range of users

The Cons

  • No controls on the handlebars
  • The batteries don't last very long and it doesn't come with either batteries or a power supply included
Proform Endurance 420 E Elliptical Cross Trainer Reviewer Ratings

Ease Of Installation - 8
Appearance - 8
Smoothness - 8.5
Comfort - 8.5
Reliability - 8
Noise - 8
Ease Of Use - 8
Controls - 8
Warranty - 8.5
Value for Money - 5
Best Price

The Proform Endurance 420 E is not currently available from any retailers we're aware of in the UK.
It may be worth looking for a used machine on ebay

Also see our Elliptical Cross Trainer Comparison Table

Whilst every effort is made to give you accurate information we cannot guarantee the technical specification. Models change on a regular basis and may differ slightly from the above review. We recommend you contact the retailer if you have a question regarding technical data. Please read our Legal Disclaimer

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