Read our Gold’s Gym Stridetrainer 380 Elliptical Machine review to see that whilst there are some compromises necessary for an elliptical at this price range, there is still a lot about this ‘Stride Trainer’ machine to warrant some real consideration!
Gold’s Gym 380 Elliptical Features
- Very Competitively Priced
- Features ‘Targer Pacer’ as well as 6 Personal Trainer Workouts
- Variety of 10 levels of digital resistance
- LCD Display Window giving heartrate information
- Dual-Grip Pulse Heart Rate monitor
- 90 Day Labor and Parts Warranty
- 250lbs maximum weight limit and 14” maximum stride length
- Transport wheels for quick and easy relocation
- Water bottle holder
Another in our range of budget elliptical machine reviews, the Gold’s Gym 380 has a lot going for it, but it’s a long way from perfect. Whilst not widely available through national online stores, there are not a range of ratings and reviews available to get a picture of the average experience of the 380. Luckily, it is available through Amazon, and there are a number of reviews from verified customers. There are more positive reviews than negative, although not by a huge majority. 49% of reviews are 4 or 5 stars. We have done on the legwork for you in so far as reading specs, info and reviews to learn everything you need to know. Keep reading our review before you make your decision on this elliptical!
Excellent Value
Whilst in no way perfect, the Gold’s Gym Stride Trainer 380 Elliptical offers a good quality machine at a very reasonable price. Coming under the category of ‘budget elliptical’ it won’t have all the options and capabilities of a top of the range elliptical machine, but if you are under the maximum weight and stride length limits, then there is definitely enough here to give you an excellent and thorough training session. With many budget ellipticals, the price is low because they are made to accommodate people of a limited height and weight. The 380 has a maximum weight capacity of 250lbs, and a 14” stride length, both of which are quite low – but if you do fall in these limits, then I suggest you consider this machine.
10 Levels of Resistance and 6 pre-programmed Workouts
The Gold’s Gym 380 allows you to choose between 10 levels of digital resistance, which is very good for an elliptical machine in this price range. If this is your first home elliptical, you will probably find the upper levels of resistance properly challenging, certainly so if you maintain an extended workout on one of these levels. We recommend checking out our elliptical workouts if you find it difficult to get yourself into a challenging workout. The Gold’s Gym 380 also comes with 6 ‘Personal Trainer’ workouts, so you can be sure that you will find an approach that works best for you. A few weeks of regular exercise and you’ll soon find that yourself creeping up the levels of resistance.
Easy to Set Up
Most reports of the delivery process with the 380 are wholly positive. The shipping (with Amazon) is very fast and usually without a problem. In the unlucky occurrence of and damage during delivery, you should be quickly offered a refund or redelivery – whichever suits you best. But it’s likely you won’t need to worry about any of that, as it will arrive fine.
The 380 can be put together without much hassle. They do supply some tools in the package, but if you have any of your own they will probably be a better quality, although you can use the ones they provide. It’s relatively easy to follow instructions, and if you have even half an idea about this sort of thing, you shouldn’t expect to spend much more than around 2 hours putting it together. What you might want to spend a little extra time doing however, is lubricating or oiling bolts and inner workings as you put it together. And when you do put it together, make sure all the bolts are tight! This can go a long way to eliminate any squeaking you might otherwise encounter. Any loose, wobbly bolts and you will hear it as you work out, believe me!
Whilst not the greatest elliptical machine in the world, the Gold’s Gym Stride Trainer 380 Elliptical certainly has enough oomph to push you to your limits, and at a reasonable price. It’s affordable enough to consider, and if Amazon (follow our link above) have it on sale then I would suggest you go for it!
What About the Cons?
By far the biggest complaint of the 380 was squeaking while you were using it. It came up time and time again in the 1 star reviews. It should be said that many of the positive reviews describe a fun and quiet workout experience, but there are enough ‘squeak’ complaints that you can be sure it is a real possibility. One of the risks of buying budget is that there is inconsistency in product quality, with a slight difference in tightening here and there as you put it together can lead to big changes in quality of final product.
Warranty Information
This Gold’s Gym elliptical is backed by a 90-Day Parts & Labor Warranty
Our Final Verdict?
The Gold’s Gym 380 Elliptical Machine is a good effort and when everything is running smoothly, it’s a great workout experience. Unfortunately the low price brings with it an increased rick of something going wrong. Squeaky noise tends to be the top complaint. But if you can’t afford any more, and you can put up with some (possible) noise, then it’s certainly not a bad machine. Great resistance, good info screen and a range of workout options – all plus points. And it really is incredible value!
As far as a budget elliptical goes, we wouldn’t say this is a bad choice, but it’s not our top choice. Our favourite budget elliptical would have to be the Exerpeutic 1000XL. Check out the review!
