Categorized as one of the most dynamic and highly efficient trainer machines, Sole Ellipticals are ideal for rigorous workouts and professional exercise routines. Though there are five different models to choose from, each of them has the same inbuilt features and functionality – only with varied enhancements and special additional features which makes up for the price difference between the 6 models. Let’s start with a quick review of the basic features of all the models and then move along to a quick compare and contrast to help you decide which is the perfect machine for you.
Table of Contents
Basic Features of all Sole Ellipticals
All five Sole Elliptical machines have the following basic features:
- A blue lit LCD display.
- A built-in cooling fan and water bottle holder
- Built-in MP3 player that lets you plug in any other MP3 device
- Both forward and reverse motion
- Multiple power resistance levels (with the more advances models having more levels and more resistance)
- The ability for upper body exercise options along with lower body target area options
- Standard handgrip, HGP and telemetry belt
- Built-in sensors for monitoring either pulse or heart rate
- Built in Fans, water bottle/accessory holders
- Comfortable foot pedals designed by physical therapists for a smooth, comfortable workout
- A data calculation feature that lets you calculate time, distance, calories and various levels
- Four wheels to provide stability and comfort
- A 110 Power Standard
- Prices ranging from $999 to $1,999.99
1: Sole E20 Elliptical Machine Review
The Sole E20 is a fantastic elliptical machine for anyone on a budget. Currently priced at 799, the E20 elliptical provides a lot of bang for your buck. Some highlights include a 20″ max stride length, 20 incline levels, 3 years parts coverage on the warranty and 16 different resistance levels.
Specs
- 58″ x 71″ x 27″
- 20″ max, power adjustable stride length
- Warranty: Lifetime frame, 3 years parts & electronics, 1 year labor
- 16 levels of resistance
- Power Incline — 20 different levels
- 5.5″ Backlit LCD display
- 10 programs including two custom & two heart rate
- ECB resistance system
- 325 pound weight capacity
Pros
- 20″ max stride length
- 20 levels power incline
- 3 years parts & electronics warranty
- 5.5″ lcd display
Cons
- HR monitoring
- # of programs
The Sole E20 elliptical is a standout machine in the ~$800 price range. If you compare it to other elliptical brands for a similar price, you see Sole is practically giving away the E20 at this price! For example, the E20 has a 20″ max adjustable stride length. Add to that power incline with 20 different levels to choose from. It’s rare you see an elliptical in this price range with that amount of stride length and incline. And even if they did have different incline levels, you would probably have to adjust them manually instead of with the touch of a button.
The next key point is the warranty. The Sole E20 elliptical comes with 3 years coverage on parts and electronics. This may not sound like much but for a machine of this price it’s great. For comparison, let’s look at the warranties of the Horizon E 69 and the Schwinn 470. Both are the same price as the Sole unit, 799. The Horizon E69 and the Schwinn 470 have 1 and 2 year parts warranties respectively. (And the Schwinn 470 only covers electronics for one year.) I cannot over stress the importance of a good warranty on budget machines. A good warranty ensures your machine will stay usable. And it shows you that the manufacturer stands by the quality of their product.
There are a few small negatives with the Sole E20. One thing to keep in mind is that the heart rate monitor only works for the stationary handlebars on the machine. This means instead of the advertised 10 programs, there are really only 8 possible programs unless you spring for the wireless HR monitor. If you look at other brands in the ~$800 price range, the E20 loses out on programming and resistance levels.
That said, the pros far outweigh the cons on the Sole E20. Most people looking for a budget elliptical machine would prefer reliability and quality over extra features. The Sole E20 elliptical machine provides exactly that. If you want a great workout on a reliable machine at an affordable price, then I’d definitely recommend the E20 elliptical from Sole Fitness.
2: Sole E25 Elliptical Trainer Review
The E25 has a full 20” long stride with oversized foot pedals shaped for maximum comfort. The Sole E25 uses an adjustable incline ramp, which will take you up to 30 degrees as your fitness level progresses. Pound for pound, the E25 is a lot of elliptical in a value-packed package
Specs
- Adjustable incline ramp goes from 0-30% degrees.
- Large Large contoured pedals riding on ball bearing rollers
- Smooth 20” stride
- Mp3 compatible blue LCD console
- Built in fan
- 3 year mfr. warranty
Pros
- Price
- Value
- Space efficiency
Cons
- Front drive
- Warranty
The E25 elliptical machine is built on a smaller, more compact frame as compared to it’s big brothers within the Sole Fitness elliptical lineup. This front drive machine uses concave rollers riding on steel rails with a large flywheel for inertia and feel. You can adjust the incline up to 30 degrees or choose from 16 levels of ECB resistance for the best possible workout. The Sole E25 is a very good value for those looking for durability and functionality at a low price.
3: Sole E35 Elliptical Machine Review
Sole has upgraded the weight of the frame, flywheel weight and warranty of the E35 elliptical over that of the E25 elliptical machine. It carries a full 375 lb. weight limit on its 200 lb. frame. The E35 elliptical trainer has a full 20” long stride with oversized foot pedals shaped for maximum comfort. The Sole E35 uses an adjustable incline ramp, which will take you up to 30 degrees as your fitness level progresses. Pound for pound, the E35 is a lot of elliptical in a value-packed package.
Specs
- Adjustable incline ramp goes from 0-30% degrees
- Large contoured pedals riding on ball bearing rollers
- Smooth 20” stride with a 25 lb. flywheel
- Mp3 compatible blue LCD console
- Built in fan5 year parts/ 2 year labor mfr. warranty
Pros
- Price
- Value
- Warranty
Cons
- Restricted stride
- Does not fold
The E35 elliptical may just be the best buy within the Sole Fitness elliptical lineup. This front drive machine uses concave rollers riding on steel rails with a large flywheel for inertia and feel. You can adjust the incline up to 30 degrees or choose from 16 levels of Eddy-Current resistance for the best possible workout. The Sole E35 comes with a best in class warranty or lifetime on the frame and drive system, five years all other parts and 2 years in-home labor.
4: Sole E55 Elliptical Machine Review
Sole has increased the flywheel weight to 39 lbs. for added inertia and added more levels of resistance (20 vs. 16 on the E35 model). The E55 Elliptical machine carries a full 375 lb. weight limit on its 200 lb. frame. This smooth design has a full 20” long stride with oversized foot pedals which can be adjusted for angle based on user height. The Sole E55 uses an adjustable incline ramp, which will take you up to 40 degrees as your fitness level progresses. For those looking for high quality at a bargain price, the E55 is a very good choice!
Specs
- Adjustable incline ramp goes from 0-40% degrees.
- Large contoured pedals riding on ball bearing rollers
- Smooth 20” stride with a 39 lb. flywheel
- Mp3 compatible blue LCD console
- Built in fan
- 5 year parts/ 2 year labor mfr. warranty
Pros
- 40 degree power incline
Cons
- Foot pedals not cushioned
The E55 elliptical machine has been extremely popular for several years now. This 2012 version is a front drive machine using concave rollers riding on steel rails with a large flywheel for inertia and feel. You can adjust the incline up to 40 degrees or choose from 20 levels of Eddy-Current resistance for the best possible workout. The Sole E55 comes with a best in class warranty or lifetime on the frame and drive system, five years all other parts and 2 years in-home labor.
Sole E95 VS E55
The E95 is a more advanced version of the E55, offering cushioned foot pads and even more flexibility and comfort. As mentioned above this should be the machine of choice for small athletic clubs or gyms that are concerned about price and for the home gym of a serious athlete.
5: Sole E95 Elliptical Machine Review
Sole’s top-of-the-line E95 elliptical machine has all the goodies and more on the value-packed front drive elliptical. The E95 Elliptical machine has added cushioned foot pedals and plastic roller-track covers this year to an already well-made elliptical design. This unit has a full 20” long stride with oversized foot pedals, which can be adjusted for angle based on user height. The Sole E95 elliptical trainer uses an adjustable incline ramp, which will take you up to 40 degrees as your fitness level progresses. For those who want the best of the best in the Sole elliptical line-up choose the E95 with wireless heart rate control programs built right in.
Specs
- Adjustable incline ramp goes from 0-40% degrees.
- Large contoured pedals riding on ball bearing rollers
- Smooth 20” stride with a 39 lb. flywheel
- Mp3 compatible blue LCD console
- Built in fan, wireless heart rate control
- 5 year parts/ 2 year labor mfr. warranty
Pros
- Cushioned foot pedals
- 400 lb. weight limit
Cons
- Price
Checkout the new vibrant LCD display on the E95 elliptical machine by Sole Fitness. You can adjust the incline up to 40 degrees or choose from 20 levels of Eddy-Current resistance for the best possible workout. The Sole E95 comes with a best in class warranty or lifetime on the frame and drive system, five years all other parts and 2 years in-home labor.
6: Sole E98 Elliptical Machine Review
Sole’s top-of-the-line E98 elliptical is designed to handle the heavy use of commercial facilities getting up to 8 hours of usage a day. The E98 Elliptical uses a 30 lb. precision balanced flywheel to produce a silky smooth feel. The E98 has a full 20” long stride with oversized foot pedals riding on commercially rated ball bearing rollers. The Sole E98 uses an adjustable incline ramp, which will take you up to 40 degrees as your fitness level progresses. Choose the E98 light commercial elliptical machine if you want a club quality elliptical at an everyday low price.
Specs
- Adjustable incline ramp goes from 0-40% degrees.
- Large contoured pedals riding on ball bearing rollers
- Smooth 20” stride with a 40 lb. flywheel
- Large 9” LCD display
- Built in fan, wireless heart rate control
- Warranted for home or commercial usage
Pros
- Club quality
- 9” display
Cons
- Price
Have you seen the new Health Club quality elliptical machine from Sole Fitness? With the E98 you can adjust the incline up to 40 degrees or choose from 20 levels of Eddy-Current resistance for the best possible workout. The Sole E98 is designed specifically for those individuals who want a great elliptical without all of the service that one might expect with lesser grade machines.
Conclusion
If you are on a budget and are just starting out with an exercise program, your best bet is the E25. The E35 is not really recommended because it’s just a slightly modified form of the E25, with very little extra to offer. The E55 is ideal for people who want to have a better machine with special focus on a comfort level of pedaling and walking. The E95 is the sophisticated form of the E55 and is more suitable for a commercial gym or the most serious home athlete. Finally, the E98 has everything that one could want in an elliptical machine and is designed for heavy commercial use. The E98 is the power unit.