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 five 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.
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
The E25 Sole Elliptical
Starting off at a cost of $999, the Sole Elliptical E25 is a beginner level elliptical. It has been accredited as the best elliptical trainer for less than $1,000. The machine has a heavy 19lb flywheel and a gear ratio that gives you stability and a smooth feel while working out. The multiple resistance levels will ensure that you meet with enough obstacles to get a challenging workout. Thanks to the adjustable ramp angle, you can target lower body muscles to increase tone and development. In addition, the E25 Sole Elliptical features include:
- Stride length: 20 inches
- An ECB Magnetic Resistance Type
- Size: 71 inches long x 27 inches wide
- 16 resistance levels
- An upper body with handgrip and optional ad on telemetry belt
- Weight capacity: 325 lbs
- Product Weight is 189lbs
- 3 years warranty of electronics
- Lifetime frame/brake warranty
- Labor: 1 year
The E25 is a basic elliptical train. It is ideal for anyone who would like to start a workout regime at home. Keep in mind, that even though the E25 Sole Elliptical is the most basic model in the Sole Elliptical family it remains a professional elliptical device.
The E35 Sole Elliptical
The E35 Sole Elliptical machine has almost the same features as the entry level model, the E25. The same stride length, power levels, resistance levels and built in accessories. However, the E35 has a more sophisticated resistance type, increased weight capacity and a slightly larger size. The features of the E35 Sole Ellptical trainer include:
- A stride length of 20 inches
- An Eddy Current Braking Resistance Type
- Size: 82 inches long x 27 inches wide
- Built in Fans, water bottle/accessory holders
- Weight capacity of 375lbs
- Product Weight is 200lbs
- 5 years warranty of electronics
- Lifetime frame/brake warranty
- Labor: 2 years
- Price: $1,199.99 (Sale)
Is The E35 Worth The Extra $$$?
The E35 Sole Ellipitical comes in at $200 more than the E25 Sole Ellpitical, with not much to show for the extra money. I would opt for the E25, unless you doen’t feel comfortable on the E25 because of the weight limit.
The E55 Sole Elliptical
The E55 is a more sophisticated version of the E35. It comes with additional features such as heart rate control and a larger LCD display, which makes this machine all the better and smarter than the E35. It also provides increased resistance levels and weighs an extra 27lbs (as compared to 19lbs in the previous models); which provides a more stable ride and a stronger flywheel, not to mention a better gear ratio that gives you excellent resistance and a very effective workout. The E55 also introduces to adjust angle that will accommodate your natural walking style rather than the fixed angle pedals of the E25 and E35. The features of the E55 Sole Elliptical include:
- A stride length of 20 inches
- Eddy Current Braking Resistance Type
- Heart rate monitoring
- All accessories available
- Size: 82 inches long x 27 inches wide
- Weight capacity is 375 lbs
- Warranty: Parts 5 years, frame is lifetime and labor is 2 years.
- Price: $1,399.00 (Sale)
The E55 Elliptical is Worth The Extra $$$
There is no question that the additional features incorporated in the E55 make a difference. The adjustable pedal angle is worth the additional money all by itself, but you also get a heart rate monitor, a larger display and an all around smoother and more stable ride.
The E95 Sole Elliptical
Well, the E95 is more of a club based trainer machine than home based. It’s huge, it’s powerful and it’s for the rigorous athlete who likes it rough and tough. Available with all basic accessories and functionalities as the other devices, the E95 is more of a power machine with a 29lb flywheel and high gear ratio level. In addition to the increased weight and gear ratio, the E95 introduces the ability to provide you with varied workout positions which enables you to target specific lower body areas for a more effective workout. The ramp angle is adjustable to between 0 to 40 degrees. Finally, the E95 adds a cushioned foot pedal that gives you an amazing comfort level to reduce the chances of developing knee or ankle stress. Combined with the other features of the E55, this device is absolutely perfect for clubs, gyms and the truly serious home athlete. The features of the E95 Sole Ellipitical include:
- Stride length of 20 inches
- Cushioned footpad (Finally!)
- Eddy Current Braking Resistance
- 20 levels of Resistance
- All available accessories
- Size: 82 inches long x 27 inches wide
- Weight Capacity is 400lbs
- Warranty same as the E55
- Price: $1,599.99 (Sale)
How does the E95 Compare to the 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.
The E98 Sole Elliptical
Ideal for a sports club, gym or any commercial environment, the E98 is a huge, powerful elliptical machine. It has a 30lb heavy flywheel with a 9” commercial grade screen. It has 10 programs to help users go through various exercise levels and challenges. The machine also displays heart rate as well as fat burn rate just so you will know how well you have progressed. The features of the E98 Sole Elliptical trainer include:
- 20 inches stride length
- Articulating footpedal
- Eddy Current Braking Resistance Type
- 20 levels of Resistance
- Weight capacity of 400lbs (awesome!)
- All accessories available
- Warranty: 3 years parts, frame is lifetime and labor is 1 year.
- Price: $1,999.99 (Sale).
Well! The E98 is the king of all Sole Elliptical models and as such, its ideal place is at a large sports complex or commercial gym instead of in a home environment. Do understand though that this is best for professional athletes or people who have already experienced working out on a power machine because if you are a newbie, this machine could be complicated to operate.
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.