Sole Ellipticals Category:

Sole E55 Elliptical Trainer

by Mike on June 1, 2010

This is the slightly heavier version of the Sole E35. Both the E35 and this Sole E55 were within my consideration before I finally bought the E35 for its price. I figured that I didn’t need the extra 5 pounds on the flywheel for an extra $200.

Sole E55 Elliptical Trainer

Sturdy just like gym machines
Weighing at 265lbs with a 30-pound flywheel (some of the descriptions say 27), this has a good feel of gym machine material. I tested both models and this definitely felt sturdier than the E35. This can take up to 375lbs, so it’s suitable for people of a bigger build. It might be a bit difficult for skinny or petite people though, if you’re looking for a machine for couple use the wife should test it out first.

Great Features
The features are exactly the same as the E35, and I love those features! Incline and resistance controls are truly just a click away because they’re situated on the handle bars. Talk about convenience! If you have no idea, many other ellipticals will need you to step down and adjust the incline. I like to do interval training so this is important to me.

Oh, by the way, my E35 is super heavy already and I’m guessing Sole E55 will be even more difficult to get into the house. Do get a few strong friends to help you move it, or pay the delivery guys to do it. A good idea might be to open it right there on the curb and move bit by bit.

Assembly shouldn’t be too difficult once you have it where you want it. I’ve read many other reviews and nobody complained about assembly for this model. Someone did mention that you might have to grease the rails to avoid it making noise though.

Overall the Sole E55 Elliptical Trainer is a great model to get, if you want to cancel all those gym memberships and do quality workout at home.

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Best Elliptical Trainer – Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer

by Mike on May 27, 2010

If you are looking for something close to a club quality elliptical yet doesn’t cost half the price of one, then the best bet would be the Sole E35. This elliptical trainer is sturdy, quiet, and suitable for a couple of different height and weight.

Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer

Performance-wise
I’ve been using the high end Precor ellipticals at the club for two years and the Sole E35 is still good enough for me. It felt sturdy enough for a 200 lbs man like me, and no wonder, because it can take 350 lbs max. It doesn’t rock or move at all when I workout. The 20″ stride length is good enough for me too, and I’m 6′ tall. There is another reviewer whose wife is 5′ 1″, and it worked for her too.

The handle bars are designed really well. I could feel my upper body getting a workout as well instead of just going for a ride.

Feature-wise
I absolutely love it that the incline can be adjusted with a press of button on the handle bar. That means I can do intervals very easily. The incline and resistance change very smoothly, and there are built-in programs to choose from.

I was pleased to find two modes of heart rate monitoring with this elliptical too; a wireless chest strap and pulse sensors on the handle bars. Now I use these instead of my old heart rate monitor.

Assembly
This thing is heavy and it’s made of solid, good quality parts, so getting it upstairs is a real tough job for strong men. I didn’t want to pay extra for the delivery company to do it, and I bet they don’t offer to do it for some places as well, so it’s best to place it somewhere downstairs. Assembly is not too hard, instructions are all right, but it takes a couple of hours especially if you’re being careful about it. Best to tighten the bolts well to avoid creaks when you use it later.

Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer is the best for me. It is really quiet too. There are a few bad reviews, but I thought to myself that if I got a lemon and if Sole can’t help, Amazon will still take a return. Don’t be daunted by the bad reviews, because the good reviews are way good.

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