Sole Elliptical Reviews – Great Quality and Impact-Free Design

When it comes to quality construction combined with affordability Sole elliptical trainers are in a class by themselves.  They have built a strong reputation for manufacturing durable, reliable machines that feel just like the ones you use in the health club.

Sole began over twenty years ago as a treadmill company and quickly found its niche as a supplier of rugged, high quality machines to hotel chains such as Hilton and Omni.

Durability is key for hotels since the machines see so much use and abuse, so it’s obvious the company knows how to build a strong, reliable piece of equipment.

A Look at the Current Sole Elliptical Lineup

Sole elliptical trainers first entered the scene with four different options in the upscale market, with the lowest priced model beginning at just under $700.  

They have since stepped it up with about a half dozen or so high quality models currently for sale in 2023. In addition to the new Studio app they also added touch screens to several new models.

Traditional Ellipticals

Sole E20 - Usually sold exclusively in stores, the Sole E20 sometimes comes online, and boasts some very good specs for the price. It includes an 18" stride, incline capability, 10 built in workouts, 5.5" LCD display and a 350 lb. max weight capacity.

Sole E25 - The Sole E25 is the entry level model with specs typically found on much more expensive ellipticals: 20" stride, power incline, 20 lb. flywheel, grip and wireless heart rate monitoring and a 6.5" LCD display.

Sole E35 - The Sole E35 adds cushioned, adjustable foot pedals, a 25 lb. flywheel and a new 10.1" touch screen display with WiFi.

Sole E55 - The Sole E55 is a more compact model, with more pedal adjustment and a 9.0" LCD display.

Sole E95 - Perhaps their best model and one of our top picks, the Sole E95 is fully adjustable with a 27 lb. flywheel, a bright 10.1" touch screen display and a 400 lb. max weight capacity.

Sole E95s - The Sole E95S is similar to the E95 but with an adjustable stride of 18" to 24" to accommodate multiple users.

Sole E98 - The top of the line model in the popular series, the Sole E98 more of a commercial-grade machine with an industry leading 32 lb. flywheel for smooth, quiet workouts.

Elliptical Hybrids

Sole CC81 Cardio Climber - One of the newest cardio machines from Sole, this one combines and elliptical and a climber in one compact trainer.  If you're looking for more of a full body workout this one is worth considering.

It looks like these recent models have been discontinued:

Sole SC200 Stepper - This new model is a combination elliptical and stepper like the Bowflex Max Trainer series.

Sole SC300 Stepper - Similar to the SC200 but with incline capability added to make it more challenging. (Recently Discontinued)

ST300 Strider - This is a completely open feel elliptical with adjustable strides from 18" to 26". (Recently Discontinued)

ST600 Strider - This one adds power adjustable stride and a more compact footprint than the based ST300 model. (Recently Discontinued)

The company stands by their equipment in a big way by offering a lifetime warranty on the frames and a five year parts and labor warranty on everything else – something almost unheard of in the exercise equipment industry, especially for home use.

They also stepped up their game with the introduction of Sole Studio, a partnership that offers a wide variety of on-demand workouts via Bluetooth, similar to what NordicTrack and ProForm offer with their iFit and Bowflex with JRNY.

Which Sole Elliptical Should You Choose?

Deciding which Sole elliptical to choose can be a little challenging as there are many different models in the lineup.  A good starting point is selecting a type; either the traditional ellipticals or one of their newer hybrids.

If you want something like the regular ellipticals you find in your gym, then opt for one of the traditional trainers.  You're more familiar with them and there won't be any getting used to a new type of machine.

If you're just getting started, look at the Sole E25, a more than ample entry level elliptical trainer for your home.  If you want something a little more advanced, look at the E35 and the compact E55.

If you have the budget and want one of Sole's best offerings, the E95 is one of our top picks for home use and the adjustable stride E95s is great as well.  

The E98 is also an impressive machine, but you don't need a commercial-grade elliptical unless it will see some very heavy usage.

If you like the idea of two machines in one, i.e. an elliptical and a climber, check out the newer CC81. This is similar to the ProForm HIIT Trainers and the Bowflex Max Trainers, and gives you a very intense cardio workout without the usual impact.

Unique Design Reduces Strain

Sole spent a lot of time and money on research before putting its name on any elliptical machines; they had a stellar reputation with their treadmills and wanted to keep it.

Research included working with a physical therapist who designed the 2° foot pedal slope that is unique to Sole’s elliptical cross trainer line.

This slope helps protect the ankles, knees and Achilles tendons from too much strain, and has become one of the most talked about signature features of the line.

What Trainers and Consumers Have to Say About Sole Ellipticals

Personal trainers love the high gear ratio and large flywheel of Sole elliptical machines and compare them to leading brands such as Precor. The high quality heart rate monitor and easy to read consoles are also frequently noted as pluses by professionals. They often take note of the higher weight capacity as well, suggesting that it is a sign of the high construction quality.

The new Bluetooth wireless capability is also a welcome addition, as it allows users to tap into all of the new Studio workouts.

People who have purchased Sole elliptical trainers almost always love them, comparing their stability, long (20+”) strides and natural-feeling elliptical motion to those of commercial gym machines costing hundreds and even thousands of dollars more.

Two of the seven Sole elliptical machines have made it onto at least two independent “Best Buy” lists each based on quality for the price. It seems obvious that although relative newcomers, Sole elliptical trainers are here to stay.

Consumer Reviews

Sole Ellipticals Consumer Reviews - Comments submitted by users of the Sole E25 and E35 and other elliptical trainers.

Sole Elliptical Model Reviews

Most Popular Models

Sole E20 Elliptical - Entry level model with an 18" stride, incline capability and wireless heart rate monitoring, all for under $700.

Sole E25 Elliptical - Earlier incarnations of the Sole E25 elliptical received high praise from several review sites as the best elliptical under $1000, and this new model continues that tradition.

Sole E35 Elliptical - The new E35 is a step up from the popular E25, with a slightly higher price tag. It continues a tradition of excellent machines by Sole, a brand name known for elliptical performance and long life.

Sole E55 Elliptical - Combining most of the features of the up-level E95 in a more compact design, the E55 is a good mid-range choice.

Sole E95 Elliptical - The Sole E95 makes an exceptional purchase for anyone looking for a light commercial elliptical. Unique features may make this the most comfortable elliptical you can get at any price.

Sole E95s Elliptical - A relatively new model offering power adjustable stride from 18" all the way up to 24", making it perfect for families or those just looking to vary their workouts.

Sole E98 Elliptical - A light commercial machine designed for use in health clubs and gyms as well as for home use.

Older Models

Sole SC200 Stepper - The first elliptical/stepper from the company offering a low impact workout combined with the comfort the brand is known for.

Sole ST300 Strider - A new elliptical for the 2017 model year, offering a generous 18-26" adjustable stride for more muscle targeting.

Sole ST600 Strider - Joining the ST300 as the higher end model with power adjustable stride and heavier flywheel.

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