Sole E35 Elliptical Review
Sole E35 Elliptical Rating
Detailed Overview
As we’ve learned throughout several of our Sole elliptical reviews, excellent ergonomics are always a big selling point for the brand’s machines. There are a few key elements to the design of the Sole E35 elliptical that play into this. For starters, a two-degree inward slope of its pedals as recommended by physical therapists. A reasonable amount of pedal cushioning and the choice of three pedal angles to support differing gaits. The pedals are uniquely oversized and adjustable for greater comfort.
The Sole E35 is a relatively compact machine overall, thanks to its front-drive configuration. It’s not a folding unit, so you’ll still have to accommodate its 82- x 31-inch foot print in your home gym, but it’s far from being the largest elliptical on the market right now. The machine, like many other pieces of fitness equipment, has integrated transport wheels. These will allow you to roll the machine into a corner of the room when not in use in order to free up a bit of extra space. The use of whisper-quiet magnetic resistance also makes the Sole E35 elliptical well suited for home gym use. It won’t take up too much space, nor will it wake up your pets and neighbors during use.
All told, 10 different workout programs are built into the Sole E35’s console. They are displayed via a fairly bare-bones 7.5″ backlit LCD display screen. As a nice bonus, programming can also run through a user’s tablet or smartphone if preferred. Trainees can choose from manual mode, two heart programs, and a set of other training programs focused around calorie burn, muscle toning, and other fitness aspects. The machine is also capable of saving a pair of customized workout programs, should users opt to build out their own resistance/time/incline training regimen on the Sole E35 elliptical. Users are also able to record and save their training data for export to MyFitnessPal, FitBit, and countless other mobile apps. Given the rise of fitness tracking in recent years, the addition of this feature to the Sole E35 was a smart move.
The new Sole E35 Elliptical has a very respectable warranty, and one that is a decent amount longer than what they offer on the entry-level E25. Its $1,599.99 price tag includes five years of coverage on its parts and electronics, as well as a lifetime warranty on its frame. By comparison the E25 is only covered for three years. It’s also worth noting that the Sole E35 is often marked down significantly from that full retail price, with discounts often dropping its price a good ways under $2,000. Be sure to check out the brand’s website for current sale prices and potential offers of free shipping.
Our Favorite Features
- 20″ stride with 20 incline levels
- Adjustable pedals with three positions
- Quiet magnetic resistance
- Resistance controls built into handlebars
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Wireless and touch heart rate monitors
- Syncs with mobile apps
- Transport wheels
- Integrated tablet holder
- 10 pre-loaded workouts
- Bluetooth audio speakers
- USB charging port
- Heart rate chest strap
Sole E35 Elliptical - Notable Specs:
| Overall Rating: | 4-stars |
|---|---|
| Compact / Folding: | No |
| Incline: | 0 to 20 degrees |
| Stride Length: | 20 inches |
| Flywheel: | 25 LBS |
| Programs: | 10 programs |
| Fan: | Yes |
| Weight Capacity: | 375 LBS |
| Dimensions: | 82" L x 31" W x 71" H |
Our Least Favorite Features
- Not a foldable elliptical machine
- Stride isn’t adjustable
- No ability to download new workouts
- No live/on-demand classes
- Heavy and hard to assemble
- Low resistance not ideal for more advanced users
The Bottom Line
Smooth and durable, the Sole E35 Elliptical earns “Best Buy” awards year after year. Now updated with new technology and sold at a lower price, it’s a top option in its price class for newcomers to elliptical training as well as people with more experience. It’s not at the same level as more expensive units that feature large HD touchscreen displays, but with this type of training, having that sort of interactivity isn’t necessarily a feature that’s worth blowing the bank on. At its full retail price it still delivers a good number of features, but if you catch it on sale you could save over $1,000, making the Sole E35 elliptical a serious bargain overall.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Sole E35 elliptical worth it?
The Sole E35 elliptical is a viable option for anyone who enjoys running but not the high impact. It’s a great way to ease back into fitness after an injury, especially considering you can also incorporate a degree of strength training. The arms handles work the upper body, and you can work different muscles in the legs by changing your movement. Forward motion works the quads while the calves and hamstrings are worked when pedaling backward. With that being said, the movement involved in elliptical usage isn’t natural. Therefore, if you’re training for a specific sport that involves running or jogging, and treadmill is a better fit.
How much does the Sole E35 elliptical weigh?
The Sole E35 weighs 231 lbs.
What year did the Sole E35 elliptical come out?
Sole released their E35 elliptical in 2012, and it's been updated every couple of years since then.
Is the Sole E35 elliptical quiet?
Yes, the Sole E35 is relatively quiet when in use. It shouldn’t be a bother to neighbors or others in the home, especially considering there is no repetitive thumping of running feet as experienced with treadmill use.
Does the Sole E35 elliptical fold up?
No.
How is Sole Fitness's customer service?
If you’re a fan of live chat, Sole doesn’t offer this option. However, the company's phone support line is quick and painless. Unlike many fitness companies, you aren’t pressured to make a purchase. My representative was very knowledgeable and able to answer all of my questions without hesitation.
2 Comments