Wednesday, February 13, 2008

E95 Elliptical Trainer Review

Sole E95 Elliptical TrainerSole E95 Elliptical Trainer★
★Sole E95 Elliptical Rating: ★1 star out of 5 for being way too expensive
Price: $1699
Buy The Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer (2008 Model)

Treadmill and Elliptical manufacturers have a tough job. There are dozens of fitness companies out there competing for your hard earned dollars and they have to make their fitness equipment stand out if they have a prayer of earning your money. That’s why it’s sad when I see an otherwise superior elliptical trainer manufacturer like Sole fail to differentiate the Sole E95 from the Sole E55. I’ll get to the bottom of this mystery in my Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer Review.

I poured over the specs of the E95 and the E55 and can’t tell too much of a difference between the two. They have the same amount of programs, resistance levels, stride length, flywheel, and warranty. The only noticeable difference between the two is a 400 lb. maximum user weight capacity, so the question is, if the only difference is weight capacity and both elliptical trainers have the same frame, look, and feel, why should I pay a $150 more for the Sole E95 Elliptical?

Well, the answer is you shouldn’t. That’s because the Sole E95 Elliptical is identical to the Sole E55 down to the last nut and bolt. I’m not even going to bother going into feature details and analysis, you can read all I have to say about the E95 at my Sole E55 review page.

In conclusion, Sole is a quality manufacturer of elliptical trainers. I don’t have too many problems with the rest of their line, but avoid the E95 at all costs. It’s the same as the Sole E55 and costs almost $200 less. Buy it if you want, but you’ll be wasting your money.

E25 Elliptical Trainer

Sole E25 Elliptical Trainer Review
Sole E25 Elliptical Trainer Rating: 2.5 stars out of 5 for outstanding value
Price: $999
Buy The Sole E25 Elliptical Trainer (2008 Model)

It’s another beautiful day in sunny Southern California. Unfortunately the reason we’ve had such nice weather is because there’s in a drought in the Southwest. We could use rain, but it would ruin my day. I think this is what the word conundrum means. I’m getting off topic. Today I wanted to review the Sole E25 Elliptical. It’s the cheapest unit in Sole’s Elliptical Trainer line. Does it deserve your hard earned dollars? Read the rest of my review to find out!

I want to use the first sentence of my review to praise Sole for including 16 resistance levels on an elliptical trainer for under $1000. This many resistance levels is an extremely rare find in a low cost elliptical trainer and really adds a great deal of value to the consumer.

Another trend taking the fitness industry by storm is built in IPOD / MP3 jacks and speakers. Admittedly some companies have done this feature better than others and Sole has one of the better built in speaker systems I’ve had the pleasure of hearing. If you’re a music fan or subscribe to the Japanese 101 Podcast like I have this is one of the coolest features in an elliptical trainer you’ll come across. The good news is Sole has included the IPOD / MP3 Auxiliary Jack in all of their elliptical trainers. Well done Sole.

The warranty is superb. Most elliptical trainers under a thousand bucks offer a 1 year parts and labor warranty; the Sole E25 backs parts for 3 years and labor for 1 year. Sole ellipticals have been thoroughly field tested by the Hilton Hotel group and have a proven track record of withstanding vigorous workouts. That’s why Sole feels comfortable extending a 3 year parts warranty, triple Horizon Fitness’ parts warranty.

The 300 lb. weight capacity is high considering the price range. Most elliptical trainers that sell for a thousand dollars or less

Despite the impressive amount of resistance levels I have a few gripes with the Sole E25 Elliptical. First, there are only six fitness programs. These are important for users, especially beginners. Fitness programs help target a specific goal such as weight loss or physical endurance and help users reach their goals as quickly and efficiently as possible. I prefer elliptical trainers with 10 fitness programs, that’s usually enough variety to help your average user reach all their fitness goals.

Compared to most elliptical trainers in the $1000 range this is one of the best ellipticals out there. The 300 lb. user weight capacity, 16 resistance levels, and 3 year parts warranty continue to impress me and the people who buy the Sole E25 Elliptical Trainer. Not only has Sole blown away elliptical trainers in this price range, but they have gone above and beyond by offering a built in MP3 / IPOD jack. The only thing that makes me hesitant to give this elliptical trainer a perfect 5 stars is the small amount of fitness programs. Other than that, this elliptical trainer is a home run!

One last thing, I would also like to point out that the Sole E25 Elliptical Trainer has perfect user reviews on Amazon at the time I wrote this review. That means everyone who reviewed the Sole E25 has given the highest rating possible to the Sole E25.

Friday, February 8, 2008

Sole Elliptical Trainer Comparison Chart

Hello Everyone!

I’m sure my regular readers are starting to notice all the charts going up. That’s because I’ve had amazing response to the first couple comparison charts for the Sole Treadmills. People have written me saying “I knew in 30 seconds which treadmill I wanted to buy”. I’m sure a comparison chart is going to be just as useful for Sole Elliptical Trainers.

Oh, I also wanted to make a few quick notes about how the Sole Elliptical Trainers are stacking up. The Sole E25 Elliptical Trainer and the Sole E55 Elliptical Trainer are my two top picks from the Sole’s Elliptical Trainer lineup. The Sole E95 and the Sole E35 cost more than the E55 and the E25 respectively, but offer very little more in terms features and specs and practically nothing in terms of performance. If you’re stuck between the E25 and the E35 I would go with the E35, if you’re stuck between the E95 and the E55 I would definitely go with the Sole E55 Elliptical.

Alright, I have things to do, here’s the chart and I hope you find the elliptical trainer or treadmill you want at a price you can afford.


Sole Elliptical Trainer Comparison Chart

Sole Treadmill Comparisons

Well, it seems these charts are pretty popular with everyone searching for a Sole Treadmill. Here's a chart that helps you tell the difference between all the folding Sole treadmills. Hope it helps!

Sole Treadmill Comparison Chart

Thursday, February 7, 2008

Sole S77 Treadmill Review

There’s a little more to say of the Sole S77 Treadmill compared to some of the other treadmills in Sole’s lineup. Remember, Sole treadmills are well made pieces of machinery and if you choose to purchase a Sole Treadmill you’ll enjoy comfortable workouts on a stable frame with a very quiet motor. However, I can’t honestly say that Sole is going to the same lengths to deliver the biggest bang for your buck Horizon and Bowflex are. The problem is price. Most Sole Treadmills are just too expensive to recommend, and the Sole S77 Treadmill is not worth the price. I would much rather see my penny pinching readers purchase the Sole F80 for about $1500 compared to the $1899.

There are a couple reasons you might consider buying the Sole S77 over the Sole F80; a non-folding design and more running space. Folding treadmills of any brand are generally less stable than non-folding treadmills but most people can’t tell a difference in stability between folding and non-folding treadmills by companies that manufacture better equipment like Sole, Spirit, and Horizon Fitness. If you’re a serious runner, you’ll probably notice a difference, but most other people won’t.

The other reason is a larger running area. You get a 5” wider running area with the Sole S77. If you’re a larger person, say larger than 6”1’ or more than 250 lbs. you just might need the extra 5”. But most people don’t. If you are a larger person, then by all means spend the extra couple hundred bucks to buy the Sole S77, but if not and you want to save a couple hundred bucks and have a treadmill that will perform just as well as the Sole S77 then the Sole F80 is for you.

Do the research and you’ll find the treadmill that fits your needs and budget!


Sole S77 F80 Comparison Chart




Remember, do the research and you’ll find the treadmill that fits your needs and budget!

Wednesday, February 6, 2008

Sole F83 Treadmill Review

Sole F83 TreadmillSole F83 Treadmill Rating:3.5 Stars out of 5 for offering near idential performance as the Sole F80 but costing hundreds more.
Price: $1799
Buy The Sole F83 Treadmill (2008 Model)

If I were to write what I’ve been calling a “proper” review of the Sole F83 Treadmill I would be repeating myself. My single primary complaint about the Sole F83 is the same as for the Sole F85; it’s nearly identical to the Sole F80 Treadmill but more expensive. I could bore my readers with a lengthy treadmill review that details all the specifics so I thought I would switch things up a bit and include a Sole F80 and F83 Treadmill comparison chart. I think this chart makes my case for the Sole F80 Treadmill very clear.


The better choice by far
is the Sole F80 Treadmill.