Sole E25 Elliptical Review
The Sole E25 is the classic under $1,000 elliptical that every
manufacturer makes. This means it's easier to compare them and give them
scores. First opinions were impressive as it runs on rails and I like ellipticals that do that.
Ellipticals that run on rails are sturdier and usually last longer.
Other
web reviews have the E25 as thebest elliptical for under $1,000 so it's got good backing from
elsewhere. Below I give my opinion with marks out of 5 to the right for every
aspect of this elliptical.
Console
The console is large
and well laid out. The read outs are all in the center with a blue
background. This tells you your heart rate as well as speed, distance and
everything else you would normally expect. The buttons closest to you are the
start and stop which are in the middle. Other buttons will change the
resistance and the incline. Plus there's a fan in between the ipod speakers.
To the left and right of the screen are the incline and resistance buttons.
These will take you directly to the incline or resistance level that matches
the number you are pressing. The incline goes up to 30 degrees and
this will target your lower body in many different ways. The resistance level
goes up to 15 and is applied electronically when you press the button on the
console.
Programs
There are 10 workout programs
to choose from. These include 2 custom and 2 heart rate programs.
The thing about the heart rate control programs is that if you use the heart
rate sensors on the handlebars these are very inaccurate. This makes those 2
programs pointless unless you buy a heart rate control strap which is not
included. They don't cost too much (about $50) and the elliptical is capable of
reading the signals from it.
This is why it gets only 3 stars which is an average rating. You can get
ellipticals with many more programs and some which have the ability of
downloading more. This doesn't take too much away from this elliptical though
because you're only paying $1,000. Plus if you're one of those
people who only use the manual program and that's what most people use in a gym
then you'll be ok.
The programs are all listed and selectable on the console above the start and
stop buttons. You can see the second group of buttons at the front in the
picture. The name of the program is on the button and included in your choice
is a cardio program. This exercises the cardiovascular (heart) system which
will get you fitter the more you use it and you'll be able to workout
for longer.
Features
The foot pedals have been
designed to give you the perfect motion as you ride. You'll notice each stride
feels natural and is very comfortable. This is because the pedals have a 2
degree slope inward. Sole technology and research has found
that this how the foot wants to react on an elliptical so they built it into
the E25.
What the E25 has that many ellipticals don't is the power incline. This is
separate to the resistance. The resistance just makes the riding harder or
easier whereas the incline will workout your lower body in different
ways. It goes up to 30 degrees and this means your buttocks, calves, quads
and thighs get a slightly different workout enabling you to have your body to
how you want.
Another feature of the E25 which separates it from other ellipticals is that
the frame is made from 38mm steel. This makes it very strong and has the
ability to take a large user weight. This is also why the frame has a lifetime
warranty. It's built to stand the test of time no matter how often it's used. This
should give you confidence about the elliptical if you're
thinking of buying.
Max user weight
The maximum user weight is 350
lbs or 159 kg. I think this is very good for an elliptical that's less than
$1,000. I would have expected 300 lbs at best. I always say that you can tell a
lot about an elliptical by the maximum user weight. It's a give away of how
sturdy the elliptical is and therefore how long it could last. So350 lbs I'm
quite impressed with.
Warranty
The warranty is lifetime for
the frame, 3 years parts and electronics, and 1 year labor. This is quite
standard for an entry level elliptical which is what the E25 is. The 1 year of
labor is important as it is on every elliptical. This is in home laboras
well. It's when you look at ellipticals costing $1,200 or more that you start
seeing 2 years of labor so 1 year is perfectly acceptable here.
Value
At the time of writing this E25
is $999.99. This is an entry level elliptical and $1,000
ellipticals are everywhere. I think you're getting good value for the E25. It
is feature packed with the incline as well as the resistance.
You have a fan and a built in sound system. You get more than you'd expect for
this price. That's why I've given it 4 out of 5 for value.
Overall 73%
The scores for $1,000 ellipticals are never quite so high.
It's calculated using all the star marks. You can get good quality ellipticals
at this price I just think this is the minumum you should spend. Overall the
E25 is an above average ellipticaland one that will serve you well.
I'm impressed with sole ellipticals and this one is at the entry level price
point.
If a thousand dollars is all you have you can do worse than this E25. I would
just ask everyone to pay more for their elliptical, there really is such a
difference if you pay slightly more. Don't scrimp on this piece of exercise
equipment that could last years and be a really great way to improve your
health and fitness if you get the right one. So what if you've got your heart
set on the E25? Well it's better than those cheap ellipticals you can buy for
under $800.
