Review: Sole E55 Elliptical Trainer
Pros
Power incline, electronic display, 27 pound flywheel, 375 maximum user weight, unique pedal design, first class warranty
Cons
Front drive system, limited programs
Overall Rating |
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The E55 is one of 5 ellipticals produced by Sole, and is the third most expensive. It features a 27 pound flywheel, a power incline that adjusts up to 40 degrees, and eddy current resistance. The 7.5 inch backlit LCD console displays resistance, calories, distance, pace, incline, and pulse. A feature unique to the E55 is the foot pedal angle adjustment. With a turn of a dial, you can alter the angle from heel to toe. It comes with 10 workouts; 6 standard, 2 heart rate, and 2 custom programs. Warranty: lifetime on the frame, 5 years on parts/electronics, and 2 year on labor.
The Positives
Power incline. Raising the incline provides a more intense workout for those who seek it. As a user, you want to have as many options available to you as possible.
Electronic display. It tilts to match your eye level, which is pretty unique. LCDs sometimes can be hard to read from certain angles, and this adjustment helps users read it clearly regardless of how tall or short they are. The screen isn’t exactly huge, but it’s sufficient. I prefer the design and size of the display on the Horizon Fitness EX-79.
27 pound flywheel. This can be classified as a heavy flywheel. It produces a smooth, quiet, and natural feel. There are some ellipticals priced around $1000 that have flywheels below 20 pounds.
Resistance/power incline adjustment. There are two built-in buttons on the arm that adjust the resistance and power incline. This is highly convenient, quick, and easy so you continue to focus on your workout.
Reverse motion. The option to go in reverse allows for recovery and to work other muscles.
375 maximum user weight. You want to buy an elliptical that has a user capacity at least 50 pounds more than your current weight. So if you weigh over 300 lbs, this is an elliptical to consider. A max. user weight of 375 is quite impressive, and is a good indication of sturdiness and quality.
Pedal design. These oversized pedals are designed for users to get as comfortable as possible. Sole designed them with the help of a physical therapist and sports enthusiast. The pedals have a 2 degree inward slope so less stress is placed on the knees and ankles. As mentioned in the description, you can adjust the angle of the pedal to reduce injury and numb toe effects. No other brand offers this feature on their ellipticals.
The adjustable pedal angles work really well- this is probably my favorite part of the machine. I no longer feel numbing towards the end of a long workout due to circulation cutoff.
- chrisphx
Eddy current resistance. The most quiet and dependable resistance used on ellipticals.
Stability. This thing isn’t moving unless you weigh upwards of 350 pounds. It weighs 200 pounds, and has a user capacity of 375. One customer noted that they actually tried to tip it while in use, and they couldn’t do it.
Stride length. A 20″ stride length is the minimum that you want in an elliptical. This should be long enough for most people.
Warranty. A very impressive warranty. Offering 5 years on parts is almost unheard of. Some brands only offer 1 year, and rarely do you see anyone offer 3. Sole is one of the best in the business, and this shows why.
The Negatives
Front drive system. Rear drives are preferred because of their reliability and tend to produce a smoother, more natural motion.
Limited programs. Only a total of 10 are included, which doesn’t provide users with a ton of options. Plus, there is very little diversity. There are no fitness tests, hill climbing, or weight loss workouts.
Summary
The Sole E55 has just about everything you could want in an elliptical trainer. If $1500 is your budget, I don’t think there is a better one available.
