Sole E35

Expert reviewers say the Sole E35 elliptical trainer is a good value. With a 20-inch stride length, it's an especially good choice for taller individuals. There are also moving arms for an upper-body workout, plus 20 resistance levels and eight workout programs. For 2009, the Sole E35 has been updated with a power incline. Some users say this elliptical trainer can be a challenge to assemble, and the included heart rate monitor is finicky. The Sole E35 comes with a long warranty: lifetime on the frame, five years on parts and electronics, and two years on labor. However, we saw a number of complaints from owners about Sole's customer service. For those who want to spend a little less, the NordicTrack AudioStrider 990 (*Est. $850) has excellent features for the money, according to reviewers. On the other hand, reviews for its durability are mixed, and it has a lower weight limit than the Sole E35. True budget models like the Schwinn 430 (*Est. $600) are built to withstand only light to moderate use, according to experts.

The best expert reviews of the Sole E35 elliptical trainer come from TreadmillDoctor.com and ConsumerReports.org, which contribute balanced and justifiable ratings. TreadmillDoctor.com has a particularly useful system of rating models according to how well they perform in specific areas -- warranty and ergonomics, for example -- and awarding an overall score based on a weighted combination of these factors. Fred Waters at Fitness-Equipment-Source.com also has a relatively detailed professional review. For user feedback, Amazon.com and Buzzillions.com have a good number of reviews.