Sole E95

Bottom Line

With its impressive performance, the Sole E95 is the total package. Sole created a heavy elliptical to produce the smoothest motion possible and added a comprehensive warranty to keep it that way for a long time. Reviewers warn that once you try the E95, you won't want anything else.

Performance

Smooth operator. Thanks to its 29-pound flywheel and dual concave track wheels, the Sole E95 provides a noticeably smooth ride. In fact, reviewers say it has the one of the smoothest motions of any elliptical on the market. Fred Waters of Fitness-Equipment-Source.com says he experienced a "very solid motion" and cites the trainer's overall sturdy build as a major contributing factor. Very few users report any issues with performance. One Amazon.com poster describes the E95 as "very stable," and recommends the model to anyone 6 feet or taller. The stride length of the E95 isn't adjustable, but is set at a very versatile 20 inches.

The Sole E95 provides all the tools needed for a great workout: 20 resistance levels, a fully automatic incline adjustable to 40 degrees and six preset workouts, two custom programs and two heart-rate interactive programs. The latter adjust the machine's resistance to maintain the user's targeted heart rate, which is read by the included chest strap. We saw only one review complaining that the strap is inaccurate. The E95's adjustable incline allows exercisers to target different lower-body muscle groups.

Ease of Use

It has everything. The E95 is equipped with a 9-inch Vibrant LCD. Resistance and incline can also be controlled via handle grip controls, which users say makes exercising safer. Consumer reviews report great success using the machine's plethora of features, with no problems accessing them from the console.

The backlit display is large enough to simultaneously show speed, time, incline, distance traveled, calories, pulse and pace, plus graphical tracking options. It also tilts for improved visibility. The E95 console isn't compatible with iFit Live, and no other elliptical-syncing apps are mentioned or tested in reviews. The machine's fans and speakers, which include MP3 and iPod input plugs, are average in quality but conveniently placed. One review calls the speakers "tinny" sounding.

According to the Sole Fitness website, assembly is easy and should take 25 to 35 minutes with the help of the manual. However, most consumers report that assembly requires approximately 2 hours. One Amazon reviewer gripes that the provided crescent wrenches are of poor quality and "rounded out too quickly."

Durability

Solid use up to 400 pounds. The E95 is rated for users up to 400 pounds, well above the weight limit of most elliptical trainers on the market. One poster on Amazon.com used the machine for just two months before experiencing loose, noisy pedals. However, he admittedly pushed the 400-pound weight limit and rigorously trained almost seven hours per week.

With the E95, Sole improved on its E35 model with a thicker, stronger frame for a final weight of 215 pounds. One eBay.com reviewer says, "It is very heavy, sturdy, (and) does not wobble even for the over 200 pound users in my family."

Customer Service

Efficient in-home repair service. Despite an issue with noisy pedals, the Amazon.com customer mentioned above was very pleased with his Sole customer service experience; "I will give credit to Sole Fitness for sending out technicians each time I have made a request," he says. Other users report similar experiences, receiving friendly and efficient in-home service.

Sole couples the E95's impressive performance with an outstanding warranty. The frame has a lifetime warranty while parts, including electronics, are covered for five years; labor is covered for two years. Sole Fitness technicians perform in-home diagnosis and repair, typically within three days of the call, reviewers say. The company also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, but returns made during this period will be charged an 8 percent restocking fee. The guarantee doesn't cover third-party shipping or assembly.