Sole E25 Elliptical Trainer

Power incline, long stride, heavy flywheel, good brand image: Sole E25 has it all. There are 2 different version of this model are available online. Please always look for the 2013 model; as that has better warranty coverage and better console (Build Quality is same). This model features:

• Power adjustable stride
• 10 programs
• 20 – 22 inch stride
• Power incline
• Conformable custom designed Articulating foot pedal
•  Pulse Grips &Wireless heart rate monitor
• Good quality fan, water bottle holder (& a free bottle) and 2 speakers
• Measures 27 by 58 by 71 inches (W x H x D)

Sole E25 vs E35

Build Quality

This elliptical looks expensive and feels very good. But for some reason there is big difference between the Build Quality of this one and E35.

But you consider the price range; it is still one of the best trainer under $1000. It’s very quiet and run smoothly. The structure of the machine feels well-made while the covers are made of plastic. If you have done the 4^th step in you assembly properly, your elliptical should look like a high end gym equipment (what it really is!).

Heart rate Monitor

It comes with a chest strap heart rate monitor which we love! It works perfectly every time we tested it (batteries are included in the strap). There are 2 heart rate programs, that you can take advantage of using their great HRS. we request not to use the stationary handle’s heart rate sensor, while doing the heart rate program. Because the reading on that shows 5 point (on average) discrepancy with a polar wireless HRM.

Assembly

A single person can assemble this unit, but we strongly recommend 2 people (It will make the process very easy). To hold your handlebar, console and footpad; you will need that second person. Keep in mind that this trainer is heavy, try to unbox it where you will finally place it.

Difficulty level of assembling this unit is “medium”. Please download the user manual and read the 4 steps before your start to put it together. Their manual they ship with the unit can be hard to read because of small images and font. Download the PDF, so you can zoom and understand all the steps properly.

TIP – the first two parts you attach are a carry bar at one end of the base and wheels at the other end allowing you to tip and wheel the heavy base part relatively easily. It is worth doing this and then using the bar and wheels to get the heavy part where you need it to be.

Have a look at the assembly video (this video is for E35, but assembly process is similar).

Display and Console

The 6.5 inch display is easy to read and supported by blue backlit LCD display. Display shos current incline level, time worked out, distance travelled, RPM, current program, heart rate zone, pulse rate, calorie burned, resistance level and name of the current program.

Buttons in the console are very straight forward. All 10 programs can be easily selected from individual buttons. Incline and resistance level also has 5 different buttons on left and right side of LCD display.

 

Programs

This trainer has 10 programs: 6 standard pre-set programs (Manual, Hill, Fat burn, Cardio, Strength, and Interval), 2 user-specific custom programs and 2 heart rate programs. Each of the programs has its individual button on the console.

Warranty

This trainer comes with a lifetime warranty on frame, 5 years on electronics and parts and 2 years on labor. So, even though some customers are having issue with some Build Quality, you can overcome them with this great warranty period. But sometimes customer service of Sole is reported to be slow.

Previous version only had 3 years warranty for parts and 1 year for labor. But after listening to customers’ requirements they have updated their warranty period, this means Sole is reacting in a positive way to customer demand.

Conclusion

Sole E25 was considered to be the best elliptical trainer under $1000, but slowly it’s losing its place. Mostly because of their customer service and customer complain on Build Quality (Many users have experienced paddles slipping off and the roller wheel being damaged). The unit we tested did not have any issue with the Build Quality. We strongly suggest you to be very careful while you assemble this unit.

When it was released, it was considered to match the quality of Sole E35 (which it excellent in every possible way). But unfortunately, E35 is $300 more than this E25. If you cannot increase your budget, we suggest you look for our list of top 10 ellipticals under $1000.

Technical Specifications

Compare Related Ellipticals

	Schwinn 470	AFG 3.1 AE	Sole E25	Horizon EX-79
Stride	20 inch	20 inch	20 – 22 inch	20 inch
Resistance	25 Lveles	20 Levels	16	20 Level
Incline	10 degree motorized ramp	20 Level Power Incline	30% adjustable incline	Power incline, 5% intervals
Programs	29	10	10	11
Display	LCD Display	LED Display	LCD Display	LED Display
Heart Rate Monitor	Contact Grips and Telemetric (wireless Strap not included)	Contact Grips and Telemetric	Contact Grips and Telemetric	Contact Grips and Telemetric
User Weight	300 lbs	325 lbs	350 lbs	325 lbs
Extra Perks	3 speed fan, USB charging & data export to Schwinn connect & myfitnesspal.com, speaker, Goal Tracker	MP3/iPod input jack + built-in Speakers SixStar Certified™ frame	iFit technology, Dual wheel rollers, 2% inward slope on foot pedals, MP3 jack + speakers Cooling Fan, Cushioned, Slip-Resistant Pedals	Speakers, SIXStar Certified , Nike+, Pivoting foot plate, MaxTone Arch Pedal footpad
Warranty	Frame: 10 years Mechanical: 2 years Electrical: 1 year Labor: 90 days	Lifetime Frame, 3 Years Parts, 1 Year Labor	Lifetime Frame; 3 Years Parts & Electronics; 1 Year Labor	Lifetime Frame; 2 Years Parts & Electronics; 1 Year Labor
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