Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer (2013 Model)

Sole E35 is a solid elliptical trainer. Here is a side by side comparison of this trainer with the less expensive version:

You can see, these features are very similar between E35 and E25. Then why should one choose the E35 over E25, as E35 is $300 more? Simply because of quality. We feel the quality of this E35 is worth $300. With E25, some customers has reported Build Quality issues, but we have not heard similar problems with this model. Plus, the warranty is better.

Build Quality

Build Quality of this trainer is premium. They have given special attention to every detail. This trainer is virtually noiseless. As soon as you mount on this trainer, you will feel how smooth and confortable this trainer is. We have tested this trainer with users of various weight and intensity, and till now we haven’t been able to make any noise out of this trainer. Your trainer may make noise if there are dirt accumulate on roller. If you properly lube your unit while assembling it, you should never hear any noise out of this.

This trainer is heavy (215 lbs) and will never wobble. If you can assamble your unit properly, you will never have to contact the “slow customer support”.

Assembly

The worst part of this trainer is assembly. The instruction manual sent by sole is not very good (you can download it from here). But we insist you to watch this video before you start assembling this unit.

On average, it will take you 1:30 – 2:30 hours to assemble if you follow all the instructions. If you can silicon based lubricant on your side, please use it to all movable parts (it will help you in the long run).

Heart Rate Monitor

It comes with grip contact HRS (heart rate sensor) and wireless chest strap. Grip sensors are located on the stationary handles, and as all other grip sensors, they provide inaccurate data. If you are not using hear rate programs of this trainer, there is no need to use the heart rate sensors. But if you are using the heart rate programs please use the wireless chest straps. They provide near perfect HR readings.

Display

The 7.5” LCD blue backlit display is very easy to understand and operate. In the center of the display It shows current preset program In dot-matrix. In bottom it shows name of current program. Other readings are: Heart rate zone, current heart rate, calorie burned, distance, speed, RPM, time and incline.

The consoles buttons are exactly same as E25. On right and left is has resistense level and incline level buttons (respectively). In the bottom, 1^st row of buttons are dedicated for 10 programs. 2^nd row has 10 buttons: fan speed, incline, resistance, start-stop and display. Console has audio input and output jack.

Programs

We are little disappointed to find only 10 programs for this trainer. These programs are exactly same as E25. Among the 10 programs, 6 are standard pre-set programs (Manual, Hill, Fat burn, Cardio, Strength, and Interval), 2 user specific custom programs and 2 heart rate programs. When using heart rate program, use the wireless chest strap, as the stationary HRS gives inaccurate result.

Warranty

Sole e35 and all other elliptical from sole come with great warranty coverage.

• Frame: Lifetime
• Electronics and parts: Five years
• Labor: Two years

Build Quality is so good, that you will never have to claim your warranty. But if you need to call customer service, they are sometime bit slow. We hope sole will redesign their customer support department and set industry standard for elliptical trainers.

Conclusion

This is an expensive elliptical, and by all means it is worth the price. We can gurantee, if you try this trainer, you will fall in love with the premium feel. The expanded handle bar of this trainer gives more opportunity for upper body workout (with wider and narrower hold). If you have the budget, we would ask you to go for this trainer; it is surely made to last at least 10 years (if not life time).

User Review Video