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Main Features
Maximum user weight capacity.
This trainer has the highest user capacity of 400 pounds. This capacity is highest as compared to other trainers. This makes the trainer a light commercial machine as it can be used by a number of different people. If it is purchased for home use then this tough trainer will last for longer years.
Stride Length
This elliptical has a comfortable stride length of 20 inches. The stride is fixed as it is also designed for light commercial use. The trainers used for commercial purpose mostly do not have adjustable strides as each new person using the trainer will not be able to adjust the stride length every time. 20 inches stride is suitable for almost all types of users.
Power Incline
This feature makes the trainer stand apart from the other light commercial trainers. This trainer allows you to adjust the incline from 0 to 30 degrees which helps us target the lower body in a complete different manner. With the higher incline we could target the calves’ muscles. The incline levels can be adjusted without taking our hands off the handle bars. With the help of ergonomically positioned buttons it is easy to change the incline position.
Custom designed articulating foot pedals
The foot pedals of this elliptical are designed by physical therapist. The foot pedals have a 2 degree inward tilt which reduces the impact on the knees and ankles which is mostly experienced in the other commercial trainers. The articulating pedals reduce the tension on the toes and are suitable for all types of users whose style of walking is different. So it gives most comfortable workout experience.
Build Quality
The Sole Fitness E98 is made from high grade commercial steel and has a very strong frame which will last long. The user capacity of this elliptical is 400 pounds and the machine weighs 249 pounds which is very weighty for home use. The length of the trainer is 82 inches which again makes it more commercial than residential equipment. There is a 34 pounds flywheel at the rear end of the machine for smooth ride. The pedals are custom designed and articulate for better positioning and lesser impact on the joints.
Assembly
The assembly of this elliptical puts in a lot of efforts as it is bulky. Though the mechanism looks simple, it is still advisable to get this trainer assembled by trained technicians. It took almost 3 hours to assemble this machine. The product manual is informative and is of great help during the assembly of the machine.
Heart Rate Monitor
The elliptical has Pulse grip sensors on the handle bars which help us monitor our pulse while we exercise. For more accurate readings, this machine is also compatible with the chest strap.
Display
This trainer comes with a Blue 9 inches LCD screen. The button to change the programs, start or stop etc are ergonomically place and easy to understand. The display is clear and easy to read. The instructions of the programs and other changes are displayed in a lay mans language.
Programs
The E98 has total 10 programs out of which 6 are preset 2 custom and 2 are heart rate. These are fair enough as compared to the other elliptical in the commercial range. The 6 preset programs are designed to burn more calories and fats. If you workout just 30 minutes each day using one of the programs, you will burn a lot of extra calories. The flexibility of the programs is less but it is suitable for light commercial use.
Warranty
The Sole Fitness E98 offers a lifetime warranty on frame, five years for parts and electronics and two year for Labor for home use. For light commercial use it offers lifetime warranty on frame, three years for parts and electronics and one year for Labor.
Overall it is strong and sturdy elliptical trainer which is suitable for both home and light commercial use. The price of this trainer is comparatively high for home use an also lacks in many features like it does not have inbuilt speakers and does not have an iPod jack. But there are other good features like the Power Incline, ergonomically good pedals, beverage bottle holder, maximum user capacity etc. So if you are looking for a semi commercial elliptical, this is a better choice.