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Sole E55 Elliptical Trainer Review
Sole Fitness is best known for their treadmills. They’ve received several “Best Buy” ratings, and their treadmills are used by the Hilton chain for in room fitness workouts. That says quite a lot about the quality of the machines. We’re not talking about a ,000 commercial treadmill. The one they use by Hilton is under ,000.
The Sole strategy is to equip their products with excellent features and quality components at a moderate price, and that is true with their line-up of elliptical trainers. A perfect example is the Sole E55 elliptical trainer.
Long, Comfortable Elliptical Motion
It comes with a 20” stride. The problem with most budget elliptical trainer, besides the cheap components, is the short stride. Many have 14”-16” strides. The elliptical motion seems constrained. Rather than elliptical, it is more circular and bouncy.
With a 20” stride, you feel like you are walking or running in the air. When I tested this machine, I found the stride to be extremely comfortable. For those that are above average height, you will appreciate this longer stride length. Many commercial grade ellipticals have a 20” stride.
The Sole E55 is designed with a 30 lb flywheel. This contributes to a smooth and quiet elliptical motion. You’ll notice as you start-up or slow-down, the weight of the flywheel will gradually decrease or increase the speed. Once again, you will only find this attribution on units that are more expensive.
The E55 is very stable and has a very solid feel, and there are a couple of reasons. First, it weighs a hefty 198 lbs. Some might complain because of the difficulty of moving this elliptical. I find the weight a plus, and even under the most strenuous workout, the E55 is rock solid. Another feature that contributes to the stability is the four rear wheels, which ride on heavy-duty rails. This provides a smoother, more stable feel, and reduces side-to-side foot pedal motion.
Industry Leading Warranty
There is one feature that really speaks volumes about the quality of the Sole E55, and that is the extensive warranty. You get five-year parts and two-year labor coverage. I do not know of any manufacturer that sells an elliptical with a two-year labor warranty for less than ,500. This warranty would suggest there are not a lot of service issues.
One last note, you get wireless heart rate control. Using your heart rate to adjust the level of your exertion is an excellent means of optimizing your workout.
Are there better elliptical trainers available? Of course, but to find one with the same quality, components and coverage would cost considerably more than the Sole E55 elliptical trainer.
About the Author: Fred Waters worked in the fitness equipment industry for a number of years. Click here to get a detailed Sole E55 elliptical trainer review. See how it compares to other popular ellipticals.
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