Customer Reviews

Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer (2008 Model, DISCONTINUED)

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I am providing an initial review of the Sole E35(2008 model). This review covers the delivery, assembly, and initial observations of the machine in use. I feel this is information many people will want ASAP since purchasing this type of merchandise online is often a leap of faith (was for me). For in depth reviews and ratings, I highly recommend treadmilldoctor.com and treadmillsensei.com. I will post a followup review in about 30 days (after hard use of the machine) and may adjust my rating based on continued use of the machine. I am a residential home user.

Delivery

I ordered the machine directly from Sole for the same price as Amazon. I would have ordered from Amazon (I try to order everything from Amazon), but they did not offer an inside delivery option which cost an extra $99.00 from Sole (basic delivery is free). I RECOMMEND THE INSIDE DELIVERY OPTION due to the bulkiness of the machine parts (particularly the flywheel housing)unless you have three people who can help with the unpacking. The inside delivery option, performed by a contracted freight company, includes removal of all parts from freight package and placement inside your house at a location you specify (up to one flight of stairs). The freight company will also remove the packaging material for you unless you want to keep it.

First observations during asasembly

Assembly was easier than expected. I would allow two hours (taking your time). There are basically four steps to assembly. The machine requires assembly of major components to the flywheel and rails and does not require assembly of minor (small) components. All hardware is nicely packaged and tools are included (although I recommend a socket wrench to make life a little easier). The instructions are very simple to follow-just be sure to read them twice since there are minor variations among the screws, bolts, and washers ( compare the parts to the manual sizing chart).

I am impressed with the quality and sturdiness of all parts including bolts, screws, washers, and even tools provided. The welds on the frame are incredible. Each part feels like it belongs in a real gym. The paint (powder coating) on all parts is top notch and the machine did not appear to have so much as a blemish or scratch anywhere (a testament to production and packaging processes). Each part fits nicely with others and there is no "looseness" following assembly. Tolerances appear very tight, making for a demonstrably solid machine and feel. In fact, it is hard to believe this machine is not intended for real gyms (at least small gyms). All electronics worked right out of the box and they include wired and wireless heart rate monitoring.

The only problem I experienced during assembly was the length of the main computer cable. It should have been a little longer to allow for an easier connection during the console mating to the console mast. I am also a little worried the connection may eventually disconnect, requiring me to remove the console and reconnect (a 5 minute job). I may contact Sole and see if they have an extension available.

First observations on use

The machine is as solid as I could have imagined. The machine is rated for 375 lbs and feels it. I have the machine on berber carpeting and their is no instability when in use. However, I would suggest a heavy duty mat (solid-not soft) to ensure stability on carpeting, protect the flywheel from dust, and reduce vibration and noise. The machine is incredibly quiet so much so, I am actually surprised. However, I will have to report back on this point since these machines often become noisier as they break in. The machine is very smooth.

I hope this review helps people in their decision. I know I spent at least 13 solid hours doing research prior to making my decision. My price range was $1,000 to $1,500 when searching for a machine.

JANUARY 26 UPDATE (on continued use)

The machine still performs flawlessly and remains quiet (not silent). Another reviewer noted an unusual amount (comparatively) of noise. Machine appears to be holding up nicely under moderate use. I reiterate that when assembling the machine, lubricate the critical parts (they are obvious). I think the lubrication has a lot to do with noise.

I do agree the display is basic when compare to other brands. However, it provides all data you would ever need including displaying laps. I suspect they will upgrade the display next go around as this complaint is prevalent.

On a final note, I continue to compare this machine to lower end models typically in the sub-799 range. There is a big difference in the machining and design of the product. However, the flywheel appears to be the biggest advantage of the Sole over all lower priced brands. When you stop the workout, you really feel the smoothness and weight (resistance) of the flywheel, just like in a big gym model.

I did a lot of research as to what elliptical to buy. I wanted to stay as low as possible but get a good machine. After much research I was going to go with the Schwinn 431 since it has some good reviews. I ran across a buyers review that suggested to not buy an elliptical until you check one out personally. I thought the 18" would be a good choice. I was wrong. I went to a local store and tried the 18" versus the 20" and it was a big difference. I am 5'3" and my husband is 5'10" so I needed one that would work for us both. To me an 18" was too short and my husband felt the same way.

I ended up finding the Sole brand ellipticals to be one of the higher rated in it's price range. I first was going to go with an E25 but after reading some people had the track come off the rail on that model I decided to spend a little more for the E35. It has a wireless heart monitor included which I love.

It took about 90 minutes to put it together. Not hard at all. We used our own tools although it does come with them. We have now had it for almost a month. I love it and I am glad I went with this one. It is the BEST on the market for the PRICE. If you want to spend a lot more then yes you can get a better one. But this one is great for the normal home user. You can get it moving pretty fast with good resistance too.

It is quiet as well. I have a 6 month old and she has fallen asleep on the floor within 5 feet of my elliptical and I can work out on it for a full workout without waking her. She is a light sleeper and will wake up if her sisters are too loud. I enjoy that I can watch her and workout without waking her up. The only thing I would change is a stronger fan. It is also not as big as I had read. I bought a mat that was 78" and it fits exactly on it, but it does not have any extra room left in the length. It is not nearly as bulky as the Reebok machines I had seen. I have it in my living room and it is not an eye sore like other ellipticals could be. Overall it is worth it for the price. This is an excellent machine that I get a lot of use out of. It is heavy duty and will last for a long time.

One note is that I did not buy from amazon due the length of time to receive. I was not patient enough to wait at least 6-8 weeks to receive it. The item was in stock yet would still take 6-8 weeks to receive. I purchase directly from manufacturer which they shipped for free and give a 30 day money back guarantee. I received my elliptical two weeks after ordering.

UPDATE: about ONE YEAR LATER
I still love it. I use up to 4 times a week some weeks. It is still very quiet. My only complaint is since the tracks are exposed with lubricant they can get some dust on them and it will clump up after a while. I completely clean them off and re-lubricate them. I have only had to do this two times. I have covered the tracks with a piece of plastic and a towel to weight it down to stop the dust from hitting the tracks. It may sound odd that I have that much dust but it is mainly noticeable after a workout since the rolling kinda lumps it together. Other than that great product. Love the different programs. I don't think I will be bored with the programs.

If you cannot be satisfied with this Sole E-35, I guess you have a very unrealistic expectation for an elliptical trainer.

I'd like to point out that every joint of this trainer has a bearing, so the movements of joints are very smooth and silent. A few weeks ago, I ordered another brand, but I had to return it due to poor manufacturing.
Now I realized the important things for an elliptical are a sturdy frame and joints with bearings. Sole trainers are displayed at Dick's shop. I stongly recommend you go there and check it out.

*Note: This review is for the E55 but I thought I would include it here since all the models, except for the E25 are the same platform and there is information in my review that is applicable to Sole ellipticals in general.

My wife and I searched and searched for an elliptical because we were fed up with signing up for gym memberships and not using them. Having to go to the gym just wasn't practical for us. So we embarked on a quest to find the quietest, most reliable and feature packed elliptical we could find.

Our budget was 2K or less. Online research led us to many brands and many models - too many actually. It was a dizzying array of choices. So we decided to visit fitness equipment stores and sporting goods stores to try out a few ellipticals in person. The fitness stores carried mostly high-end brands like Precor, which we liked, but were all WAY out of our price range. Besides, after looking at the fine print, we noticed that Precors only come with a 1 year warranty. After that, the frame is good for 10 years but parts and labor are at the owner's expense!

The sporting goods stores turned up the typical mass market brands like Reebok, ProForm, Horizon, Ironman, and New Balance. Most were pretty flimsy feeling and wobbly or the stride just didn't feel right. The Reebok ellipticals came close but they didn't offer wireless heart rate monitoring and the stride still wasn't quite right. Our eureka moment came at Dick's sporting goods when we noticed one brand that we had never seen before, Sole. They had the E55 model on display and we tried it out. It was very solid feeling and the stride was natural. There was very little heel lift which is a key component for a low-impact workout - also, the foot pads are adjustable which virtually eliminates any heel lift. I was also pleased that the Sole elliptical had both pulse hand grips AND wireless chest strap heart rate monitoring. This is important not only to improve your endurance but also ensures a safer workout. There's also a great HRC program that varies the resistance based on your heart rate in order to maintain a constant heart rate.

Since I'm not an impulse buyer I was still concerned that I had never heard of Sole before. Searching online turned up a few reviews about their treadmills. Digging deeper yielded a wealth of information about the treadmills and it turns out that Sole makes a very reliable product and their treadmills are well reviewed and used exclusively at Hilton and other hotel chains. With an endorsement like that I was sold. My online research also turned up the official Sole company site and I was happy to learn that I could order online with free shipping and no sales tax. The delivered price was still $500 below our budget! We also learned that the Sole ellipticals came with a great warranty, 2 years labor, 5 years motor and lifetime frame and deck. Not bad and twice as good as the Precor which was 3 times more price-wise.

In summary, this is absolutely the best bang for the buck as far as ellipticals go. Sole ellipticals are the best ellipticals under $2000 and they even compete very well with the ones above $2000 as well!

Lastly, the best place to buy them is from the company's own website, soleellipticals.com

My wife and I bought this to replace our recently deceased treadmill, and after almost a month of us both using it daily, we have not been disappointed.

The good:
-Quiet! -- especially in comparison to the treadmill
-Good exercise -- both my wife and I think it's better than just the treadmill
-20" stride
-Relatively heavy-duty construction

The bad:
-Much heavier and awkward in the box than seems possible
-We're still tracking down a couple of minor squeaks (you get good a disassembling a joint, oiling it and reassembling it quickly)
-The speakers do not turn off, even when in "sleep mode" (why can't these things just come with a power switch?) -- we have it on a surge protector just for the switch
-The display is kind of small, and while it displays three different metrics at the same time, they never seem to be the three that you want

The potentially relevant to others:
-I'm ~6'4", my wife is ~5'6" and the stride length isn't too uncomfortable for either of us
-With standard 8' ceilings, I still have at least 6" of head clearance, at the highest point of travel, with shoes on
-Use your own tools for the construction -- borrow a socket wrench, especially, if you don't own one

5/20/08: The machine is good. After a few months of daily use (my husband and I both use it) it started to vibrate. We tried everything they suggested (lube, tightning screws, etc), called them back, they said they were going to order a part (without even diagnosing the machine). We called again today, and the part is backordered, then will be shipped to them, at which point they will ship to us. THEN we call and get someone out to look at it. This all seems backwards to me. We don't even know if this part will fix the elliptical. We have been unable to work out now for two weeks; about to be three. I will update this review once the issue is resolved. Machine is good if it doesn't break, however.

5/27/08 update: The tech came out today. The part they ordered IS NOT the part that broke. They have to order more parts. We have to wait another 5 - 10 business days for those to come in, then go through this process again. This will be 4 - 5 weeks of no working out. The machine is good. It's the efficiency of the customer service that is poor.

6/5/08 update: The tech is coming back out on Friday to fix it. So Sole doesn't actually do the repairs; it's a local vendor that they contract with. So all of this is really Fitness of North Texas' fault, but Sole should manage them better. We called Sole yesterday and they said the part had been received by Fitness of North Texas the day before. We called Fitness of N Tx, they denied having the part, then lied about when they got it, then finally said the earliest they could come out was Friday (tomorrow). Who knows when they would have called us to let us know the part was in if we hadn't called them.

In summary... Sole's great, the machine's great, just hope that if it breaks, you get a good local vendor to fix it.

Received my E-35 in less than a week even using the Amazon free shipping via ABF Freight. No damage during shipping, good on ABF. I was able to move the trainer into the house and to the room where it be would used by myself, but I wish I had help at the time. Assembly was fairly easy and Sole organized the hardware according to the steps in assembly. The first time I had ever experienced that and I usually have to assemble everything I purchase. Did my first workout shortly after assembly, and it worked as described. I did utilize a light coat of the lube on the rail assemble which quieted some scraping noise.The instructions
do not tell you where to use the lube, but you can go to the Sole website and find the maintenance section which mentions lubing the rails and keeping them clean. I also used some removeable locktite (blue color) on all the bolts just in case. The machine feels solid and relatively quiet with not a lot of excess buttons on the control panel. I'm in my fifties and heavy, and this trainer really gives me a workout. At this point, I extremely pleased with this purchase, and as usual, Amazon who has not disappointed me to date.

The elliptical was delivered to my garage because they wouldn't bring it up the stairs into my house. I opened the box and took the parts inside. The main part of the elliptical contains the flywheel and was quite heavy. I wouldn't have been able to get it into my house without some help. Assembly wasn't too hard, although I had one problem. When assembling the front column I accidently dropped a bolt into the flywheel assembly. The only way to get it out would have been to try to turn the elliptical upside down. Since the dropped bolt wasn't preventing the elliptical from working correctly, I ended up going to the hardware store to get another bolt. I was careful to tighten all the bolts as much as I could, and the elliptical turned out to be pretty quiet. It also seems very sturdy and I think it will last a long time. It ended up being bigger than I expected from the picture. My wife and I have been using it daily for over a month and we think it is great. There was one source of confusion. It comes with a tube of lube, but nothing in the instructions explains what to do with it. After using it for about a month I noticed it was making more noise than it had before. I was able to figure out that the lube goes on the tracks where the wheels slide, and that fixed the noise problem.

This elliptical gives an intense workout and is extremely low impact. After looking around at different ellipticals, I was impressed with the sturdiness, warranty, and customer reviews about the Sole brand.
It is a little tricky to put together and weighs over 130 lbs. so you might consider having it moved and put together for you. My husband was able to put it together in about 1 1/2 hours. I also recommend that you put it in the basement because it is so heavy and use Locktite for bolts when putting together.
I have only had it for a few weeks, but am enjoying working out more than I ever have.

I bought the E35 at the end of February. Got it set up over the following weekend and tried to use it, but the resistance was unbelievable. I use these machines often for about a 30 minute work-out and I am not out of shape. I couldn't even use this for 5 minutes before giving up because the resistance was far too high on level 1! I've spoken with the service department and found out I have to take apart the whole front end of the machine and then do an adjustment myself while on the phone with them. I guess this "happens sometimes". Unfortunately I work a 9-5 job in the PST time zone which makes it impossible to be home when they are available. I have to wait for a day off to call them and fix my machine. At this point I'm really regretting buying it because all it's done is sit in the basement for 2 months.