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Sole E55 Elliptical Trainer Review

2012 Elliptical Trainer Reviews     |     "Best Buy" Elliptical Trainers

sole e55 elliptical trainer reviewWhen I recently tested the Sole E55 Elliptical Trainer, I was very impressed with the overall performance. Once I started up the machine I immediately could tell that this was a well constructed crosstrainer, equipped with quality components. I was further impressed with the 5-year parts and 2-year labor warranty.

The Sole E55 weighs in at nearly 200 lbs. The good news is it is sturdy and solid. The bad news is don't plan on easily moving it around, particularly from one floor to another. Much of the weight is the heavy flywheel, which weighs a hefty 27 lbs. When combined with the eddy current brake system, you get a very smooth and fluid motion. The overall quality is evident when you stop the Sole E55 and it gradually slows down.

Note: The Sole E55 typically sells for $1,499 with shipping. A good value. Go to www.SoleEllipticals.com/E55 for the latest deal.*


sole e55 elliptical trainer consoleBesides the smooth elliptical motion, I like the 20" stride length. Which is a perfect stride length for average to above average height individuals. It just feels more natural.

When you get on an elliptical with a smaller stride length you feel constrained and the motion is bouncy. To get the most reward out of your workout you want a comfortable stride. When it comes to the stride, the Sole E55 feels like a Precor elliptical. To further add to the comfort, the foot pedals are adjustable.

Another important feature on the Sole E55 is the dual wheels that ride on a beveled rail. This provides for a smooth and stable feel. Many elliptical trainers at this price range use single wheels per rail. The affect on the stability is evident. With the two wheel design you have no side-to-side motion.

As we mentioned in the Sole Elliptical Trainer Review, we have seen better layout and displays on elliptical consoles, but it is adequate. And when you factor all the other excellent features, it hardly distracts from the overall value.

Adjustable Power Incline - The Sole E55 elliptical comes with a power incline feature, allowing you to raise or lower the elliptical motion and better target and tone your lower muscles. As with a treadmill, when you increase the incline you get a serious cardio workout.

sole e55 foot pedalsOther features worth noting are wireless heart rate control, speakers (With plug-in for MP3 and iPod players.) and built-in fan. It is also equipped with adjustable articulating foot pedals. You can adjust to the exact level for your comfort. This will reduce the need to lift you foot to the changing elliptical motion. It further reduces stress and strain to your feet and ankles.

27 lb. Flywheel — At this price most ellipticals will have a flywheel at 25 lbs. or less. The advantage of the extra is a more natural and smooth feeling elliptical stride. You'll notice when you start and stop that the motion gradually increases and slows down.

New for 2011 is a 7.5" backlit LCD display which simultaneously shows Speed, Incline, Time, Distance Traveled, Calories, Pulse and Pace. Included is a 1/4 mile track feature and a peak and valley graph so you can visualize your progress. Also, the console tilts for optimum viewing based on your height.

Our Review - Sole E55 Elliptical Trainer

When purchasing an elliptical trainer you want a machine that is built to last, feels sturdy, and has a comfortable and natural elliptical motion. And you want those features without having to take out a second mortgage.

If you spend less than $1,000 you are buying a machine that compromises on the quality, and generally cannot withstand strenuous use. In contrast, you do not need a commercial grade elliptical to get a quality machine. The E55 elliptical is a heavy-duty crosstrainer without the heavy-duty price.

Are there better elliptical trainers? Of course. Precor and the Life Fitness ellipticals are impressive machines, but they cost at least a couple of thousand more than a Sole.

The Sole E55 is one of the best machines in the $1,500 price range. It is a value proposition when you factor the features, the quality, and the warranty.

The Sole E55 elliptical trainer come with the best warranty available - period. As mentioned it is 5-years parts and 2-years labor coverage. In comparison, a pricey Life Fitness elliptical only offers a 3 year parts and 1 year labor warranty. Sole also has a solid reputation for standing behind their products. I often get feedback about the customer service of various fitness equipment companies, and I have never received a complaint about this model.

Customer Review

Sole products are SUPERIOR!

In my search for an Elliptical, I was skeptical of Sole's "made for a hotel" bit. After visiting our local Dick's Sporting Goods and trying out the Sole against other machines I was a believer. This thing is built to last. Its frame is built sturdy and the track is very smooth and quiet in the fact that it has a two-wheeled system that are curved to roll over the track (others have a single line wheel running IN a slot)

After having for 2 months, we are extremely happy with our purchase. My wife rides it 2 times a day and I once a day and it is still running smooth and quiet!


The first thing that I noticed when I stepped on to the Sole E55 elliptical was that it felt very sturdy and it was as solid as a rock. The other ellipticals that I had tried were all flimsy feeling and wobbly. The Sole felt like it was anchored to the ground. That's great but what about the stride? The stride felt very close to the Precor and the gliding action was smooth and nearly silent! I noticed a little more heel lift than I preferred but when I took a closer look I saw that the foot pads were adjustable. I was able to quickly change the pitch and guess what...no more heel lift. I was amazed!

Go to www.SoleEllipticals.com to learn more!

 

Also See Sole E35 Elliptical Trainer Review and
Sole E25 Review

 

*This Sole E55 Elliptical Trainer Review is based on not only testing the equipment, but also comments, testimonials, reviews and ratings of customers and third parties. We attempt to be as accurate as possible. Warranties, features and prices can change without notice.

 


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