Elliptical trainers are perhaps one of the most underestimated pieces of cardio equipment. Often thought of as boring or not intense enough, elliptical trainers have unjustly received a bit of a bad rap. Let's remedy that, shall we? The truth is, ellipticals are a phenomenal tool to enhance your cardio routine. They are ergonomically designed to maximize the quality and intensity of workouts while limiting the impact on your joints. As such, they make a great addition to any home gym.
Sole Fitness is one of the leading manufacturers of elliptical trainers whose primary goal is to offer high-quality components in every price range. And, with the Sole E25 Elliptical Trainer they did just that. This budget-friendly piece of cardio equipment features a top-of-the line steel frame and impressive specs, such as a 20-inch elliptical path, 20 incline settings, a 20-pound flywheel, Bluetooth speakers, an integrated tablet holder, and USB charging port.
So how do you know if the Sole E25 is a good fit for you? Read on for an in-depth look in this Sole E25 Elliptical review.
Why Trust Us?
The ACTIVE Reviews Team is made up of fitness experts that include athletes, coaches, and certified trainers who bring years of knowledge and experience to each review. More importantly, each member of our team is a fitness enthusiast. Fitness may be our job, but it is also our passion. Therefore, we strive to bring you products that we trust and would personally use.
A Quick Look at the Sole E25 Elliptical
The Sole E25 is one of Sole's entry-level elliptical trainers which offers cardio junkies a joint-friendly way to get their sweat on without breaking the bank. It consistently finds itself on "best of" lists, and for good reason. Equipped with the high-quality components that Sole is known for, the E25 provides full-body, challenging workouts through its combination of a 20-pound flywheel and high gear ratio. The result? A wide range of intensity levels to challenge any fitness lover.
The E25 utilizes a 20-level power incline feature which provides users greater variability in resistance. Additionally, the spectrum of incline levels allows you to target specific muscle groups, including quadriceps, hamstrings, glutes, calves, and core. Designed alongside physical therapists, the Sole E25 boasts oversized foot pedals with a 2-degree inward slope to further reduce ankle and knee stress. What's more, these pedals move in both a forward and backward motion creating even more options for your workout.
Looking to stay connected and comfortable during your next sweat sesh? The E25 has you covered with built-in Bluetooth audio speakers, an integrated tablet holder, console fans, and a USB charging port. If the E25 is not on your list of potential purchases for your home gym, it should be. Read on to get the scoop on all there is to know about the Sole E25.
Sole E25 Elliptical Review
Specs
- Footprint: 77"H x 71"L x 24"W
- Flywheel: 20 lbs.
- Drive System: Front
- Incline: 20 levels
- Resistance: Eddy Current Brake (ECB)
- Pedal Size: 15"
- Stride Length: 20"
- Bluetooth Capability: Yes
- Monitor: 6.5" LCD
- Weight: 212 lbs.
- Weight Capacity: 350 lbs.
- Standard Programs: 6
- Heart Rate Programs: 2
- Custom Programs: 2
- Warranty: Lifetime frame; 3-year electronics and parts; 1-year labor
- Extras: Cooling fans, water bottle holder, USB port, integrated tablet holder, Bluetooth audio speaker, included heart rate chest strap
Footprint, Portability, and Weight
The Sole E25 carries a substantial footprint measuring 77 inches high, 71 inches long, and 24 inches wide. Constructed from a heavy, thick steel, the E25 weighs a hefty 212 pounds. As such, it requires a decent amount of space dedicated to its use. Even with the included transport wheels, this bad boy certainly is not easily moved around.
It is because of this durable yet weighty frame that the E25 can support a higher user weight capacity of 350 pounds, often only seen on pricier models. Some users have reported that the elliptical does shift side to side with heavier weights but, at this price point, that is to be expected. Regardless, the E25 is built like a tank so is a great option for any fitness enthusiast.
Design
Engineered with comfort, performance, and usability in mind, the Sole E25's design is anything but basic. First and foremost, the E25 boasts an impressive 20-pound flywheel. Why is that important? Well, it is the flywheel that creates momentum and provides stability to an elliptical. The greater its weight, the smoother and quieter the machine, and generally, as the flywheel weight increases so does the price of the elliptical. Most budget-friendly ellipticals come with flywheels that weigh somewhere in the teens, so a 20-pound flywheel on a budget-friendly model is notable.
The Sole E25 also offers 20 levels of incline training to help target specific muscle groups, providing variability and intensity to your training. The electromagnetic resistance system, or ECB, creates a smoother pedal stroke and is quick to respond to control adjustments, making your training harder or easier. Also, since it is a magnetic system, there is no friction and therefore much less wear and tear.
As with most ellipticals intended for residential use, the E25 uses a front drive system which typically have greater incline settings but shorter stride lengths. The E25 features a 20-inch stride length which is standard for the industry, so not short by any means. It is not adjustable so those with particularly long strides need to be sure 20 inches is comfortable.
Speaking of comfort, the E25 was designed in conjunction with physical therapists and has a unique, oversized foot pedal design that minimizes stress to your joints. The 15-inch foot pedals have a 2-degree inward slope which Sole claims reduces ankle and knee pain. And, to be frank, the slight tilt feels good, too.
Programming Options
The Sole E25 comes equipped with 10 pre-programmed workout options also found on Sole's top-of-the-line elliptical; 6 standard, 2 heart rate, and 2 custom programs. The standard programs are exactly that—the standard you will find on most ellipticals. The programs include cardio, fat burn, hill, interval, manual, and strength, all of which support efficient cardio training and workouts intended to boost muscle definition.
Two programs are controlled by heart rate. These programs use your heart rate to automatically adjust incline and resistance to keep you in your desired heart rate zone. You can choose to use the built-in pulse grips located on the stationary handlebars or the included chest strap monitor which usually provides a more accurate reading.
The E25 allows for 2 customized programs. With these, you can take advantage of the incline training options to create your own grueling routine. Regardless of the workout chosen, the E25 is incredibly user-friendly. Seriously, you just need to lace up your favorite training shoes, plug your machine in, and go.
Console Features
While you won't find a fancy display or the newest technology on the E25, it does provide some added conveniences. The console features a simple, 6.5-inch LCD monitor which displays standard fitness stats to monitor your workout. The buttons on the console are easy to see and use. If you are someone who prefers to keep things simple and straightforward, you will appreciate the uncomplicated nature of the E25.
The Sole E25 elliptical trainer also comes with Bluetooth connectivity to both Apple and Android systems, Bluetooth speakers, a water bottle holder, cooling fans, a USB port, and an integrated tablet holder. With the Bluetooth connectivity, you can store your workout data on the free Sole Fitness app or export your stats to other fitness apps. And, if you want to jam out to your favorite tunes, watch your favorite show, or use other apps while you train, you can easily store your tablet on the integrated holder for secure docking.
Warranty
Sole Fitness is known for its unparalleled warranties indicative of the high-quality machines they create. The Sole E25 comes with an impressive lifetime frame warranty, a 3-year warranty for the electronics and parts, and a 1-year warranty for the labor.
To put this in perspective, many well-respected manufacturers only offer a limited 10-year warranty on frames and 1- to 2-year warranties on parts and labor, none of which covers normal wear and tear. However, Sole stands out as the front-runner in the warranty department as their warranties are true lifetime warranties that cover normal wear and tear from use.
Sole Fitness also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with your purchase. Even more notable is that they cover return postage fees which is, quite frankly, unheard of. Sole is a company that firmly stands behind their products.
Sole E25 Pros and Cons
So, is a Sole E25 Elliptical right for you? Take a look at some of our favorite features, as well as the things we aren't a fan of.
What We Like
- Affordable
- 20 incline options
- Heart rate strap included
- 350-lb. max user weight
- Unsurpassed warranty
- Reportedly quiet
- Durable steel frame
- Bluetooth connectivity
What We Don't Like
- Users report difficult assembly
- Heavy, so not easily transported
- Non-adjustable stride length
Final Thoughts on Sole E25 Elliptical
If you are looking to avoid stress to your joints but still want a heart-pounding, full-body workout on a quality machine, the Sole E25 elliptical trainer is a solid choice. Equipped with 20 power incline levels, a 20-pound flywheel, and 10 preset workouts, the E25 provides a wide range of workout options and intensity levels. Experienced athletes may benefit from a greater flywheel weight, however the Sole E25 is plenty powerful for most home gym owners.
The wallet-friendly price tag also makes the E25 an attractive option to those looking to keep costs down but do not want to sacrifice quality. Backed by a lifetime warranty on its steel frame and a 30-day money-back guarantee, you really can not go wrong with the Sole E25.
Sole E25 Elliptical Customer Reviews
Don't just take our word for it, check out these customer reviews courtesy of Sole and Amazon:
Sole E25 Elliptical FAQs
How long do Sole ellipticals last?
Sole elliptical trainers can perform for up to 20 years, according to some experts. That said, this is largely dependent on use and proper maintenance, but Sole's ellipticals are built to last with a durable steel frame and high-quality components backed by extraordinary warranties. So, take good care of your machine and it will take good care of you.
Are Sole ellipticals any good?
Sole is one of the fastest growing manufacturers of ellipticals. Designed with top-of-the-line components and rugged, sturdy steel frames, these ellipticals are praised for their performance and user comfort.
Is Sole better than NordicTrack?
Both Sole and NordicTrack are well-known and respected producers of elliptical trainers. The truth is that one being better than the other is largely dependent on what specs you prioritize. Do you need a more interactive, colorful display? Or do you prefer simpler technology with more incline capabilities? Knowing what features are important to you is essential when purchasing an elliptical. There are some general differences between Sole and NordicTrack however, so remember to refer to the manufacturer's specs for any given model you are researching.
Sole ellipticals usually feature a front drive unit which requires more "pushing" than "pulling" during use and is more comfortable for some. NordicTrack manufactures ellipticals with front drive systems, as well, but they offer more options with center-drive units which allows for a more upright stance. Again, this is a personal preference for each buyer.
Except on the more expensive models of Sole ellipticals, the Sole displays are rather basic with easy-to-read smaller displays. Conversely, NordicTrack ellipticals usually boast high-definition, touchscreen displays with interactive programming options via iFit (a membership is included with most purchases). If you are someone who needs guidance and motivation during a workout, the display and programming may be the deciding factor.
Another big difference is noted in warranties. Sole offers an unsurpassed lifetime warranty on its frames whereas NordicTrack limits its warranty to 10 years. A good warranty is perhaps the most important thing to consider when purchasing any piece of equipment for your home gym, and Sole clearly has the edge here.