SOLE Fitness E35 Elliptical Machine

Unit	Size	Supported weight	Incline	Resistance	Console
SOLE E35 Check Discounted Price	L:82" W:31" H:67"	375 lbs	Automatic, 0% - 20%	Eddy current, 20 levels	10 programs, Bluetooth

The SOLE Fitness E35 elliptical trainer has been around for a while. In this post, we’re going to cover the newest version. This SOLE elliptical is a heavy-duty fitness machine, actually one of the best available at the moment in this price range. It offers a few extra features over the SOLE E25 that we’ve already reviewed here, and it’s also slightly larger. Although it’s not advertised as a commercial trainer, it definitely offers at least light-commercial quality and capacity.

Technical Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 82L x 31W x 67H inches (208L x 79W x 170H cm)
• Assembled weight: 231 lbs (~105 kg)
• Flywheel weight: 25 lbs (11.3 kg)
• Supported weight: 375 lbs (170 kg)
• Stride: Adjustable, 20 inches (51 cm)
• Incline: Automatic, 20 levels
• Resistance system: Eddy current, 20 levels
• Console: 10 workout programs, Bluetooth, USB charging port
• Extras: Sound system, cooling fan, tablet holder, bottle holder
• Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 5 years / Electronics 5 years / Labor 2 years

Frame construction and parts

The SOLE Fitness E35 elliptical machine features a durable steel frame with multiple ABS covers. All the steel parts in its construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this trainer so far. The only exceptions are the aluminum pedal rail covers which have their own natural polish.

The fully assembled trainer is fairly large; it is approx. 82″ (208 cm) long and 31″ (78 cm) wide, while the top of the console reaches approx. 67″ (170 cm) above floor level. It is also recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around the elliptical for ease of access and unhindered operation.

The machine is also pretty heavy. It weighs approx. 231 lbs (105 kg), so it is recommended to be carried and assembled by two persons. But on the other hand, all this weight is reflected into the unit’s overall stability and sturdiness. Once it is fully assembled, the machine can easily be moved by only one person as its front base is equipped with transport wheels while the rear base features a lifting handle.

The SOLE E35 elliptical trainer features a set with articulating pedals. They are set at a 2° inward slope in order to provide a natural foot positioning and minimize the stress on your ankles and knees. They’re also cushioned. The pedal trays are made of heavy-duty ABS material with a non-slip surface and front guards for superior foot stability.

The pedals are attached to two heavy-duty bars. They are designed to support users up to 375 lbs (170 kg) which is quite impressive for a machine made for home use only. The lower pedal bars are equipped with dual rollers that slide on dual rails. This dual rail system offers superior stability and generates a sure-foot feel when you exercise on the elliptical. The rollers integrate industrial grade ball bearings for a smooth pedal motion and outer rubberized covers to minimize noise and vibration.

The machine is equipped with two sets of handlebars, one fixed, one mobile. The fixed handlebars are directly attached to the console mast. They integrate pulse sensors. The moving arms of the machine have a multi-grip design. Also, they integrate incline and resistance controls.

Incline, stride, and step-up height

To begin with, the SOLE Fitness E35 elliptical machine is equipped with an automatic incline system. This means the unit must be connected to a power source in order to use the incline. Also, the console can automatically adjust the incline, depending on the program in use.

The unit’s incline system is placed at the rear of the unit. It consists of a small motor and a lift which elevates the dual rail system. The machine makes available 20 levels of incline. The incline increments are 1%. The unit doesn’t have quick controls for selecting the desired incline level at once, only controls for gradual incline adjustment. There are incline controls integrated into the left moving arm and on the left side of the console.

Although the SOLE E35 elliptical trainer has a front-drive system, its elliptical path is horizontal. When you add incline, the elliptical path becomes slightly elevated at the front leading to a sensation of climbing a soft hill. As a general idea, the machine is designed for maximum comfort and a natural gait, and the pedaling motion eliminates almost completely all the impact on your joints.

The SOLE E35 offers a standard 20″ (51 cm) stride. This means it can accommodate users up to 6’5″ (196 cm) offering a complete range of motion. The pedal step-up height is approx. 14″ (35 cm). However, if the incline is set to maximum, the pedals will gain a few extra inches in height. Thus, it is recommended to use this elliptical cross trainer in a room with a ceiling that is at least 25″ (63 cm) higher than your own height.

Drive and resistance

This SOLE elliptical trainer is equipped with an automatic resistance system. This means the machine requires an external power source in order to make available the resistance adjustment. Also, just as for the incline, the console can automatically adjust the pedal resistance depending on the program in use.

The main resistance elements are a servo motor and a magnetic brake. When you adjust the resistance, the servo motor changes the pull of the magnets which results in more or less pedaling difficulty.

The SOLE E35 makes available 20 levels of resistance. The first few levels deliver little pedal tension, great for low-intensity cardio workouts or rehab training. The top 18-20 levels, on the other hand, provide considerably more resistance, great for anyone who wants a consistent workout and extra fat burning possibilities.

The internal flywheel of the machine weighs 25 lbs (11.3 kg), a little lighter than the flywheel of the Horizon 7.0 AE which is a pretty similar machine. The flywheel features a balanced design in order to provide a steady pedaling motion. It is also bi-directional. Therefore, you can pedal in reverse in order to diversify your workouts. Of course, when pedaling in reverse, the resistance remains the same (depending on the selected level), while the console continues to monitor your calories burned, distance traveled, etc.

The machine’s drive system uses a poly-v belt. This type of transmission comes with a few advantages. First of all, it doesn’t need periodic lubrication. And second of all, the pedaling motion is very smooth, quiet, and vibration-free.

Console

The console included with the SOLE E35 elliptical machine offers quite an impressive range of features. To begin with, it has an LCD display with LED backlight and large digits for superior readability. It tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, RPM, watts, and pulse. For speed and distance, you can select either Metric or English units. The distance is also shown as a 1/4 mile race track with a lap count reading.

For the pulse reading function, the machine has integrated sensors in its fixed handlebars. However, the console is also telemetric. It can read your pulse through a wireless HR chest strap transmitter. This accessory is included.

The console unit makes available 10 workout programs. The first program is Manual. If you choose this program, you can adjust the workload (incline and resistance) manually from the integrated controls. It also gives you the possibility to set up a goal for time.

The next 5 programs are preset. These are Hill, Far Burn, Cardio, Strength, and HIIT. As their names suggest, each one has its own specific offering a certain type of workout. All the programs automatically adjust both the resistance and incline.

The console also has 2 User Defined programs and 2 Heart Rate programs. Each User profile gives you the possibility to create a custom program, save it, and re-use it anytime you want. Also, each user can input their age and weight for a better data analysis. The 2 Heart Rate programs are preset for 60% max. HR, and respectively 80% max. HR. If one of these programs is selected, the machine will auto-adjust the resistance in order to help you keep your heart rate close to the selected percentage.

Bluetooth connectivity is also available on the console of this machine. This being said, you can sync it with your smartphone or tablet via the free SOLE Fitness App (for Android and iOS). This app allows you to track your progress online and also transfer your workout data to other apps like Apple Health, FitBit, MapMyRun, or Record.

Among other notable console features, we can mention the USB port, the sound system, the cooling fan, and the two tablet holders. The USB port is only a charging port. This means it can also serve the purpose of charging your smartphone or tablet via cable (cable is not included); you cannot save your workout data on a USB stick.

The sound system consists of two speakers placed at the top of the console. An AUX port and a headphone port are also available on the unit. Therefore, you can connect your smartphone, or MP3 player via cable in order to play your music through the unit’s console. The unit’s sound system can also function via Bluetooth.

The cooling fan is placed between the two speakers. It’s not extremely large but does provide fairly decent breeze during a more intense workout. And finally, one of the tablet holders is placed at the top of the console, while the second one consists of a small shelf under the console display.

Assembly and Maintenance

The main body of the machine comes pre-assembled. However, there still are quite a few parts that require user assembly. As a general idea, you will have to connect the two main base pieces, add the console mast, the moving arms, the pedals, the console, and multiple small covers. This will definitely take more than an hour. However, the manual provides step-by-step assembly instructions, and all the necessary tools are also included.

Maintenance requires the periodical cleaning and greasing of the rails and joints. Other than that, you basically have to keep the machine clean, check the bolts from time to time and re-tighten if necessary, and make sure no liquids reach the console.

The Pros

• Sturdy frame with a weight capacity of 375 lbs;
• Aesthetic design;
• Adjustable stabilizers all base bars;
• Lifting handle integrated into the rear base;
• Transport wheels on the front base;
• Ergonomic pedals;
• Dual rails for extra stability;
• Smooth and quiet belt drive;
• Automatic incline, 20 levels;
• Automatic (ECB) resistance system, 20 levels;
• Incline and resistance controls integrated into the mobile handlebars;
• Pulse sensors integrated into the fixed handlebars;
• HR chest strap included;
• Large LCD display, LED-backlit, offering excellent readability;
• 10 workout programs;
• Each program has its own button;
• Bluetooth connectivity;
• Compatible with the free SOLE Fitness App;
• USB charging port;
• Sound system included, Bluetooth capable;
• Cooling fan included;
• Tablet holders included;
• Bottle holder included;
• Little maintenance required;
• Excellent warranty.

The Cons

• The cooling fan is not too powerful;
• No quick selection keys for incline and resistance.

Summary

The SOLE Fitness E35 is a heavy-duty elliptical trainer equipped featuring a 20-level eddy current resistance system, an automatic incline system with 20 levels, and a console with 10 workout programs and Bluetooth connectivity. It offers superior ergonomics and an impressive weight capacity of 375 lbs. It’s an excellent machine for light to intense cardio workouts, interval training, stamina training, and weight loss. And finally, even though it’s not exactly one of the most affordable cross-trainers, it is one of the best available in this price range.