Optimum Fitness Fitness News and equipment reviews
Sole Fitness has become a household name in the States and Canada for its highly successful range of Treadmills, Ellipticals and Exercise Bikes.
Now following their success in North America they have branched out into 11 countries round the world, giving access to millions more consumers. If you visit their website you can see exactly where they are now shipping to.
Your full guide to the Sole Fitness Range
We have reviewed every product Sole produce, and have sourced the best prices. So whatever your budget and workout requirements we can help. If you still have questions about the range just drop me an email at [email protected]
Putting Quality First
By existing mainly as an online retailer Sole do not need to give away huge amounts of money to the stores. This enables Sole to reinvest much more into the research and development of their machines. This enables them to be built to a high standard, and yet keep prices low. This can be seen in their warranties, which are some of the highest in the trade.
If you want to try a Sole Machine before you buy then there is a good chance that you will find one in your local hotel chain. This has been Soles main marketing route. After all if a treadmill can stand up to the pounding of 1000’s of hotel guests then its going to be strong enough for the home.
The Sole Fitness Range
Sole offer three different product ranges. We have reviewed most of the products on our site, and links to each review are included.
Sole Treadmills
Sole treadmills are the biggest selling line in the range. The prices go from $800 for their entry level F60, right up to $2400 for the top of the range T88 Commercial Treadmill.
Most of the treadmills in the range can be folded in half. Hence the F in the title! The non folding machines are designated with an “S”. The main advantage of the folding design is the easy movement and storage of the machines.
Normally folding framed treadmills are slightly less stable than their non folding versions. However Sole have developed a unique “double horse shoe” system that makes the whole unit far more stable. Sole even claim that their folding machines are as strong as their non folding equivalents.
Folding one of Soles treadmills is incredibly simple. There is a switch you flick, and the hydraulics take over moving the base up effortlessly for easy storage.
All Sole treadmills also feature means to pass the time while working out, including MP3 speakers and great looking consoles. Of course the more you spend the more features you get.
Sole Treadmill Comparison
| Model | F60 2013 | Sole Fitness F63 Folding Treadmil | Sole F65 Folding Treadmill Review | Sole F80 Folding Treadmill Review | Sole S77 Non Folding Treadmill Review | TT8 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Dimensions: | ||||||
| Height(in.): | 58" | 58" | 57" | 58" | 58" | 57" |
| Item Weight(lbs.): | 231 lbs. | 253 lbs. | 253 lbs. | 265 lbs. | 265 lbs. | 265 lbs. |
| Length(in.): | 80" | 80" | 83" | 80" | 80" | 83" |
| Weight Capacity(lbs.): | 325 lbs. | 325 lbs. | 350 lbs. | 375 lbs. | 400 lbs. | 400 lbs. |
| Width(in.): | 33" | 33" | 35" | 35" | 30" | 37" |
| Deck Size: | 33" X 80" | 33" X 80" | 35" X 83" | 35" X 80" | 30" X 80" | 37" X 80" |
| Running Surface: | 20" X 60" | 20" X 60" | 20" X 60" | 22" X 60" | 22" X 60" | 22" X 60" |
| Rollers: | 2.0" | 2.5" | 2.5" | 2.75" | 2.75" | 3.0" |
| Controls & Features: | ||||||
| Motor: | 2.75 CHP, DC Type | 3.0 CHP, DC Type | 3.25 CHP, DC Type | 3.5 CHP, DC Type | 4.0 CHP, DC Type | 4.0 CHP, DC Type |
| Speed: | .5 - 12 mph | .5 - 12 mph | .5 - 12 mph | .5 - 12 mph | .5 - 12 mph | .5 - 12 mph |
| Incline: | 0 - 15% Rack & Pinion gear design | 0 - 15% Rack & Pinion gear design | 0 - 15% Rack & Pinion gear design | 0 - 15% Rack & Pinion gear design | 0 - 15% Rack & Pinion gear design | 0 - 15% Rack & Pinion gear design |
| Folding: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Belt: | 2 Ply | 2 Ply | 2 Ply | 2 Ply | 2 Ply | 2 Ply |
| Heart Rate Monitoring: | Pulse Grips & Chest Strap Compatible | Pulse Grips & Chest Strap Compatible | Pulse Grips & Chest Strap Compatible | Pulse Grips & Chest Strap Compatible | Pulse Grips & Chest Strap Compatible | Pulse Grips & Chest Strap Compatible |
| Chest Strap Included: | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Standard Programs: | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Custom Programs: | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Heart Programs: | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Cooling Fans: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Sound System: | Yes (MP3 Compatible) | Yes (MP3 Compatible) | Yes (MP3 Compatible) | Yes (MP3 Compatible) | Yes (MP3 Compatible) | Yes (MP3 Compatible) |
| Workout Display: | 5.5" LCD | 6.5" LCD | 7.5" LCD | 7.5" LCD | 9" LCD | 9" LCD |
| Display Color: | Blue | Blue | Blue | Blue | Blue | Blue |
| Warranty: | ||||||
| Frame: | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Motor: | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Deck: | 3 Years | 3 Years | 3 Years | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Electronics: | 3 Years | 3 Years | 3 Years | 5 Years | 5 Years | 5 Years |
| Labor: | 1 Years | 1 Year | 1 Year | 2 Years | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| Commercial Warranty: | ||||||
| Frame: | Lifetime | |||||
| Motor: | Lifetime | |||||
| Deck: | Lifetime | |||||
| Electronics: | 3 Years | |||||
| Labor: | 1 Years |
We have reviewed the following Sole Treadmills:
- Sole F60 Treadmill
- Sole F63 Treadmill (best under $1000 Treadmill)
- Sole F65 Treadmill
- Sole F80 Treadmill (Best Buy!!!)
- Sole S77 Treadmill
Sole Ellipticals
Next up are the Sole Elliptical Machines, these are designed to give the best workout at the lowest impact. If you struggle with running, and find cycling uncomfortable then an Elliptical Workout is ideal.
Sole have done a great job in making their ellipticals look fantastic. They all look like they deserve a place in the gym, and infact their build quality is not far behind. The Sole E35 is one of the most popular home gym trainers and its built like a rock. The features that they share include, as in the treadmills, a great speaker system, they also have fans to keep you cool.
What really puts Sole apart from its competitors are the features such as heavy fly wheels, keeping the workout smooth and comfortable. The mechanics are precision engineered to keep the machine running as quiet as possible, but still take the resistance to challenging levels.
Comparison of Sole Ellipticals
| Model (Click for review) | E20 | Sole E25 Elliptcal Trainer | Sole E35 Elliptcal Trainer | Sole E95 Elliptcal Trainer | Sole E98 Light Commercial Elliptical Machine |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Height(in.): | 58" | 58" | 58" | 62" | 67" |
| Item Weight(lbs.): | 175 lbs. | 189 lbs. | 215 lbs. | 215 lbs. | 249 lbs. |
| Length(in.): | 71" | 71" | 83" | 83" | 82" |
| Weight Capacity(lbs.): | 325 lbs. | 350 lbs. | 375 lbs. | 400 lbs. | 400lbs |
| Width(in.): | 27" | 27" | 27" | 27" | 27" |
| Controls and Features: | |||||
| Adjustable Pedals: | No | No | Yes | Yes | No |
| Adjustable Stride: | Power Adjustable | Power Adjustable | Power Adjustable | Power Adjustable | Power Adjustable |
| Stride Height Adjustable: | Up & Down | Up & Down | |||
| Maximum Stride Length: | 20" | 20" - 22" | 20" - 22" | 20" - 22" | 20" |
| Standard Programs: | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Custom Programs: | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Heart Rate Programs: | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| HR Chest Strap Included: | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Console Display Type: | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD | LCD |
| Drive System: | Front | Front | Front | Front | Front |
| Fan: | Built In | Built In | Built In | Built In | Built In |
| Heart Rate Monitoring: | Pulse Grips & Chest Strap Compatible | Pulse Grips & Chest Strap Compatible | Pulse Grips & Chest Strap Compatible | Pulse Grips & Chest Strap Compatible | Pulse Grips & Chest Strap Compatible |
| Incline Adjustability: | Power Adjustable | Power Adjustable | Power Adjustable | Power Adjustable | Power Adjustable |
| Number of Programs: | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 10 |
| Pedal Size: | 15" | 15" | 15" | 15" | 15" |
| Sound System: | Yes (MP3 compatible) | Yes (MP3 compatible) | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Water Bottle Holder: | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Workout Display: | 5.5" LCD | 6.5" LCD | 7.5" LCD | 9" LCD | 9" LCD |
| Warranty Frame: | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime | Lifetime |
| Electronics: | 3 Years | 3 Years | 5 Years | 5 Years | 5 Years |
| Parts: | 3 Years | 3 Years | 5 Years | 5 Years | 5 Years |
| Labor: | 1 Year | 1 Year | 2 Years | 2 Years | 2 Years |
| Power Source/Voltage: | AC Power Cord 110 | AC Power Cord 110 | AC Power Cord 110 | AC Power Cord 110 | AC Power Cord 110 |
We have reviewed the following Sole Ellipticals:
- Sole E20 Elliptical
- Sole E25 Elliptical
- Sole F35 Elliptical
- Sole E95 Elliptical
- Sole E98 Elliptical
Sole Exercise Bikes
Finally Sole also create some of the best exercise bikes on the market. From the amazing Sole SB700 spin bike, through to a range of recumbent bikes. Each bike fits a different purpose, from an intense cardio workout from the Spin bike, to a comfortable relaxed ride on their R92 Recumbent Bike.
Each bike is well made and easy to use. All come with excellent warranties, comfortable adjustable seats and best of all a great price!
We have reviewed the following Sole Exercise Bikes:
