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Best Under $1000
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Sole has a strong reputation for building good value Elliptical Machines with some great features. This continues with the E25. Part of a range of 5 machines, all very similar, this is the 2nd model and its price sits just under $1000.
All models in the range feature an adjustable incline ramp allowing for a 30 degree slope to maximise your workout.
The E25 Elliptical brings in additional features over the E20 such as an adjustable stride length, and larger 6.5″ LCD console.
- Our Analysis
- Comparison Table
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Our Analysis.
Console.
The well laid out console looks good with its back lit blue LCD display and easy to reach buttons. The display shows all the usual readings, including heart rate. Your heart rate can be measured with either the grips on the smaller set of handles, or using the included heart rate monitor.
The console is programmed with a total of 10 programs, 6 default options such as rolling hills etc, 2 heart rate programs and 2 user programmable.
10 workout programs is not very many, but this is the same across the Sole range. If you want to mix things up a bit you can use the custom options. To be honest when ever i am using an elliptical I just push the resistance to the max and get on with it!
The other features of the console are the built in fan and speakers. Frankly these are the weakest components of the whole machine. If you need a fan during your workout then you would be better with a dedicated floor standing one. The Sole fans will hardly move the air around you! The speakers are really small, even this is not a noisy machine you will struggle to hear music through them.
Frame
The frame is shared with the E20. Slightly smaller than the E95 it is capable of running with a 20″ stride length, adjustable to 22″. This stride length is ideal for most people, that it can be extended to 22″ is a bonus for anyone over 6′ tall.
Along with the resistance the angle of the ride can be adjusted, from 0 to 30 degrees. This is a great feature that will really extend the life of your elliptical. Once you have mastered riding the flat then you can increase the challenge by upping the slope angle.
Capable of supporting riders up to 350lb it is a reasonably strong machine. If you are looking for more strength then again the E95 can go upto 375 with its slightly larger frame.
Warranty
The Warranty is acceptable, at lifetime for the frame, 2 years parts and electronics, 1 year labour. As with the rest of the Sole range as you spend more the warranties get better. This is the entry level the next model up gives Lifetime frame, 5 years parts/electrical and 2 years labour.
Pros and Cons of the Sole E25
Pros:
- Good value at less than $1000
- Incline slope will really push you
- Strong Frame
Cons:
- Limited Warranty
- Speakers and Fan are not powerful enough
| 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 |
Sole E25 Ellitpcal Review eSummary
For under $1000 this represents great value for money, its so smooth and easy to use that you will get a lot of use out of it. This has to be one of our favourite ellipticals on the market today.
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