Optimum Fitness Fitness News and equipment reviews
In this review we look at the Sole Fitness E98 Light Commercial Elliptical. In addition we will compare it against the most recent little brother the Sole E95 Elliptical . We have full details of the Sole Fitness Elliptical Range, and have reviewed all the products in the Sole range to help you make the right choice.
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Sole E98 Light Commercial Elliptical Review in Full >>>
The E98 is undoubtedly a well engineered machine , if you are looking for a high end home Elliptical or an Elliptical for use in a light commercial setting such as a hotel then it would make the short list.
The Drive
The Sole E98 is a front drive treadmill, featuring a heavy 34lb flywheel at the front. Both the E95 and E98 share the same flywheel. This will give a very smooth ride and maintain the momentum far better than a lighter weight wheel.
Each foot pad is adjustable to ensure that it moves at the right angle for you. This is useful for eliminating strain on the joints. The pads are a generous 15″ so there should be no problems fitting your feet in.
Finally the drive moves both forwards and in reverse. Handy if you want to mix up the muscles you are working.
So far there is no difference between the E98 and E95….
Stride Length
This is where we see the first change come in. The E95 sports an adjustable stride of between 20′-22″. On the E98 this is FIXED at just 20″. It would be unfair to say that this is a negative feature of the E98 as its designed for a commercial setting where users may not want to fiddle with stride settings. Indeed you would probably not want users to be undoing bolts!
20″ is a good compromise length that should be suitable for all types of users.
At the moment I would call it a tie between the two models.
Power Levels
To make your workout even harder the Sole E98 allows you to adjust the incline from 0 to 30 degrees. With the feel of hill climbing you will really work those calves! In addition to the slope there are 20 resistance levels allowing you to warm up and cool down properly.
The power levels and slope angle can be quickly adjusted with out taking you hands off the handles via two ergonomically placed buttons on the bars.
Again this is very similar to the E95.
Comparison of Sole Ellipticals
Console
The E95 image there is a great quality commercial strength 9″ LCD console. We really like the way its intuitively laid out. The position is perfectly lined up to see and shows the usual functions: Pace, Calories, Heart Rate, Distance, Speed, Resistance, Incline.
The buttons are well placed and easily accessible.
Heart rate can be read using the sensors built into the handle bars, alternately you can use a standard chest strap (not included). When using the heart rate monitors the elliptical can operate in the heart rate mode, tailoring your workout to your needs.
Pros and Cons of the Sole E98:
Pros
This elliptical is really strong, made from high grade steel there is nothing that in normal use can damage it.
It is intuitive and easy to use, especially with the handle mounted controls
Cons
Like its stable mates, the speakers are really poor, and the fan is not up to much apart from gently moving a current of air.
For more pros and cons of the Sole E98 click here
What are others saying about the E98:
This Elliptical receives a strong 4.0 out of 5.0 stars. The only reason it didn’t score 5 out of 5 is because one reviewer bought it for a remote location and it requires a standard 110v mains outlet to work.
Asides from that the feed back is good:
“it’s as tough as a tank and, thanks to the super-heavy flywheel, as smooth as an Italian tour guide.”
“It is commercial strength yet easy to use. “
Sole E98 Elliptical Review Verdict & Summary
This is really a stronger yet simplified version of the E95. Elements that are suitable for a domestic setting have been removed (such as the adjustable pedals), and these have been replaced with stronger components throughout.
If you are looking for a high quality home, or light commercial elliptical then for a shade under $2000 you would not really go wrong with the Sole E98.
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