Sole E95 Elliptical Review

Ellipticals provide an excellent form of cardio that doesn’t cause as much impact on your joints as other cardio methods, like running. Since there are many factors at play (such as price, features, and functionality), it can be tough to find the right elliptical for your home gym — but one of our favorites is the Sole E95. This front-drive elliptical features a 10.1-inch LCD display, an adjustable stride length, and a 27-pound flywheel. Plus, it offers 20 resistance settings and 20 incline levels.

You can adjust the pedals on the E95 to 10 different positions to meet your comfort needs, and they feature a two-degree inward slope to reduce the stress on your ankles and knees. You’ll also find 10 workout programs on this elliptical — Manual, Hill, Fat Burn, Cardio, Strength, and HIIT, plus two that focus on your heart rate and two custom options. The Sole E95’s high-quality build and heavy-duty flywheel put it on our shortlist of the best ellipticals on the market today. 

Main Takeaways

Sole E95 Elliptical Highlights

Weighing 236 pounds with a 400-pound weight capacity, the Sole E95 is the definition of a hoss. This front-drive elliptical features a 27-pound flywheel, 20 levels of incline, and oversized foot pedals for optimal comfort. The 10.1-inch LCD provides a straightforward approach to tracking your metrics, and the pulse sensors make it easy to monitor your HRV.

The tablet holder is an added bonus for those who want to read or stream from their favorite apps, and the Bluetooth speakers are ideal for giving your ears a break from headphones. The 10 programmed workouts on the E95 allow for variety within your cardio workouts, and the magnetic resistance will keep the noise at a minimum. You can also adjust the stride on this elliptical from 20 inches to 22 inches with the simple click of a button, which is a nice perk for taller folks.

We also think the design of the foot pedals sets this elliptical apart from the rest, as they feature a two-degree inward slope that is designed to reduce the amount of stress on your ankles and knees. While the Sole E95 will run you around $1,500, we think the durable build and resistance capabilities here could make your home gym feel complete.

Who Should Buy the Sole E95 Elliptical

• The 20 levels of incline and 20 resistance settings are ideal for those looking for a wide range of intensity for their cardio efforts.
• Folks who want to target their posterior chain with high incline levels will enjoy the front-drive design, as it can provide more incline settings than most center- or rear-drive ellipticals can.
• Athletes dealing with ankle or knee ailments will find the inward slope on the oversized foot pedals helpful as they’re designed to reduce the stress on your joints while working out.

Who Shouldn’t Buy the Sole E95 Elliptical

• With a $1,500 price tag, those on a strict budget will want to source a more affordable elliptical.
• Those who want their home gym equipment to be loaded with fancy technology should look elsewhere, as the E95 is pretty basic.
• Folks who are over six feet tall might need to find an elliptical with a longer stride length to accommodate their needs.

Price

You can purchase the Sole E95 for about $1,500 on the Sole Fitness website. This is a pretty penny, and compared to its competition, it is one of the more expensive ellipticals you’ll find. So while it’s subjective to your individual needs, we think the E95 is a solid investment for those who want a long-lasting product but don’t care for fancy technology like touchscreen monitors.

However, if you do want a fancier product with modern conveniences like a touchscreen monitor, you can find one for roughly the same price you’ll spend here. Sole will also allow you to finance this purchase for about $80 a month if you don’t want to drop a stack of cash at once. 

Overall Build and Quality

The E95 weighs a hefty 236 pounds, sports a high weight capacity of 400 pounds, and features a lifetime warranty on the frame. This is a front-drive elliptical, meaning the 27-pound flywheel is located at the front. For those who aren’t aware, front-drive ellipticals typically offer a higher incline setting than center- or rear-drive ellipticals can, making it a solid option for those who want to mimic a steep hike. 

The oversized foot pedals are pretty unique as they feature a slight inward slope to reduce the amount of stress on your knees and ankles and offer 10 different adjustments for maximum comfort.

Features

The Sole E95 isn’t the most tech-laden elliptical out there, but the features it does have are solid. The 10 workout programs are ideal for those who tend to be lazy with their cardio efforts. The 10.1-inch LCD display is easy to read and provides the means for basic stat tracking. The tablet holder is nice for those who like to keep their devices on deck, and the pulse sensors are an added perk for those who want to improve their HRV. 

Stat Tracking and Display

Tracking your metrics on the E95 is super easy, thanks to the 10.1-inch LCD display. During your cardio workouts, you can track your calories burned, time, distance, heart rate, incline level, resistance level, and pace. 

Included Workouts

Let’s face it, we all can be complacent with our cardio workouts at times. So thankfully, the E95 offers 10 programs to keep your workouts fresh and engaging. You can make two custom programs, utilize the two heart rate programs, or go for the six standard options, such as Manual, Hill, Fat Burn, Cardio, Strength, and HIIT. 

Heart Rate Monitoring

Thanks to the included chest strap and built-in pulse sensors, tracking your heart rate is as easy as 1-2-3 on the E95. Not every elliptical offers this feature, so this is a solid perk.

Fans

The fan on the E95 is positioned between the two speakers, and you can tilt it to your liking.

Bluetooth and Audio Options

The Bluetooth speakers on the Sole E95 are a bonus as they allow your ears to take a break from your Bluetooth earbuds. You can pair your phone to the elliptical to play your workout music or connect your tablet to listen to whatever you’re streaming. 

Water Bottle, Cup Holders, Tablet and Phone Holders

A large cup holder is located just under the console on the E95. This is ideal for those who want to stay hydrated during their cardio sessions and keep their water bottle in close reach. The tablet holder is positioned above the console.

HDMI, USB and Other Inputs

While there isn’t an HDMI plug-in, the USB port comes in clutch when you need extra juice for your electronics.

Product Specs

The Sole E95 is a front-drive elliptical, meaning the 27-pound flywheel is at the front of the frame. People who are over six feet tall often find that an elliptical’s stride length is too short. That’s not the case here, though, as you can adjust the stride on the E95 from 20 to 22 inches. The oversized pedals are connected to the moveable arms and can move forward and backwards. Despite its heavy weight, a handle and wheels make it easy to move around, and it supports up to 400 pounds.

Elliptical Type and Materials

This is a front-drive elliptical. Since the flywheel is at the front, you’ll likely be able to hit a steeper incline than you could on a center- or rear-driven elliptical. This may be ideal for those who want to emphasize their posterior chain, but that could also have a negative impact on your joints if you’re not careful. Some plastic is used for the cup holder, pedals, and console, while the steel framework creates a long-lasting build. 

Resistance and Max Incline

The E95 offers 20 levels of resistance and 20 incline settings, which is ideal for those who want varying difficulties in their body conditioning and want to mimic an outdoor hike. There are adjustment buttons for both settings located on the console, and there are also adjustment buttons on the right handle for the incline setting.

Pedals and Arms

The oversized pedals on this elliptical are pretty unique — they feature a two-degree inward slope designed to reduce the stress on your ankles and knees during your workouts. They can also be adjusted in 10 different positions so you can dial in your fit.

Like all ellipticals, the arms on the E95 move in unison with the pedals, providing an added stimulus for a bit of an upper-body workout. The handles also feature adjustment buttons for the stride length and the resistance level. 

Dimensions and Weight

Measuring 71” x 82” x 31” and weighing 236 pounds, the E95 is the definition of a large piece of equipment.

Weight Capacity

The Sole E95 Elliptical features an impressive weight capacity of 400 pounds.

Foldability and Portability

While this elliptical cannot fold, there are a set of wheels at the front of the frame and a handle built into the rear that allow for easy maneuvering.

Electrical Requirements

The E95 only requires a 110v outlet to be powered, which is a standard outlet in your home. 

Noise

Like all cardio equipment, the E95 is bound to make some noise. However, the magnetic resistance used here will keep that at a minimum. If you aren’t familiar with how this form of resistance works, it’s created by magnets on either side of the flywheel. 

The magnets get closer to the flywheel as you increase the resistance level, making it more difficult to move. Compared to other forms of resistance, like an eddy current, this is the quietest form due to the magnets not making physical contact with the flywheel. 

Workout Apps and Subscription Options

Sole offers a free fitness app that lets you keep tabs on your workout progression, or you can sign up for their subscription service, “Studio.” This will run you around $20 a month, or you can pay $200 for a yearly membership. Studio is loaded with over 3,000 live and on-demand workouts that range from cardio to strength training and even mobility exercises designed to be done off of the elliptical. 

The beauty of the E95 is that you aren’t required to sign up for Studio to use it. This is ideal for those who already pay for an online workout program, as you can stream from your tablet and follow along to the workouts.

Warranties

Sole offers a lifetime warranty on the frame of the E95, a five-year warranty on electronics and parts, and a two-year labor warranty.

Places to Buy

You can purchase the E95 directly through the Sole Fitness website.

Company Information

Sole has made a name for itself from its robust line of easy-to-use and durable cardio equipment. You’ll receive a 30-day money-back guarantee with your purchase, so if you’re unsatisfied, you’re eligible for a full refund. To find out more information or to speak to a team member, you can contact them at 877-441-8433.

Final Word

The Sole E95 is one of our favorite ellipticals on the market. It features a durable steel frame, oversized foot pedals, a 27-pound flywheel, and 20 levels of incline. The foot pedals also feature an innovative design with a two-degree inward slope designed to reduce the stress on your ankles and knees during your conditioning efforts. The 10.1-inch LCD display is pretty basic but easy to navigate and allows for basic stat tracking. 

The tablet holder makes it easy to follow along to your favorite workout subscription, and since you don’t have to sign up for Sole’s “Studio,” you’re free to use whatever program you want. The adjustable stride length is also an added perk since most ellipticals don’t accommodate those over six feet tall. While the E95 is a bit pricey, we still think its durability and overall high level of functionality make it a solid contender as the next addition to your home gym build.

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