Sole E95 Elliptical Review
The Sole E95 has been rated a “best buy” in its price range for years.
Thanks to the reliable resistance system (with 20 levels of resistance), Eddy Current Braking and 20 inch stride length, the Sole E95 is a sure buy that will not disappoint you.
Exercise with a smooth feel both in forward and reverse motion utilizing the 34 pound flywheel. The Sole E95’s best-in-class warranty guarantees strong solid parts and in-home labor for 2 years.
Learn more by reading our full Sole E95 elliptical review below…
Wondering if the Sole E95 is your best bet? Compare it to similar ellipticals at the pages below:
- Compare the best Sole Ellipticals side-by-side
- Compare the top 5 front drive ellipticals
- Compare by price: $1,000 – $1,500 ellipticals
Here are some other great ellipticals you might be interested in:
- Smooth CE 8.0LC – Rating: 90.9% – Price: $1,599
- NordicTrack A.C.T. Pro – Rating: 90.8% – Price: $1,299
- Yowza Sanibel – Rating: 85.9% – Price: $1,499
- Livestrong LS8.0E – Rating: 79.5% – Price: $799
Properties
| Model | Sole E95 |
| Rating | 
|
| List Price | $2,799.99 |
| Best Price | $1,699.99 |
| Resistance | 20 Levels |
| Resistance Type | Eddy Current Braking |
| Stride Length | 20" - 22" |
| Visit Site |  |
| Pedals | Cushioned & Adjustable |
| Incline | 0 - 40% |
| Flywheel | 34 lbs |
| Programs | 10 |
| User Profiles | 2 Users |
| Heart Rate | Pulse Grips & Chest Belt (2 Programs) |
| Display | Backlit Blue LCD |
| Max. Weight | 400 lbs |
| Dimensions | 83" x 27" x 62" Weight: 215 lbs |
| Upper Body |  |
| Accessory Tray | |
| Music Ready | |
| Sound System | |
| Cooling Fans | |
| Folding? |  |
| Quick Controls | |
| iFit | |
| Warranty | Frame: Lifetime Parts: 5 Years Electronics: 5 Years Labor: 2 Years (In-Home) |
| Best Deal |  |
Full Review
Quick Summary
Rating: 93.0/100. Easy to use elliptical with heavy duty flywheel (34 lbs) and articulating foot pedal design to deliver a natural stride. Awarded ‘Best Buy’ in its price range for valuable features.
Pros:
- Quality resistance system with 20 levels
- Long adjustable 20 to 22 inch stride length
- Very durable frame (400 lbs. max user weight)
- Heavy flywheel ensures smooth/quiet operation
- Cushioned pedals that adjust to personal preference
- Large incline range for added difficulty (0-40)
Cons:
- Not extremely transportable at 215 lbs.
- Elliptical not compatible with iFit Live
- Workout selection adequate but not overtly impressive
Introduction
Sole Fitness has always been one of the best fitness manufactures and that is largely credited to sound engineering and their outstanding warranty packages.
The Sole E95 may only be in the $1,500 to $2,000 price range but the incredible warranty resembles something that most manufactures would require you to pay much higher to earn. Sole has confidence in their products and it shows.
The E95 is the strongest operating elliptical Sole produces.
This elliptical is capable of meeting just about every fitness demand and adjustment capability on many parts satisfies users who like diverse workouts.
Workout Programs
The Sole E95 features 10 workout programs, 6 standard and 2 you can design yourself.
The best workout program feature on the sole E95 is definitely the two included heart rate programs.
Not only does the E95 track your heart rate on a zone graph easily seen on the console, but resistance is automatically adjusted guaranteeing you stay in your targeted zone.
The included wireless chest strap functions with a 99.9 percent accuracy rating.
Unfortunately, the elliptical is not compatible with iFit Live which may irk some buyers looking to jump on the latest technological craze. But the extremely accurate heart rate programs make up for this limitation.
Elliptical Features
The Sole E95 is loaded with a plethora of amazing features. The performance of the elliptical is unrivaled for both comfort and quiet performance.
Not only does the 34 lb. flywheel guarantee a smooth performance, fluid natural motion allows you to easily listen to your favorite tunes without annoying background machine noise.
Adjustable oversize cushioned pedals are engineered with a 2 degree inward slope, reducing ankle and knee stress.
Ramp angle up to 40 degrees, foot pedal adjustment and resistance controls as well as pulse sensors built into the handles easily adjust to the pace of your workout. Not all ellipticals have built-in incline so it’s definitely an important addition.
The Sole E95 is music friendly with iPod/mp3 compatibility and built-in speakers. Exercise data including time, distance, calories burned and pace are all displayed nicely on a 9 inch LCD display.
Sole has also installed a cooling fan and water bottle holder to keep you cool and hydrated.
The Sole E95 has not forgotten working upper body muscles and incorporates them into your workout thanks to molded hand grips. Incline, resistance controls and heart rate pulse sensors are conveniently located there as well.
Warranty & Guarantee
The Sole E95 elliptical warranty and guarantee includes:
- Frame: Lifetime
- Parts: 5 Years
- Electronics: 5 Years
- Labor: 2 Years (In-Home)
Return Policy: 30 day trial-period guaranteed, contact Sole Fitness at 1-866-780-7653 for more information.
Conclusion
The Sole E95 is arguably one of the best ellipticals in the $1,500 to $2,000 price range. The performance, durability and functionality of the trainer are all commercial-grade.
See how the Sole E95 stacks up to other Sole ellipticals.
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36 Comments
I am a fairly big guy(6’5 / 285lbs) and i am looking to purchase a good solid eliptical. Can you tell me the major difference between the Sole E95 and the E35? That is the price range i need to stay around and i was just wondering which one you would recomend for someone like me. Thanks
Hi Chad,
They’re both great choices for a solid elliptical.
The biggest differences in the E35 are:
1. Lower max weight (375 lbs instead of 400 lbs)
2. Less resistance levels (16 instead of 20)
3. Less incline (30% instead of 40%)
4. Lower price ($1,299 instead of $1,499)
To see the differences visually, check out this side-by-side comparison of Sole ellipticals we put together.
If your focus is on a solid/durable elliptical, I would go with the E95 as long as it’s in your budget.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
Kyle
Thank you for your answers to my questions. They were very helpful. I have another one I’m not sure you will know but want to ask anyway. How high of ceilings do you think I should have? It seems like the sole stands you up higher than other ellipticals. The room I want to put it in only has about 7’6 to 7’10 high ceilings. Just wanted your opinion. Thank you.
Hey Chad,
No problem man! Happy to help.
As for the height, let’s do a bit of math to figure it out:
- The total machine height is 62″ (5 ft 2 inches)
- The pedals will put you at about a foot off the ground
- Add about a foot to your height (e.g. 6 ft would be about 7 ft total)
- Leave a few inches so you don’t hit your head
That means as long as you’re no taller than 6′ 3″ you should be fine, especially with the 7′ 10″ ceiling.
Have a good one Chad!
Kyle
P.S. – For anyone else wondering about height, the most common ceiling height is about 8 ft, so most machines are built to fit comfortably with extra head room.
I’m looking at the Sole E95 and the ProForm 18.0 RE because I want the 40 degree incline. I just used the Sole at a local store today and adjusted the incline all the way up and it just didn’t seem to have near as much incline as the ProForm. Do you happen to have any experience with the ProForm? I like the Sole a lot in every other respect but I just didn’t feel like I was getting much incline.
Hi Heather,
All things considered, I would recommend the Sole E95.
They both max out at a 40 degree incline, so it’s probably just the build that makes it feel like it’s not as steep in comparison, but the workout would be the same.
Hope that helps!
Kyle
Can you adjust the Level 1 resistance any less than it is? The level 1 seems to be just a little much for my youngest daughter and I’m wondering if this can be adjusted down to make the level 1 workout just a little easier for her benefit.
Kyle,
I’ve been looking at A LOT of different equipment and ‘ideas’ for what I need to accomplish – basically I’m 45yrs old, 5’7″ and 175#, not totally out of shape, but not great ‘aerobically’ and too much belly fat – basically all my excess weight is in my chest/waist area. Problem is this – tried Insanity, got thru a month first time around, severe shin splints, layed off 6mo and tried again, brand new fitted sneaks wrapped legs, iced legs, after a week, back at shin splints…:-( Soooo…long story short, I need to basically lose about 25# for professional drag racing motorcycles and we start testing in 5 months…and I need something low impact on my legs obviously – what are your thoughts on this machine? I’m looking to get my aerobic ability up, get my heart rate up and then tone/lose some weight. I do have my nutrition ‘in line’ also, just need to get a decent toning type workout in now…without going to an “LA Fitness” or something as time constraints hinder that and I’m not so much into the ‘pretty people/look at me’ gyms…lol
Thanks!
Hi Garry,
To the best of my knowledge it’s not possible to lower the Level 1 resistance.
I just looked through the manual and couldn’t find anything about adjusting the levels, but feel free to contact Sole support at SoleTreadmills.com in case there is a way I’m not thinking of.
Sorry I couldn’t help more with this one!
Have a good day,
Kyle
Hey Spencer,
Sorry to hear about your shin splints! I’ve heard they’re really painful from friends that had them when I was in track.
As for professional motorcycle drag racing, what an awesome motivator to exercise every morning! Very cool.
Anyway, I totally understand about not wanting to go to a gym. I love being able to finish an intense workout in the time it would take to drive to and from a gym.
An elliptical is definitely a good choice for aerobic exercise, toning and low-impact on the legs, and the Sole E95 is the highest-rated elliptical in this price range.
Good luck with your training!
Kyle
My wife and I are looking at the Sole E95. I’m 6’1″ and our ceiling height is approx. 7’4″ I’m really concerned that if we make the investment in purchasing E95 we might have a problem with it’s height. Can you recommend any other options in the this price range. Please help!!!
Hi Kevin,
This is a great thing to consider before buying. At their highest point, the pedals will be about 14″-15″ off the ground.
At 6’1″ (73″), your max height would be about 87″-88″. With the ceiling at 88″, this is cutting it very close.
Most ellipticals will be in this same height range, so another option for the same price would be the Sole LCR exercise bike (no need to worry about height with that!
).
Let me know if you have any other questions,
Kyle
Hey Kyle,
Was looking at the Smooth CE 8.0LC elliptical. From what I have read, it has very high reviews. Many have mentioned the Sole E95 as well. How would you compare these models? They are pretty much in the same price range. I just want a durable machine that will last for a long time. I am 6’2″ and 185lbs. Thanks for your help,
Mark
Hi Mark,
Excellent question! These are both great choices, though the Sole E95 has a higher rating overall.
Customers and experts have given higher ratings to the E95, mostly because it has better specs (flywheel, incline, stride length, etc).
The Smooth does have more programs and a longer warranty, and they have the same max. weight of 400 lbs (a good way to determine overall durability).
All things considered, and considering the price is so close, I would go with the higher rated model, the E95.
Hope that helps!
Kyle
Silly question, but important for my wife, can an iPad rest safely on the display?
Hi Chris,
An iPad will rest nicely on the lip above the controls, covering up most of the LCD display itself.
The lip where the iPad would rest is around an inch deep, so there’s enough room for it, though I would recommend she have a case on it (both to protect it and to grip the surface better than the aluminum).
The new models have a tilting display too, so she could tilt it back to reduce the odds of her iPad falling since most of the LCD will be covered up anyway.
If you get everything setup, and she’s afraid it might fall, there are companies making accessories for laptops and iPads, so I’m sure you could find something that will work well for her.
Hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions,
Kyle
I am new to elliptical but want to get more of a workout than my recumbent bike and I have a few questions.
1 – What is stride length and how do I measure it, I have long legs an want to make sure I get full extension
2 – Once assembled does this unit have a way to move to another room (wheels like my recumbent)?
3 – Can the incline be adjusted while working out or does it need to be adjusted before use or while off the elliptical?
thanks
Alan
I am interested in purchasing an elliptical but have had problems in the past with numbness in my feet while using one. Have heard there are pedals now that decrease the possibility of numbness in the feet. Is this correct? Are there particular brands of ellipticals that are better than others for this issue?
Hi Alan,
Great questions, thanks!
1. Stride length on an elliptical is the distance the pedals move horizontally during the workout. This is different from your own full-speed stride length measured while running (common in track). For the average user, a 20″ stride length is perfectly fine. For those with longer legs (like you and me), a 22″ stride length is great. The E95 can be adjusted from 20″ to 22″ to make sure it’s comfortable.
2. The E95 does have a handle at the rear, and can slide in the front, though it will definitely be more difficult to move than your recumbent bike due to the increase in weight and size of the frame.
3. The incline is super easy to adjust with quick controls on the handle. Tap to adjust up and down, or click the desired incline on the incline to jump right to the incline you want with 1 tap.
Hope that helps! Have a good day,
Kyle
Hi Cyndi,
I haven’t heard about this in quite some time, so I’m guessing you’re right about the newly-designed pedals having absorbing more impact and being more flexible with the angle to improve blood flow.
This is something that would vary by user, but it’s likely that the new 2013 models will be better for you.
As for a particular brand, I looked into the pedals Sole is using on the E95:
- They worked with a “leading physical therapist and sports enthusiast” to design their new pedals
- Their new oversized pedals have durable foam cushioning
- The engineers designed a 2 degree inward slope to reduce ankle and knee stress
It sounds like these features would be helpful. Let me know if there’s anything else I can help with.
Have a good one!
Kyle
Kyle,
The price on the e95 jumped $200 while I have been researching so I started looking at the Nordic track Elite 14.7. It seems to have some more features, I am a little concerned with the length of time and issues some customers seem to have with CS. Have you looked at the 14.7? Right now its $380 less ( with $80 web coupon) so price and features are attractive, customer service seems to be a concern.
I would appreciate any comments
Thanks
Alan
Hi Alan,
Overall, the 14.7 is a great choice too.
The Anroid OS malfunctions and customer support issues haven’t come up much with their ellipticals, so while there is more risk of these problems than with the Sole E95, this is a good machine.
Let me know if you have any other questions. Have a great day!
Kyle
Hey Kyle,
I just purchased a Sole E95 elliptical last night at Sears. I did extensive research before making my decision. However, when I got to the store, the sales guy made a comment that rear wheel driven ellipticals are, in his opinion, better than front wheel driven ellipticals. I asked why and he said mainly because you have more of a natural stride on the rear wheel and the front wheel causes more problems with knees overtime. What’s your opinion on this? The Sole seemed to be just as smooth as the all the others I tried out. I’ve ran several marathons without any knee issues, but that’s not to say I won’t have any in the future.
Hi Kathleen,
That’s great! Congrats on the marathons too, that’s awesome.
As for rear drive vs front drive, the comfort really depends on the person. Originally, there was a patent on the rear drive technology, so manufacturers stuck with what was cheaper to produce (front drive), but some have since found unique ways to manufacture their own versions of the rear drive concept.
After such a long time for companies to improve their engineering, both front drive and rear drive ellipticals are good choices in terms of how smooth and reliable they are.
Hope that helps! Enjoy your E95,
Kyle
I just ordered one from Amazon, I was more comfortable with the Sole than the Nodic Track and Amazon has it for the $1,499 price
That’s great, enjoy your E95!
I just purchased a used E95 from a third party on Craigslist…something I’m sure you don’t recommend. (But the machine was barely used and the price was unbelievable!) Anyways, I have a couple of questions. The first is somewhat obvious.
* Is the warranty transferable?
* I need a longer power cord. Can I get a longer cord from Sole? I couldn’t find one under the E95 Parts section on the website. What are the specs on the power cord? I may need to purchase one from a third party but I naturally want to make sure it is compatible. (BTW, I’d rather not use an extension cord. I prefer one long cord.)
Thank you!
Hi Scott,
Congrats on getting a good price! Nothing wrong with buying used if it’s in good condition and the price is worth it (just like buying a used car).
The warranty is not transferable, which is one of the disadvantages of buying used, though at a good enough price this can still be a good choice.
As for the cord, I can’t find anything other than an extension cord either. I would try calling their support line to see if they have any suggestions that could work.
Have a great night!
Kyle
Our ceiling height is 7 1/2 feet high and the length of the space we have is 63″. My husband is 6′. Will this elliptical work in that type of space?
Thanks.
Hi Karen,
The height should be fine (add about 14″ or so to the user’s height plus a little ceiling clearance), though the 83″ length will be too much in this space.
It’s very narrow (only 27″ wide), so if you can find another spot for it I would highly recommend the E95. If not, there are compact ellipticals that will fit, but they aren’t rated as highly as the E95.
Another option might be a folding treadmill, like the Sole F80. It’s a lot longer than 63″ when it’s unfolded (80″), so this would depend on whether or not the space is limited by a wall or walking room. Just figured I’d mention it in case the area is flexible.
Let me know if there’s anything else I can do to help!
Kyle
I’ve been trying to find an elliptical that would work for me in a room with a ceiling that’s just under 7 feet. One thing I’ve noticed is that measuring from the pedal height at its highest point isn’t necessary because the knee is bent at that point.
If you look at videos of ellipticals in use, you see that the users’ heads bob maybe 2 to 4 inches (probably depending on stride length) through the full elliptical movement. That means you can add maybe 6 inches to the lowest pedal position (the step-up height) plus the height of the tallest user to determine the minimum ceiling height.
Just my observation; I don’t know if it applies across the board. Anyway, I appreciate the link above to the compact ellipticals article; I’ll check it out.
Great point, thanks Rick!
It can be tough to measure this if the manufacturer doesn’t give a recommended ceiling height/clearance, but I tend to add around 6 inches to the bottom pedal’s height as a ballpark estimate. Thanks for the comment.
Have a good week,
Kyle
Would love your thoughts on the E95 vs the NordicTrack Elite 17.7- they are currently being offered within $100 of each other. I am definitely torn between them.
John
Hi John,
That is a tough one for sure. You’ve narrowed it down to two excellent ellipticals, so you will likely be happy with either choice.
That doesn’t help with the decision though, huh?
The only major distinguishing factor I can think of is that I rarely hear complaints about Sole’s customer service and shipping. It’s still not likely that something bad will happen with the NordicTrack (most customers are totally happy with the process), but I do hear far more complaints about these things with them than about Sole, so that’s something to consider.
Hope that helps! Have a good night,
Kyle
hello every one,
what is the best price for e.95 (2013 model)
thank you.
Hi Ravi,
For the best price on the Sole E95, check this page.
We highly recommend ordering direct because you not only get the best price, but there’s free shipping (basic delivery) and no sales tax.
Have a good day!
Kyle