Sole E35 Review – Pros, Cons, Pricing And Alternatives

Before we go in-depth on this elliptical trainer, here’s a quick rundown on the features of the Sole E35:

Resistance System	Build Quality	Tech Features	Pricing
4.5/5	4.5/5	4.0/5	4.5/5

WHAT WE LIKE +	WHAT WE DON’T LIKE –
✅ 25-pound flywheel	❌ Not foldable
✅ Frequent, big discounts on MSRP	❌ High MSRP
✅ 20-inch stride length	❌ Small workout library
✅ Electronic incline function

In this article, I will be telling you about everything you want and need to know about one of Sole Fitness’ best exercise machines, the E35 Elliptical.

The main factors I will focus on are the following:

• Resistance System
• Tech Features
• Build Quality
• Pricing

I will be reviewing the strengths and weaknesses of the Sole E35 so that by the end of this article, you can easily decide if this elliptical trainer is the right fit for you.

Thus, make sure you finish reading this article so you can come up with the best decision.

Elliptical Machine Buying Guide

First things first, you must know what to look for in an elliptical machine so you know what is the best fitness equipment to purchase according to your fitness goals.

Resistance System

The resistance system of an elliptical is composed of the following: flywheel, incline function, and workout programs.

These three work together to determine how easy or hard your workout is. 

The flywheel is the main source of resistance. It determines how hard you need to push and pull via its weight, and the opposing force that works to increase resistance.

Heavier flywheels are the better choice since they expand the range for resistance adjustment and they also give a smoother motion to the pedals and handles.

The opposing force or resistance can be produced via magnets or friction; the former is electronically controlled, the latter manually. Better go for the electro-magnetic resistance since it is easier to adjust and makes the elliptical run quietly.

Next up, pick an elliptical machine with an incline function. The more levels it has, the better. This will give you a lot more room to progress and improve your level of fitness.

The incline feature increases the difficulty of your workout by simulating an uphill terrain. This activates more muscles in the legs like the glutes and the quads.

Lastly, consider the elliptical trainer’s pre-programmed and programmable workouts. Besides taking the guesswork out of your training sessions, they help you maintain a constant level of overall difficulty. Thus, it is easier to track your progress on the machine.

Shoot for more when it comes to your elliptical machine’s resistance system. More weight on the flywheel, more levels of incline, more programmed workouts. This will make your workout sessions versatile and fun, making sure you don’t get bored or plateau in progress.

Tech Features

Some tech features of an elliptical add comfort to your workout, while others are connected to the first factor, the resistance system.

For stand-alone tech, it must be able to provide you with the following metrics: heart rate, time, distance, calories burned, and speed. Thus, your elliptical machine of choice should have a screen to display these measurements.

You need to take note of these variables because they tell you how fit you are, whether you are progressing or not, and when you are doing too much (of a good thing – exercising).

There are also added tech features that make the machine more comfortable and conducive to workouts. A cooling fan, integrated speakers, tablet holder, and bottle holders are the basic features you should be looking for.

For the resistance system, the tech part comes in when the flywheel resistance and incline levels are electronically adjustable – no need to turn knobs or pull pins.

Also, this allows for the two resistance features to be automatically adjusted depending on the workout program you choose.

Lately, Bluetooth and fitness app compatibility is sought-after since it makes for better accountability and interactivity with users on the same platform.

Build Quality

Manufacturers of elliptical trainers do not advertise the type of steel, bearings, bolts, welds, they use, unlike manufacturers of weight-bearing fitness equipment.

So, how do you determine the durability of their machine?

Besides looking at reviews, you can look at the weight of the machine to give you a rough image of the materials they use.

The heavier the machine is, the higher the chances that it is sturdy, stable, and heavy-duty.

As far as parts are concerned, the more adjustments you can make on them means they are of better quality. This goes with the footplates and the handlebars.

An oversized, adjustable footplate and an ergonomic, adjustable handlebar should be the preferred choices.

Budget and Equipment Price

When it comes to price, people only tend to consider their budget in contrast to the elliptical they wish to buy.

If the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) goes beyond the amount they are prepared to spend, they usually click away immediately in search of a cheaper, thus, lower quality one.

While this type of thinking is understandable. But, you should not be so quick to rob yourself of the opportunity to own a quality fitness machine.

Remember, manufacturers and distributors usually offer discounts and price drops several times a year. Thus, getting a good quality elliptical for a significantly lower price is not impossible.

So here’s a tip: look at multiple websites and pages that sell the same piece of equipment. It’s quite time-consuming, but chances are you’ll be able to buy the elliptical you want at almost half the MSRP.

Sole E35 Overview

The Sole E35 elliptical machine is one of the top ellipticals in its class. It is a mid-range priced trainer with all the resistance features you need to challenge yourself and continue to progress.

With its 25-pound flywheel, 20 incline levels, and 10 workout programs, it won’t be easy to out-develop the E35. Use it for a whole-body workout, or a pure leg workout.

All its sources of resistance are electronically and automatically adjusted. There will be no need to unmount from the machine and fidget with pins and dials.

Simply choose your program, click start, and the machine will do the adjusting for you while you workout. Or, even without choosing a program, you can change the resistance from the handlebars, again, while working out.

You could practically use the Sole E35 Elliptical your entire lifetime. With its 231-pound product weight, you can bet that it is durable.

Plus, with its lifetime, 5-, 5-, and 2-year warranties on the frame, electronics, parts, and labor respectively, this machine will last long.

While in use, it remains stable and won’t wobble nor move when you hit high intensities.

The footplate or pedals come in the standard 20-inch stride, which is right in the range of stride length to let you move in a natural and comfortable gait.

This machine has two handlebars: one stationary and the other one moving. The stationary handle is equipped with pulse sensors, while the moving handle has buttons to change the incline level and flywheel resistance.

The Sole E35 is a great home elliptical. Although it is not foldable, it has a front-drive design making it compact (82x31x71” LWH) in comparison to other elliptical machines.

Also, it has a moving wheel and handle at the front and back to make it easy to tuck away into a corner when not in use.

Who is the Sole E35 Best For?

Since an elliptical is a cardio machine, your exercise sessions using it will be longer compared to weight lifting sessions.

Elliptical machines are easier on the joints compared to conventional forms of cardio such as running.

Thus, it helps prevent wear on the knees, ankles, spine, and other joints that may lead to overuse injuries.

That’s not to say that it is only for people who are concerned about joint longevity.

The Sole E35 Elliptical is designed to provide resistance for beginners up to advanced fitness enthusiasts who want to push themselves to the limit.

This machine can push you to progress gradually or test the limits of your cardiovascular and muscular endurance.

Hence, if you are:

• Looking to start your fitness journey with cardio-focused workouts

• An experienced gym-goer, cardio bunny who’s looking for an efficient way to burn calories
• Someone with existing joint problems or simply want the added benefit of joint longevity to their exercise routine

Then keep on reading.

How Does It Function?

Elliptical machines work your whole body. However, you can also opt to just train the lower body by simply using the stationary handles.

By design, it is a machine meant for cardiovascular training. But, if the elliptical has a heavy enough resistance, your sessions can be turned into a whole-body high-rep resistance workout.

The pedals and moving handles drive the flywheel. So, you will be moving your arms in a horizontal pushing and pulling motion while your legs mimic your natural walking or running gait to overcome the machine’s resistance.

The Sole E35 Elliptical has a pretty straightforward interface.

The control console has all the buttons needed to make the E35 function. For easy use, you have a total of 10 programs to choose from with a dedicated button for each.

If you want to create your own elliptical routine, there are buttons on the moving handles and the console for adjustments.

Like its other features, the entertainment and comfort components of the Sole E35 – such as the Bluetooth speaker and cooling fan – can be turned on at the push of a button.

These seemingly minor details will help you stay longer on the machine. Thus, help you reach your fitness goals quicker.

Check out this video to get a better idea about the functions of the E35:

Here’s My Thoughts and Opinions On Sole E35

Resistance System

The Sole E35’s flywheel weighs a moderately heavy 25 pounds. Since most beginner-to-intermediate elliptical flywheels weigh under 20, then this machine offers better resistance than most.

Thus, the E35 Elliptical runs smoothly even at high resistance levels. And, all you need to do is press buttons to go up and down in difficulty – no need to spin dials.

This machine’s incline level goes from 0 to 20 degrees, which is more than what other brands have. Plus, it has Sole’s Power Incline function, meaning it is electronically adjusted and the resistance changes as you increase the incline, instead of just adjusting the angle.

With 10 workout programs having a dedicated button each, starting and sticking to a routine will be a piece of cake.

Out of the ten, five are pre-programmed, namely: Fat Burn, HIIT, Hill, Cardio, and Strength. Then, it has two programs for heart rate control. And, the last two programs are reserved for you to design your own elliptical routine.

Verdict

The Sole E35 Elliptical has a fully electronic resistance system with lots of options for configuration. Thus, for its frequently discounted price ranging from $1400-1700, it is one of the best out there when it comes to the number and combination of resistance settings you’ll be able to do.

Tech Features

To start, it has a 7.5-inch backlit LCD to display your workout stats. It is housed in the updated console that now comes with an integrated tablet holder. This allows you to use your tablet and other smart devices to watch your favorite shows or workout videos while you train.

The console also includes a pair of Bluetooth-capable speakers to hook up your devices to for cordless listening. Plus, it comes with a USB charging port so you don’t have to worry about charging your devices before use.

For better progress tracking, the Sole E35 can also transfer workout data from the elliptical to your smart device via Bluetooth. You can track your progress for free on the Sole Fitness App as well as other compatible fitness apps like Apple Health and Fitbit.

And, with Sole’s attention to detail, the foot pedals are custom designed to have a 2-degree inward slope to reduce stress on the ankles and knees during long cardio sessions.

In addition, it is equipped with adjustable foot pedals to fit your natural gait pattern. Again, this helps reduce soreness in the legs, especially the Achilles tendon and the toes.

All these contribute to a comfortable workout environment that will let you focus more on progressing and achieving your fitness goals.

Verdict

The Sole E35’s tech is not sophisticated, but it is not disappointing either. It has everything you need to make programming and tracking your workouts easier without the high-tech components that higher models have. Overall, the electronic components, capabilities, as well as body-friendly adjustability of the Sole E35 make it a great buy.

Build Quality

An elliptical machine’s durability starts with its frame. The Sole E35 uses heavy-gauge steel to be able to support up to 375lbs. With the machine itself weighing 231lbs, it is both stable and sturdy no matter the intensity.

It has a whisper-quiet drive system thanks to its 25-pound magnetic flywheel with a high gear ratio. So, you won’t need to worry about waking up your housemates or neighbors, especially if you love doing early morning cardio.

To make the ride even better, the pedals are attached to four rear wheels that slide on individual, heavy-duty rails. This makes the motion smoother and more stable.

The E35 elliptical has two sets of handlebars. A stationary one for a lower body-focused workout and a multi-grip handlebar for whole-body workouts. these two options give you more versatility in your training.

The stationary handles have built-in pulse sensors to monitor heart rate. Also, the E35 allows for hands-free heart monitoring via a chest strap. Meanwhile, the moving handles have built-in buttons to adjust the Power Incline and flywheel resistance levels for continuous exercising.

Its pedals are oversized to allow for varied foot positions. And, with the 2-degree inward slope, adjustable footbed, and padded footplate, you can get in the most optimal and most comfortable position for your exercise sessions.

Verdict

In terms of durability, stability, adjustability, and ride quality, the Sole Fitness E35 has a comparable build quality to higher-end models. This makes it a bargain at its discounted price range. This factor, in my opinion, makes it a sought-after mid-range elliptical.

Pricing

At first glance, the price of the Sole E35 would make you want to look for another elliptical immediately. This machine’s MSRP is $2799.99 –But, don’t lose hope just yet!

The E35 is often sold by Sole Fitness itself and its authorized distributors at a price tag of $1500. That’s a whopping $1300 discount!

Honestly, I could not see the E35 selling for the MSRP. But, for prices near the $1500 range, I’d say it is an awesome deal, cost-to-value wise. Not to mention the long warranties it has on the frame, electronics, parts, and labor.

And, the great thing is that the Sole E35 is offered at huge discounts almost year-round.

So, if you plan on buying the Sole E35, I strongly recommend putting in a bit more effort so you can get the best deals and discounts on it.

Verdict

The Sole E35 Elliptical machine’s discounted price, when you take into consideration its build, resistance system, and integrated tech, is a fair price. Maybe it’s just me, but I think the MSRP and the big discounts are just a marketing ploy of Sole Fitness to make buying it more enticing. And, if it is, it works!

Reviews on the Sole E35:

“(…) Others have commented about the assembly or the instructions. I did not have any issue with either. I spent about 2 hours assembling the machine and it went together as expected. I did use my tools instead of the ones provided in the kit. I also watched assembly videos ahead of time online. The machine is very solid and stable. The built-in workouts make sense and easy to use. If I were to change anything about it I would eliminate the speakers and I’d improve the fan. The fan doesn’t move enough air to be of value and I use headphones. If you are looking for a home elliptical in this price range the Sole E35 is an excellent choice.”

• Amazon Verified Purchase

“This is a great gym-quality machine. It is quiet and works like a champ. There are 2 reasons why I did not give it 5 stars. The first reason is the ease of assembly. It is honestly not a hard process but the provided diagrams not instructions require a lot of deciphering. They are more blueprint than assembly instructions. The second reason is that their app is straight garbage. Besides giving you a very basic workout tracking. It also does not allow you to transfer fitness data to any of the following fitness apps (Fitbit, Record, Mapmyrun, Apple Health). If they were to fix these two issues it would easily be a 5 star machine.”

• Amazon Verified Purchase

Is the Sole E35 right for you?

Equipped with all the information you need to know about buying ellipticals as well as the good and the bad of the Sole E35, it’s time to shift the focus on you.

The Sole E35 is not the right elliptical for everyone. Thus, let me narrow down who the E35 will be best for.

For the cardio and conditioning bunnies:

With the numerous options for resistance afforded by the heavy flywheel, Power Incline, and 10 workout programs, it would be hard to out develop and outgrow the E35 Elliptical.

The wide range of workout variability makes it suitable for all individuals at all fitness levels. Thus, if you love the calorie-burning and muscle-searing effects of cardio and conditioning-type training, then the Sole E35 is a worthwhile pick.

For the tall and heavy fitness enthusiasts:

Given the Sole E35’s build quality: heavy-duty frame, four pedal-support wheels, oversized footplates, multi-grip handles, and a weight capacity of 375lbs., it can take on fitness lovers on the tall and heavy side of the scale.

You won’t have to worry about the machine being tough enough to handle heavy weights and high intensities because it is built tough.

Alternatives to the Sole E35

If you are looking for a truly high-tech and heavy-duty elliptical trainer, you can go for the Sole E95 instead. It is an upgrade of everything the E35 has, from resistance, build, and tech.

Its best feature is the adjustable stride length for optimal movement. You can switch length from 18 up to 24 inches, making it suitable for tall or short individuals. Plus, it can accommodate even heavier individuals up to 400 pounds.

It also has a heavier 30-pound flywheel, 10-inch TFT LCD, and all the tech you can find on the lower E35.

However, if you want an even more budget-friendly option, the Sole E25 is a great option. It is $600 cheaper, with only the Power Incline, weight rating, and multi-grip handle missing from the E35.

Thus, you still have the most important part of the Sole ellipticals intact, their versatile resistance systems.

Final Thoughts

The Sole E35 Elliptical was designed for everybody; it was made to be suitable for a wide range of fitness levels.

What makes it great? Well, it is the fact that the machine adjusts to your body: your stride, limb length, gait pattern, and chosen exercise intensities.

It is indeed a high-quality machine. And, if you’re okay with not having more advanced and high-tech features, it is a great elliptical trainer to consider buying as it fulfills more than the basic things you’d need in one.

So, do you think the Sole E35 Elliptical will help you reach your fitness goals?

FAQ: 

What elliptical models does Sole Fitness have?

Sole Fitness has a whole line of ellipticals ranging from budget-friendly to high-tech. From lowest to highest spec and price, their ellipticals consist of the E20, E25, E35, E55, E95, E95s, and E98.

How do you turn on the Sole E35 elliptical?

After plugging in the E35, locate the power switch. To locate the power switch, follow the cord where it plugs into the unit on the left side near the front.

How do you disassemble the Sole E35 elliptical?

For disassembling the Sole E35, it would be best to refer to your user manual. Or, you could contact the manufacturer or distributor to assist you in the process to avoid damaging any component or voiding the warranty.

How to lengthen the stride of the Sole E35 elliptical?

Unfortunately, the E35 does not have an adjustable stride length. Thus, the stride length is fixed at 20 inches. 

Does the Sole E35 elliptical fold up?

No, the Sole E35 is not a foldable elliptical. However, it does have a compact design thanks to its front-drive design.

What is the best elliptical machine for home use?

Any elliptical can be best for home use as long as they fit your needs, resources, and allotted space. Sole Fitness has a whole line of ellipticals ranging from compact to commercially-sized ones, and budget-friendly to the best spec ones.

Are ellipticals good for losing belly fat?

Ellipticals are made for aerobic training, thus they burn significantly more calories than anaerobic exercises. Hence, ellipticals are good for losing belly fat.