Best-Rated Sole Elliptical Trainers 2024 | Comparison and Reviews

Power Incline/Incline Ramp = The Sole E25, E35, E55, E95 and E98 have an incline ramp which can allow you to simulate hills and make your workout harder. You press a button to raise the incline ramp to your preferred position. The ramp angle is fully adjustable from a level plane up to 40 degrees, so you can individually target and work all major lower body muscles.
Maximum User Weight = Each elliptical trainer depending on its construction has a maximum user weight limit. More expensive trainers generally can handle more weight. So if the limit is 300 lbs, and you are over 300 lbs., you should not buy this trainer but look for one with a higher weight limit. If you weigh substantially less than the weight limit, this will put less strain on the machine and parts. Sole Ellipticals Maximum Weights go from 350 lbs. (E25 & E35) to 400 lbs. (E95 and E98).
Magnetic Brake Resistance = Most Elliptical Machines use magnetic resistance which offers resistance through magnetic fields. One type of magnetic resistance is ECB (described below). Magnetic resistance is more maintenance free than those older technologies that relied on friction pads and belts. Magnetic resistance braking is smoother to use is quieter than other types of resistance mechanisms.

Bluetooth® & APP = The latest SOLE ellipticals have built-in Bluetooth with connectivity to send workout data to a Sole APP on your smartphone or tablet.
ECB Resistance = ECB Resistance is a high quality form of magnetic brake resistance. ECB = eddy current brake. All of Sole Ellipticals use ECB Magnetic Resistance.
Magnetic Resistance Levels = You can adjust the level of magnetic resistance to adjust the intensity of your workout. The more levels of resistance, the more choices you have in how hard a workout that you can select.
Heart Monitor = Most elliptical trainers have a heart monitor (grip or clip on type) which allows you to monitor your heart rate to meet heart rate goals for cardiovascular fitness. Grip monitors are built into the handlebars. The heart rate can be gotten by either a grip pulse monitor, or chest monitor (telemetry). Most ellipticals have at least the grip monitor, and some have both a grip and a chest monitor.
Heart Rate Control = The E35, E95 and E98 have heart rate programs that allow you to control your workout by heartrate, and keep you within a certain cardio range.
Telemetry Belt = This is a belt that is worn to monitor your heartrate. This can be used instead of the grip type of heart monitor and is considered more accurate.
Stride Length = This is the distance between your front foot and back foot at full extension on an elliptical trainer. What is the ideal elliptical stride length? If you are tall with long legs, you would want to get a stride that is longer. You should be able to fully extend your legs during each stride and be able to achieve a full range of motion through your hip joints. Also, you don’t want to hyper-extend. Taller users should get an 18-inch stride or longer. Users below 5′ 4″ can use an elliptical stride length of 18 inches or less. Between 5′ 4″ and 5′ 8″ an 18-inch stride should be ideal. If you are 5′ 9″ or taller, an 18-inch or longer stride is recommended. The taller you are a longer stride will be better. Some high end ellipticals have an adjustable stride length.
Workout Programs = Almost all ellipticals have a small computer and display where you can run multiple workout programs that vary the resistance. Some examples of programs are: Time, Distance, Calorie, Hills, Weight Loss, Reverse Train.
LED/LCD Display = All of Sole Ellipticals use a backlit LCD screen. This screen will provide information (such as time, calorie burn, heart rate, distance). The E25 has a traditional 7.5-inch LCD screen, but the E35, E95 and E98 all have a new color Touchscreen that can run built-in 3rd party Apps and Sole’s own fitness App.
Built-in Fan = Some elliptical trainers have a built-in fan to cool you off during your workout.
Built-in Speakers = Some elliptical trainers have built-in speakers, so you can plug in your ipod or other mp3 player and listen to music without having to wear earphones which could get tangled during your workout.
Light Commercial = The Sole E98 is a light commercial model, which means it is built to be more durable (commercial grade) than most home ellipticals. Built for the commercial environment, with its articulating foot pedals to its heavy 32 lb flywheel. Uses heavy duty 38 mm steel.