The Sole E25 is an entry-level home use / light commercial elliptical trainer. It is aimed at users who are looking for a basic, reliable, sturdy elliptical, and are not concerned about missing out on features included in more expensive machines, such as Bluetooth connectivity, heart-rate monitoring, and power-adjustable incline.
Below we take an in-depth look at this elliptical trainer – is it the best model for your needs?
Sole E25 Elliptical – Features
| Type | Elliptical Trainer |
| Method | Front-drive flywheel |
| Flywheel Weight | 20lbs |
| Resistance Levels | 8 |
| Incline Range | 0-20 degrees |
| Incline Adjustment | Powered |
| Display | 6.5" Backlit LCD Console |
| USB Charging Port | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Heart Rate | Yes (Handles) Chest strap compatible |
| Workout Programs | 10 |
| Max User Weight | 350lbs |
| Machine Weight | 212lbs |
| Dimensions | 70"L x 24"W x 64"H |
| Tablet / Book Holder | Yes |
| Stride Length | 20" |
| Built-in Fan | Yes |
| Built-in Speakers | Yes |
| Water Bottle Holder | Yes |
| Adjustable Pedals | No |
| User Profiles | N/A |
| Warranty (Frame) | Lifetime |
| Warranty (Mechanical) | 3 Years |
| Warranty (Electronics) | 3 Years |
| Warranty (Labor) | 1 Year |
| Cost (amazon.com) |
Sole E25 Review
What We Like
- Long warranty
- Ergonomically comfortable
- 20 levels of incline
What We Don’t Like
- Manual incline adjustment
- No chest strap option
- No stride adjustment
Build Quality
The Sole E25 Elliptical provides users with a natural feel as they workout. The machine is made of steel tubing and weighs 212 lbs, so you know it is durable and sturdy. It comes with padded foot pedals that ensure comfortable strides for users.
Weight Capacity
The E25 can withstand up to 350 lbs of weight. The average mid-range elliptical has a weight capacity of 300 lbs.
Adjustment Range
The E25 gives you up to 20 incline levels. With each level of incline adding a little more resistance. While 20 levels may seem like a lot, serious athletes won’t find too much resistance even at the highest setting. For that reason, this machine is not ideal for them.
Height
The Sole E25 Elliptical is a compact machine with dimensions of 70 x 24 x 64 inches. You should easily find space around your house or apartment for it. As far as ceiling height goes, you should add 20 inches to your height to determine whether the ceiling of the room is high enough.
Design/Features
The E25 features an ergonomic design to provide optimal comfort for users. It features pedals with an incline of two-degrees that reduce the risk of an ankle sprain. The padded handlebars are shaped so they move along naturally with your body.
The machine comes packed with features that allow you to manage workout data while keeping you entertained during workouts. Built-in speakers with Bluetooth functionality will enable you to listen to your favorite tunes. The speakers aren’t the best in terms of volume but still get the job done. The 6.5-inch LCD lets you track your workout’s progress, from monitoring your heart rate to tracking the distance and time. You can sync data from the machine to numerous health applications such as Apple Health and FitBit. There is also a tablet or smartphone holder so you can enjoy videos or read as you use the E25.
Assembly
Assembling the E25 is not an easy process. At 215 lbs. you want to make sure you have it delivered to the room where you plan on using it. Otherwise, moving it will be a workout on its own. There are many moving parts to the elliptical, but Sole provides a guide for you to follow. It took us around two and a half hours to fully assemble the machine.
Value
As a mid-range elliptical, the Sole E25 Elliptical does a great job of providing a full-body workout. It comes equipped with ten programs so users can get the exact intensity they want. You get a multitude of features that make workouts more exciting and keep you entertained. You can be sure that the E25 will have you looking forward to your workouts.
How Does It Compare?
Sole E35
The Sole E35 is the more “premium” of these two ellipticals. The E25 is heavier at 231lbs, compared to the E25’s 212lbs.
Both machines have a higher than usual maximum user weight capacity – typical elliptical machines have a maximum weight capacity around 300lbs, but the Sole E35 and E25 are different. The E35 has a maximum weight capacity of 375lbs, while the E25 can cater to users up to 350lbs.
Both machines have only 8 resistance levels and 10 workout programs. However, the 0-20 degrees of incline range offered by both ellipticals may compensate for this.
Both feature a backlit LCD console, but the E35’s display is bigger at 7.5”, while the E25 only has a 6.5” display.
Generally, the E25 is more affordable than the E35.
Schwinn 430
The Schwinn 430 is another premium product, usually a little less expensive than the Sole E25.
The 430 is lighter than the E25, weighing 165lbs compared to the Sole E25’s 212lbs. A heavier elliptical usually means a higher maximum user weight capacity – this case is no exception, as the Schwinn 430 can only carry up to 300lbs, while the Sole E25 can cater to users up to 350lbs.
The Schwinn 430 offers 20 resistance levels and 20 built-in workout programs, while the E25 only has 8 resistance levels and 10 built-in workout programs.
The 430 comes with a non-backlit LCD console, while the E25 is more advanced with a 6.5” backlit LCD console.
Nautilus E614
The Nautilus E614 weighs 167lbs, making it significantly lighter than the E25. The Sole E25 does compensate somewhat with a higher maximum user weight of 350lbs, compared to the E614’s 300lbs.
For those on the heavier side, the Sole E25 may seem a great fit, but it does have a limited number of 8 resistance levels and 10 built-in workout programs. The E614 can be more challenging to use with its 20 resistance levels and 12 workout programs.
On the other hand, technology plays a factor when comparing both ellipticals. The Nautilus E614 makes do with manual incline adjustment, while the Sole E25 has a powered incline adjustment making it easier to change the incline while simultaneously working out.
The Nautilus E614 is generally quite a bit less expensive than the E25.
Proform 520E
The Proform 520E is quite a heavy elliptical (weighing 200lbs), but the Sole E25 is even heavier at 212lbs. Both are heavier than other machines, but the Sole E25 has a higher maximum user weight capacity of 350lbs, while the Proform 520E can only cater to users up to 300lbs.
The Proform 520E has 18 resistance levels and 18 workout programs. This makes the Sole E25 look a bit less flexible, with just 8 resistance levels and 10 workout programs.
Both these ellipticals have a backlit LCD display. However, the Proform 520E’s is a little smaller at 5”, while the Sole E25’s is 6.5”. Both machines also have a powered incline range adjustment and are generally in a similar price range.
Proform HIIT
The Proform HIIT is very light at only 132lbs, compared to the Sole E25’s 212lbs.
Though the Proform HIIT is a lightweight machine, that does not mean it lacks features. In fact, it can cater to users up to 325lbs, only a little less than the Sole E25’s 350lbs user weight limit.
For a challenging workout, the Proform HIIT will not bore you with 24 resistance levels and 32 built-in workout programs, while the Sole E25 only has 8 resistance levels and 10 workout programs.
Technology-wise, both have backlit consoles. However, the Proform HIIT has a larger 7” display, while the Sole E25’s is 6.5”.
The Proform HIIT is usually quite a bit more expensive than the Sole E25.
