5 comments about Sole E25 Elliptical Trainer (2008 Model).

1. I have had this unit for a couple of weeks now and because of the wheels constantly jumping off track and interupting my workout, I am getting fed up with this unit. I have called service to try to get it resolved, but fear this is more of a design flaw then just a simple problem. The stores I've visited that sell this particualr model all seem to suffer the same scars from the metal base of the wheel assemby scraping the base where the wheels move forward and back.



2. Purchased this ellipitcal in June 08 based on web research and Amazon reviews but I wanted to wait awhile before I offered my opinion.
   
   Delivery was prompt and undamaged. You will need help getting the elliptical to its final place of use. You may have to pay the freight company for this service. The box is the size of a small refigerator (too wide to pass through a doorway) and cannot be transported on end so forget renting a dolly from your local tool rental. I unboxed mine in the garage and had some help carrying the bottom portion (heaviest) into my home. Assembly is easy for almost anyone; SOLE provides the tools but your own are probably better.
   
   Like some others, mine began to squeak so loudly almost immediately that I couldn't stand to use it. SOLE customer service sent me new pedals and connecting arms to replace the originals. They did offer to provide a service person but I declined. You will have to send the orignal parts back (at their expense) so if you also need to do this, be forewarned: KEEP THE ORIGINAL BANDING on the parts box. Otherwise you will have to pay to reband before shipping the parts back to SOLE.
   
   After replacement, performance has been much better and the elliptical performs as originally expected.



3. After purchasing my Sole E25, it had problems with noise, but Sole offered to replace the unit by sending someone to my home with a new one. I was very impressed by this, and I think it shows that Sole is a quality company committed to the satisfaction of their customers. I am looking forward to getting the new unit. I would raise my rating so far to 3 or 4 starts, perhaps 5 depending on the replacement, but the Amazon interface won't allow this on review followups.



4. I have used Elliptical trainers for 10 years & have replaced them as needed (worn out)this machine fits my needs & for $1000 worth the price, it operates smoothly & is sturdy,well built & should last for for years used 5 times a week, It does have a small creaking noise coming from the main stem that is bolted onto the top stem it can be reduced by adjusting the bolt tensions on the 4 bolts to find the correct tension you just have to experiment but will help with the creaking noise. I would recommend this product for everyday use, the display is useful, the fan is not.



5. As a 50 yr. old woman who was overtaken by menopausal weight gain, I had to do something. I used to be a runner but my knees can no longer take the pounding. Swimming laps was too boring. I had tried some elliptical machines and some were fine for my knees and some hurt. I strongly suggest that you find a gym, fitness center, or sporting goods store and try out different models before you buy. This Sole elliptical has a 20 inch stride and I wouldn't go any shorter than that, and I'm a short person. The pedals also adjust the angle that is most comfortable for the user. I gather that the wrong angle can make your toes tingle.
   
   I hated to pay the money for this machine but it is worth it. Setup took maybe and hour and wasn't difficult, although it is heavy so having a helper is good. Initially there was a rubbing noise but my hubby discovered that one of the factory installed bolts was not tight and fixed it. I have had it for 4 weeks and have lost 8 pounds and 3 inches (waist, hips, thigh). I work out for an hour each day. It's nice that I can vary the workout with the different programs. This machine can be used with or without using your arms. The controls are quick and easy to use and only took about 10 minutes to figure out. It is so smooth and quiet that I can watch tv or listen to music easily. My favorite thing is it has a sort of shelf on the console that I can prop a book on and read.... anything to keep my mind off how I'm feeling tired or other things I could be doing. The little fan cools your face. It has holders for a waterbottle (included), MP3, and I can hang a towel on the stationary handlebar. One feature I hadn't thought was important was the calories burned indicator. However, now that I know how hard I need to work to burn off that 150 calorie Little Debbie Cake, I am finding it easier to put them down.
   
   So, I recommend this machine highly. The cheaper, lighter machines don't have the stability or smooth stride.

5 comments about Stamina Air Resistance Cross Trainer.

1. I boutght this product 3 months ago.. Today it sints in my garage because the part that connects the paddle to the main unit broke.. I tried calling the company but still no response. I do NOT recommend this product!!



2. After searching the Internet for a small exercise machine I was about ready to give up as everything was much too large for the limited space I have. However, at last I did find just what I was looking for - a smaller, well made machine with good customer reviews. I have used it every day since receiving it and have nothing but good to say about it. It's quiet, has adjustable resistance, the monitor works perfectly and best of all, I'm increasing each day the length of time that I'm able to use it so it's obviously doing what it's supposed to. I highly recommend this Stamina Cross-Trainer and give it a big A+.



3. First, this machine is not the easiest to assemble, but the instructions are very helpful. That is not why I rated this machine only one star, however.
   
   We owned the first one for one week. During my 4th time using it, the right pedal arm fell off - the bolt holding it to the crank shaft stripped out. I received replacement parts under warranty, but they are impossible to replace without buying another tool (which we could not find locally) and a ton of elbow grease. So, we shipped it back to Amazon and ordered a replacement.
   
   We owned the second one for a little over a month, just long enough that we cannot return it to Amazon. The belt slipped off the wheel inside, making the pedals immoble. So now we are in the same predicament as before. No tool to dismantle the machine, even though we can get a new belt. Stamina's customer service will not refund our money (yet) and expect us to fix it ourselves, even though this is covered under warranty (which also states that we should return it to them for repair). However, the Staminateam Customer Service reps do respond promptly to emails.
   
   I liked this machine when it was working. But next time, I will spend more money and buy a quality machine.



4. I've bought other indoor equipment to work out with and lost interest. I love this one. I've used it consistantly everyday with out fail. If I could change one this though I would make the two cross bars on the bottom longer for a better "feel" of stability". It feels okay but for my own mind it could be better... if that makes sense.



5. I bought the machine put it together and started using it. It was not hard to assemble, but it does not hold weight over 200lbs. After the first few days i started having a problem with the pedal attached to the crank it was stripping and the pedal was coming off. So i called stamina they sent me new parts. Again i had to put it together...Again i was having a problem with the crank that was attached to the pedal it was stripping again and the pedal was falling off. The the belt went on the machine. So now i called statmina but i figured let me just get a whole new machine instead of playing with parts being shipped. So called amazon and they were great they sent me a new machine in 2 days and again i had to put it together. And yet again the pedal was being weighed down and stripped the screw which was held into the crank. So now i was disgusted and i called amazon and they are going to have both machines picked up with a full refund. So five stars to Amazon for being curteous and helpful. But cause of the false advertising and the trouble i went through with this machine only 1 star for this product. When it works, it works great. As long as you weigh less then 200 or maybe even less then that. Its just a very flimsy item, i guess you get what you pay for. I decided on getting a weslo, i was shocked when i opened it up and saw how heavy duty it was. It works great its stable and its weight requirment says up to 250 lbs and it lives up to that. So if your heavy and want an elliptical try weslo. They are a little more money, i payed 249.99 but worth it!

5 comments about Schwinn 438 Elliptical Trainer.

1. I bought the Schwinn 438 about two months ago. Half of that time, it's been out of commission due to Nautilus' absolutely atrocious quality assurance. First, the machine shipped missing half the screws and bolts necessary to complete construction. It took the company three weeks to finally send me the small box of parts I needed. Once I was able to build it, I was only able to use it for a few days before it appeared to break. The problem? The instructions forgot to mention that I was supposed to reinforce the two main load-bearing joints with the thick aluminum sheathes that were inexplicably left over once I finished building it. Oops, just a minor detail there. And today's it's back out of commission because the welds supporting the mast have come loose. I bought Schwinn because of the company's reputation for excellence, but my experience with this product has been fraught with the shoddiness I'd expect from some fly-by-night off-brand. Utterly disappointing.



2. I ordered this item on June 11 and it is now August 1st. I have just called in to ask where the item is and customer service has no idea and practically encouraged me to cancel the order and receive a refund. I am very disappointed in Amazon. I was impressed with their Free SuperSaver Shipping option but now I know WHY IT WAS FREE! I have just opted to receive my refund and buy from someone else! Signed, Angry in Texas



3. Purchased this machine from Amazon 2+ years ago after using a Matrix elliptical at the gym and really liking the workout. Was a bit concerned about durability long term, as this is comparably a cheaper piece of equipment. But... have used it about 3 - 4 times/week ever since. Have never had any problems with it! Love the user memory -- just jump on the elliptical, pick your name and go! A great addition to any home gym.



4. I put it together in about two hours and while there were occasions when I had to guess a bit about what the instructions meant ... and there were a couple of times when the parts list was slightly off ... it was still fairly easy. Once assembled, the unit feels sturdy and works well. I had a couple of squeaks and called Nautilus (they make Schwinn) to ask their advice. I was told I had probably overtightened the fasteners and to loosen them slightly. Seems to have worked. Hope this elliptical will last a long time -- it's been good for the first month!



5. My overall opinion of this is just as the title states.
   
   But our journey with this was quite a process. Even still it was so worth it!
   
   Most people, I'm sure, will not have to go through what we did. But I just want to tell you my story just in case one of you out there has any problems to let you know they can be fixed and that you will still love the machine!
   
   The shipment came fast but the box was wet when it came. (So I was concerned about metal and electronics being wet.)
   
   Assembly was not bad, but lay out all of your parts and check your parts list to make sure you have everything before you begin. We were missing a few things. Which my husband just purchased at our local hardware store. (we could have called the company and they would have shipped them for free)
   
   My husband assembled the machine only to find out that the counsel did not work. I still started to use it though the counsel was not functioning at all. It was nice to know that it worked apart from its' electronic element. Upon use, the wheels on the glide started to create rust on the track and a bit of friction.
   
   We phoned the number listed in the owners manual and they sent out parts to fix the issues. They also sent a necessary tool to help.
   
   Shipment arrived fast and my husband followed their instructions and the tool broke. He phoned them again and they sent another tool.
   
   Upon receiving the tool he tried again only to have the tool break again and to find another issue.
   
   He phoned the company again and this time they scheduled a technician to come out at their expense. The technician stated that part of the machine was faulty (that's why the tool kept breaking) and he did not want to reassemble the machine. (which I was thankful for!) The technician then left and inquired as to what to do from his manager. The company stated that the failed part would not hinder use and so contacted us to set up an appointment for reassembly. At this point my husband was a bit unsettled and inquired about future issues with the machine as a result of the failed part.
   
   With that inquiry, via the technicians manager, we were sent a form to fill out to request a brand new machine. Confused as to what to do with this form as it was quite extensive my husband again phoned the company and dealt straight with them instead of dealing with contracted service people. With that the process started for us to receive a new machine. This was the easiest part of all. Within a short period of time we were told the machine would be shipped out and the only delay was that the truck had to wait until it was fully loaded to travel to our part of the United States and who could blame them for that as the cost of gasoline/diesel is outrageous!
   
   After all of that our new machine arrived.
   
   We were not billed for any of the above. We have a new elliptical(the other one was new, too) and parts ta boot if anything happens to it beyond the warrenty!
   
   The machine is fabulous to use. It glides so incredibly smooth. It is very quiet. All of the functions on the LCD screen are awesome to have. For exercise, it is so relaxing because the glide is so smooth. This machine has the Eddy current braking system, which is what you want in an elliptical for resistance. This system uses the pull of a magnet to create resistence which allows for the smooth glide. The magnet never touches the glide wheel.
   
   Shipping for the first and second machines were free. Amazon has that once in a while which is great! If you really want to buy one of these don't wait till the end of December or the beginning of the new year as prices go up then because most people have new year's resolutions to get in shape. I bought this machine at the beginning of December 2007. I saw the price go up quite a bit after that.
   
   I hope what we went through will not deter you from purchasing this machine. I went through consumer reports when considering an elliptical and they suggested the Schwinn 418 at the time. I chose this one because other reviews stated that the screen was better and the machine was more quiet. I am glad I chose this one over the 418 model.
   
   Also, thanks to all of the other people who reviewed this machine as it was important in making my decision.

5 comments about Body Flex Body Rider Elliptical Trainer with Pulse Meter.

1. I bought this item a few weeks ago. The item was listed as new!! When I opened the box that it came in I found 1/2 the unit had scratches,red paint on it, and grease all over it. I wanted to send it back but it would be impossible to put it back in the same box it came in. I decide to try to assemble it. I was not even 1/2 way through putting it together and came across another problem..........the bolts that they sent with it were the wrong size. I would highly suggest to anyone looking for an elliptical trainer to shop elswhere!!!



2. It fell apart within days ... it makes a grinding noise, wobbles and not at all steady. I called up the Customer Service, but the solutions they provided were temporary (worked for 2 min, then the noise started again !!). There is some serious design flaw in this product. I have used ellipticals many other places, but this one is the worst among the lot. Not worth buying !!!



3. 3 Days....3 DAYS!!! before it started to fall apart. It creaks and grinds and is NOT WORTH YOUR TIME OR MONEY!
   
   I'd give it zero stars if I could.



4. It was a pain to assemble b/c nuts were missing and once assembled, it shakes while in use, I can't even use the arms b/c it wobbles from side to side and no matter how much I tighten the screws it still shakes. In a word it sucks! I was forced to buy it b/c it was the only thing I could afford at the time.



5. I made a wise choice purchasing the body flex elliptical trainer. It's a great value for the money and easy to assemble. I now exercise on a regular basis. I love it.

5 comments about Sole E55 Elliptical Trainer (2008 Model).

1. I think this is an awesome elliptical for the money. I don't give out five stars very often, but this one ALMOST deserved it. A couple minor things led to a four star review: 1) the fan on the face is pretty much useless, 2) the electronic display is very basic, I was hoping for a little more 3) one of the tracks doesn't perfectly line up w/ the step roller so every once in a while it will come off if its bumped. Other than that, it works very well and is well made. My wife and I use it about 5 times a week each and we've had it about 3 months now... so far so good.



2. I just got the e55 yesterday and I could not be more pleased. I had my reservations before I bought it because people said it makes noises. It is true if you do not assemble it right. I have the noises my self and I took the area where the sound was coming out apart and put it back together and the noise was gone. Beautiful machine. I am looking forward to many hours of enjoyment and lose some weight on the way.



3. We have had the E55 for a month now. We ultimately purchased it from Amazon. They had the best combination of financing and shipping options. The price was the same at every site and at our local Dick's sporting goods store.
   
   Delivery
   You'll need to plan the logistics of how this 200 lbs. machine is going to get wherever you want it to be. We didn't pay for in home delivery. We expected to have to pull it off the back of a semi-trailer and muscle it into the house and up a flight of stairs. We engaged family and a refrigerator dolly to do just that. To our surprise, the delivery company showed up with a lift-gate straight truck, two capable men, and their own equipment. Other sites, including the manufacturer, want an additional $100 for this service.
   
   The Workout
   One of us is new to aerobic exercise this year as part of a New Year's resolution, and has turned into a regular endorphin junkie. Before this machine arrived, we used an old Nordic track ski machine. The comparative workouts on the two machines don't come close. The Sole elliptical is a great workout and really outclasses the skier. I can accomplish more in 90 minutes on the Sole than I could in 3 hours on the old Nordic track. Moreover, a treadmill barely elevates my heart rate and hurts my knees. The Sole is more efficient in terms of cardio gains and calorie burned versus time spent.
   
   The Machine
   The Good:
   * It is excellent at its core function, and this important because if it were not, I'd be returning it. It provides a great workout and when it is not squeaking, it really is quiet.
   * The handles provide a great upper body workout. We can actually use them rather than have them along for the ride
   * Assembly, as promised by the manual, was really easy. Sole put some thought into it. I strongly encourage the use of real tools over the ones provided. The stamped steel wrenches included don't allow one to apply sufficient torque to the fasteners.
   * Assembly tip, don't try to move the flywheel buy lifting or muscling it. Instead, leave it in the box and use it to slide it into place. The flywheel and attached foot pedal rails are too awkward to move safely.
   * I don't come close to hitting my head on the ceiling while working out. Some reviewers expressed concern about this. At 6'4" I estimate I've got a 3 inch margin of clearance on our 8 foot high ceiling.
   * The included chest strap heart rate monitor allows the user to keep their hands on the handle bars.
   * The nice, thick, tubular frame is very rigid. We prefer the beefier frame of the E55 over the E25.
   * It is longitudinally very stable. Laterally it can rock during a workout.
   
   The Bad:
   * The mast squeaks intermittently, about 50% of the time depending on temp and humidity. I've tightened it with regular wrenches to no avail. The foot pedals click intermittently. The rails that support the rear rollers squeaked before I supported them with a book and some shims.
   * The machine contacts the floor in 6 places. Sole provides adjustable feet to level the machine, but only on four places. The front of the machine does not have adjustable feet. Shims work, but aren't attractive.
   * At lower levels of resistance, my toes get numb. Increasing resistance results in leaning forward and no numb toes. The manual claims that the foot pedals are biomechanically correct. For whom? No amount of adjustment to the pedals alleviates the numbness. I would prefer to have the pedals articulate rather than have to have my foot follow designed motion. Foot pedals on my bike move with my foot, why shouldn't these?
   * The fan provided is not powerful enough to move enough air to cool either of us. We can't detect a difference when it is on or off.
   * The various programs included in the machine are of little value to us. We use the manual setting. We would prefer a mounting device for a flat screen T.V. in place of the computer screen and speakers.
   * Some cosmetic plastic pieces covering a bearing connecting the arms to the feet broke after the first three weeks. After assembly, I noted that they interfered with each other, but on one side only. Switching the pieces, reversing the side they were located on, and even lubricating the contact points didn't prevent them from breaking.
   * The machine's footprint could be wider. I'm tall and can really lever the machine around when I'm working hard. A wider stance would bring some needed stability.
   
   The Unexpected
   * We bought the machine because of the autopilot feature. The machine varies resistance to keep your heart rate in a target zone. We learned that we don't need this feature. We have learned that we can sense or heart rate within about 5 beats per minute and regulate it ourselves.
   
   On balance, we would purchase the machine again, but would question whether the E35 would better suite our needs and at a better price.



4. I suggest buying this equipement from a local store. Amazon shipped this item through ABF freight and it was a horrible expieriance. First you have to set up an appointment, which no one told me. After I set up the appointment it was late. I called the company and asked how long it would be and they told me the shipment would be there in 2 hrs. After 3 hours I called back and they told me they forgot to load it. They said they would have one of their drivers load it in his pick-up truck and deliver it on the way home. I asked them if they could just setup a morning delivery. They said they would make a note, but it would probably be delivered in the afternoon. I guess I will just sit around all day again and see if it comes...VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH AMAZON!!
   
   I've had the elliptical for a week now. It is a smooth motion, but is not the quietest machine. The plastic foot pedals make a creaking noise constantly, and there is a sqeek on one of the rails. I have the foot pedals as tight as possible, and it still sqeeks. I'm not sure why the wheel on the rail is making noise. I cleaned it and even tried a little oil, doesn't help any.



5. After a long process of analyzing elliptical trainers and physically trying about 18 different units consisting of front, mid and rear wheels, we finally settled on this one. Surprisingly, it came down to 3 manufacturers: Life Fitness, PreCor and Sole as all others we looked at either were poorly made or had an annoying issue (e.g., many front wheel systems other than the Sole E55 and E95 have a lttle "kick" at the end of your backstride making your knee respond sharply and uncomfortably). The price of the models we wanted varied from the Sole E55 with a price tag of less than $1500, the Life Fitness was $3299 and the PreCor was $4299. The Dick's sporting goods store just opened in San Antonio and the E55 was on sale for $1199. It was such a great deal we went ahead an grabbed one the minute a new shipment came in as they were sold out of their original shipment the first day we went in. We grabbed one of the two that arrived and they are sold out again that day. Now the price is back to $1499.
   
   I decided I could save $100 and handle delivery in my little Ford Ranger truck that I keep around for hauling. The box fits perfectly in the bed of the truck (it would probably fit into an SUV with the seats down) and with a common 300 pound dolly I was able to handle taking it into the house without any assistance. If I would have had more than a couple of stairs to traverse I would have needed some assistance but not a lot. Be sure to keep the unit in the box until you get to the final room location as the legs are attached to the wheel and it becomes hard to handle once they are out of the box as they want to flop around.
   
   Assembly was fairly simple except I began working from the first step of the instructions and didn't realize until I was to step 2 that I as reading the E25 steps and not the E55. I was beginning to think I didn't have the right parts but once I started reading the correct page, everything came together nicely. All screws and bolts are heavy duty except a few self-taping screws that finish off some plastic parts that are mainly for looks and to keep little fingers from being pinched. The plastic parts actually bolt down nicely to the frame but they have these cheesy screws that work to hold them together more cleanly and they have a tendency to strip the plastic (I had 2 strip a little and won't tighten down). They have no affect on functionality or form as the parts are secured pretty well. I guess they do this to ensure the seam is closed tightly. I just hate a screw that doesn't tighten down. Total assembly time took me 2 hours although it would have been 30 minutes less if I had started on the right page. I recommend assembling this yourself if possible as it will provide some familiarity with the machine if you have any issues later. Sometimes the people from the store don't do such a great job of assembly.
   
   As for usage, wow what a nice machine. It is smooth as it can be but when I get on (I weigh 230 pounds) I get a small click during use that you can't feel but can hear sometimes. I think I have tracked it down to a bolt on one of the arms that I will need to tighten although Sole recommends that the unit be leveled with one of the 6 leg levelers if you experience any noise and I haven't tried that either. My wife (she weighs 150 pounds) doesn't experience this click so it isn't on my high priority list just yet. :-)
   
   I saved so much money I went ahead and purchased Dick's 3 year warranty on the unit for $129. That way they will cover something that goes wrong due to system use in addition to manufacturing defects.
   
   I would absolutely buy this system again. I like it better than the E95 because of the LCD display allowing me to see many aspects of my workout instead of toggling through an LED display. I hope this helps you to make up your mind on an elliptical.

5 comments about Stamina Silent Magnetic Resistance Cross Trainer Elliptical.

1. The computer quit working in three months. The axel is not solid. It is welded, two piece axel. The right side axel has broken twice at the weld. I am putting it in the trash and looking for a good one.



2. I've had this machine for about a year or so. It lasts pretty long, but there are flaws to it. I assembled this by myself, but it's probably better if you have two ppl.
   
   It's pretty good considering:
   1. you can adjust the bottom parts so it won't wobble about on the ground.
   2. the feet pads are pretty big for anyone.
   3. you can assemble it by yourself (even though two ppl would be a lot better).
   
   However, it's not great considering:
   1. it makes a lotta noise. Sounds like someone's using a blender.
   2. the screws aren't that strong; after using it 5x or so the handle starts to turn along w/your body when your shifting back and forth (though you can still tighten the screws back up, but still.. it's a hassle).



3. I have had this product for 2 months now. And this is my take on it as of now...
   1. The description says "six pace-based workouts". Despite reading reviews that said this is not true, I got it to test the truth myself:-) Well, there are NO "pace-based workouts". Did not want the trouble of dismantling and returning, so I am using it. But beware when buying - you will not get any inbuilt programs.
   2. Assembly was fairly simple, but a team of two is advised to assemble. And tighten the bolts!
   3. There is a bit of a squishy noise from the paddle arrangement. Maybe greasing would help, but have not tried for fear of spoiling the carpet.
   4. A little unstable - wobbles at times. I remember reading some mention of gym mats, but have not tried it.
   5. Stride is short, so tall people - think twice.
   
   Looks like I am griping, but actually it is an OK piece for the price.
   
   As for the durability, I will come back in 6-8 months and tell you how it goes.



4. It has a great price, but you get what you pay for. It has a very short stride. If you are looking for a cheap workout, it is a good machine. but do not be fooled by the "silent" part. It is not loud, but not exactly quiet either.



5. I purchased this item because the advertising said - The machine offers six pre-programmed workouts: fat burn, maximum fat burn, hill, interval, mountain, and aerobic. This machine DOES NOT come with these pre programmed workouts. I contacted both Stanima and Amazon about their advertising and they have corrected it some but still misleading. It now claims to have ... six pace-based workouts allow you to vary your activity to keep it fresh! Well please tell me where they are cause they aren't on my machine!!! I like the machine, it is quiet and easy to use, but did purchase it for the 6 pre programmed exercised that don't exist, except in the advertising. If you're looking for a machine without that function this one is it.

1 comments about Bowflex Xtreme 2 SE Home Gym.

1. I use it three times a week along with weights... I like the simplicity when going from one exercise set to another... I have already ordered the 310 upgrade and will most likely need to 410 upgrade soon...
   
   Works great when integrating it with normal weight lifting...

No comments about NEW Mini Elliptical Trainer Exercise Machine.

4 comments about IronMan CDT Elliptical Trainer.

1. We researched many products before deciding on the IronMan CDT. After calling the company directly to compare prices they encouraged us to make the purchase through Amazon. They couldn't beat or even match the price. The delivery company CEVA was the only problem. They were s-l-o-w, as in the trainer was in their warehouse for 1 week until we called. Oops, they said! The instructions were wonderful. Each component was packaged separately along with its hardware. Easy to read, easy to understand, quickly put together. Great purchase.



2. Awesome assembly experience...they provide all tools needed, great packaging. Once assembled, works great, very smooth. The console should support more than one user, but does not. I had a treadmill and moved to elliptical due to less stress on the knees. So, far, after a month, I love it!



3. My husband and I love the machine and use it regularly. The info displayed helps keep us motivated, the tension is easy to control, and we get a very effective workout.
   
   The manual is probably the worst one I have seen written by a native speaker of English. It is unclear and inaccurate. For example, it tells you to press ENTER, and there is no enter key. The instructions are almost useless. They need a detailed list of which buttons to press and in what order for each program. Sometimes I find what I want by accident, but mostly I stick with the basic program.
   
   The instructions for assembling it also were hard to follow. The diagrams were small and difficult to decipher. It would have been helpful to have labelled each piece (some were labelled, but not all).



4. My wife was looking for an elliptical machine, and we ran ourselves ragged trying to find a machine that she liked. The biggest stumbling block was that she has knee problems, and the wide stance of most ellipticals is hard on the knees. This is because most ellipticals have the pedals mounted to either side of the crank/flywheel assembly (usually hidden under the shroud.) If you look at your feet while you walk, you will see that they are only a couple of inches apart. This makes the stride on most machines a bit unnatural.
   
   This machine has the flywheels mounted to either side of the pedals, which means that the pedals are very close together, since the flywheel is not in the way. This makes the striding a bit smoother on the knees. It also makes the machine a bit smaller.
   
   The stride of the machine is very similar to walking, and there is little of the up-and-down bouncing that occurs with many ellipticals. Instead of the ends of the pedal arms being mounted to the crank assembly, the pedals slide back and forth on top of the crank (with a generous 21" stride), while gently moving up and down.
   
   One advantage of this design is that the flywheel is mounted close to the ground, which means that it does not rock back and forth or sway during your workout. Combined with they VERY beefy frame, this is one sturdy unit.
   
   Like virtually all machines in this price range, a wireless heart rate strap is included.
   
   The biggest weakness of this machine is the console. While it has all the features of a high-end elliptical (multiple user profiles, Heart Rate Control programs, etc.) it is a bit hard to use, and the poorly written manual does not help. Once you get used to it, it is fine, but don't expect to take advantage of all the features just by starting to punch buttons.
   
   The stride of this machine is identical to the CenterG, which is made by the same company. The CenterG has a larger frame, better console, side rails, and frankly looks nicer, but I am not sure that is worth the $500+ extra dollars it costs.
   
   Oh, and this machine has no cupholder. I picked one up from my retailer for a few bucks. This is kind of an odd ommission. An alternative (disallowed by the wife) would be to rip out the cheesy fan and use the hole left behind as a cupholder. (These fans mounted on top of fitness machines are just 12V computer fans, they aren't really going to cool you down much.)
   
   Lastly, this machine is HEAVY! Far more so than most machines in this price range. This is a VERY good thing, because it is far more sturdy than most of the competition. This is a bad thing if you plan on putting in a room upstairs. All the really heavy parts are already put together, and not really designed to be removed easily. All you assemble is the console mast and the swinging arms. This means that I STRONGLY suggest recruiting some VERY strong friends to get this up any necessary stairs. (The machine weighs 240 pounds, fully assembled.) Once you have done that, it has wheels that will let you move it around a bit easier. I paid to have it delivered from a local retailer, and those guys (who deliver heavy fitness equipment all day) were sweating like crazy. Also, to fit this through the doorway to the bedroom without tipping it onto its side, they had to remove one of the side shrouds. This only took about two minutes and a standard Phillips screwdriver.
   
   As a random side note, it appears that the technology behind this stride mechanism has been licensed to three companies: FitnessQuest/NewBalance "twins" on the low end, (I tried the FitnessQuest at a Dick's, and the resistance for the display model was busted and the frame was loose... not a good sign) IronMan CDT/CenterG line on the mid-range (both made by Keys Fitness), and True Fitness on the high end home/light commercial end.

5 comments about Sole E95 Elliptical Trainer (2008 Model).

1. I did not have any problems with neither delivery nor assembly. It came within 3 days (with the free delivery option), delivery guy helped me bring it down to the basement. After pretty hassle free assembly, it works great, smooth, quiet and very nice looking. My wife loves it, she thinks it a bit to hard though for the level 5 and up.
   Overall, great buy, amazing delivery speed, excellent buying experience with Amazon. Will be back shortly :)



2. I have lower back problems, and the treadmill I was using was killing me. My Chiropractor recommended an elliptical to me, so I did a full nights research. I found a lot of companies claiming to be the best, but only Sole had the glowing customer reviews I was looking for. I saw the Sole E95 was at the top of the elliptical review pile, and the top of my price range. Everyone basically said this was the best elliptical for the money. After a day, I bought it, and received it within fourteen days.
   
   After two months of daily workouts with this I'm a new person. I love the motion, smoothness, and programmable workout routines. My back never hurts from this particular kind of exercise. I just wish I would have known about ellipticals before I wasted the money on a treadmill.



3. THis ellipitical rocks! Its huge....though i wud like something smaller...but fits well in my Loft...after a lot of research and deciding between the shwinn 438 and sole e 35...i just went for the E.95...both are the same for buyers out there...just that the E95 has a covered shroud. which is rather cosmetic as u cant even step on it. so for people seekin to save a few bucks go for the E35..even the Assembly booklet is the same.
   As far as the E95...its sturdy..quite and really smooth...has a fan which is useless and the speakers are super cool...its way tooo powerful for its size.
   
   Assembly is a pain...as the instructions are written separately from the diagram ..which are really not illustrations...either ways...this elliptical is replacing a Horizon Treadmill i got more than a year back..which was also super sturdy..i also toyed with the idea of gettin a horizon elliptical...but ratings for the sole were better...and the flywheel wt was best in Sole...
   
   
   i hope i can work this well for a few years...got it to reduce the joint impact that the elliptical is best known for...
   
   so far...i am loving it...will keep u updated...Also i got this from gnc with a lot of promotions and offers..during memorial day for $1100...I checked if Amazon cud offer the same price..i guess not so soon..but then..have had lots of great deals from amazon apart from this one...just hope amazon reads this and the rest of the potential buyers can benefit from lower rates. ;-)



4. I'll come back to this review again soon, having gotten this unit just recently. For now, I'll focus on assembly while it's still fresh in my mind. In case it matters, the instruction packet that we got is 2008 version B, as marked at the bottom right of page 2 in the manual. This is a long review, mainly because of the cost outlay. Please accept our apologies for any wordiness.
   
   Pro:
   -Unit is sturdy and smooth... it is very solid-feeling.
   -Assembly of the 22 steps using the 4 CAD illustrations took me 2 hours using their basic (but acceptable) tools. They provided most everything you need, with only the eyeglass screwdriver not being included, which is needed to put the watch battery into the cordless heart monitor.
   -There were some clear signs of clever thinking to help the consumer with the assembly process. For instance, a "wire tie" was added to one of the cables that you'll need to feed through the handle bar post. That wire tie added length making it easier to feed, plus gave me a way to secure the cable to keep it that way while I did other things... thank you!
   -Most everything went together without any binding, cajoling, or extra effort. The screws did not strip/show wear after tightening like many "some assembly required" items that you find today
   -Many pieces came pre-assembled, minimizing your assembly effort, time. Also, the hardware was well-packaged (see the related photo that we uploaded)
   -Hardware illustrations are mostly to a 1:1 scale, meaning you can hold the screw/bolt/washer/etc. up to the "assembly pack check list" drawing and quickly identify most hardware items (see Cons for exceptions)
   -We used a "white glove" delivery option that delivered the pieces/boxes to our second floor room... this thing is very, very heavy and a little awkwardly shaped to carry! I'm 6' and 200# and it gave me a good workout just moving it around in the room. It was expensive, but it was worth it. I think that two people are required for a safe lift up or down stairs.
   -Has little wheels for moving the unit within a room. Lift at the back about 3' and the wheels engage the floor (see Cons for more details).
   -Instructions are pretty good, but there are some flaws (see Cons below)
   -Lubricant, used to alleviate potential squeaking, is supplied. No specific action to add it except a brief mention deep into the manual
   -While you can't step on the black cover at the back end of the elliptical (you'll crack it for sure), this appears to be is a good safety feature. This shroud should help keep fingers/toes away from moving parts and related pinch points. Since we have a two-year old, this is a nice feature.
   
   Con (at the moment, please keep in mind that most cons relate to set-up, a one-time thing):
   -Parts list, assembly instructions, and assembly illustrations are on different pages, so you must flip back and forth and back and forth constantly
   -E35 and E95 elements are somewhat intermingled, and each page is labeled as such in the bottom right. If you bought the E95, I recommend ripping those pages out, and/or crossing those pages out with a big thick black marker when the page can't be removed. This will avoid working to the wrong drawing and flipping fewer pages.
   -The 1:1 scale was lost with either poor representations of part #81, #87, and #97 or there were part substitutions that put the instructions out of sync with the hardware. There are ~19 unique pieces of hardware so more were right than wrong in fairness to Sole.
   -Typographical errors are few, most notable is on page 9. Here, I think hex bolt #130 is really #103. Other typing errors while embarrassing, should not affect you.
   -The little wheels for moving the unit within a room are in our opinion too small, and don't work on carpet well.
   -They warn you to be careful of the computer cable that runs through the unit, but they don't tell you how to avoid it, so it's a meaningless warning because either you have no issue or you go "whoops!". All it does it stress you out needlessly, at least for most of us.
   -The cables that you connect are keyed, but I'd challenge the statement they make that you can't put them in the wrong way. Also, there was no positive snap or click to tell you connection was made. I pushed hard and hoped.
   -Unit requires power... you must plug it in. A more expensive unit will use human power, a few pumps and it's primed and ready, but not this one. Sole, please fix this (see photo for more).
   -The drink holders don't look very good, tall drinks will not stay, as the holders are oddly shaped and tilted forward nearly 45 degrees. Sole, please fix this (see photo for more).
   -Cord supplied for MP3 units is not iPhone/super minijack compatible... you'll need an adapter (see our other reviews to find a good adapter).
   -Fan is not very strong, it runs and moves air quietly, but I don't feel it on my face or body
   -MP3s play nicely (I needed an adapter) but there's no power, so you'll need a charged player
   
   Neutral:
   -This unit will raise you up at least a foot off of the floor, so keep that in mind when putting this into a room with a ceiling fan, low ceiling, and/or other overhead issues like pipes or light fixtures.
   -Manual is 22 double-sided pages. About 6 of these pages can be pretty easily eliminated as they relate mostly to the E35.
   -I used the stepper feet, which are recessed, to hold many of my parts. Less opportunity to lose hardware.
   -Take nothing out of the bags until they're needed. The bags clutter your space and a few are labeled left and right. Probably should be added to the plastic molds.
   -Not for use outdoors (or near high humidity, like an indoor pool) or on plush, heavily padded or lush carpets. You might trying to circumvent the carpet limitation using plastic risers used on beds and sofas to prevent the weight from crushing carpet fibers. I think that these can be found at any hardware store, although I don't know if that'll work well or not. You'd need at least six of them.
   -Since this unit is powered by a socket, it is recommended that you plug it into a proper, high-quality surge protector.
   -Don't over-tighten any screw that goes into plastic. For this unit, that's any screw with a pointy tip.
   -Tools used/provided: 2 philips screwdrivers (one short/stubby, normal-sized one), 12 mm crescent wrench, 13/14 mm double-ended crescent wrench.
   
   Bottom line: Highly-recommended. Assembly was easier than expected and better than average despite the point made. We would recommend avoid paying someone else to assemble it for you (which is a common shipping option). Remember, you assemble it once, so cons made here, while annoying, aren't big and bad enough to tarnish the fact that this unit is truly a great machine.



5. Fantastic equipment for the price. Easy setup. However, free shipping from Amazon using CEVA was extremely slow. CEVA never delivered on scheduled date or even call or email to arrange a delivery day. I ended up calling CEVA to arrange a pickup at their warehouse which is 35 miles away. With todays gas prices, this was not cheap, but at least I got my machine!