Strengths:
1 ) Longer 20" Stride Length Uses More Leg Muscles and Burns More Calories - Many cheaper ellipticals offer stride lengths of only 14 or 16". The larger 20" stride works a larger range of leg muscles and burns more calories.
This longer stride is also ideal for taller users or those with longer legs as they can really pick up the pace and get a more effective workout.
2) Proper Alignment Of Footpads Gives You A More Comfortable Workout - When you use an elliptical, the natural alignment of your body is thrown off no matter how close the footpads are.
The Sole E35 elliptical footpads are engineered to have a slight inward angle of two degrees. This angle actually helps to puts your body back into a neutral alignment throughout the elliptical motion.
This not only gives you a more effective calorie-burning workout, it also helps to reduce the stress and strain on your back, knees, ankles and hips that you often get with cheaper home ellipticasl.
3) 25 lb Flywheel For A Smoother Ride - With ellipticals, the heavier the flywheel, the smoother the ride. This is one of the heaviest flywheels at this price point and makes for a very stable, smooth feeling ride. (Just to give you an idea, more expensive Horizon ellipticals only offer a 14 lb flywheel.)
4) Power Incline Gives A More Effective Workout - This is a new addition to the 2009 Sole E35 model. Incline (not the same as resistance) changes the slope of the elliptical motion, working and targeting different sets of muscle groups.
This gives you a more effective workout and helps to avoid overtraining. Incline is a feature that is usually only found on $3000 commercial models so it's a great to find in an elliptical at this price point.
5) Built In Speakers with iPod Mp3 Hookup - Plug in your mp3 or iPod and listen to your favorite music or audiobook through the built in speakers. This is a fun feature that can make your workouts more enjoyable.
6) Best Elliptical Warranty - With a lifetime warranty on the frame, 5 years on the parts and electronics and 2 years on service, this is one of the best elliptical warranties in the business.
We especially like the 2 years warranty on service as most other ellipticals only give you 1 year on service. And this alone can save you hundreds of dollars if something needs to be fixed.
Weaknesses:
The Sole E35 gives you high value at this price point. However the higher end Sole models like the E95 do offer more - like heavier flywheels, higher grade construction, more advanced consoles and extra workout options.
Summary: Highly Recommended
The Sole E35 elliptical is one of the few ellipticals at this price point with a 20" stride and 40 degree power incline.
The properly aligned footpads and heavy 25 lb flywheel give you an incredibly smooth, even-feeling ride. The design and build gives you a very stable feeling machine. Plus the warranty gives you more protection than many other ellipticals on the market.
The Sole E55 and E95 offer a bit more in terms of stability, console options and built-in programs. But overall the E35 is still an excellent value that will last you a long time.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
You can buy the Sole E35 direct from the Manufacturer. They're also offering Free Shipping and $0 sales tax which can also save you at least $150+.
With a long 20" stride (which gives you a more effective leg workout), you also get an iPod port with built in speakers, wireless heart rate monitor, upper body arm bars and a heavy 25 lb flywheel for a smoother ride.
Plus the new 2009 model comes with a power incline feature (you can adjust the ramp from 15 to 40 degrees). This helps you work different sets of muscle groups and get a more effective workout.
So is it the right buy for you? Here's a quick review of what you need to know about this ellitpical:
Features:
Price: $1299.99
Stride Length: 20"
Resistance Type: ECB Magnetic
Resistance Levels: 20
Built In Workout Programs: 8
Upper Body Arms: Yes
Heart Rate Monitor: Pulse Grip & Wireless
Water Bottle Holder: Yes
User Weight Capacity: 375 pounds
Warranty: Lifetime Frame, 5 years parts & electronics, 2 year in home labor
