Strengths:
20 Inch Stride Length - Many cheaper ellipticals offer stride lengths of only 14 or 16 inches. The larger stride length ensures you work the full range of leg muscles and burn maximum calories. This longer stride length is also appreciated by taller users or those with longer legs.
Power Incline - This is a new addition to the 2009 Sole E55 model. Incline (not the same as resistance) changes the slope of the elliptical motion, working 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.
Properly Aligned Footpads - When you use an elliptical the natural alignment of your body is thrown off no matter how close the footpads are.
The Sole E55 elliptical footpads 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 and protects your back, knees, ankles and hips.
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.
27 lb Flywheel - 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, similarly priced Horizon ellipticals only offer a 14 lb flywheel.)
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.
Weaknesses:
There really isn't much weakness here, it's one of the best values under $1500. The Sole E95 steps it up with a bit higher stability and a more commercial health club console. But that's about it.
Summary: Highly Recommended
The Sole E55 elliptical packs so much into an elliptical under $1500 it's hard to list everything we love about it. Main strengths include the long 20" stride, extra heavy 27 lb flywheel (which makes for a smoother ride) and the incline option for better crosstraining.
The properly aligned footpads also help to give you an incredibly smooth, even feeling ride. And the extensive warranty outdoes other ellipticals on the market.
Then there's the bright blue, easy-to-read console and iPod dock with speakers to add the icing on the cake. Overall, an excellent value buy.
Where To Buy At A Discount:
Sole sells the E55 elliptical directly from their official website. You can also get free shipping so you'll save a few hundred dollars there as well.
Along with a long 20" stride and a heavy 27 lb flywheel, the new 2009 model comes with a power incline feature (you can adjust the ramp from 15 to 40 degrees) which helps you work different sets of muscle groups and get a more effective workout.
Then there's the fun stuff: a bright blue LCD console and the iPod/mp3 port with built-in speakers.
So is this the right buy for you? Here's a review of the E55 Elliptical to help you decide:
Features:
Price: $1499.99 (Sale)
Stride Length: 20"
Resistance Type: ECB Magnetic
Resistance Levels: 20
Built In Workout Programs: 10
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
