The Sole E95 elliptical trainer is a front-wheel drive elliptical trainer with a generous 20″ stride length that utilizes an eddy current brake. These are features not always found in the $1000-$2000 price range for elliptical trainers. In addition, Sole has paid close attention to biomechanics and ergonomic design with the E95.The oversized adjustable pedals that also include foam cushioning is a highly commendable effort by a fitness equipment manufacturer to address numbness. of feet that is all too common on most elliptical trainers.
This is a very cleverly designed elliptical trainer that provides a very smooth movement. The smooth feel is due to the 30 lb. flywheel and high gear ratio. Sole Fitness designs its equipment, ellipticals and treadmills, with the collaboration of design engineers and physical therapists. This collaboration has resulted in an elliptical cross trainer that approaches perfection in the Sole E95 elliptical cross trainer.
The physical therapy team contributed to the unique design of the ergonomic pedals and cushioning is a direct acknowledgment of the aggravating “Elliptical Trainer Sleepy Foot Syndrome.”
The engineering side of the house has designed an incredibly smooth and quiet drive mechanism that is proving to be very durable. The 4-wheel foot rails are covered with plastic shells that protect the wheels and reduce noise. Other manufacturers of front-wheel drive ellipticals should take note (suggestion for Octane).
Early front-wheel drive elliptical crosstrainer designs were prone to failure due to the added complexity of putting the drive system up front. They were also known for the annoying screeching noise of the foot rail wheels. However, as is typical with any type of technology, as time progresses, so does the state of the art.
Sole appears to have taken the front-wheel drive elliptical design to new heights. When all is said and done, there are several advantages inherent in a front wheel drive elliptical trainer. One of the immediate benefits is a longer stride length thanks to the rail system. This is evident in the Sole E95’s 20″ stride length. You’d have to invest considerably more in a near-commercial-grade rear-wheel drive elliptical to get an equivalent stride length.
And let’s not forget an often overlooked, but really nice benefit of a front-wheel drive elliptical: the ability to get on and off it from the rear. No more straddling the foot rails to get on like you do when using a rear-wheel drive elliptical!
You also can’t fail to mention the very generous warranty terms provided by Sole on the E95: lifetime frame, 5 years on parts and electronics, and 2 years on labor. Most other manufacturers are not as generous (or as confident in their products). Just keep in mind that the E95 does take up some space with its 82″x33″ footprint, so plan and measure accordingly, but if you have the space then I think you’ll be very pleased for years to come with the Sole E95 elliptical trainer. .
