The Sole E95 elliptical is a front-drive elliptical 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 ellipticals. In addition, Sole has paid close attention to biomechanics and ergonomic design with the oversized E95 adjustable pedals that also include foam cushioning, it is a highly commendable effort by a fitness equipment manufacturer to address numbness in feet which is all too common on most elliptical trainers.
This is a very cleverly designed elliptical trainer that provides a very smooth motion. The smooth feel is due to the 30lb 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 that comes close to perfection in the Sole E95 elliptical.
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 highly durable. The 4-wheel foot rails are covered with plastic casings that protect the wheels and reduce noise. Other manufacturers of front-drive ellipticals should take note (Octane tip).
Early front-drive elliptical trainer designs were prone to failure due to the added complexity of putting the drive system in the front. They were also notorious for annoying screeching from the wheels on the foot rails. However, as is typical with any type of technology, as time progresses, so does the state of the art.
Sole seems to have taken the front-wheel drive elliptical layout to new heights. When all is said and done, there are several inherent advantages to 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-drive elliptical to get an equivalent stride length.
And let’s not forget an often overlooked, but really cool 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-drive elliptical!
Also not 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 aren’t 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 size 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. . .
