Want to buy an elliptical machine but torn between the Sole E25 vs. E35? Well, worry no more! In this article, I’m going to make a comprehensive comparison between these two units.
Both Sole ellipticals are highly rated and top-of-the-line, so you can’t go wrong when buying either. However, it’s always best to choose the machine that perfectly suits your needs. Is the E35 worth a couple of extra dollars, or should you stick to the budget-friendly E25 instead? Let’s find out.
Why Choose Sole Ellipticals?
Sole Fitness, the company behind the well-known E25 and E35 ellipticals, is a relatively new name in the industry.
Before it started selling its gym equipment to homeowners, Sole primarily distributed its units to big-name hotels—specifically those who have “in-room” gym memberships and subscription packages.
Due to this, all Sole’s gym products are designed to hold up against relentless, continuous use. After all, it couldn’t have its machines breaking or malfunctioning in the middle of a training session!
When the company’s consumer demand increased, Sole decided to create fitness equipment for home use, including treadmills, bikes, and ellipticals.
But what makes Sole ellipticals worth buying? And how exactly does it compare to the more “premium” brand names Precor, Life Fitness, and CorePump?
Here are some of Sole’s most notable features found in all their ellipticals, including both E25 and E35:
- Extremely quiet operation
- “Guaranteed For Life” aluminum construction and steel welded of the highest grade
- User-friendly functions
- Sole Fitness app that can be connected via Bluetooth
- Automatic smart pedals that adjust to the rider’s natural gait
- Comfortable seats
- Warranty that’s among the best in the industry
Sole E25 vs. E35 Overview
Although the E25 and E35 look quite similar at first glance, there are several key aspects that make each unit unique. Here’s a quick overview of both products:
Sole E25 Key Specs
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs
- Workout display: 6.5″ LCD, white back-lit
- Maximum stride length: 20″
- Flywheel: 20 lbs
- Dimensions (length x width x height): 70″ x 24″ x 71″
- Workout programs: 10 (6 standard, 2 custom, 2 heart rate)
- Pedal size: 15″
- Cooling fans: Yes
- Tablet/book holder: Yes
- Water bottle holder: Yes
- Adjustable pedals: No
- Adjustable stride: No
- Entertainment: Bluetooth speaker compatible, sound system
- Warranty: Lifetime for frame, 5 years for parts and electronics, 1 year for labor
Sole E35 Key Specs
- Weight capacity: 375 lbs
- Workout display: 7.5″ LCD, white back-lit
- Maximum stride length: 20″
- Flywheel: 25 lbs
- Dimensions (length x width x height): 82″ x 31″ x 71″
- Workout programs: 10 (6 standard, 2 custom, 2 heart rate)
- Pedal size: 15″
- Cooling fans: Yes
- Tablet/book holder: Yes
- Water bottle holder: Yes
- Adjustable pedals: Yes
- Adjustable stride: Yes
- Entertainment: Bluetooth speaker compatible, sound system
- Warranty: Lifetime for frame, 5 years for parts and electronics, 2 years for labor
Sole E25 vs. Sole E35: An In-Depth Comparison
The Sole E25 is considerably cheaper than the Sole E35, costing just under a thousand dollars. The Sole E35, however, comes with several features that you won’t find in the E25. Are these extra features worth the money, or are they something you can live without? Let’s take a look!
Build and Design
The E25 is Sole’s most basic, “no-frills” elliptical. Compared to the E35, many prefer the E25 due to its compact size as it measures at only 70″ x 24″ x 71″. In comparison, the E35’s listed dimensions are 82″ x 31″ x 71″. If you prefer a more compact option, you may find the E25 more suitable.
When it comes to the unit’s build itself, you won’t be disappointed with both. Sole prides itself on using the industry’s finest materials and components in all of its products. Made with heavy-duty steel, whisper-quiet drives, and advanced sensor systems, it isn’t quite a surprise why Sole ellipticals are top of their class.
Both models are front-drive ellipticals, which, as the name suggests, have their pedal resistance systems or flywheel mechanism stored in front of the pedals. If you’re more used to rear, or the less popular center drive, you might want to look at another product.
I personally prefer front drives more than rear or center drives because they have higher incline settings. Plus, as front-drive ellipticals feel a lot like you’re climbing up a hill rather than running, they burn fat quicker compared to the latter two.
Weight Capacity
The Sole E25 has a weight capacity of 350lbs, while the Sole E35 has a weight capacity of 375lbs. While 15lbs may not seem like a lot, it may actually dictate how smooth your workout is going to be. This is especially true in the early stages.
Keep in mind that you should always give yourself a relatively fair weight margin when choosing an elliptical. For instance, if you weigh about 280lbs, go for a machine that has a 350lbs limit. If you’re over 280, it’s best to go with the E35 or a machine that supports a higher capacity.
Flywheels
The elliptical flywheel weight is one of the most critical factors to consider when buying a machine, as it’s what determines the machine’s quality, fluidity, comfort, and overall operation. This is why the heavier the flywheel, the better the machine.
The E25 has a flywheel weight of 20lbs, while the E35 is 5lbs heavier at 25lbs. Due to this, the E35 offers a higher pedaling fluidity and runs much better than the E25.
However, this isn’t to say that the E25’s flywheel is bad—not by a long shot! Even so, users have noticed that the E25 doesn’t have a high resistance to acceleration. While this isn’t a bad thing, it doesn’t provide seasoned users with the challenge they need when using the machine.
Adjustability
Another feature the E25 doesn’t have is the ability to adjust the elliptical pedals and stride, which isn’t the best news for people who have flat feet or high arches.
Compared to the E25, the E35 is designed with extra-large foot pedals for increased comfort. You can easily adjust the pedals to match your body’s shape, and stride due to the E35’s articulating foot pedals.
On top of that, you can also adjust the pedal’s angle. Want to work on your hamstrings? Simply lower the angle, and you’re good to go. If you prefer building your quads, you’ll just have to increase the angle.
The lack of adjustment in the E25 is a great disadvantage for those who love trying out different work-out methods. If you regularly use your elliptical, it might be best to go for the E35. However, if you’re only going to use it semi-frequently, you won’t go wrong with the E25.
Other Additional Features
The built-in LCD screen is another obvious difference between the two machines. The E25 has a 6.5″ white backlit LCD display, while the E35 has a 7.5″ blue backlit display. Both show the same information: time, distance, resistance, pulse, and even calories burned.
On top of that, these ellipticals come with built-in speakers, a water bottle holder, and cooling fans. Newer 2020 models likewise come with a tablet holder.
The ten programs (six standard, two custom, and two HR) found in both the E25 and E35 don’t disappoint, as well. It’s not as many programs as we’d like, but it’s certainly enough to put a bit of variety to anyone’s training sessions.
A handy feature that doesn’t come with the E25 is the telemetry belt, which comes with a built-in wireless heart rate monitor. This device automatically sends information from your chest to the console, allowing you to record your progress in fine detail. If you want the same function on your E25, you’ll have to purchase the belt separately from their website.
Warranty
Sole Fitness is well-loved because of its generous warranties.
Although models come with a lifetime warranty on the machine’s frames, Sole offers a higher warranty for the E35’s electronics and parts; five years compared to the E25’s three. Furthermore, the E35 has a two-year warranty of labor, while the E25 only has one year.
Pros and Cons of Sole E25: What I Liked and Didn’t Like
Pros
- Relatively compact
- Water bottle and table holder
- Bluetooth operated sound systems
- Sole Fitness app compatible
- Adjustable power ramp
- Good value for money
Cons
- Doesn’t have adjustable pedals or strides
- Warranty isn’t as good as E35’s
- Isn’t suitable for seasoned athletes due to low flywheel
Pros and Cons of Sole E35: What I Liked and Didn’t Like
Pros
- Adjustable pedals, incline, and stride
- Heart rate chest strap (telemetry belt) included in the package so you can closely monitor heart rate
- Generous 7.5″ LCD console
- Water bottle and table holder
- USB port allows you to charge your smart device while working out
- Sole Fitness app compatible
- High maximum weight capacity
- Adjustable power ramp
- Extremely quiet operation
- Top-of-the-line warranty
Cons
- Has a larger footprint compared to the E25
- Difficult to assemble
- Limited programs for its price
- Not the most affordable
Conclusion
The Sole E25 and E35 are among the best ellipticals in the industry. If you’re a semi-regular user, you’ll find the Sole E25 a decent match. It has everything you’d ever need from a basic elliptical, plus it’s highly affordable for the quality it comes with.
However, if you’re an elite athlete, we recommend the E35. Although it’s much more expensive than the E35, you get a heavier flying wheel, better warranty, and adjustable features that you’ll find quite handy in the long run.