Sole E98 Elliptical – How Does It Rate?

 

Sole E98 Elliptical Review – Highlights:

 

The Sole E98 is Sole’s premium Light Commercial elliptical. This means it was constructed to hold up under light commercial settings (like a condominium gym or a sports rehab clinic, etc.)  However a lot of people also buy it for their home (as it also has a residential warranty included).

 

 

Because of the light commercial requirements, the Sole E98 elliptical is built tougher than Sole’s other models like the E95 or E55 with a heavier flywheel and a higher user weight capacity.

It also has the four rear wheels on heavy duty rails design that gives a more stable feel and reduces side-to-side footpedal motion.

One of the best features of the Sole E98 is the 2 degree inward angle on the footpedals that you don’t find on other brands. This was designed with the help of a physiotherapist to put the user’s body in a more correct alignment.

The inward angle slope more closely mimics your body’s actual running motion – reducing the strain on your joints and hips. This also helps reduce post-workout strain and fatigue.

 

 

Sole E98 Elliptical Review – Console

 

The console on this trainer is large and backlit – so it’s easy to read your workout stats.  At 10 inches across it’s one of the largest console windows that Sole makes.

It also includes a built-in cooling fan and an iPod dock with speakers so you can play your favorite tunes as you workout.

There are easy quick-adjustment buttons and an easy to reach water bottle holder. There are also 10 different built-in workouts you can access from the console based on things like heart rate, fat burn and more.

 

 

Of special note is the Fitness Test program – mainly used in settings that demand a certain level of fitness requirements to be met.

The program focuses on maintaining a certain pedal speed and will automatically make adjustments depending on the users’ heart rate response to the set work levels. It’s a great way to test whether or not your fitness level is improving over time.

 

 

Articulating Footpedals Add Even More Comfort

 

This is another feature that sets Sole apart. The Sole E98 comes with cushioned articulating footpedals. These pedals support the foot throughout the entire range of motion as you pedal.

This also helps to reduce the numb toe effects that can be common with long elliptical workouts.

Also note that the stride on this trainer is 20 inches long – which is generally what you get with commercial grade ellipticals. A 20 inch stride is long enough to give most people a comfortable ride and fully work their lower body muscles (a shorter stride can give you a less effective workout).

 

 

More Ways To Challenge Yourself – Power Incline

 

Incline changes the slope of your elliptical pathway, letting you work different sets of muscle groups. This is the ultimate way to crosstrain for many people as it continually challenges your body.

The Sole E98 elliptical gives you from 1 to 20 levels of incline that you adjust from the console. You can also adjust it from the controls on your moving arm bars – so you don’t have to reach up to the console to do it.

In fact you can adjust both the resistance and the incline from the moving arm bars. This is especially handy since you don’t have to interrupt your upper body workout to reach up to the console.

 

You can also easily track your heart rate to stay in your target fat-burning zone. There are hand sensors in front of the console. The machine also works with a wireless chest strap monitor as well.

 

 

 

Sole E98 Elliptical Review – Online Tracking Options:

 

Sole has finally jumped on the bandwagon this year and included Bluetooth tracking capability on most of their ellipticals – including the Sole E98.

You can track and transfer your workout date from your elliptical to your smart device. You can use the free Sole app. It’s also compatible with Fitbit, Record, Mapmyrun or Apple Health.

 

Sole E98 Elliptical Review –  Any Downsides?

 

The Sole E98 is a monster of a machine. It’s heavy and sturdy, built like a truck – but it might be more than the average user needs. It’s really built for multi-user settings of fairly high intensity. So if that’s not your situation, you may want to save a bit and go with the Sole E95.

Also, you don’t get much in the way of entertainment options. There is a handy tablet holder. So you can attach your tablet or phone and watch movies or Youtube videos as you workout. Still, at this price point it would be nice to see a bit more.

 

 

Where to Buy and Save:

Sole updated their ellipticals – including the Sole E98 model for this year to add the new Bluetooth tracking. You can buy it direct from the Manufacturer and get up to $300 off the MSRP. Plus you’ll also get the tablet holder thrown in for free.

 

Click Here To Save on the Sole E98

 

 

Related:

 

Sole E95 Elliptical Review – Worth the Money?