|
Sole E55 Elliptical Trainer (2008 Model) | 
| Brand: Sole
Category: Sports
List Price: $2,499.99
Buy New: $1,499.00
You Save: $1000.99 (40%)
New (3) from $1,499.00
Rating:  18 reviews
Sales Rank: 43489
Autographed: No
Memorabilia: No
Shipping Weight (lbs): 196
Dimensions (in): 66 x 33 x 23
Model: E55
UPC: 192300000009
EAN: 0192300000009
ASIN: B000ZGUSVU
Release Date: July 10, 2007
Availability: Usually ships in 4-5 business days
| |
| Features:
| • | Action: Dual Action--Gives you an upper and lower body workout simultaneously. | | • | Heart Rate Monitor: Hand Grip and Chest Strap--Provides convenient way to measure heart rate. | | • | Workout Programs: 10 Programs: 6 Standard, 2 User Defined, 2 Heart Rate -- | | • | Resistance Type: ECB-- | | • | Model Number: e55-06 |
|
| Accessories:
|
| Similar Items:
|
| Editorial Reviews:
Product Description
Easy to use LED multi color electronic console with all the features of a health club model. Includes a built-in cooling fan and water bottle holder.Smooth natural motion provided by a whisper quiet drive system. The combination of a heavy flywheel and a high gear ratio not found on comparable models means an extremely smooth feel with plenty of resistance at the top end for a machine that will provide a challenging workout.Upper body exercise provides a total body workout. Custom molded hand grips for a comfortable feel.Stationary handle bars with built-in pulse sensors for monitoring your heart rate. A heart rate chest strap is also included for hands free pulse monitoring and heart rate interactive programs.Oversize foot pedals with durable foam cushioning for a comfortable workout. These unique foot pedals were designed in collaboration with a leading physical therapist and sports enthusiast. Together with Sole engineers we have designed in a 2 degree inward slope to the foot pedals which reduce ankle and knee stress common in other elliptical machines.This collaboration also produced a revolutionary foot pedal angle adjustment not found on any other elliptical at any price. Not everyone walks the same way; for this reason we have made the E55 pedals adjustable to fit the way you walk. This feature also reduces numb toe effects and sore Achilles tendons, common occurrences on other elliptical machines.The four real wheels which ride on heavy duty rails provide a smoother more stable feel and reduce side to side foot pedal motion. A feature found only on more expensive models.Maximum User Weight: 350 lbs.Warranty:All service is performed In-Home.Parts / Electronics: 5 YearsFrame: LifetimeLabor: 2 Years
Amazon.com Product Description
Enjoy an efficient full-body workout without heading to the gym with the Sole E55 elliptical trainer. Boasting a heavy 30-pound flywheel, a high gear ratio not found on most comparable models, and a pair of upper body handles, the E55 delivers an extremely smooth workout with plenty of top-end resistance. Users will also appreciate the unique oversize and adjustable foot pedals, which were designed in collaboration with a leading physical therapist and sports enthusiast. The pedals are not only extra large, but also feature a 2-degree inward slope that reduces the ankle and knee stress that's common in other elliptical machines. The collaboration also produced a revolutionary foot pedal angle adjustment not found on any other elliptical. Taking into account that not everyone walks the same way, Sole engineers made the E55's pedals adjustable to fit the way you walk. This also reduces the likelihood of numb toes and sore Achilles tendons. Workout specifics include 16 resistance levels, 10 total programs (including two custom and two heart-rate programs), and a 20-inch stride length. Perhaps the handiest feature from a user perspective, however, is the easy-to-use electronic console, which integrates a blue backlit LCD display, a cooling fan, and a water bottle holder. The E55, which offers a maximum weight capacity of 350 pounds, carries the following warranties: lifetime on the frame, five years on all parts and electronics, and two years on the labor. Specifications: - Stride Length: 20 inches
- Resistance Type: Eddy current braking
- Resistance Levels: 16 levels of resistance
- Power: Standard 110
- Adjustable Foot Peals: Yes
- Upper Body: Yes
- Handgrip: Standard grip
- HGP: Yes
- Telemetry Belt: Yes
- HR Control: Yes
- HR Autopilot: Yes
- Programs: 10
- Standard: 6
- User Defined: 2
- Heart Rate: Yes: 2 user programs
- Fans: Yes
- Water Bottle / Accessory Holders: Yes
- Product Weight: 196 pounds
- Maximum Weight Capacity: 350 pounds
- Speakers and MP3 Plug-in: Yes
Manufacturer's Warranty
Frame - lifetime, parts/electronics - 5 years, labor - 2 years About Elliptical Trainers
Elliptical trainers represent the next wave of advancement in low-impact cardiovascular exercise machines and continue to grow in popularity. By simulating motions experienced through walking, stepping, cycling, and skiing, elliptical machines allow for a smooth and fluid motion while building strength in the arms and legs. Similar to the exercise position for treadmills, elliptical trainers are used by standing in an upright position while holding the handrails of the machine. With elliptical trainers, however, your feet remain in the foot pedals throughout the exercise regimen and circulate in a smooth and seamless motion, resulting in little to no impact on the knees, back, and hips. Elliptical trainers are compatible for all ages and fitness levels and allow you to select the difficulty level through the incline and intensity settings. Additionally, elliptical trainers allow you to determine the complexity of your workout based on your needs, all while listening to music, watching television, or reading a magazine while exercising in the comfort and safety of your own home. Although different types of elliptical trainers offer an assortment of features, many of them include an array of challenging programs, forward and reverse directional movement, EKG grip pulse handles, a lightweight portable design with easy fold-up capability, and a monitor displaying calories burned, distance, speed, time, and heart rate. Other types of exercise machines, namely treadmills and bikes, offer excellent cardiovascular exercise and muscular training for the legs in a forward-motion exercise. Elliptical trainers take this to the next level by offering an upper and lower body workout with dual motion, challenging and diverse programs, and a low-impact exercise machine that won't strain sensitive joints.
|
| Customer Reviews: Read 13 more reviews...
 Didn't last 30 days November 5, 2008
My wife & I planned to use this 3-4 times a week each, which we did do for the first 3 weeks we had the elliptical. However in week 4 it suddenly and unexpectedly started making a hissing and grinding sound. For the amount of money paid, and the fact that this happened within the first 30 days, I have little confidence in the long term durability of the machine and have chosen to return it. Amazon was great with delivery and so far I believe the return will be just as easy. We'll see if I get a full refund. It did appear to be quite a solid and stable machine, but the fact that something within the drive mechanism failed this soon is distressing and despite the nice warranty I can't risk holding this item long term. I did experience some of the foot numbness I've heard about elsewhere with this machine and you do tend to lean into the machine when using it. Also, it pulls you up quite a ways in the room you're using it so you need 7.5-8 foot ceiling minimum. On a less significan note, the chest strap for the heart rate monitor is poorly sewn together and the stiching came apart within the first week of using it. The grip heart rate monitor did seem to do the trick almost as effectively. I imagine given a good unit this could be a good machine, though we seem to have encountered a "lemon" and considering the expense, would rather seek another elliptical in hopes of finding better durability for our hard earned money.
**************
Update- return shipping was handled nicely by the Amazon selected carrier- did not have to tear down the machine and they took it out of my basement. I bubble wrapped it for protection as the original box was long gone. I recieved a full refund- you have to return within 30 days if you get a bad apple.
 Excellent Product October 14, 2008
I researched the Sole Elliptical E55 machine on the internet,( look at the the Treadmill Doctor and Treadmill Sensei reveiws} and also by reading the reviews of Amazon customers.This machine was rated one of the best by all.
I finally decided that this was the machine for me and my family.I ordered my machine directly from Sole. The customer service was terrific! I had my Elliptical machine delivered in four days.
The set up took under an hour. The whole family is able to use the Sole Elliptical E55. My husband said today that it was one of the best workouts he ever had. I find the machine actually better than in my fitness club.
I hightly recommend this Elliptical machine to anyone who is interested in purchasing a fitness machine for their home.
Excellent August 17, 2008
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
I think this is an awesome elliptical for the money. I don't give out five stars very often, but this one ALMOST deserved it. A couple minor things led to a four star review: 1) the fan on the face is pretty much useless, 2) the electronic display is very basic, I was hoping for a little more 3) one of the tracks doesn't perfectly line up w/ the step roller so every once in a while it will come off if its bumped. Other than that, it works very well and is well made. My wife and I use it about 5 times a week each and we've had it about 3 months now... so far so good.
Best July 30, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
I just got the e55 yesterday and I could not be more pleased. I had my reservations before I bought it because people said it makes noises. It is true if you do not assemble it right. I have the noises my self and I took the area where the sound was coming out apart and put it back together and the noise was gone. Beautiful machine. I am looking forward to many hours of enjoyment and lose some weight on the way.
Good Workout July 20, 2008
7 out of 7 found this review helpful
We have had the E55 for a month now. We ultimately purchased it from Amazon. They had the best combination of financing and shipping options. The price was the same at every site and at our local Dick's sporting goods store.
Delivery
You'll need to plan the logistics of how this 200 lbs. machine is going to get wherever you want it to be. We didn't pay for in home delivery. We expected to have to pull it off the back of a semi-trailer and muscle it into the house and up a flight of stairs. We engaged family and a refrigerator dolly to do just that. To our surprise, the delivery company showed up with a lift-gate straight truck, two capable men, and their own equipment. Other sites, including the manufacturer, want an additional $100 for this service.
The Workout
One of us is new to aerobic exercise this year as part of a New Year's resolution, and has turned into a regular endorphin junkie. Before this machine arrived, we used an old Nordic track ski machine. The comparative workouts on the two machines don't come close. The Sole elliptical is a great workout and really outclasses the skier. I can accomplish more in 90 minutes on the Sole than I could in 3 hours on the old Nordic track. Moreover, a treadmill barely elevates my heart rate and hurts my knees. The Sole is more efficient in terms of cardio gains and calorie burned versus time spent.
The Machine
The Good:
*It is excellent at its core function, and this important because if it were not, I'd be returning it. It provides a great workout and when it is not squeaking, it really is quiet.
*The handles provide a great upper body workout. We can actually use them rather than have them along for the ride
*Assembly, as promised by the manual, was really easy. Sole put some thought into it. I strongly encourage the use of real tools over the ones provided. The stamped steel wrenches included don't allow one to apply sufficient torque to the fasteners.
*Assembly tip, don't try to move the flywheel buy lifting or muscling it. Instead, leave it in the box and use it to slide it into place. The flywheel and attached foot pedal rails are too awkward to move safely.
*I don't come close to hitting my head on the ceiling while working out. Some reviewers expressed concern about this. At 6'4" I estimate I've got a 3 inch margin of clearance on our 8 foot high ceiling.
*The included chest strap heart rate monitor allows the user to keep their hands on the handle bars.
*The nice, thick, tubular frame is very rigid. We prefer the beefier frame of the E55 over the E25.
*It is longitudinally very stable. Laterally it can rock during a workout.
The Bad:
*The mast squeaks intermittently, about 50% of the time depending on temp and humidity. I've tightened it with regular wrenches to no avail. The foot pedals click intermittently. The rails that support the rear rollers squeaked before I supported them with a book and some shims.
*The machine contacts the floor in 6 places. Sole provides adjustable feet to level the machine, but only on four places. The front of the machine does not have adjustable feet. Shims work, but aren't attractive.
*At lower levels of resistance, my toes get numb. Increasing resistance results in leaning forward and no numb toes. The manual claims that the foot pedals are biomechanically correct. For whom? No amount of adjustment to the pedals alleviates the numbness. I would prefer to have the pedals articulate rather than have to have my foot follow designed motion. Foot pedals on my bike move with my foot, why shouldn't these?
*The fan provided is not powerful enough to move enough air to cool either of us. We can't detect a difference when it is on or off.
*The various programs included in the machine are of little value to us. We use the manual setting. We would prefer a mounting device for a flat screen T.V. in place of the computer screen and speakers.
*Some cosmetic plastic pieces covering a bearing connecting the arms to the feet broke after the first three weeks. After assembly, I noted that they interfered with each other, but on one side only. Switching the pieces, reversing the side they were located on, and even lubricating the contact points didn't prevent them from breaking.
*The machine's footprint could be wider. I'm tall and can really lever the machine around when I'm working hard. A wider stance would bring some needed stability.
The Unexpected
*We bought the machine because of the autopilot feature. The machine varies resistance to keep your heart rate in a target zone. We learned that we don't need this feature. We have learned that we can sense or heart rate within about 5 beats per minute and regulate it ourselves.
On balance, we would purchase the machine again, but would question whether the E35 would better suite our needs and at a better price.
|
|
|
|
View Shopping Cart | Help Desk | Contact Us 
