Sole E95S Elliptical (2024) Review



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Sole E95S Elliptical (2024) Rating

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Overall Rating

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Detailed Overview

When only top-of-the-line features will do, I come looking to the Sole E95S. In reading my other reviews, you’ll notice I remark on the concept of “bang for the buck,” as the average elliptical shopper simply wants the basics. But for those who want the good stuff, the E95S it is. Recently upgraded for the 2024 year with new features, I see this as a “Cadillac” model for sure. A front-drive trainer with a user weight maximum of 400 pounds, I can feel the stability this machine provides when I’m pumping away. You won’t have to worry about the wobble here, and the lifetime warranty offered on the frame and flywheel vouch for that. Parts are warrantied for three years and labor for one.

But we’ll get more into that here in a bit. The E95S sports a 13.3″ high-definition touchscreen as well as one of Sole’s famous media racks for either tablet or smartphone. This is a big upgrade from the 10.1″ screen last year, which was an improvement from a 9″ screen prior to that. Equipped with 12 pre-programmed workout routines, the elliptical features Bluetooth speakers with Sole+ integration. One point of note about Sole+, it’s a great fitness app with thousands of on-demand workouts at a cost of $0 per month. It’s one of the better free apps I’ve seen on the market, frankly. This means you’ll be able to hop aboard this machine and workout without paid apps from day one. Between the built-in workouts, a rack for your tablet, and Sole+, I can’t see how one would run out of options. A wireless device charger is also built into the machine and it allows screen mirroring. The Bluetooth means you’ll also be able to sync wireless heart rate monitors with the programming, or use the built-in sensors on the handlebars.

The big reason so many people like ellipticals is the fluid combination of stepper and skiing which never fails to produce a total body workout, whether by way of High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) or longer, slower jogs. This E95S is built with a 30-pound flywheel, among the heavier on the market. As a rule, the heavier the flywheel, the more stable the machine. Eighteen to 20 pounds is typically more the norm. Users have up to 20 levels of resistance and a power adjustable stride of 18″ to 24″, which guarantees use for even users over 6’4″. The power adjustable stride means you won’t have to fiddle about with this unit as it adapts to your height and stride length.

All that said, the E95S is no mini. With a step-up height of 14″ and assembled dimensions of 84″ x 32″ 71″, this machine weighs 265 pounds. The machine retails online for $2,799.99 against and MSRP of $5,399.99. It’s definitely one of the better elliptical trainer series by Sole, just a tad above the E95.

Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The Sole E95S Elliptical

At EllipticalReviews.com, we bring you comprehensive reviews of exercise equipment so you can decide which one is right for you. Our staff thoroughly test all the ellipticals we review. We install them, ride them, and try out all of the features. We get to know each and every elliptical we review extremely well. Our reviewers log miles riding. We listen and record the sound of the machine, try out all aspects of the console and try the machine’s features.

Every elliptical we review undergoes the same rigorous process. That way we can compare and contrast them and give you an honest review of what we think.

Our reviewers are fitness experts. Brian, the author of this review, is a competitive bodybuilder, and is a 7-time national qualifier in both men’s bodybuilding and classic physique within the NPC competitions. He has coached and been coached on cardiovascular training, HIIT, and nutrition, particularly as it pertains to weight loss for competitions. He is an expert when it comes to ellipticals, has been on this elliptical, and you can trust his opinion on all of the machines he reviews.

In Brief

The Sole E95S is the middle offering of the brand’s E9X series, in between the E95 and E98. Priced at $2,799.99, it comes completely loaded with some of the best workout features you’ll ever want. In addition to 20 levels of resistance, the elliptical operates with a honkin’ 30-pound flywheel that assures stability and smooth rolling irrespective of your own bodyweight. With a maximum user weight of 400 pounds, there’s little question there. Upgraded for this year with a 13.3″ touchscreen, the elliptical comes with 12 pre-programmed workouts, Bluetooth compatibility with the free Sole+ app, as well as a sturdy media rack for either tablet or phone. Heart rate sensors are built into the handlebars and the machine is built to sync with wireless monitors as well. Another biggie is the power auto adjustable stride length of 18″ to 24″. All in all, I can’t see anyone outgrowing this model, irrespective of your conditioning level. To me, this is a question of whether you want to pay for the big features, which are certainly worth it.


Sole E95S Elliptical (2024) - Notable Specs:

Overall Rating:5-stars
Compact / Folding:No
Incline:No
Stride Length:18” - 24”
Flywheel:30 LBS
Programs:12 Programs
Fan:Yes
Weight Capacity:400 LBS
Dimensions:84" L x 32" W x 71" H

In-Depth Review of the Sole E95S

Why We Like It

Every now and then you want to see what a top-dollar unit looks like, and this is it. I like the fact that you’ll never run out of built-in workouts with this unit, as well as the free integration with the Sole+ app, all wrapped up with 20 levels of incline, power adjustable stride, and a 30-pound flywheel. A large-framed unit, it can support up to 400 pounds in user weight, which along with the lifetime warranty offered on the frame tells you it’s sturdy. The Sole E95S may indeed be among the best ellipticals money can buy.

It Has A Great 13.3″ High-Definition Touchscreen

Frankly, the entire console of the Sole E95S is top notch from start to finish. In addition to the sizeable 13.3″ touchscreen, which at this distance resembles a television screen, the controls are all within easy reach and include heart rate monitors on the handlebars. You have a sturdy media rack affixed to the top of the console for either tablet or phone, and with Bluetooth you can pretty much have your way here in terms of workouts. The resolution of the screen is terrific and you certainly won’t have to squint to see your workout metrics, or strain your ears to hear thanks to Bluetooth speakers.

Speaking of Sole+…

The Sole+ Fitness App is a terrific free program with more than 3,000 on-demand workouts for categories ranging from ellipticals and treadmills to strength and boxing. Built to work with any Sole machine, the routines last anywhere from 10 to 60 minutes. Led by professional trainers, it’s an easy program to figure out and does include instructor-led videos as well as simple routines. You can download the app at either Google Play or Apple App Store and take it with you.

Power Adjustable Stride 18″ to 24″

Being able to adjust your stride length is a big plus. I’m 5’10” and fit pretty easily into the normal range of machines, but if you’re shorter or taller, then the typical 18″ to 20″ stride might not be enough. A 24″ should be sufficient to handle people over 6’4″ and this also helps with folks whose hip-to-leg ratios are outside the mainstream. A 24″ adjustable stride max is about as good as you’ll get out there on the market these days.

Sizeable 30-Pound Flywheel

While shopping for ellipticals you’ll find anything from 18-pound flywheels up. A 30-pounder is top of the line. The heavier the flywheel, the smoother and more stable the ride. This is particularly important for larger users. I’m not surprised this unit also sports a 400-pound user max. What this means is while you’re moving up the levels from 1 to 20, you won’t feel the drag of a smaller wheel trying to keep up. It also provides a big anchor while you’re pedaling up and down the virtual trails.

Sole E95S Dimensions

The dimensions of the Sole E95S are 84″ x 32″ x 71″ with a step-up height of 14″. Be sure to factor this into your room selection. As a rule you should add your own height to the 14″ to estimate ceiling requirements. An 8′ ceiling is 96″ while a 7′ ceiling is only 84″. I figure that 8′ ceilings are safe as a rule.

Sole E95S Weight

The Sole E95S weighs 265 pounds and can support up to 400 pounds in user weight. Keep this in mind when placing the machine. You’ll want floors that can support this weight.

What We Like:

  • 13.3″ High-Definition Touchscreen

    Built to work with the pre-programmed routines as well as the Sole+ fitness app, the screen also reports heart rate metrics by way of the handlebar sensors or Bluetooth monitor. Given the short distance between yourself and the machine, it looks like a television. You also get one of Sole’s handy media racks which can support either tablet or smart phone.

  • 18″ to 24″ Adjustable Stride

    When using this machine I can see anyone from 5-footers to 6’8 being able to use it with ease. The adjustability is easy to figure out and even a novice will be able to handle this machine.

  • Great Resistance

    With 20 levels of resistance, there’s no question you’ll never outgrow this elliptical. As for myself, I can get myself pretty worn out with even a few levels. While using the upper body arms of the elliptical, you’ll get a total body workout and your own bodyweight serves as a base of resistance.

  • Bluetooth Speakers and Connectivity

    I had no problem syncing my devices with this machine in a matter of seconds.

  • Great Warranty

    The lifetime warranty on the frame and flywheel include three years for parts and one for labor. That’s hard to beat and I do see rivals with much less.

What We Don’t Like:

  • In-Home Assembly Costs

    Sole offers room-of-choice assemble for $350. This is a large machine and if you do decide to assemble it yourself, you’ll certainly need some help. It’s not rocket science and the instructions are clear enough, but the parts are big.

  • Big Machine

    This isn’t as much a negative as a point to consider. If you get a Sole E95S make sure you place it where you want it. You won’t want to move this around every day.

This Elliptical Could Be For You If You Want:

  • A luxury model elliptical
  • An elliptical that can support up to 400 pounds in user weight
  • A dynamic 13.3″ touchscreen
  • Adjustable stride of 18″ to 24″

Our Verdict:

The Sole E95S is the perfect buy for someone who wants the best and is willing to pay for it. Priced at $2,799.99 you’re definitely getting a great machine, but clearly this isn’t for everyone. As a true contrast, I’d offer the Horizon 7.0 AE at a price of $999 just for reference. But the difference in specs is obvious and you get what you pay for here. In terms of burning off pounds, you’ll never have to worry about outgrowing the E95S. Between the 20 levels of resistance and built-in workouts you won’t get bored. The size is also a big consideration here. I see this as perfect for a garage gym or large room in your home. Apartments with smaller rooms might be a struggle.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Sole E95 and Sole E95S?

The key difference is that the E95S is designed for more regular and heavy use, which is indicated by its far steeper price point. It's also made for multiple users regardless of skill level, as it includes customizable options that aren't found in many other ellipticals.

Does the Sole E95S elliptical fold?

No, this machine is not foldable.

Is the Sole E95S heavy?

The E95S weighs at 265 lbs.

What is the maximum user weight capacity of the Sole E95S?

The E95S has an impressive max. user weight capacity of 400 lbs.

Is the Sole E95S Bluetooth-compatible?

Yes, the E95S incorporates Bluetooth technology.

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