Sole ST600 Strider Review

The ST600 is the leading model of Sole Strider, a special breed of elliptical trainer with long adjustable stride. The Sole ST600 and the cheaper ST300 both offer flexible workouts with an 18”-to-26” footpath — but only the ST600 features power-adjustable stride. This means that within a single workout the ST600 can be used at multiple settings to target-tone different muscle groups. Sole Striders can even be used for walking and jogging, making them great low impact alternatives to treadmills. Upper-body training with the ST600 is impressive too: Premium handlebars let you comfortably grip in different ways to focus on different muscles in the upper body and core.

This top-of-the-line residential trainer has the feel of a commercial elliptical machine. A 27-pound drive allows smooth momentum even for heavy trainees, and eddy current braking is used for quiet operation. Sixteen resistance levels are available, digitally controlled, and the range is suitable for beginners through advanced trainees. The maximum user weight is 350 pounds.

The console has a 7.5” LCD for use with twelve diverse workout programs, including some that are controlled by heart rate. Multiple user profiles are supported, letting each trainee bring up a previous session and also get more accurate calorie burn estimates. Feedback are provided about time, distance, pulse and more. Sole Striders are compatible with wireless chest straps, and grip pulse sensors are built into the handlebars.

The Sole ST600 is more compact than the ST300. Because the stride is power-adjusted instead of changed with a lever, it saves about 20” in length. The footprint is 53” L x 33.5” W.

Warranty coverage for the Sole ST600 Strider includes lifetime coverage for the frame, five years for parts and electronics, and two years of in-home labor.

Our Favorite Features

• Power-adjustable 18” to 26” stride
• Low impact striding and jogging
• Cushioned pedals
• Moving multigrip handlebars
• 12 workout programs
• 27-pound flywheel
• Grip and wireless pulse monitoring
• Water bottle holder
• 5-year warranty on parts & electronics, lifetime warranty on frame
• 350-pound user weight capacity
• Compact frame
• Transport wheels

Our Least Favorite Features

• Heavy weight (288 pounds)
• Lack of extras for entertainment

The Bottom Line

Unlike any other Sole, the ST600 merges low impact elliptical exercise with the opportunity to walk or jog without hurting your joints. This residential cross-trainer has light commercial quality and is a recommended buy for home gyms at the $1999 sale price.