The Sole E35 front-drive elliptical machine is available for a reasonable price and offers excellent value for money. It is a well-constructed machine with a heavy-duty 27-pound flywheel that delivers a smooth, extremely quiet elliptical motion with a stride length of 20 inches. Traditionally, we prefer rear-drive elliptical machines to those with front drives, mainly because they offer a more natural elliptical motion; this product, however, proves to be an exception. Front-drive elliptical machines are also usually less expensive than their rear-drive counterparts but lack the adjustable ramp, but we find that the E35 delivers a sturdy and challenging workout without compromising on comfort. The pedals are oversized, feature an inward slope to reduce the impact on joints and can be adjusted for maximum comfort. The motion of the E35 feels as natural as any rear-drive elliptical in this price range. The build quality, number of programmed workouts and convenience features makes this a great budget buy.

In addition to 20 levels of resistance, the Sole E35 offers eight different programmed workouts, along with pulse readout and a backlit LCD display. The machine weighs 200 pounds, which accounts for the stability but makes this a less-than-compact device. The E35's footprint is a sizeable 82X27 inches; we think it is definitely worth finding the extra space for this elliptical machine, though. While most comparable elliptical machines offer a stride length of up to 18 inches, the E35's stride length is 20 inches, which allows for a more comfortable workout for taller users.

Convenience features include an integrated cooling fan, a water bottle holder and built-in speakers with a connection port for an iPod or other digital music player. The lifetime warranty on the frame is augmented by a 5-year warranty on parts and 2-year warranty on labor, which includes in-home service. This all combines to make the Sole E35 elliptical machine a great value buy.


Pros: Solid, well made, operates quietly and smoothly, inexpensive, eight workout programs, plenty of convenience features
Cons: Front-drive design, large footprint, heavy

Warranty
Lifetime, frame; 5 years, parts; 2 years, labor (with in-home service)