In-depth review
SOLE E35 Review (2026)
In-depth review of the SOLE E35: adjustable stride, power incline, and whether it is still the default premium home elliptical.
SOLE E35 Elliptical
The front-drive benchmark for a home gym: an adjustable stride, a heavy feel underfoot, and a console that keeps the focus on the workout.
Our verdict
The SOLE E35 is the best premium elliptical for most households, because it gets the stride right for a range of heights and stays smooth when effort rises. Its adjustable stride, power incline, and planted front-drive feel make daily training comfortable rather than a compromise, and the touchscreen console keeps app content within reach without forcing it on every session. The footprint is large and assembly takes time, but neither caveat changes the core judgement: this is a machine built to be used for years.
What we like
- The adjustable stride, from 20 to 22 inches, lets shorter and taller users both find a natural leg path instead of adapting to a fixed stride that suits neither.
- The front-drive layout and heavy flywheel give a smooth, planted feel that stays steady when effort rises, rather than feeling light and skittish at higher resistance.
- Power incline changes the slope of the stride without stopping the workout, so hill-style sessions and muscle emphasis can be varied from the console.
What to watch out for
- The footprint is genuinely large, and the machine is heavy to move, so it needs a dedicated spot rather than a corner it is wheeled in and out of.
- Assembly takes time and patience, with a long parts list and several steps that are much easier with a second person helping.
- The touchscreen console leans on app content for its full value, so buyers who want only simple manual sessions may find parts of the screen underused.
Who it is for
Households that train most days and want a premium machine with a stride that suits more than one user height.
The adjustable stride is the story
Most ellipticals fix the stride and ask every user to adapt. The E35 adjusts from 20 to 22 inches, which sounds like a small range until two users of different heights share the machine: the shorter user stops overreaching, the taller user stops feeling cramped, and both get a leg path that feels natural. That adjustability is the main reason the E35 suits households better than single-stride rivals at a similar position, and it is worth more than any console feature.
Power incline and daily use
Power incline changes the slope of the stride from the console, so hill-style sessions can be built without stopping to adjust the machine by hand. Combined with 20 resistance levels, it gives enough session shapes for structured training, gentle recovery days, and demanding intervals, all from the same frame. The touchscreen console supports app mirroring for users who want classes, but manual and programme sessions work without any app, which keeps the machine useful for users who simply want to stride.
How it stacks up
Against the SOLE E95, the E35 wins on stride adjustability and console modernity, while the E95 wins on weight capacity and sheer frame heft. Against the Schwinn 430, the E35 wins on stride flexibility, incline, and ride smoothness, while the 430 wins on outlay and simplicity. Against the Niceday CT11 Pro, the E35 wins on build, incline, and long-term feel, while the Niceday wins on value for buyers who need a 20 inch stride without premium money.
What owners report
Commonly praised
- The stride adjustment lets households of different heights share one machine without anyone feeling cramped
- The motion stays smooth and planted even when sessions get demanding
- The incline adds welcome variety to otherwise flat cardio days
Common complaints
- Assembly takes a long evening and really needs a second pair of hands
- The machine dominates a smaller room and is awkward to shift once placed
- The app content feels underused by owners who only want simple manual sessions
Recurring themes from owner reviews on retailers and forums, summarised by our editors. Updated October 2026.
Key specifications
- Drive
- Front drive
- Stride
- 20 to 22 inches, adjustable
- Resistance
- 20 levels
- User weight capacity
- 350 lb
- Console
- Touchscreen with app connectivity and pulse grips
Also consider
SOLE E95 Elliptical
The heavier SOLE: a gym-feeling stride, power incline, and a frame built for larger users and longer sessions.
- Drive: Front drive
- Stride: 20 inches
Schwinn 430 Elliptical
The full-size value pick: a proper 20 inch stride, a programme library, and a console that tracks the numbers that matter.
- Drive: Front drive
- Stride: 20 inches
Research-based assessment. ThePickLedger has not hands-on tested this product; this evaluation synthesizes manufacturer specifications, retailer documentation, and published expert reviews.
Questions, answered
Does the SOLE E35 suit shorter users?
Yes, better than most full-size machines, because the stride adjusts down to 20 inches and the pedals sit at a comfortable height. Shorter users should still check the step-on height and the lowest stride setting against their own comfort, since stride feel is personal.
Is the E35 suitable for beginners?
Yes, with one reservation: it is a large, heavy machine, so beginners need a permanent spot and a careful assembly session. Once assembled, the motion itself is forgiving, and low resistance levels give a gentle starting point.
Can I use the E35 without an app?
Yes. Manual sessions and built-in programmes work without any app or subscription, and the console tracks the core metrics. Apps add classes and mirroring for users who want them, but they are not required for a good workout.