Reader Mailbag: Problems with the Sole E25?

Ohiyo!

Sole Fitness has become one of the dominant brands in the fitness industry over the past few years. Their great position has come from producing some of the best treadmills and ellipticals for some of the best pricing, and also from their great customer service. That being said, even the best companies have problems with their equipment and we're here to take them to task for it.

Over the past couple of months, the DOJO has been receiving emails asking about issues with the current Sole E25 ellipticals. A few readers a week have written in and mentioned they were having problems with their E25 and asked if we could help them out with it. I know there is nothing worse than getting a new piece of equipment and not being able to use it. For me, it's computers. I always seem to buy a computer that has some sort of problem which requires me to pack it up and take it back to where I purchased it from. I hate that feeling.

Before I get to addressing the problems with the Sole E25, let's hear from Dan in Texas who has a question about problems with the unit. Let's see what Dan has to say. Take it away, Dan!

Hi Sensei,

First off thank you for all the hard work in putting together all the information on the elliptical machines. I went to Dick's Sporting Goods to try out a few ellipticals (Sole and Horizon). I tried the Sole E25 and E55 and the Horizon E900. All three machines felt very sturdy. There was no shaking or side to side movement. I really could not tell a difference in the strides between the Sole and Horizon models. I noticed on all three machines that the tracks were marred and scratched especially the Sole models. I read the reviews the Dick's website on the Sole machines (models E25, 55, & 95). There are many bad reviews on the Sole E25 due to the wheels coming off the tracks. There was nothing said about the Sole E55 and E95 models. I am curious as to you take on the problem. Is it the owner's error while putting the machine together or a design flaw?

Thanks, -Dan from Prosper, TX

Dan:

Thanks for the note and the great question. We've been getting in a lot of reader emails about problems with the Sole E25 elliptical, but this is the first real chance we've had to sit down and investigate the issue.

First off, the Sole E25/E55 and the Horizon E900 are all very solid units. The difference between the Sole E25 and Sole E55, and why only one of the units has had any problems, is probably because they are manufactured at two different plants (from what I understand, the Sole E25 comes from a Chinese plant versus a plant in Taiwan for the Sole E55). The Horizon E900, in particular, is a spectacular incline elliptical for the price. It is a very tough elliptical to beat for those looking for a sturdy incline elliptical at a budget price. The Horizon E900 elliptical is a great value for your money and I whole heartedly recommend it even over its bigger brother, the Horizon E1200 incline elliptical.

In regards to the issues with the Sole E25 ellipticals over the past few month, we've turned up two recurring problems. The first was from a thoroughly annoying squeak coming from the pedal assembly. We received a number of readers asking about the issue and whether or not it would work itself out. The problem itself came from the articulating pedal assembly and how it connects to the E25 itself. The squeak didn't affect performance of the unit but was annoying to find on what is normally a very quiet elliptical. The fix came in the form of a bushing which can be obtained from Sole's customer service department. From what we've heard, this problem was in a small number of units and Sole reported to us that the issue had been fixed back in January.

The second issue we've been hearing about sounded a lot more drastic. We received emails from our readers reporting a problem with the pedal assembly of the Sole E25 elliptical jumping or popping off of the track during workouts. When we heard this we ordered up a Sole E25 elliptical to test out ourselves and saw no mechanical problems in the machines at all -- in fact, we couldn't for the life of us get our unit to jump the track like we'd been hearing about. So we took the mass of reader emails directly to Sole Fitness to find out what the issue was.

Surprisingly, Sole was completely upfront with the issue. I say "surprisingly" because a lot of other manufacturers would try to hide problems like this from us. The problem itself comes from over lubrication at the overseas manufacturing plant. Too much lube on the rails causes the wheels to slide over the track instead of rolling along it. This sliding would cause the wheels on some units to pop out of place and would cause scratches in those that didn't. The fix is to clean off the lubrication and then reapply a small amount back to the rails. If you contact Sole Fitness customer service they can walk you through it and have a PDF they send out to illustrate how to do it.

Sole said they have since fixed the over lubrication issue and new units are back up to the high quality consumers have come to expect from them. That being said, there are probably still a few of the over-lubed units running around at local fitness dealers.

Sole E25 Elliptical

The Sole E25 elliptical was and is a very solid budget-priced elliptical, even with the pair of burps it experienced recently. However, there is a great alternative with the same basic design. A great alternative to the Sole E25 is the Bladez 850e, which is an almost identical elliptical in feature and design to the E25 but at a crazy-low price of just under $700. The Bladez 850e elliptical also features one of the coolest new technologies out on the market, adjustable width on the pedals. The AWT feature of the 850e elliptical allows you to change the distance between the foot pedals, giving you a much higher level of comfort to your workout.

The Bladez 850e elliptical is easily one of the best deals for ellipticals going on right now.

Thanks again for your note, Dan. Good luck with your elliptical search!

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Reader Mailbag: Bladez 850e Elliptical vs the Horizon E900 Elliptical - to the Death!

Ohiyo!

For today's episode of the reader mailbag we have the fitness version of the Celebrity DeathMatch, this time featuring two very solid performing best buy ellipticals priced under $1000. Brad from Pennsylvania wants to know how the Bladez 850E Ellipticalstacks up against the Horizon E900 Elliptical when it comes to value, durability and performance. Let's see what Brad has to say. Take it away, Sir!

Ohiyo!

Gotta say, I'm a recent discoverer of your site, but thanks so much for the time you put into it -- It's a fantastic service. I'm hoping you can answer a question for me, if you have a moment, though I realize you are busy so anytime.

First, a bit of background - My girlfriend and I are looking to purchase our first elliptical. This will be the only piece of cardio equipment we have. We're on a budget. But at the same rate, I don't want junk. Just the best for my money. I currently use high end Precor ellipticals at my gym so I am used to them. My girlfriend likes treadmills but is anxious to try an elliptical. She is in her 20's and I'm in my early 30's. Weights are average, nothing too high or too low (she is actually quite light for her age). I'm around 180 so no weight issues.

Anyway, here's my issue - The Bladez 850Ereview you wrote really has me thinking, do I want to throw caution to the wind and order it? I dunno how important the pedal spacing feature is to us, but it seems like the main reason you love it so much. The pro is the price is SO good, it's got a 20" stride, I pay no tax or shipping on it. We're in Pennsylvania, and have Dick's all over the place, so if I buy there, I gotta pay 6% tax. I was looking at the Horizon E900 which you gave 4.5 and the Dicks site visitors unanimously LOVE. Is that a better built unit than the 850e? I realize it's costing me $300 more plus tax, but I'm wondering, comparitively, is it better?

My biggest fear with ordering the 850e is that once I get it, I am stuck with it. I can't try it ahead of time, and if I don't like it, sending it back would cost a fortune. With Dick's, I can try it, even take it back to the store, though I don't want to pay the extra cost if the Bladez unit is superior.

Basically, I just want something that is built solid, not wobbly, not noisy, etc. I don't care about bells and whistles. I realize it's not going to be the smooth quality of a gym Precor elliptical, but I want the best smart buy for my money.

So what do you think? Do I take a risk with the Bladez you gave 5 buddhas too, or should I play it safe with the Horizon or another Dick's model? If only I could try both of them, it would be so much easier, but I do value your opinion given my stats.

Much thanks for all you do! -Brad

Brad:

Thanks for your note and your very kind words. Believe it or not, you're in a really good position. You've picked two very strong, well-designed ellipticals and which ever way you go you are in a win-win situation. The two units are going to feel very similar when you get on them. They have nearly the same stride-length and unit weight - the Horizon E900 is about 160 pounds with a 19" stride and the Bladez 850e is around 175lbs with a 20" stride length. They are also both based on a shorter frame style, similar to the Sole E25 elliptical in feel...although I believe both units are more sturdy and durable. If I was placing a bet, I'd say strides on the two units are actually the same -- closer to 19.5" from what I've seen.

The Bladez has a heavier flywheel upfront, but the Horizon E900 is balanced with its heavier backend to even things out. The only significant differences in the two units (since they are both based off the same basic elliptical trainer design) is going to come in the form of the incline and additional price on the Horizon E900. You're paying for the ability to add an incline to your workouts, which can be a great thing for sure.

If I was nitpicking, I would say that the Horizon E900 has a sturdier upright support which does make a difference during heavier-duty workouts. Of course, just to be difficult, the adjustable width technology is a fantastic new feature and is great if there is a major height differential between your wife and yourself.

I'd suggest going in to Dick's and trying the Horizon E900 out. The Bladez 850e will feel very similar to the E900, but you can also hop on a Sole E25/E35 for another unit with a similar design. That should give you a decent comparison in regards to the basic feel of both units. Just keep in mind that you will be able to adjust the pedals with the 850e to your individual stance style and that will make a bit of difference in comfort.

Yes, Brad, I realize I'm probably not helping you make your decision! I'm going to make it even worse by saying, if you're used to a Precor then you really should go out and get on a home grade elliptical to see how you like the feel. There is a difference (it's kind of like going from driving a BMW to driving a Nissan...both are good cars, but they're hard to compare).

My advice would be to buy the Horizon E900 if the incline feature is important to you and something you'll use. If it's not, I'd suggest saving the $300 and going with the Bladez 850E Elliptical (and, really, the savings will be closer to $450 or so after shipping and tax is factored in).

Thanks again for the note and the fantastic question, Brad. I hope I didn't make things worse for your decision-making!

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Reader Mailbag: Extended Warranties, to buy or not to buy...that is the question

Ohiyo!

As the final day of the IHRSA show in San Diego wraps up, I wanted to make sure to keep my loyal readers happy with another trip to the old Reader Mailbag for a new question. Today, Michael from Michigan asks the Treadmill Sensei about extended warranties for treadmills and whether or not they are really worthwhile. Take it away, Michael!

I just bought one of these after reading your very informative review. The question I have is should I buy the extended warranty for this unit. The sales person at Dick's Sporting Goods tried like "heck" to get me to buy it. It comes with lifetime frame and motor and 1 year on parts and labor. What do you think? -Michael

Michael:

Thanks for the note and your question. You know, I'm of two minds when it comes to the extended warranties when it comes to budget treadmills and ellipticals.

On one hand, you are purchasing a budget level product which is made of lighter grade materials and are prone to difficulties if not maintained properly (cleaned, etc) or are over used (heavier users or hardcore workouts). In that case an extended warranty can be a good thing because it will help you extend the life of your equipment. And don't forget, a lot of people want the additional piece of mind an extended warranty offers even if they never have to use it.

On the other hand, if you follow the maintenance instructions of the unit and take care of it, you should see a fairly trouble free lifespan of about 5 years (sometimes as long as 7-8 years) for the unit.

I'd also say it depends on your own fitness lifespan -- meaning, how long you'll actually use it. A lot of these budget treadmills are bought by folks who only end up using them for a few months before they become permanent clothes-hangers over in the corner of your room. If that's the case then I'd avoid an extended warranty at all cost!

Just keep in mind that the sales people are always going to suggest you spend more money, especially on something like an extended warranty which you may never actually use. In fact, you'll see sales people pushing extended warranties on units which don't need them because that amounts to free cash for the retailer. I'd be worried about any treadmill or elliptical that a retailer doesn't offer you an extended warranty on!

I hope this helps!

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Reader Mailbag: Elliptical Suggestions Under $800?

Ohiyo!

Today I am writing you from here in San Diego while we're attending the IHRSA commercial fitness trade show. We don't do a lot of these trade shows but with IHRSA down in our backyard we couldn't resist checking it out. Even being away from the DOJO for the day I wanted to make sure I didn't neglect you, my loyal readers.

Today we have a question from Jeff and his wife who have just purchased a treadmill and are looking to add an elliptical trainer to their workout room. Jeff is on a little bit of a budget but still wants to get the most bang for his buck.,

Dear Treadmill Sensei,

First off, I love your website and recently used your advice to buy a Fuel treadmill that I absolutely love. My wife and I plan on adding an Elliptical to our home gym as well, and we do not want to spend more than $750 on an Elliptical. Right now we have 5 Elliptical machines that we are currently looking at. I would love to hear how you would rank these 5 Ellipticals head to head. My wife is 5-3 118 pounds and I am 6-0 200 pounds. Your advice would be greatly appreciated, we want to buy the best Elliptical in our price range. Keep up the great work! You have an awesome website that I will recommend to anybody looking to buy an Elliptical or Treadmill.

Schwinn 431 Elliptical Trainer
Fuel Fitness FE44 Elliptical
Bladez 850E Elliptical Trainer
Esprit by Spirit EL-3 Elliptical
ProForm CrossTrainer Elliptical 600

Thanks, -Jeff

Jeff:

Thanks for the note and I am tickled pink to hear our advice worked out for you. It is always great to hear back from our readers who have followed through and made a purchase. The Fuell treadmills have been doing really well for those who need a solid treadmill for a budget price. Sole has done an excellent job with their design.

In regards to what elliptical to add in to your home gym, you've picked out some excellent choices. Of the equiment in your list, I'd place the Proform 600 at the bottom of the list, follwed by the Schwinn 431. The Fuel FE44 is a fantastic budget unit -- very stable, very nice elliptical feel to it. I'd have to say the Fuel FE44 Elliptical is going to be the best bang for your buck right now.

You also mentioned a unit on Ebay. I'd be a little careful of anything sold on Ebay because you may be looking at a gray market unit and the manufacturer's warranty may not be valid for units sold on there. I personally buy stuff on Ebay every week, but for something which may need a manufacturer's warranty to help with problems down the road I would suggest caution.

I hope that helps, Jeff. Good luck with your quest for a new elliptical and make sure to drop me a note to let me know how things work out for you and your wife. Take care!

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Reader Mailbag - Sole E25 vs Sole E35 and what about an elliptical for a shorter user?

Ohiyo!

It seems the Treadmill Sensei has been neglecting his reader mailbag a bit recently. Sure, I've been using reader email as the starting point for reviews lately, but it has been a very long time since I did an old fashioned mass email answer here on www.TreadmillSensei.com and that is exactly what I'm going to do today.

In this episode of the Reader Mailbag, we've got questions on Sole (as always), Esprit, Kettler, Stride length, returning equipment and more! I'll be answering each email in its own post to help keep the size of each one down. To start off I'll be going over questions from readers asking about ellipticals from Sole Fitness, specifically the Sole E25 elliptical and Sole E35 elliptical.

Our first question for the day is from Del who is trying to decide between the Sole E25 and the Sole E35 ellipticals. Take it away, Del!

Thank you Sensei. You do a good job of reviewing the products. I was curious E25 tops the under $1k range and E35 tops the under $1.5k range… but between the two which do you think is a better value? They’re relatively close enough in price that one could justify “Oh, it’s only a little bit more..” for the E35 (ooo… it’s a bigger number, has to be better, right?), but has Sole packed in enough upgrades to realistically make the $285 jump? Is warranty (LT/5/2 vs LT/3/1) and programs (8 vs 6) pretty much a main differentiators?

I’m 5’2”, 135lb, so the weight range isn’t my biggest selling point. Stability was (which is why I’m looking at Sole – I’m not heavy, but when I go I like to go all out). I’m looking for something reliable, well built, and worth the money spent. Heart program or not aren’t big for me – I wear my own chest strap and monitor myself (I don’t trust the programs, they don’t seem to work all that well, unless someone’s figured out how to do it better than Precor).

Thanks for your time, -Del

Thanks for the note, Del, and I am glad www.TreadmillSensei.com has been of assistance to you on your search for an elliptical. You've got a couple of different questions going there and it seems like you're wanting me to validate a decision you've already made. Let's start with the first question, "is the Sole E35 worth the additional money over the Sole E25." For average or larger-sized people that answer is going to be "yes." The Sole E35 elliptical is going to give you a larger and more stable elliptical base to work out on, which equals a slightly smoother ride. The larger size comes in to play for those who "go all out" on their machines or are heavier users. The addition of the much better warranty (in particular, the two year labor warranty) is also a big plus, as is the addition of heart rate monitoring and control in the newest version of the 2008 Sole E35. Both machines are great and are best buy award winning ellipticals, but the Sole E35 is definitely a sturdier step up from its little brother, the Sole E25 elliptical.

With that being said, right now Amazon has a crazy deal going on the Esprit EL3 elliptical by Spirit, which is a repainted version of the old 2006 Sole E35 elliptical. The cost for the Esprit EL3 is actually about $100 less than the Sole E25 right now, although I have no idea exactly how long that sale will be going on for. It is definitely worth checking out for a great deal on the Esprit EL3. See the my deal of the week post for more information.

Now that we've got all of that out of the way, I have a question for you, Del. Have you actually been on an elliptical with a 20" stride before? The reason I ask is because, at your height, it might be a bit too long for you. Some shorter users like the longer strides, but some find it to be a bit too far of a stretch. It might be worth checking out an elliptical with an 18" or even a 16" stride. Ellipticals from Kettler or Smooth are on par with the Sole ellipticals in terms of quality of construction and design, but target those who are looking for a shorter stride length.

Thanks for your note, Del, and I hope I've helped out in your search. Zap a note back to us here at the DOJO to let me know what you eventually decided on and how it worked out for you. Take care!

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Reader Mailbag: The SportsArt E83, a perfect elliptical for tall users

Ohiyo!

Before I get to the reader mailbag I want to confess to something...and I'm only able to do this because I know Mrs. Sensei doesn't ever read this website. Today the Treadmill Sensei encountered something that has completely ruined his finely regimented and regulated diet (regimented and regulated by Mrs. Sensei, of course). Today the Treadmill Sensei was at Costco with Hikaru, making a quick trip to refill the lunchroom here at the DOJO with juice, soda and snacks for the other Senseis. It was there in the bakery aisle that I saw what was to be my downfall...a banana and chocolate cream pie.

When we arrived back at the DOJO, I decided to pop open the pie and have a small taste before going back to work. Sure, my wife would disapprove, but it was just going to be a tiny bite and no one would ever know. Unfortunately, one small bite led to a small piece which led to a medium sized piece which led to the Treadmill Sensei eating almost half of the pie before Hikaru burst in to my office to save me from myself.

Now, I'm feeling tired from the huge carb and sugar intake, I've got a cream stain on my shirt and all I can think of is having to kill Hikaru to get my pie back. So, if you're in Costco and see the beautiful banana and chocolate cream pie, please do yourself and your sanity a favor and walk away. Just walk away.

Ok, let's get back to today's Reader Mailbag before your Treadmill Sensei goes and runs for an hour to work off some of that delicious pie...and tries to figure out how to "Shout" the new stain out of his shirt! Today we have an email from Matt C. who is looking for a sturdy elliptical for himself and his wife, both of whom are very tall.

Take it away, Matt!

This is a great website. I really appreciate the reviews and advice.

My wife and I are both tall. She is 6 feet and I am 6' 6 and weigh about 295. I have bad joints and need a low impact type of exercise which is why I have chosen an elliptical. My problem is that I really feel like most machines I will run into the ground. The residental machines seem too weak for my frame. I know I need an adjustable stride of at least 25 inches. Can you tell me the best "sturdy" machine that is going to take my abusive workouts for the the next few years that won't give me problems that have a longer stride?. I am willing to spending between $2,000-$2900.

Thanks for your advice, Matt

Matt:

Thanks for your note. It's nice to hear from a taller reader because it lets me talk about something besides "which is better, Sole or Smooth." To start off, you could probably make due with a 20" or 21" elliptical stride and be ok. That being said, a good 25" stride will definitely feel a lot better for you. If you did decide to go down to a shorter stride, I would avoid Octane and Bodyguard ellipticals like the plague. You'd wind up bumping your knees or thighs on those machines, which don't have the best designs for taller users (I'd recommend them only for those under 6' in height).

Now, if you're looking for a very stable, sturdy and long lasting elliptical with an adjustable stride, there is really only one brand to look at: SportsArt Fitness. SportsArt puts together what I consider to be the best designed, best supported ellipticals on the market today, and probably of all time.

In particular, you want to take a look at the best buy award winning SportsArt E83 Elliptical.

2008 Ichi-Ban Best Buy Award Winner.

You can check out my full review of the SportsArt E83 Elliptical HERE. If you've got the budget for it, which you mention you did, the SportsArt E83 Elliptical is really and truly one of the finest ellipticals out there. It completely blows away lower priced ellipticals, and even higher priced units from Precor or Life Fitness can't really compete with its design or rock-solid frame. There is absolutely no better elliptical especially in the $2000-$3000 price range.

The three key points to focus on after the steel-welded frame are: the use of ball bearing joints instead of the cheaper bushings used in lower end ellipticals from Spirit or Nordic Track (for example). The use of bearings will give you a much smoother, more maintenance free, quieter and longer life elliptical.

The second point to look at is the manual adjustable stride. This may sound a bit counter-intuitive, but the manual stride adjustment is a lot more reliable than an electronic or computer controlled one. Those automatic stride adjustments are a lot more complex in their design which causes them to be far less reliable than the SportsArt E83.

The last point to think about is, and this won't affect your elliptical workout, there is a man who works at SportsArt named Scott Logan. The reason you should know that name is because he has what we here at TreadmillSensei.com consider to be one of the finest groomed beards to ever come out of the Pacific Northwest. Like I said, it doesn't affect the fantastic workout provided by the Sports Art E83, but proper grooming should be a matter of principal.

But seriously, if I had to choose a "best of the best" elliptical it would probably be the SportsArt E83 Elliptical trainer. The level of engineering and thought behind its creation are mind-blowing. You can get more information on it online HERE.

Thanks again for your note, Matt. Good luck with your elliptical quest!

Get more information on the incredible SportsArt E83 Elliptical and find the lowest price online.

SportsArt E83 Elliptical Specifications
Stride: 17"-25.5" manufally adjustable
Flywheel: approximately 22lbs
Display: Dot Matrix LED
Readouts: Workout Level, Calories, Time, Stride Length, Distance, Cal/Hr, Strides/Min, Total Strides, Heart Rate, Heart Rate Target
Programs: 8
Resistance: 14 Levels
Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
Heart Rate Control: Yes
Max User Weight: 350lbs
Unit Weight: 282lbs
Grade: Residential
Price: Under $2600

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Reader Mailbag: Who is Cardio Zone?

Ohiyo!

Today we pull out an email from the Treadmill Sensei's reader mailbag from a reader named BGrimes1. He wants to know about Cardio Zone equipment and what the Treadmill Sensei thinks of it.

Take it away, BGrimes1!

Sensei, I saw many makes of treadmills reviewed on your website, but I did not see anything on Cardio Zone treadmills. Do you have any experience with them and/or an opinion on the quality? -BGrimes1

BGrimes1:

Thanks for your note. Cardio Zone is a bit of an interesting line. It is owned and operated by one of the largest online fitness retailers, Fitness Blowout (owned by a man named Jim Rosen). We see a lot of their equipment here at the DOJO, but not under the Cardio Zone name. You see, Cardio Zone itself is just made up of repackaged versions of treadmills and ellipticals from Keys Fitness (makers of Ironman equipment) and from BH Fitness/BladeZ.

Their equipment itself is as good as what comes direct from the manufacturers, but they have a tendency to be a bit over-priced and the specs are often over rated. For instance, they sell a treadmill with a 62" deck...however, BladeZ/BH Fitness (who manufactures their units) only actually manufactures a 60" deck. So, their 62" deck is in reality a 60" one. Their motors are also similarly over spec'd from what I've seen.

Anyway, they do have some nice equipment just be aware that you can generally get the exact same unit under a different brand name at a much lower price.

If you do a search of our site you will find a few Cardio Zone pieces listed under their original manufacturer. I hope that helps.

Take care, BGrimes1!

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Reader Mailbag: Sole E95 vs Bodyguard E230X

Ohiyo!

To quote Jed Clampett...Weeeeeeeeell, Doggy! We've got a reader in the midst of an elliptical quandary. Erik is torn between two higher end ellipticals and can't figure out which to get. This time around it is the Sole E95 Elliptical versus the Bodyguard E230X in a duel to the death. Let's see which one comes out on top. Take it away, Erik!

Hello Sensei!

I love your site! I really appreciate your professional and honest opinions.

As you've mentioned many times, searching for the right elliptical is really tough! I've been struggling with that for weeks and I've finally come down to the Sole E95 vs. the Bodyguard E230X.

You've given both of them great reviews and the same high rating. The Sole would be $1700 delivered, then I haul it upstairs and assemble it myself. The Bodyguard is $2260 with tax but they deliver AND assemble.

Bodyguard has the best warranty of any elliptical, 3 years, and I'd have service from the same place I bought it, but Sole is also good at two years.

The Bodyguard feels more natural and seems to have a better console and programs but the Sole just feels "smoother".

I love the ride on the Bodyguard E230X but I don't like the armbars. They're too thin and too hard on my hands, not enough padding.

The rear shroud on the Sole E95 is very flimsy as you said in your review. It's crazy to have a shroud that will break if you step on it and have it in a place where you're always stepping.

I started out with a $1500 limit but I'm just not satisfied with anything in that range. The Bodyguard is way over my budget but I'd hate to go cheap on myself and end up unhappy. Those armbars on the E230X could be the dealbreaker. Should I spend all that money and then try to find some padding?

You'll probably say I'd be fine with either one but I need some insight. I'm dying here trying to decide.

Please throw something at me that will help! - Erik

Erik:

Thanks for your note and your great questions. Interestingly enough you've picked two ellipticals that we'll be re-evaluating here on treadmillsensei.com over the next few weeks. Both units performed well in our initial tests but both have had a few reader emails come in about problems (and, in regards to the Bodyguard E230X, quite a large number of reader complaint emails).

Let me go over what other readers have been saying. First, the Sole E95. Everyone who purchases the Sole E95 has absolutely loved it. They love the feel of the machine, they love its sturdiness, they love just about everything. The only problem that comes up every single time is the plastic guide rail shroud on the back of the machine. For some reason Sole decided get rid of the metal shroud the E95 elliptical had in previous years and replace it with the plastic shroud formerly found on the Sole E55. Unfortunately, while the old steel shrouds would hold up to someone accidentially stepping on them, the plastic shrouds tend to crack if too much weight is placed on them.

Aside from that one problem, the Sole E95 is a great unit with the excellent elliptical motion and smooth ride found in all of the Sole ellipticals.

As for the Bodyguard E230X, the comments and complaints are also almost universal in the emails we get. People first comment on the pedals and how they are cushioned to reduce impact. To which I always say, "Um...ellipticals are almost zero impact as it is and cushioned pedals, while nifty, don't add anything to that." That's right, the ultra cushioning found the in the Bodyguard E230X (and all their ellipticals) is just a bit of a marketing ploy. They're putting in a feature with a much higher perceived value than any real added benefit. They're also charging you more for that feature which isn't really doing anything for your workout. They do feel really nice, though.

The second thing people mention is almost exactly what you said: how god-awful the handlebars on the Boyguard E230x are. I'm not sure how much thought went in to their design, but they definitely aren't the most comfortable handles out there.

A lot of readers also talk about how the E230X feels great when you're just standing on it, but that it doesn't have the smoothest or most natural feel over the course of a longer workout. A number of readers compare it to more of a stepper feel. I'm not sure that is the most fair comparison. Perhaps they' just been on the units which ship out with 18.5" strides instead of the full 20.5" stride the E230x is capable of having.

My advice would lean more towards the Sole E95. I think you're getting a slightly better value for your money. It might be worth snooping around to see if you can find a 2007 Sole E95 with a metal shroud or ask around and see if you can have them ship you just a metal shroud instead. The shroud ships in a second box and shouldn't be too hard to replace. Plus, you can always drop the extra $150-200 for inside delivery and set up that most companies charge if you don't want to do the set up yourself.

I'd also suggest checking out the slightly cheaper Sole E55 elliptical. It has most of the same features as the Sole E95 (including the same sized flywheel, even if the manufacturer doesn't want you to know that) and comes without the annoying plastic shroud.

Another great option for the same price range is the SportsArt E81 which would give you the same higher quality components as the Bodyguard but with a much more comfortable workout feel. I'll be posting a review of the SportsArt E81 later this week if you want to check back.

Thanks again for your note, Erik. I hope I haven't rambled too much! Good luck with your fitness quest and feel free to write back and let us know how it turned out for you.

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Reader Mailbag: What is the story with Sole vs. Spirit

Ohiyo!

Posts three days in a row?! The Treadmill Sensei is back! It's amazing what someone can do when they have an entire day to dedicate to one task, with no interruptions beyond doing laundry for their wife. I do the laundry, the dishes and take out the trash and for that my wife puts up with me without too much complaint. I also kill spiders and open jars.

For this installment of the Read Mailbag we have a reader who wants to know about the difference between Sole Fitness equipment and Spirit Fitness equipment in terms of quality. Let's see what Jen has to say. Take it away, Jen!

I like your site very much, and it seems to have alot of information that has helped me to start to figure out which elliptical to purchase.

Right now I have it narrowed down to the Sole E55 and the Spirit XE550. I know that they are basically the same, but I, of course have the guy at the specialty fitness store telling me that the Sole brand is just a lower level of Spirit, and that I should definately get the Spirit since it is basically the same price. Is this true or are they the exact same machine? Also, I have read a little about the new Esprit line, and that the EL-7 has an automatic incline ramp included as well. I don't see it on the Spirit site yet and I can't seem to find anything else about it. Do you know much about this new line and specifically the EL-7? -Jen

Jen:

Thanks for your note, Jen, and I'm glad you enjoy the website. I want to start off by addressing a very common misconception readers seem to have -- especially if they've spoken with some of the shadier retailers out there. Sole Fitness and Spirit fitness are two different companies. Sole is out of Utah and Spirit is in Arkansas. Spirit has been around since the early 80s and started off as a manufacturer, I believe, of farm equipment. Sole has been around since the early 90s and began as a supplier of bicycles. Both companies re-brand and sell equipment from an OEM company called Dyaco. OEM stands for "original equipment manufacturer" and is how a lot of companies do business. What it means is that Dyaco (with factories in Taiwan and China) manufactures the equipment and then paints and labels it for their clients. Dyaco became the 100% owner of Spirit Fitness back in 2004 (I believe) and, from what I understand, this past year may have purchased a stake in Sole as well (rumors were to the effect of 20% but I doubt anyone knows for sure).

In the past, Sole and Spirit bought the same basic equipment, had it painted different colors and sold it under their own label/brand name. So, for example, pre-summer 2007 you had a Sole E55 elliptical which was essentially the same as the Spirit XE350 elliptical. Different paint jobs, different labels but the same "under the hood" and using the same off-the-shelf parts. Where the two companies differed was in what happened with those units once they landed in the US. Sole and Spirit are two different companies in respect to their QC process and their customer service. A funny thing that I've heard about happening is that a customer will go in to purchase a Sole treadmill or elliptical and then a shady salesperson will "upgrade" them to a Spirit for a slightly higher cost. Do NOT buy in to this, especially with the 2006-2007 models because they are the same units and should be the same, lower cost.

This past summer (2007), Sole and Spirit both redesigned their equipment in order to help differentiate the two lines of product from one another. Because of my huge ego, I like to think it happened because our website opened up the flood gates back in 2006/2007 by letting everyone know they were selling the same equipment under two different names. Nowadays, you wouldn't mistake a Sole treadmill or elliptical for a Spirit one even in bad light. Sole has stuck to the fantastic feeling, longer frame ellipticals while Spirit has moved to shorter profile with more of a stepper feel to their ellipticals.

As for Sole being a lower level version of Spirit, this is definitely not the case and often comes from overzealous or borderline shady salespeople. The two companies sold the same equipment, although the Spirit versions tended to have a higher price for some inexplicable reason. That's still the true today -- you'll find that the Spirit equivilent will be priced $100 or more than its Sole counterpart. This may be because Sole has a much higher sales volume than Spirit and is able to bring in higher quality equipment for a lower price. To tell the truth, the two companies are very similar. Sole is the more experienced, cooler bigger brother while Spirit is still young and going through some growing pains because of its smaller sales volume. You'll continue to see a lot of good things from both companies.

Before I forget, you asked about the Esprit line in general and the Esprit EL7 Elliptical in specific. The Esprit line is basically just a repainted version of the pre-2007 Sole treadmills and ellipticals. Since Dyaco owned the molds that Sole used for their equipment in years past, they decided to re-release the units with a new white paint scheme to be sold exclusively online. It's a decent idea because it gives consumers the chance to purchase some great equipment for a very low price.

About the Esprit EL7 elliptical: the reason you're not finding a whole lot of information on it is, from what I'm hearing, because Spirit pulled production on the model and it is currently not shipping. I'm not sure why, but it may have resulted from issues with the new technology or it may have just been a reworking of their product mix. Spirit hasn't had an incline trainer in the past and this technology can be a bit difficult to get perfected. As with any new technology, it is best to give it a year or so for the manufacturer to get all the bugs worked out before buying in to it.

This may change in the future, but as of right now I'm hearing the Esprit EL7 ellipticals are not available. If anyone has any info to the contrary, please email in and I'll write and update.

I hope this helps, Jen, and thanks again for the great questions! Take care and good luck in your search for fitness!

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Reader Mailbag: Best deal - Sole E55 Elliptical or Sole E95 Elliptical?

Ohiyo!

Now that the holidays are over and the extended family has left, the Treadmill Sensei is ready to get back to work at being the internet's #1 source for information on treadmills and ellipticals. Interestingly enough, the Treadmill Sensei is also the internet's #1 source for unbridled machismo...or was that mo' cheese? I can never remember.

I'm sure that many of you, my loyal readers, have noticed I haven't dipped in to the reader mailbag for quite sometime. Now, this isn't from a lack of reader emails - heck, we get in around 50 reader emails a day here at the DOJO. What it comes down to is: your Treadmill Sensei has been a bit of a lazy bastard for the past couple of months. With work in the DOJO being at an all time high, treadmill and elliptical repairs have been taking up most of my time at work. Well, with the new year now upon us your Treadmill Sensei has made a resolution to answer more reader emails and to post more often in order to keep his readers more informed and better armed for when they head out to purchase their new fitness equipment.

As with most new years resolutions, we'll see how long it actually lasts...

Get the absolute lowest price for the Sole E95 elliptical online. Save more with Free Shipping, Pay No Tax and Save an Additional 3% with Coupon Code TMSENSEI . Click NOW for more information.

Our first reader email of the new year is from D.R. who has a question about the Sole E55 Elliptical versus its big brother, the Sole E95 Elliptical. Let's see what D.R. has to say. Take it away, D.R.

Hello,

I found your site through by googling ellipticals and WOW I’m impressed. Treadmillsensei is clearly the best review site on the Internet. Period. Congratualtions!

I have a quick question for you on the Sole line of ellipticals: Does the extra bulk/rigidity and fancier display of the Sole e95 justify spending the extra $200 versus the Sole e55? We would have 4 family members using the machines on a fairly regular basis, so it’s certainly no a club-style environment.

Thanks for your time and keep up the great work! God bless you, D. R.

D.R.:

Thanks for the note and for your very kind words. I don't know if we're the best review site on the internet, although my mother thinks so...not that she even knows what an elliptical is. We do try to hard to provide you, our readers, with the most up-to-date and valid facts we can put together in order to help you with your treadmill and elliptical research.

On to your questions. First off, I'm going to be doing new reviews for the 2008 Sole equipment in the next week. Sole has done an excellent job with their new upgraded line of ellipticals and has produced one of the best looking, best designed line of equipment to come out in a very long time. Their new line shows why Sole has consistantly been ranked at the top of everyone's list for best buy ellipticals for the past few years. They really do put out some very solid equipment and have a good customer service department to back it up.

In regards to the Sole E55 versus the Sole E95 and which you should buy: I hate to fall back to my patented answer to this question but, you'll be happy either way you go. However, if you're not in a commercial setting (a corporate gym, for example) then the Sole E95 may be a bit of an overkill for your needs. In fact, and the guys at Sole might kill me for saying this, I think you'd be better off going with the Sole E35 to get the best value for your dollar.

Get the absolute lowest price for the Sole E55 elliptical online. Save even more with Free Shipping, Pay No Tax and Save an Additional 3% with Coupon Code TMSENSEI . Click NOW for more information.

Let me layout my somewhat convoluted thinking for you. There really isn't much of a difference this year between the Sole E35 and E55...and, in fact, even the E95 is very similar in features. First off, the flywheels. I know the three units are listed with different flywheel weights. From what I've seen in opening the units up, they all have the exact same flywheel system...and, it's almost the same as the "30 pound" flywheel system they had last year. I believe the differing weights are just there to help differentiate the machines and are a bit of creative copywriting by Sole. It's not anything out of the ordinary for a manufacturer to tweak their specs on paper. From what I've seen, every manufacturer out there does it.

Once you get past the size of the flywheel, the only significant difference between the Sole E35 and the Sole E55 comes in the number of programs - the Sole E55 has 10 versus 8 on the Sole E35 - and in heart rate control programs - the Sole E55 has them and the Sole E35 doesn't. The only differences in the E95 are the addition of the plastic guide rail shrouds on the back and the fancier LED monitor. Truthfully, the only reason for the guiderails is to make the unit a bit more stable for heavier users (and, in my thoughts, to make it look more like a commercial elliptical for the hotels which use the Sole ellipticals) and the upgraded console has absolutely no benefit for a home user. It's a great console, it just doesn't really do anything special for home users.

So what it comes down to is: will you miss those 2 extra programs and will you even use the heart rate control programs? Most people only use 3-4 programs and end up ignoring the rest and, more importantly, never even make use of the heart rate control programs (and, keep in mind, the two programs the E35 is "missing" are the two heart rate control programs).

Any of the Sole ellipticals are going to be very good machines, but if you don't need heart rate control you're going to be able to save yourself $200 by going for the Sole E35 over the Sole E55 elliptical...and you'll save $400 with the E35 over the Sole E95 elliptical.

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Thanks again for your note, D.R., and I hope this helps you in your elliptical search. I'll be back later with more from the Reader Mailbag!

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Reader Mailbag: A question on mats

Ohiyo!

A common question that the Treadmill Sensei gets is about treadmill mats. I think I've covered this a few times now (such as in the Treadmill Maintenance guide -- see link below), but with the huge amount of articles on the site now stuff sometimes information gets overlooked. I know I have problems finding articles on here from time to time myself!

Anyway, Mike just bought a treadmill and has a question about what type of mat he should get. Let's see what he has to say. Take it away, Mike!

Good morning Sensei,

I really enjoyed your site while shopping for a treadmill. My family and I settled on a Smooth 7.1 as they were on sale this weekend. Can you please recommend a mat? Since it folds up do I need a short mat or long? The Smooth site says the treadmill has a 39" X 73" foot print. Does the 36" wide mats work? Thanks for your help and for the incredible information service you provide. -Mike

Mike:

Thanks for your note. The mat isn't needed as much for when the treadmill is folded as when it is running. You see, in addition to protecting your floor from the treadmill, one of the main benefits of the mat is to help reduce the amounts of dust and dirt that get sucked up in to your treadmill's motor when it runs. The motor will build up a huge static charge which sucks dust in like a magnet and the mat will help reduce that quite a bit,

If you can't find a mat that fits the foot print, you can go shorter but shouldn't go thinner. Make sure to cover the width and front of the treadmill if you have to purchase a shorter mat.

Make sure to check out my Treadmill Maintenance Guide here on the site for some additional tips to keeping your equipment running well for a long time.

I hope that helps!

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Reader Mailbag: What to do with a used treadmill?

Ohiyo!

The Treadmill Sensei gets a lot of email from readers who are either on a budget and have purchased a used treadmill or elliptical in order to help themselves get fit, or still have an older treadmill which works but needs a little bit of love to keep it going. One question in particular that pops up is in regards to what lubrication should be used and how to use it. Today we have that very question from Beth. Take it away, Beth!

What a great web site you have!! I am so impressed. I bought a used Schwinn 6700p treadmill which my husband and I use frequently. It is old but rarely used, I was wondering how to lubricate it. I do not see anything in the owners manual at all about lubrication but I can't afford another treadmill so I want to keep this one in good condition! Thanks, -Beth

Beth:

Thanks for your note. One of the best lubricants out there for treadmills is "Lube-N-Walk." You can purchase it everywhere and can get more information at the manufacturer's website - www.jadfitness.com. They should have a maintenance kit that will help you out and give you instructions on how to do it. Keeping your treadmill lubricated, clean and dust free, as well as keeping the treadmill belt properly adjust, will help give your treadmill a long lifespan. I'd suggest picking up a treadmill mat as well.

Thanks again and take care.

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Reader Mailbag: New or Used Equipment?

Ohiyo!

Today we've got a note from Chris who resides in our neighbor to the north, Canada. He's trying to find a good elliptical and is wondering if he should buy new, remanufactured or used. Take it away, Chris!

Hi Sensei,

I've been researching an elliptical purchase for many months now, your site has been a great resource, thank you.

There is currently a "rebate" program on Precor @ Fitness Depot here in Canada and the 5.23 (home version of 546) is on for $2858, that is a $1000 discount. However, it is still more than I wanted to spend and I keep looking at used/refurb units online from the US. Some of the used units can be had for under $2000 US. The new unit comes with a 10 year warranty and the used ones with virtually nothing.

If I purchased used am I likely to encounter large repair costs that will quickly eat the savings from buying used in the first place? What are typical repairs and repair costs for Precor 546's?

Thank you very much, -Chris

Chris:

First off, thanks for your note. Searching for the right elliptical can be a huge hassle due to the huge number of units out on the market. I've done around 120 elliptical reviews of the past year and have barely dented the surface of what is out. Buying an elliptical can be a truly daunting task for the uninitiated.

Your question is a good one, but one that is a bit difficult to answer. First and foremost, Precor puts out some of the best ellipticals. Period. There are only a few companies which produce ellipticals as good or that last as long (notice I said "ellipticals"...that's because their treadmills have been hit or miss). Getting a Precor 5.23 elliptical, as expensive as they are, is a long term investment in your health. The Precor 5.23 will probably outlive your car if properly maintained. With a new unit, like you said, you also get the benefit of a healthy warranty.

That being said, if you can find a well-remanufactured commercial elliptical it will have the potential to last 5-10 years without any trouble. A Precor 546 is a commercial unit that is rated for a lot more usage than you'll ever be able to put on it - they are made to be used in 24 hour gyms and the like. Again, as long as you keep up the cleaning and general maintenance of the unit. The ellipticals, unlike the treadmills, are mainly mechanical in nature. Any mechanical problems with a unit would pop up in the first month or two, hopefully while you're still under warranty. The electronics issues with a machine like the Precor 546 will usually come in the console or control boards. A problem there will cost a few hundreds to replace but is something most owners can do themselves to avoid having to call a service tech out.

The problem with remanufactured units is finding one from a reliable company. There are some dealers out there who clean up a unit without replacing bearings (some just "wipe down" a machine and send it out), without removing rust and without replacing anything that can't be seen. In that case you're just getting a used elliptical while paying a higher remanufactured price. The best thing to do there is to ask the dealer about their remanufacturing process. Ask what is done and what gets replaced. Check out my remanufactured equipment guide for a little more info. Oh, and remanufactured home units are always a bad idea. If you're going remanufactured, then stick with commercial units because a remanufactured budget treadmill just won't last.

Finally, used ellipticals. Used machines can be a bit of a crap shoot. Sometimes you'll luck out and get a good one and sometimes you'll get a lemon.

On remanufactured or used ellipticals I'd try to get the dealer to agree to a 30-day return period (60 days if you can manage it) to let you try out the quality of the machine you're buying. Again, any mechanical problems should be fairly quickly noticed.

Just remember, for any elliptical you get (new, used or remanufactured), proper maintenance is the key to long product life. Keep the machine clean and dust free, and keep it lubricated.

I don't know if any of that helps or not. I would say that if you're looking to stay under $2000, you might want to check out a remanufactured Precor 544 instead of a used Precor 546. The units are a little older but are built like tanks and you can find them for under $2000.

Thanks again for your note, Chris, and good luck with your elliptical search!

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com

Reader Mailbag: Which is better - Treadmill or Elliptical?

Ohiyo!

The Treadmill Sensei will be back later on today with a new review, but I wanted to start the day off by opening up the old reader mailbag here at the DOJO. I get in tons of email every day. While I may not get back to every single person who writes in, I do read every single email I get -- well, except the Spam ones for Viagro. Although, Mrs. Sensei may be sending those to me. I'll have to check in to that.

Our first email of the day is from Renee who is having problems decided what kind of equipment to buy, a treadmill or an elliptical. Let's see if we can help her out (or confuse her even more!). Take it away, Renee!

Hi! I looked at all the articles on your site and couldn’t see this question addressed: Which is better for a daily workout, an elliptical or a treadmill?

I am 51 years old, 5’3”, and 130 lbs. I need to lose 10 lbs., but haven’t been successful at this for the last 12 years.

I would like to define my waist and get more toned overall.

Are either of these machines “miracle-workers”?!!?!?!

Thanks for taking the time to reply. -Renee

Renee:

Thanks for your note. Truthfully, there isn't a huge difference between an elliptical and a treadmill in regards to weight loss. The main difference is in how they affect your joints and your own person preference. An elliptical is an almost zero impact workout but you can't run as fast or as hard on it as you can on a treadmill. Either one is a great cardio workout. I would suggest doing some strength training a couple of times a week to help tone and shape you body, otherwise you might wind up weighing less but still look flabby and out of shape.

Neither one of the machines is a miracle worker. Weight loss depends on you and your dedication to it. Getting on a treadmill or elliptical for ever just 10-15 minutes a day is going to help improve your health, but without a proper diet it may not be as effective as you need. Now, when I say "proper diet" I mean eating healthy and consciously, not going on a "DIET." Diets tend to be temporary and short term solutions. Most people really just need a minor life change in how they eat, in addition to excercise, to dramatically change their weight and their health.

I'd suggest going in to a local store or gym and trying out both machines to see what feels better to you. If you do go in to a retail store, I'd stay away from big chain stores because the employees will generally be pretty clueless about equipment. Try and find a smaller specialty shop who only deals in fitness equipment. Try and speak with the manager or owner to get the most qualified help. If you go in to a gym, just ask to speak with one of the personal trainers and they will generally answer any of your questions.

I hope that helps!

Our second note for today comes from David who just ordered a treadmill. Take it away, David!

Hi Mr. DOJO,

I want to thank you for all the time you've taken from your personal family activities to devote to your website. Your imput and inbiased opinions have helped me immensely in making a choice which thanks to you I feel fairly secure about despite never trying the treadmill out before my making this purchase. We all need more people like you who keep unscrupulous manufactures/ dealers on their toes for fear of being exposed for their deceitful ways. My thanks again and my best to your and your loved ones. -David ( p.s. I purchased the SOLE 77 and I eagerly await its delivery )

David:

Great to hear from you and I'm glad you enjoy the website. Good luck with your new treadmill and write us back to let everyone know how it is working out for you. Take care!

-The Treadmill Sensei
http://www.treadmillsensei.com