Setting atop the Sole lineup of ellipticals is the Sole Light Commercial E98, now available online for $2,599. From what I can see, this is about as a high a quality of cross trainer as you’re going to get for the money. In checking this elliptical out, I’m not sure I could ask for much more frankly. As with all Sole machines, it’s backed by one of the best warranties around.

New for 2024, the E98 now has a number of great digital, tech-related upgrades, that help it appeal to an even wider audience. Most significant is the addition of Bluetooth for use with Sole Fitness’ new mobile app. This app lets the user’s own mobile device serve as the elliptical machine’s control center and saves exercise stats to their smartphone or tablet computer. The Sole+ fitness app can sync with iHealth, MapMyFitness, MyFitnessPal and countless other mobile apps that help maximize fitness efforts. Other tech-related upgrades are an improved tablet computer holder and a larger and even easier to read screen at 13.3″. Like older Sole ellipticals, the Light Commercial E98 an integrated tablet holder, Bluetooth audio speakers, and a USB charging port.

Some important specs for performance are adjustable-angle articulating pedals with a 20″ stride, a 32-pound flywheel with 20 levels of magnetic resistance and moving and stationary handlebars with comfortable grips. Helping this trainer outshine others is its power incline, which gives a choice of 20 elliptical paths for extra cardio challenge. If you’re worried about outgrowing this elliptical, don’t be. I get tired out quickly on ellipticals even at the lower levels. Your own intensity can play a big factor here.

The biomechanics of the Sole E98 are ideal for most adults of average to tall heights, and the machine can safely support up to 400 pounds. I’m 5’10” and fit easily on this model.

Workout programs are accessible through the 13.3″ console screen. Ten customizable choices are available including: Manual, Hill, Fat Burn, Cardio, Strength, HIIT, Custom, HRC, Fitness Test, and another Custom. Extra features contributing to top-notch workout experiences are a strap for wireless heart rate monitoring, touch pulse sensors, personal cooling fans, a water bottle holder and an accessory storage area. The unit also comes with a lifetime warranty on the frame, a three-year guarantee on electronics and parts, as well as one year on labor.

Why You Should Trust Our Review Of The Sole E98

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 E98 the top unit in the brand this season, and it definitely brings the plusses. The big move up is the 13.3″ touchscreen, plus a high-quality media shelf. Frankly, Sole has never been known as a brand to focus on screens, but this model is certainly different there. In addition to the 10 built-in workouts and Sole+ app, you can always bring your own tablet if you want. It’s impossible to think of a situation where I wouldn’t be satisfied programming-wise here. Measuring 83″ x 34″ x 70″ at a machine weight of 246 pounds, this elliptical can support up to 400 pounds, over prior years’ models which only went up to 350 pounds. This elliptical also sports a whopper of a flywheel at 32 pounds, which is up from past models which were 25 pounds. When you add into the equation 20 levels of magnetic resistance and 20 incline levels, you have a top of the line elliptical here with lifetime warranties.

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Sole E98 Elliptical (2024) - Notable Specs:

Overall Rating:	5-stars
Compact / Folding:	No
Incline:	Power Adjustable
Stride Length:	20 inches
Flywheel:	32 LBS
Programs:	10 programs
Fan:	Yes
Weight Capacity:	400 LBS
Dimensions:	83" L x 34" W x 70" H

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In-Depth Review of the Sole E98

Why We Like It

This elliptical brings a lot of bang for the buck, from my perspective. A good entry-level elliptical that I can see working for anyone from teenager to senior citizen, it brings more than enough programming options to satisfy the average customer. Priced and warrantied right, it’s compact enough for a home and not so small as to present stability programs. The number of built-in programs also guarantees you won’t have to pay for programming if you don’t want to.

It Has A Super 13.3″ Console

I’m a bit surprised by this move, but I like it. The Sole brand typically focuses more on the machine and less on the screen, but they really brought it home with the E98. When it comes to ellipticals, you won’t find a much larger screen than a 13.3″ one. This makes for a great user experience whether using the built-in programs, or the Sole+ app and its trainer-led videos. Notice you also get the advantage of a media shelf atop the unit, so you can still bring your own programming if you want. One of the built-in programs is a Fitness Test, which will automatically set levels based on heart rate response. Having a 13.3″ screen through which to monitor this is definitely helpful.

 

Great Heart Rate Options

In addition to being Bluetooth-enabled, the E98 features sensors built into the handlebars. In my own experience, the handlebar sensors are consistent with other fitness trackers I’ve used and match up with my Oura ring. Having a good heart rate monitor makes a big difference when engaging cardio-based training programs. The fact that the E98 has a Fitness Test program which can adjust your own workout goals to the heart rate here is pretty impressive.

Sole+ Fitness App

Sole definitely makes the E35 easy to use. With a great cost-free app like the Sole+ as well as seven built-in programs, you’re all set once you’ve purchased the machine. The Sole+ app provides more than 3,000 on-demand workout routines that range from 10 to 60 minutes. With the elliptical’s built-in heart rate sensors and Bluetooth capabilities, the machine can transfer your cardio numbers to the Sole+ app for workout integration. Workout categories run the gamut from cardio to strength and professional trainers serve as instructors. From my perspective, the Sole+ app is one of the best free programs around. Nowhere as dynamic as some of the paid apps, let’s face it, it’s free. But the fact the app syncs with your machine is a big plus. Overall, I’d say this is a big value-added bonus.

Sole E98 Dimensions

The dimensions of the Sole E98 measure 83″ x 34″ x 70″ and the machine comes with a step-up height of 14″. Given the motion of the elliptical when in use, I’d recommend placement in a room with at least 8-foot ceilings.

Sole E98 Machine Weight

The Sole E98 weighs 246 pounds and can support up to 400 pounds.

What We Like:

• Cost-Free Workout Programming

  Since the Sole+ app is free and the elliptical comes with 10 built-in programs, I can’t see where you’d run out of workouts here. Given the media shelf, you can always bring a screen and watch Hulu if you want.

• A Lot of Bang for the Buck

  Priced online at $2,599.99 against an MSRP of $5,799.99, the Sole E98 brings a great package for the dollar.

• Great Resistance

  With a 32-pound flywheel and 20 levels of incline and resistance, the E98 has terrific stability and programming options. Personally, I really like magnetic resistance in how smoothly you can transition from one level to another.

• Bluetooth Speakers and Connectivity

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

• Great Warranty

  The Sole brand offers great warranties. The E98 offers a lifetime guarantee on the frame and flywheel, three years for parts, and one year for labor.

What We Don’t Like:

• In-Home Assembly Costs

  Sole will deliver the treadmill to your home for free, but having it taken to the room of your choice is an additional $199, with in-home assembly running $350. That’s higher than the norm.

This Elliptical Could Be For You If You Want:

• A Cadillac-level elliptical
• A great 13.3″ touchscreen
• 20 levels of silent magnetic resistance
• 10 Built-in workout programs
• Bluetooth features
• A lifetime guarantee on the fame and flywheel

Our Verdict:

We rank the E98 highly and with good reason. If you’re wanting a low-cost unit, this probably isn’t it. But if you want a top-of-the-line elliptical with all the trimmings, it’s tough to find a superior model, particularly for the price. The lifetime warranty alone is a good indicator of quality, but when you add up the other bells and whistles, from 10 built-in programs to 20 levels of resistance, there’s no question it’s a top unit.