Sole E35 vs Bowflex Max – Side-by-side Comparison 

There are many ellipticals currently on the market, but none are quite like the Sole E35 and the Bowflex Max Trainer. Both of these elliptical machine models offer a wide variety of useful features that can help you meet your fitness goals, but the question remains: which one is better elliptical trainer?

We’re taking a look into each of these machines to see which one does a better job and help you pick which machine is ideal for you.

Quick Answer:

The Sole E35 is much cheaper than the Bowflex Max although it lacks the small size and features and versatility of the Sole. If your tight on space have the money and like the extra features the Bowflex Max is the best choice.

Manufactured by Sole, the Sole E35 elliptical machine hosts a variety of useful features that don’t sacrifice quality for increased functionality.

The Sole E35 features a quiet drive system that uses a 29-pound flywheel and high-ratio gears that make every movement feel smooth and natural without making a racket. It comes with six pre-installed standard workout programs as well as two custom programs and two heart-rate programs, offering a total of 10 different workout levels.

Sole E35 Features:

The Sole E35 also has a built-in heart-rate monitor on the handlebar grips and comes with an optional chest strap monitor for hands-free monitoring. All of the information generated is presented on the machine’s LCD display.

The machine is fairly large; it measures at H 71" x L 82" x W 31", classifying it under standard gym-size equipment. It’s also heavy, weighing in at 244 lbs.

Sole E35 Workout Programs:

The E35 has a power incline feature that has 20 different inclination levels. This feature is very useful when you want to ramp up the intensity of your workouts even more for a stronger burn. The ramp’s angle can be easily adjusted with a single press of a button to allow you to target any and all areas of your body during your workout. It also has adjustable pedals and a power stride feature for even more options to personalize your routine with.

Sole E35 Build Quality:

The elliptical is built with strong, high-quality materials. You won’t have to worry about any of its parts breaking off during exercise. It can handle up to 375 lbs. of weight at most, and it can last for so long as proper maintenance is given.

Sole E35 Warranty:

In case it does break down, however, the E35 comes with a full, lifetime warranty for the frame, a 5-year warranty for its parts and electronics, and a 2-year labor warranty.

Sole E35: Bottom Line

Overall, the Sole E35 Elliptical is a good option thanks to its useful features, quality-of-life improvements, and solid durability. However, the size of the E35 makes it better suited for a gym or a dedicated home workout space since it can’t be folded up for easy storage without having to disassemble it entirely.

The E35 has been generally well-received by its users, praising the machine’s build quality, reliability and the smoothness of its motions compared to other elliptical machines. Though somewhat pricey, the E35 is worth every penny.

The Bowflex Max Trainer is a line of elliptical machines manufactured by Bowflex. The Max series features the same premium quality that other Bowflex products are known for, while the M8 is its latest model. It comes equipped with top of the line features that can accommodate users of all fitness levels.

Bowflex Max Features:

The M8 Max Trainer’s interface is designed to work in tandem with the new Bowflex JRNY app, a virtual coaching program and a performance tracker designed to help create custom daily workout routines that automatically adjust to suit your current fitness level. These automatic adjustments help make sure that every workout you do burns the most amount of calories.

Mechanically, the M8 combines the movements of an elliptical and a stepper to guarantee a low-impact workout that targets the most muscles in your body for a more efficient workout.

Bowflex Max Workout Programs:

It features 7 different workout programs built into its computer as well as 20 different resistance levels for workouts of all intensities.

The M8 has a Bluetooth function to allow wireless heart rate monitors to sync up to it. If you don’t have one, the M8 comes with its Bluetooth heart rate armband that you can use. This armband makes up for the M8’s lack of built-in heart rate sensors; a feature that is present in the M5 and M7 models in the form of contact grip sensors and chest straps.

Bowflex Max Dimensions:

Bowflex Max Trainers are sturdy and incredibly compact. The M8’s size is 47.9 x 30.8 x 65.2 inches (L x W x H), making it significantly smaller and easier to store at home than the gym-sized Sole E35. It is also much lighter than the E35, weighing in at 100 lbs., but it can handle up to 300lbs of weight without breaking.

Bowflex Max Warranty:

Bowflex offers a 3-year warranty for the frame and parts and only 90 days for labor, which is rather short.

Bowflex Max: Bottom Line

The M8’s unique combination puts together the advantages of an elliptical machine and a stepper in one. Of note, however, is that its suite of features comes at a steep price; nearly double that of the E35’s. Unlike the E35, the M8 also does not have the ability to change its angle of inclination. Still, if you want a trainer that’s compact then the Bowflex M8 Max Trainer is a good choice.

The M8 is generally well-received by its users. The 20 different resistance levels it offers makes it perfect for a wide range of workout intensities and it’s built to withstand extreme stress. The short warranty periods make it a little more precarious to purchase though, especially considering its price.

Final Thoughts:

The Max Trainer boasts an impressive amount of features for such a small platform but its cost may be too steep for many people. The Sole E35, however, is a powerhouse that may not be as small or versatile as the Bowflex Max, but it can still give you a serious workout for half the price, making the Sole E35 Elliptical the better purchase between the two.