Sunny Health & Fitness Magnetic Elliptical Trainer SF-E3912 Review
The Sunny SF-E3912 is the newly released elliptical trainer by Sunny Health & Fitness in which there are some upgrades over the Sunny SF-E3804 such as a motorized (automatic) resistance system, higher user weight capacity and a sturdier construction.
Published: February 8, 2020.
Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912 Specifications
- Dimensions when assembled: 59 x 23.5 x 64 inches (150 x 60 x 163 cm) (L x W x H)
- Weight when assembled: 104.8 lbs. (47.5 kg)
- Maximum user weight capacity: 330 lbs. (150 kg)
- Resistance: Motorized, 16 levels
- Warranty: 3 years on frame, 180 days on parts
Features of Sunny SF-E3912 Elliptical Trainer
Assembly
The assembly of the Sunny SF-E3912 is quite easy because the main body comes pre-assembled with all the ABS covers in place. Users just need to attach the front mast, base bars, pedal bars, pedal trays, fixed as well as moving handlebars and the console. This may take more than an hour; however, it’s not difficult. All assembly instructions are given in the manual and all the basic tools are also included.
Frame
The frame of the Sunny SF-E3912 is made of steel and all the steel parts are colored with chip-resistant and corrosion-resistant gray paint. Its base is totally covered by ABS guards.
Footprint
Although the Sunny SF-E3912 is not foldable, it has a smaller footprint than most other elliptical trainers. The fully assembled unit is only 59″ (150 cm) long and 23.5″ (60 cm) wide. However, users are recommended to leave a clearance of at least two feet on each side and of one foot at the front and back of the unit.
Stability
The machine is quite heavy weighing around 105 lbs., but due to this weight it offers great stability. Moreover, its front base has rubber pads and backside base has rubberized, adjustable stabilizers which add to the stability.
Portability
Thanks to the transport wheels on the front base of the unit, it can be easily relocated.
Console
The console of the Sunny SF-E3912 has a large LED-backlit LCD display offering excellent readability. With its multiple subsections, the display shows several workout metrics at a time, including time, distance, speed, RPM, total distance, watts, calories and pulse. The distance and speed are indicated only in imperial units (miles and MPH) and cannot be set to metric units. Also, the console is not telemetric. It can read pulse only through the grip sensors fitted into the fixed handlebars and not through a wireless transmitter.
It’s important to remember that the console has a Recovery function which can be used at the end of workout to decide user’s current fitness level. It primarily records how long it takes user’s pulse to return to the normal BPM after the exercise and according to the result, it offers you fitness rating between F1 (excellent) and F6 (poor).
The top section of the console features a sticker with the heart rate zones that users should aim for based on their age, so as to benefit from a better fat burn, aerobic output etc.
Workout Programs
Although, the console of the Sunny SF-E3912 doesn’t have any online connectivity neither it can connect to any online apps, it has its own 24 workout programs. The first one P1 is a manual program and enables users to adjust the resistance as they wish through the Up/Down controls during workout. The P2-P13 are preset, each providing a particular workout. The P14 is the Watt Control program with which users can select a watt value and then the console will auto-adjust the resistance creating the possibility to have a constant watt output.
The P15 is a Body Fat Calculator. It will prompt users to enter their personal data like age, gender, height and weight, and calculates their Body Mass Index.
P16-P20 are Heart Rate based. P16 is the Target HR program which enables users to select a target Heart Rate and the pulse indicator will blink on the display if the selected Target HR is exceeded.
P17-P20 have preset HR targets including 55%, 65%, 75% and 85%. During each of these programs, the console auto-adjusts the resistance, if users’ pulse goes above or below the HR zone.
P21-P24 are bespoke, i.e. user can set their own program, selecting distance, time, etc. The console can save up to 4 custom programs.
Handlebars
There are two sets of handlebars on the Sunny SF-E3912 one of which is fixed, while the other is mobile. The mobile handlebars are directly attached to the pedal bars and therefore cannot be secured to make them stationary. In other words, they keep moving as long as the pedals move. They have long grips with ball grips at their tips.
The stationary handlebars have a set of pulse sensors integrated in them. When users hold them, the monitor shows their pulse rate. These handlebars have rubberized cover that ensure a secure grip.
Pedals
Since the Sunny SF-E3912 is a back-drive unit, its pedals are attached to a set of durable steel bars which can support users up to 330 lbs. The pedal trays are made of sturdy ABS material and are large enough to fit in sports shoes of almost all sizes. They feature borders on the front and back, and come with slip-resistant surface. However, they are not adjustable.
Step-up Height, Stride and Elliptical Path
The pedal step-up height of the Sunny SF-E3912 is around 10”/25cm. On the other hand, the pedals, at their highest point, are located at around 16”/41cm above the floor level. Therefore, the ceiling of the room where this machine will be used should be at least 22” higher than users’ own height.
Just like most elliptical trainers, the Sunny SF-E3912 too has an elliptical path that is a bit inclined forward. So, the pedaling motion looks like a very soft ramp. Users can find this beneficial because the ride is focused more on glutes.
The machine doesn’t feature an incline system neither does it have an adjustable stride. The stride is also not too long. It’s around 14” and therefore users more than 6’3” of height may not get a satisfactory range of motion. However, as long as users don’t cross the 330 lbs. weight limit, they can exercise on this machine and it can provide them a fairly reliable and low-impact cardio workout.
Drive and Resistance
The Sunny SF-E3912 comes with a motorized magnetic resistance which means that it needs an external power source. It comes with a US standard power adapter (9V/1.0A). The resistance is automatically adjusted i.e. the pedal resistance is automatically adjusted by the machine according to the program the user is using.
The resistance system comprises of a servo motor and an internal magnetic brake. When users select a particular resistance level from the console, the brake’s position will be changed by the motor, which increases or reduces the intensity of the internal magnetic field, resulting in more or less difficulty in pedaling.
There are 16 levels of resistance of which the first one is quite light and is good for basic level of training, like recovery training or for elderly users or users with some disabilities. On the other hand, the 15th or 16th levels offer significantly higher resistance, ideal for a more intense training.
The Sunny SF-E3912 doesn’t have a very heavy flywheel i.e. it weighs 13.2 lbs. However, being perimeter-weighted, it improves overall stability, and thus offers a very smooth pedaling motion and almost no impact on joints.
Just like most other fitness units with a magnetic resistance system, the Sunny SF-E3912 features a belt drivetrain with a powerful belt that offers outstanding traction. Because it’s a belt drive, no lubrication or a lot of maintenance is needed. It also offers a vibration-free and thus very quiet pedaling motion.
Add-ons
The Sunny SF-E3912 comes with tablet holder integrated into its console placed above the display. Thus, a phone or tablet placed in it won’t block the display.
The machine also features a water bottle holder to ensure the user remains hydrated throughout the workout.
Maintenance
The Sunny SF-E3912 needs only a little maintenance in the form of wiping off sweat and dirt and dust from the machine and regularly checking if nuts and bolts are loosened, and tighten them if they are. Although the internal parts don’t need any lubrication or at least not for a long period, the joints may need regular lubrication.
Pros of Sunny SF-E3912
- Strong construction
- Maximum user weight capacity of 330 lbs.
- 16 levels of resistance
- Easily portable
- Fixed as well as mobile handlebars
- Balanced flywheel that provides a consistent momentum and thus smooth and stable pedaling motion
- Extra-large, slip-resistant sturdy pedals
- Multi-sectioned LED backlit LCD display
- Goal settings for distance, time, pulse and calories
- 24 workout programs
- Includes recovery function
- Tablet holder
- Heart rate intervals sticker on console
- Quiet
- Easy assembly
- Little maintenance
Cons of Sunny SF-E3912
- No online connectivity
- Console not telemetric
Bottom Line
With its automatic magnetic resistance systems with 16 levels, decent maximum user weight capacity of 330 lbs. and 24 workout programs, the Sunny SF-E3912 is a great elliptical trainer for home use.
For those who are looking for low-impact cardio workout, recovery training, stamina development, interval training and weight loss, the Sunny SF-E3912 offers the best bang for the buck.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3912
Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
