| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Apps | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ASUNA 4300 Check Discounted Price | L:57" W:22" H:65" | 265 lbs | Motor assisted, Magnetic, 16 levels | 5 programs, Recovery, BMI | 90 days |
The Sunny ASUNA 4300 is an elliptical machine for light to medium workouts. It’s not a basic model, as it features an automatic resistance system, and several workout programs. It’s a machine similar to the Gold’s Gym 350i or the Exerpeutic 1000XL, but this model is fairly new, as it was released in 2016.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions:57 L x 22W x 65H inches (145L x 56W x 165H cm)
- Assembled weight: 129 lbs (58.5 kg)
- Weight capacity: 265 lbs (120 kg)
- Stride: 14-16 inches (35.5-40.6 cm)
- Handlebars: Both mobile and fixed (with pulse sensors)
- Resistance system: Magnetic, electronically assisted, 16 levels
- Console: 5 workout programs
- Amenities: Bottle holder, tablet holder
- Warranty: 90 days limited
Frame construction and parts
The ASUNA 4300 elliptical is not an extremely large machine like other models, such as the SOLE E35 or ProForm 735. It takes only 57″L x 22″W (145 x 56 cm) of floor space, which means it should be easy to fit even in a smaller room. It has a simple, non-folding design, however its frame is made of heavy steel tubing. Its assembled weight is approx. 129 lbs (58.5 kg), which means it might require two people for receiving the package, unboxing and assembly. On the other hand though, when fully assembled the machine is easy to handle and move as its front base is equipped with caster wheels. Using these wheels for its relocation, you won’t be handling more than half its total weight.
This Sunny Health & Fitness elliptical trainer features triangular base tubes, which supply a lot of stability to it. They’re finished with heat injected, plastic protective caps, and each one has a set of two rubberized foot stabilizers. Therefore, considering its weight and its base tube construction, the machine offers excellent stability. It shouldn’t move or wobble even if you engage in a more consistent workout.
All steel parts within the frame are coated with corrosion resistant silver paint, this being the only color available for now. There are very few PVC parts in its construction, some of them being the base tube caps, the shrouds of the drive system, and the pedals.
This ASUNA elliptical machine features two sets of handlebars: mobile and fixed. Both types have a simple design, with long grips, covered by a sheet of rubber foam material to provide superior comfort. The fixed handlebars also integrate stainless steel pulse sensors so that the console can track your heart rate. Needless to say, the connection points of the mobile bars to the cross bar and to the pedal bars integrate ball bearings, to supply a smoother motion.
The machine’s pedals are made of heavy-duty PVC material, able to withstand users up to 265 lbs (120 kg). Their surface is ribbed to provide superior adherence to your footwear, and slightly curved upward, supplying a more natural placement of the feet. The pedals don’t integrate suspension or articulation elements. However, the pedal bars have 3 positions in which you can secure them.
Stride and step-up height
First of all, this machine does not have any incline system. However, it does offer a bit of flexibility when it comes to its stride length. 
As we’ve mentioned above, the pedal arms have 3 positions in which you can secure the pedals. Therefore, depending on which set of holes you connect the pedals, you can have a 14″ (35.5 cm), 15″ (38 cm) or a 16″ (40.6 cm) stride. Take note that the stride is not automatically adjustable. You basically have to unscrew the pedals, and re-connect them in a different set of holes, in order to benefit from a different stride length.
Given the maximum stride length that you can achieve with this elliptical trainer, it results that it’s a good fit for users up to 6’0″ – 6’1″ (178-180 cm). Taller users can of course, use the machine as well, but they may find the stride a bit short.
The pedals are 8″ (21 cm) above floor level, at their lowest point. At their highest point, they’re about 7-8 inches higher. Therefore, to avoid any ceiling height issues, it’s best to place the machine for use in a room with a ceiling that’s at least 20″ taller than your own height.
Resistance and drive
The Sunny Health & Fitness ASUNA 4300 elliptical machine features a motorized, electronically assisted resistance system. This means it requires to be connected to a power circuit so that you
can adjust resistance. A power adapter is supplied with the machine, its cable connecting to the rear part of the machine.
Resistance can only be adjusted from the machine’s console. The resistance mechanism consists of a metallic, magnetic flywheel and a small servo motor. By selecting a specific resistance level from the console, the servo will adjust the magnets’ pull on the flywheel accordingly.
This elliptical trainer offers 16 levels of resistance. The lower resistance settings are fairly light, great for recovery training or for elderly users, while the top levels do offer the possibilities of more intense workouts. But nonetheless, this is not a heavy-duty commercial grade machine, and as a general idea it provides light to medium workout possibilities.
Since it’s a machine with a magnetic resistance system, its transmission is belt-powered, using a J6(430) v-belt. This means that the machine’s operation is smooth and quiet, almost silent, and that the transmission doesn’t require lubrication. Also, the flywheel equipped onto this elliptical is balanced, offering a consistent, steady momentum.
In case you’re wondering, the ASUNA 4300 allows reverse pedaling, which basically doubles the amount of workouts that can be performed on it. When pedaling in reverse resistance remains constant, given by the selected level on the console. Also, when pedaling backwards the console will continue to track your workout statistics.
Last but not least, this elliptical machine features a fairly narrow Q Factor, offering a comfortable ride, without any extra lateral stress on the knees.
Console
The console unit supplied with the ASUNA 4300 offers quite a bit more than the average unit. To begin with, it has a fairly wide, multi-panel LCD display, with integrated blue LED backlight. This means it can show multiple workout values on screen simultaneously, and offers excellent
readability, even in poor lighting conditions.
The display indicates time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, RPM, watts, and of course, the selected resistance system. The unit can only read pulse via the sensors incorporated into the fixed handlebars. It doesn’t work with Polar or other wireless HR chest strap transmitters.
It has 5 pre-set workouts plus the Manual mode. The workouts are: Beginner, Advance, Sporty, Cardio, Watt. Some of them have 4 levels of difficulty; for example, the Cardio mode offers 55%, 75%, 90% and TAG (target HR). The Manual mode gives you the possibility to workout freely, adjusting resistance as you like during your workout. It also has goal settings for time, distance and calories.
The console also has a Recovery function and a Body Fat function. The Recovery program rates your performance based on your pulse at the end of your workout, determining your level of fitness. The Body Fat program as its name suggests, measures your BMI (Body Mass Index).
The console is extremely easy to operate. Resistance is increased by turning the big knob clockwise. Recovery and Body Fat have their own keys. There’s also a Reset key for clearing all the values on the console to zero, and a Stop/Start button great to have if you need to interrupt your workout, or alternate elliptical workouts with other workouts. Navigation through the programs is done via the turn knob as well, and the selection of the desired program is done via the big iConsole button.
The computer unit is powered on when you plug in the machine. It doesn’t require any batteries, as it draws power from your power supply. It has a sleep mode in which will enter after 4 minutes of inactivity on the machine and no pulse reading. It exits sleep mode once you move the pedals.
Last but not least, there’s a tablet holder (or reading rack) feature integrated in the console. It can accommodate tablets of all sizes, or can serve as a phone holder.
Assembly and Maintenance
The ASUNA 4300 comes partially assembled. Differently put, the motor, flywheel, pulley and crankset are already assembled. The parts that require assembly are the base tubes, console mast, mobile arms, pedal bars and pedals, fixed handlebars, wire connections and console. It’s a straightforward task which anyone can do without too much hassle, and shouldn’t take more than two hours. The supplied manual offers excellent assembly instructions. The tools required are also supplied.
The internal parts of the machine do not require any maintenance. They’re all pre-lubricated with industrial lubricants. Joints may require lubrication after a while though. Other than that, a periodic check of the machine’s bolts and joints is recommended.
The Pros
- Solid construction, high stability;
- Fixed and mobile handlebars;
- EKG pulse sensors built-in the fixed handlebars.
- Balanced flywheel providing a smooth and steady pedaling motion with a consistent momentum;
- Pedals with three adjustment positions;
- Easy-to-use console unit;
- 16 levels of eddy current resistance.
- 5 pre-set workouts, some of them having several difficulty levels;
- Recovery and BMI functions;
- Goal settings for time, distance and calories;
- Quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- A tablet placed on the media holder may obstruct the view of the console display and the buttons, which may be an inconvenience;
- No incline function.
Summary
The Sunny Health and Fitness ASUNA 4300 is a mid-range, rear-drive elliptical trainer, offering 16 levels of automatic magnetic resistance. Its console offers 5 pre-set workouts, with several levels each, also including BMI and Recovery functions. It’s a machine for beginners and intermediate users, providing light to medium workouts. It’s great for cardio training, recovery training, muscle toning and weight loss. You can actually burn up to 5-600 calories per hour on this machine, depending on the program or resistance levels used. In all, it’s not the most affordable elliptical, but does come with a fairly decent price / value ratio.