| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Incline | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunny SF-E3890 Check Discounted Price | L:62.5" W:25" H:67" | 265 lbs | Motorized magnetic, 16 levels | N/A | 24 programs |
The Sunny SF-E3890 is one of the elliptical machines released by Sunny Health & Fitness in 2019. It features a pretty standard, rear-drive design but has a motorized resistance system which means it is programmable. Its console offers multiple workout programs. In terms of features, it can be compared to the Exerpeutic 6000 QF but lacks the online connectivity feature.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 62.5L x 25W x 67H inches (159L x 63.5W x 170H cm)
- Assembled weight: 103.6 lbs (47 kg)
- Supported weight: 265 lbs (120 kg)
- Stride: 18 inches (46 cm)
- Incline: No
- Resistance: Motorized magnetic, 16 levels
- Console: 24 programs
- Extras: Tablet holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 180 days
Frame construction
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3890 elliptical trainer features a steel frame combining cylindrical, 
rectangular, and triangular bars in its construction. The only non-steel parts (made of durable thermoplastic material) are the covers of the drive and resistance systems, the pedal trays, and several other small covers. All the steel parts in the machine’s construction are coated with a durable, corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black; this is the only color available for this model.
The fully assembled trainer is fairly heavy for a home-use elliptical trainer. It weighs approx. 103.6 lbs (47 kg). Therefore, the transport of the boxed machine should be done by two people. However, once the unit is fully set up, it can easily be moved by only one person as its front base bar features two small wheels.
Due to its weight and the low center of gravity, this Sunny elliptical trainer is very stable. Plus, its rear base has two adjustable levelers while the front base features two rubberized pads.
The machine is fairly large as well. It is approx. 62.5″ (159 cm) long and 25″ (63.5 cm) wide, while its highest point is given by the two moving arms; they reach approx. 67″ (170 cm) above floor level. It is also recommended to allow at least two feet of clearance all around the unit for ease of access.
The Sunny SF-E3890 elliptical is equipped with two sets of handlebars, one fixed, one mobile. The fixed handlebars attach to the main upright bar of the machine via two screws so they are non-adjustable. They have short, rubberized grips with integrated metallic pulse sensors.
The two moving arms feature longer grips, also rubberized. They have ball grips at the top as well but they do not integrate pulse sensors or any controls like other machines. They’re attached to the main upright bar in the middle, and to the pedal bars. They cannot be locked into position so they will move for as long as you pedal.
Elliptical path, stride, and step-up height
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3890 does not have an incline system. This being said, you cannot adjust the
angle of the stride or its length. It offers a medium stride length of 18″ (46 cm). Thus, it should accommodate comfortably users up to 6’2″ (188 cm) allowing a complete leg extension. Also, its pedals and crankset are durable enough to support users up to 265 lbs (120 kg).
The machine’s pedals consist of two durable steel bars and two large trays made of solid thermoplastic material. They don’t have articulation elements or extra cushioning but they do have non-slip inserts and side/front guards for improved foot stability.
The Sunny SF-E3890 has slightly inclined forward elliptical path. This means that the pedaling motion resembled a descent on a very soft path. This results in a more consistent workout for your glutes and thigh muscles.
The pedal step-up height (lowest pedal position) is approx. 6″ (15.2 cm). However, at their highest point, the pedals stand at approx. 15″ (40 cm) above floor level. Therefore, it is recommended to place and use this elliptical cross trainer in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than the tallest user.
Drive and resistance
The Sunny SF-E3890 features a motorized magnetic resistance system. This means that you will have to
connect it to a power outlet in order to operate its console and adjust the resistance. A power adapter is included with the trainer. Also, the console can automatically adjust the resistance depending on the program selected.
The machine’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake and a servo motor connected to the console. As you adjust the resistance, or as the console automatically makes resistance adjustments, the motor changes the position of the magnetic brake in relation to the flywheel which increases or decreases the workout load.
The machine makes available 16 resistance levels. The first few levels deliver light resistance, great for low-intensity cardio workouts or recovery training. Conversely, the 16th tension level provides considerably more resistance, giving you the possibility to perform a more intense workout and burn more calories.
The Sunny SF-E3890 elliptical is equipped with a perimeter-weighted flywheel. This type of design improves inertia and motion stability. Its exact weight is not specified, but as a general idea, it probably doesn’t weigh more than 20 lbs (9 kg). The flywheel is also bi-directional; therefore, you can pedal in reverse with the same resistance as when pedaling forward.
Since it’s equipped with a magnetic resistance system, this Sunny elliptical features a belt drivetrain. This type of drive comes with several advantages. First of all, it does not require lubrication. Second of all, the pedaling motion is very smooth. And third of all, the belt drive system also contributes to the overall quietness of the ride. The machine generates almost no sound whatsoever when in use.
Console
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3890 elliptical trainer includes a console similar to the Sunny SF-E3912 
model. First of all, it is equipped with a multi-window LCD display, with LED backlight, that tracks time, speed, distance, odometer, RPM, calories, watts, and pulse. The speed and distance values are shown in Imperial units (MPH / miles); there is no option to set them to metric units. Also, the console is not telemetric. In other words, it does not work with a wireless strap. It can only read your pulse if you hold on to the integrated sensors.
The console unit does not have Bluetooth or online connectivity. However, it does have 24 programs (P1 – P24) to choose from. The P1 programs is Manual, the P2-P13 programs are pre-set, P14 is a Watt Control program, P15 is a Body Fat calculator program, P16 is for Target Heart Rate, P17-P20 are HR preset programs (for 55%, 65%, 75%, 85% target HR), and finally the P21-P24 programs are User Defined (each user can create and save their own program.
The console does not have any other extra features such as a sound system or a workout cooling fan. However, there are two notable features that we still have to mention here. One of them is the HR sticker with the heart rate zones that you should aim for depending on your age, in order to benefit from a better aerobic output, fat burn, etc. The other one is the device holder; this consists of a small shelf on which you can place your phone or tablet. However, the console does not have a USB port or any other port to connect your device.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the elliptical comes pre-assembled. In other words, all the drive and resistance elements are already assembled and attached to the base frame. However, the rest of the parts do require user assembly. You will basically have to attach the two base bars, the front mast, the fixed handlebars, the two moving arms, the pedal trays, the console, and several small covers. This may take up to two hours of your time, but the whole process is fairly simple and the manual provides very clear assembly instructions and schematics. A basic toolkit is also included.
Once the machine is fully assembled, you don’t have to worry too much about its maintenance. The internal parts do not require lubrication. If the joints of the machine begin to squeak, they may require a few drops of lubricant. Other than this, you should only keep your elliptical clean, and periodically check for loose parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame – can support users up to 265 lbs;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Fixed handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Mobile arms with ball grips at the top;
- Perimeter-weighted flywheel for improved inertia and motion stability;
- Large pedals with a non-slip center and side/front guards for improved foot stability;
- Standard 18″ stride;
- 16 levels of eddy current, automatic resistance;
- 24 workout programs (1 manual, 12 pre-set, 1 watt, 5 HR, 1 BMI, 4 user-defined);
- Goal setting functions for time, distance and calories;
- Recovery function;
- LCD backlit display;
- Heart rate intervals sticker on the console;
- Tablet holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Extremely quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Decent warranty.
The Cons
- No online connectivity;
- The calorie reading is not too accurate.
Summary
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3890 is a rear-drive elliptical trainer made for home use. It features an automatic magnetic resistance system with 16 tension levels, 18″ of stride, pulse reading, and a console with 24 workout programs. It also has a fairly decent weight capacity, being able to hold users up to 265 lbs (120 kg). It’s a great machine for a low-impact cardio workout, interval training, recovery training, stamina development, and weight loss.