| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Stride | Resistance | Performance monitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
pooboo E208 Check Discounted Price | L:39.4" W:21.5" H:61.4" | 220 lbs | 13.5" | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Odometer, Speed, Calories, Pulse, Scan, Goals |
The pooboo E208 is one of the elliptical machines released in 2020. In terms of features, it can be compared with the SNODE E16. It’s a trainer made for home use featuring a manual magnetic resistance system.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 39.4L x 21.5W x 61.4H inches (100L x 55W x 156H cm)
- Assembled weight: 65 lbs (29.4 kg)
- Supported weight: 220 lbs (100 kg)
- Stride: 13.5 inches (34 cm)
- Incline: No
- Resistance: Magnetic, 8 levels
- Performance monitor: Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, goals, scan
- Extras: Device holder, bottle holder
Frame construction
The pooboo E208 elliptical trainer features a steel frame combining cylindrical and rectangular tubes in its 
construction. However, it also integrates several parts made of thermoplastic material. The most notable ones are the covers of the drive system, the internal pulley, and the pedal trays.
The fully assembled machine is not too large. It actually has a fairly small footprint for a rear-drive elliptical. It takes 39.4″L x 21.5″W (100 x 55 cm) of floor space, but you should still allow at least two feet of clearance all around it for ease of access.
The machine is not super heavy either. Its net weight is approx. 65 lbs (29.4 kg). This being said, it can be carried and assembled by only one person. Plus, once it is assembled it is easy to move as its front base stabilizer integrates two small transport wheels. Conversely, its rear base is equipped with two polygonal caps which can also rotate and act as levelers.
The trainer features two sets of handlebars, one fixed, one mobile. The fixed handlebars feature short grips with metallic pulse sensors. They attach to the front upright bar of the machine via screws so they cannot be adjusted. The mobile handlebars connect both to the pedal bars and to the front upright bar of the trainer. They have longer grips with PVC foam sleeves for improved contact and oval grips at the top.
Last but not least, all the steel bars in the machine’s construction are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is black, this being the only color available for this pooboo elliptical trainer, at least for the moment.
Stride, elliptical path, and pedal height
First of all, the pooboo E208 elliptical trainer does not have an incline system. Therefore, you cannot adjust its stride
length or the angle of its elliptical path. Since it’s a small machine, it offers a rather short stride of 13.5″ (34 cm). Therefore, it may not be the best choice for users over 6’2″ (188 cm).
As we’ve mentioned above, the machine’s pedals are made of durable thermoplastic material. They are large enough to accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They have a ribbed surface for improved contact and front/side guards for a better foot positioning and stability. However, they do not integrate any extra articulations or cushioning like the pedals of the more expensive commercial-grade ellipticals. Also, the unit’s pedals and crankset are rated for a maximum user weight limit of 220 lbs (100 kg).
The machine’s elliptical path is almost completely horizontal, unlike other rear-drive ellipticals which have a slightly inclined forward path. This being said, the pooboo E208 trainer offers a neutral pedaling motion.
The lowest pedal position is approx. 7″ (18 cm) above the floor. Conversely, at their highest point, the pedals are at approx. 12″ (30 cm) above floor level. These being said, it is recommended to use the machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 15-16 (38-40 cm) higher than your own height.
Drive and resistance
The pooboo E208 elliptical trainer is equipped with a precision-balanced and perimeter-weighted flywheel. The
exact weight of the flywheel is not specified, but since the machine’s weight is 65 lbs (29.4 kg), the flywheel probably weighs less than 20 lbs (9 kg). The flywheel is also bi-directional. Thus, you can pedal in reverse if you want to put some diversity into your workouts.
The machine’s internal drivetrain consists of a poly-v belt highly resistant to stretching and abrasion. As opposed to a chain drive, the belt does not require lubrication so you don’t have to worry about internal maintenance. Also, a belt drive generates slightly less vibration than a chain.
The pooboo E208 elliptical features a manual magnetic resistance system. This being said, you don’t need a power adapter for it, or an external power source. But on the other hand, the unit cannot adjust the resistance automatically.
The main advantage of the magnetic brake is that the resistance elements do not touch. Thus, the pedaling motion is smooth, seamless, which contributes to the overall low-impact of the ride. The internal magnetic brake is connected to the tension dial on the front upright mast of the trainer through a steel cable. Therefore, when you turn the dial clockwise, the brake moves closer to the flywheel and adds resistance to the ride.
This pooboo elliptical trainer offers 8 levels of resistance. The lowest level generates little resistance, great for conditioning, and recovery training. The 8th level, on the other hand, provides distinguishably more resistance, simulating a hill climb and giving you the possibility to train on a higher level.
Fitness monitor
The pooboo E208 elliptical trainer is equipped with the same type of fitness monitor as the Doufit EM-01 machine.
It’s a rather basic unit; does not have pre-set programs, Bluetooth, or online connectivity. It features an LCD display (without backlight) that tracks time, speed, distance, total distance, calories, and pulse. The pulse reading function is grip only. In other words, if you want to monitor your pulse, you have to hold on to the integrated sensors; the unit cannot track your pulse from a wireless heart rate chest strap or armband.
Although the unit does not have pre-set workout programs, it does offer the possibility to select workout targets for time, distance, and calories burned. If a target is selected for any of these metrics, the unit will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero.
The unit features three buttons: Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to scroll through the workout metrics and select the one that you want to view on the screen, or select the Scan Mode which automatically rotates all the workout metrics showing each one for approx. 6 seconds. The Set button covers the target setting function. And finally, the Reset button allows you clear all the values on the unit to zero.
Last but not least, the included monitor unit is battery-powered. It requires two AAA batteries. It starts monitoring distance, speed, etc., when you begin pedaling, and also automatically turns off if it does not detect any activity on the machine for more than four minutes. It also integrates a device holder.
Assembly and Maintenance
The machine’s drive and resistance mechanism comes pre-assembled and attached to the base frame bar. However, the rest of the parts require user assembly. You will basically have to attach the two base stabilizers, the front mast, the pedals, the moving arms, the fixed handlebars, and the fitness monitor. This may take up to an hour of your time, but the task is far from being difficult. Also, the manual provides all the necessary instructions, and all the tools required are included.
The internal parts of the machine do not require lubrication. So, in terms of maintenance, you only have to check for loose bolts and parts, and lubricate the joints in case they begin to squeak.
The Pros
- Fairly sturdy frame – can support users up to 220 lbs;
- Adjustable stabilizers on the rear base;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Mobile arms with an ergonomic design and oval grips at the top;
- Fixed handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Smooth and quiet belt drive system;
- Large pedals with three adjustment positions;
- 8 levels of magnetic resistance;
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, total distance, calories, pulse, and speed;
- Goal setting functions for time, distance, and calories;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- All the tools for assembly are included;
- Little maintenance required.
The Cons
- No backlight on the performance monitor display;
- A tablet place on the device holder will cover the monitor’s display.
Summary
The pooboo E208 is a rear-drive elliptical trainer made for home use. It features an 8-level manual magnetic resistance system, offers a stride of 13.5″, and is equipped with a fitness monitor that tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It’s a machine intended for light to medium-intensity workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.