| Unit | Size | Weight capacity | Stride | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AFG Sport 5.9AE Check Discounted Price | L:76" W:34" H:69" | 325 lbs | 20" | 43 workouts, Bluetooth | Frame: Lifetime, Parts: 3 years, Labor: 1 year |
The AFG Sport 5.9AE elliptical trainer offers quite a bit more than the 5.7AE. To begin with, it’s equipped with a heavier flywheel, it has a slightly greater weight capacity, more resistance levels, and a motorized incline system. It’s not sold and advertised as a commercial trainer, but its construction is definitely close to the one of a gym grade machine. Anyway, there’s a lot to be said about this AFG elliptical trainer, and in this post, we’ll try to cover each and every aspect.
Technical Details and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 76L x 34W x 69H inches (193L x 86W x 175H cm)
- Assembled weight: 201 lbs (91 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 23 lbs (10.4 kg)
- Weight capacity: 325 lbs (147 kg)
- Stride: 20 inches (51 cm)
- Incline: Motorized, 20 levels
- Resistance system: Eddy current, 16 levels
- Console: 43 workouts, Bluetooth connectivity
- Amenities: Cooling fan, sound system, tablet holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame lifetime / Parts 3 years / Labor 1 year
Frame construction and parts
Since it offers a pretty impressive weight capacity of 325 lbs (147 kg), it goes without saying that the AFG Sport 5.9AE elliptical trainer has a very sturdy frame, made mostly of steel parts. In fact, the only PVC parts in the machine’s construction are the pedals, the motors guards, and several joint covers, which do not play a significant role in its overall sturdiness and 
durability.
This machine is fairly large; its footprint is approx. 76″L x 24″W (193 x 61 cm), but its overall width is given by the mobile handgrips, which is 34″ (86 cm). These being said, the elliptical also requires at least two feet of clearance all around it, for ease of use and safety.
When it comes to weight, this trainer is not exactly feather-light. Its assembled weight is 201 lbs (91 kg); thus, it is recommended to be transported and assembled by two people. On the other hand, this weight plays quite an important role for the trainer’s overall stability. You can be sure that it won’t rock or wobble even if you engage in more demanding workouts. Plus, it rests on three base bars, the middle and rear ones featuring adjustable stabilizers. The front base is equipped with rotating caps, which serve as transport wheels, while the rear base has a handle to facilitate the machine’s relocation via the front wheels.
This AFG elliptical trainer is equipped with large pedals, which can basically accommodate athletic shoes of all sizes. They’re equipped with rubber inserts which offer better adherence and a bit of shock absorption. However, these pedals do not have any angle-adjustability or articulation as the pedals on the Schwinn 470 MY17, for example.
The pedal bars are equipped with extra large rollers, which deliver a very smooth and quiet glide over the rails. They also integrate sealed ball bearings which considerably improve their functionality and lifespan. The joints between the pedal bars and mobile arms, and the mobile arms and the console, also integrate ball bearings.
This elliptical trainer is equipped with two sets of handlebars: mobile and fixed. The mobile arms of the machine feature a multi-grip design, while the fixed ones have EGK sensors for pulse reading. The highest point of the machine (which is approx. 69″ above floor level) is given by the mobile grips.
One last aspect to mention here regards the paint finish of the frame. The elliptical features a durable, corrosion-resistant and scratch-resistant powder coating, gray in color, this being the only color available at the moment.
Incline, stride & step-up height
The AFG Sport 5.9AE elliptical trainer features a motorized incline system. It consists of a small motor and a lift which adjust the angle of the rail assembly. Evidently, since the incline system is motorized, it can only be operated if the machine is connected to a power circuit.
The elliptical offers 20 levels of incline; you can adjust the incline as you pedal, or, if you use one of the onboard programs that involve incline, the machine will adjust it automatically.
This AFG elliptical features a stride of 20″ (51 cm) which is non-adjustable. This is a mid-range stride, and will feel comfortable for users between 5’0″ and 6’0″. Also, the machine’s Q-Factor (spacing between pedals) isn’t too wide, promoting a natural placement of the feet, and eliminating any lateral ankle or knee stress during exercising.
The pedal step-up height is 10″ (25 cm); however, the highest point of the pedal is approx. 16″. Therefore, in order to avoid any ceiling issues, make sure to assemble and use the machine in a room with a ceiling height at least 20″ higher than your own height.
Drive and resistance
This AFG sport elliptical trainer integrates a mid-range flywheel; its weight is 23 lbs (10.4 kg), and it features a perimeter-weighted, balanced structure. This means that it delivers a smooth and steady pedaling motion and a fairly consistent momentum.
The transmission between the pulley and the flywheel is done via a heavy-duty belt. Due to this fact, the pedaling motion generates almost no noise. It also doesn’t require any lubrication as for ellipticals with a chain transmission.
The AFG Sport 5.9AE elliptical trainer features a motorized resistance system. This means it requires to be connected to an 110 – 120 v power circuit in order for the console to become operational. Also, the resistance is controlled exclusively from the console. As you select one of the resistance settings, the servo motor will shift the magnets’ pull onto the flywheel, adding or reducing resistance. Also, in case you use one of the on-board workout programs, the resistance on the machine will change automatically.
There are 16 resistance settings available for this machine. The first ones deliver a smooth and light resistance, ideal for rehab training. Conversely, the top 14-16 settings give you the chance to put more intensity into your workouts and aim for a more intense cardio training or interval training.
Control unit
This Advanced Fitness Group machine comes with a pretty inclusive console. The unit features a LED display with three main panels. It displays time, distance, speed, calories burned, heart rate, and incline. Speed and distance are only shown in MPH and miles. There’s no possibility
to change them in km/h and km. Heart rate is shown in BPM and can be measured if you hold on to the pulse sensors in the stationary handlebars. However, the console is also telemetric; it can read your pulse via the included wireless HR chest strap transmitter.
The control unit has Bluetooth connectivity. This means you can sync it with your tablet or smartphone in order to use the free AFG app, available through iTunes or Google Play. This app gives you the possibility to track your progress online, review your workout history, manage workouts while offering a more friendly user interface.
However, in case you do not want to use the Bluetooth feature, the console has its own built-in workout program database. Its programs are divided into four main categories: Weight Loss, Intervals, Distance, Calories. Each category includes several programs, with a total of 43 workouts, which also includes the manual mode.
Along with the fitness-oriented features, the console unit also incorporates several amenities, such as cooling fan, sound system, and a media holder. The sound system is placed at the bottom of the console unit. It’s compatible with most smart devices or MP3 players and renders a fairly decent sound. The COOLfit workout fan is integrated right above the speakers, while the media holder is placed above the unit’s LED display. Thus, if you’re going to place your phone or tablet on it, you’ll still be able to see your workout data. A USB port is also available, offering the possibility to charge your device while connected to the machine’s console.
Assembly and Maintenance
The core of the machine comes ready-assembled. In other words, the motors, pulleys, flywheel, belt, and cranks are already assembled, attached to the front part of the machine and enclosed by the protective covers. Basically, you will have to connect the rails system to the front part of the frame, add the front base stabilizer, the console mast, the pedal arms, the pedals with their bars, the moving arms, and the console. This may take up to two hours. However, the manual does provide excellent assembly instructions. The tools for assembly are also included.
For maintenance, it is recommended to wipe the rails of the machine before each use. Any grain of sand or small object passed over by the rollers may cause nicks in them, and affect the overall smoothness of the ride. If the joints of the machine develop squeaks, lubrication is required. Also, a periodic inspection for loose parts is recommended.
The Pros
- Sturdy frame, with a weight capacity of 325 lbs;
- Good-looking design;
- Adjustable stabilizers;
- Transport wheels;
- Ergonomic, large pedals;
- Automatic incline, 20 levels;
- 16 levels of eddy current resistance;
- Multi-grip mobile handlebars;
- Pulse sensors;
- A wide array of preset programs, focusing, weight loss, intervals, distance, and calories;
- Bluetooth connectivity for tracking your progress online via the AFG Fitness app;
- Wireless HR chest strap transmitter included;
- Sound system included;
- Cooling fan included;
- Tablet holder included;
- Bottle/accessory holder included;
- Smooth and quiet drive;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty package.
The Cons
- A rather basic console display;
- The workout fan is not too powerful.
Bottom Line
The AFG Sport 5.9AE is a mid-range elliptical trainer, which offers 16 levels of eddy current resistance, 20 levels of automatic incline, a wide array of workout programs, and Bluetooth connectivity. Although it’s not a commercial grade fitness machine, it has quite a sturdy construction, being able to hold riders up to 325 lbs. It’s perfect for light to intense cardio workouts, rehab training, interval training, stamina training and weight loss. It’s not one of the most affordable models out there, but its value/price ratio is fairly decent.