| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Incline | Fitness monitor |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Star Power EP120101 Check Discounted Price | L:41.3" W:21.3" H:65" | 330 lbs | Manual magnetic, 16 levels | N/A | Time, Speed, Distance, Odometer, Calories, Pulse, Goals, Scan |
The STAR POWER EP120101 elliptical trainer is one of the fitness machines released in 2022. It offers a similar range of features as the Funmily E970. However, it offers 16 levels of resistance and has adjustable pedals.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 41.3L x 21.3W x 65H inches (105L x 54W x 165H cm)
- Shipping weight: 101 lbs (46 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 16 lbs (7.2 kg)
- Weight capacity: 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Stride: 12 inches (30.5 cm)
- Incline: N/A
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 16 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, speed, distance, odometer, calories, pulse, goals, scan
- Extras: Device holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: 1 year limited
Frame construction
The STAR POWER EP120101 features a frame made of tubular steel. It combines oval and cylindrical tubes in its 
construction for improved sturdiness and aesthetics. All the steel tubes are double-coated with a rust-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish, black in color, this being the only color available for this elliptical model, at least for the moment.
The machine also integrates several parts made of plastic material. The most notable ones are the pedal trays, the covers of the drive and resistance elements, the console casing, and several other small parts.
The machine has a fairly small footprint. Its base is approx. 41.3″L x 21.3″W (105 x 54 cm) so it should fit in a smaller room or apartment. However, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around the machine for easy access and safe usage.
Although it’s not a large elliptical, it is pretty heavy. Its net weight is around 100 lbs (45 kg), so it’s recommended to be carried by two persons while packaged. Once assembled, it is easy to move, though. Its front base has transport wheels.
Like most other ellipticals in this feature range, the STAR POWER model is equipped with two sets of handlebars, one mobile, and one fixed. The mobile handlebars attach to the pedals and will move for as long as you pedal; they cannot be locked to remain stationary. The fixed handlebars have shorter grips. They attach directly to the machine’s front mast and also integrate pulse sensors.
Pedal construction, elliptical path, and stride
The STAR POWER EP120101 elliptical trainer is equipped with a set of large pedals. Their trays are made of
durable thermoplastic material. They do not have additional cushioning or articulations like the pedals of the more expensive, commercial-grade ellipticals. However, they are adjustable. Their base bars have three pairs of holes and the pedal trays can be attached closer to the front or to the rear.
The machine’s pedals and crankset are pretty solid. They should be able to support users up to 330 lbs (150 kg). The stride is not too long, though. It’s approx. 12″ (30 cm). Therefore, this elliptical trainer may not be the best choice for users taller than 6’2″ (187 cm). Also, the machine does not have an incline system, so the length or angle of the stride are non-adjustable.
Like most other elliptical trainers with a rear-drive system, the EP120101 has an elliptical path slightly inclined forward. This being said, the pedaling motion resembles a descent on a soft ramp. This being said, the workout puts more focus on your glutes and thighs.
The pedal step-up height of approx. 5″ (12 cm). Conversely, the pedals stand at approx. 15″ (38 cm) above floor level when they are at their highest point. Therefore, it is recommended to use the machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your own height.
Drive and resistance
The STAR POWER EP120101 elliptical machine is equipped with a 16-lb (7.2 kg) flywheel, completely covered
by the machine’s plastic base frame guards. Although it’s not as heavy as the flywheels in most spin bikes, it does have a perimeter-weighted structure which improves momentum and adds stability to the ride. It is also bi-directional, so you can pedal in reverse if you want.
The machine’s resistance system is magnetic, with manual action. This being said, you don’t need a power adapter or power cord for it. But on the other hand, the console cannot make resistance adjustments automatically.
The main resistance element is a magnetic brake which is also concealed by the large base guards of the machine. The brake is connected to the tension knob on the front mast of the elliptical through a steel cable. Thus, when you turn the knob, the position of the magnetic brake in relation to the flywheel changes. This increases or decreases the intensity of the internal magnetic field, which results in a higher or lower pedaling difficulty.
The machine makes available 16 levels of resistance. This is a plus, as many other similar ellipticals only offer 8 levels of resistance. The lowest resistance level delivers a fairly light pedaling difficulty, great for muscle toning or recovery training. Conversely, the 16th level of resistance provides considerably more pedal tension, great for stamina and strength development.
Last but not least, the machine is equipped with a belt drive system. It uses a poly-v belt designed for superior traction. As opposed to a chain drive, the belt drive system does not require lubrication and you won’t have to deal with problems like stiff links or rust. Plus, the belt delivers smoother traction as it generates less vibration than a chain.
Fitness monitor
The STAR POWER EP120101 elliptical machine is equipped with a pretty basic fitness monitor. It does not 
have pre-set workout programs, Bluetooth, or WiFi, and it is not compatible with any fitness apps. It features an LCD display without a backlight, that tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It has an odometer function but does not show RPM. Also, the pulse reading function is grip only. The monitor unit cannot read your pulse from a wireless heart rate transmitter.
Although the monitor unit does not have pre-set programs, it does offer the possibility to set workout goals for time, distance, and calories burned. If a goal is set, the display will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero. This way, you can keep a better track of your progress and push your limits with each workout.
The monitor unit is very easy to use. It has three buttons. These are Mode, Set, and Reset. The Mode button allows you to scroll through the workout metrics and select the one you want to view on the display. This way you can also select the Scan Mode which automatically rotates the workout metrics showing each one for a few seconds. The Set button covers the goal-setting function. The Reset button clears all the values on the display to zero, except the odometer.
The monitor unit is battery-powered. It requires two AAA batteries which are not included. It starts recording your data as you begin pedaling. It also automatically turns off to save battery life if it does not detect any activity on the machine for more than four minutes.
Assembly and Maintenance
The base frame of the elliptical comes pre-assembled. All the drive and resistance elements are assembled as well. You only need to attach the two base bars, the pedals, the front mast of the machine, the handlebars, and the fitness monitor. This may take more than an hour of your time, but the task is pretty straightforward. Plus, the manual provides clear assembly instructions and all the necessary tools are included.
For maintenance, you only have to keep the machine clean and wipe the sweat that may fall onto the frame at the end of each workout. You should also periodically inspect your elliptical to make sure that all the moving parts still function properly, and all the fixed parts still hold tight in their places. The internal mechanism doesn’t require lubrication.
The Pros
- Solid construction – can support users up to 330 lbs;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable levelers on the rear base;
- Fixed handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Moving arms with oval grips at the top;
- Perimeter-weighted (16 lbs) flywheel for improved inertia and motion stability;
- Large pedals with front and side guards for improved foot stability;
- Three attachment positions for each pedal tray;
- 16 levels of magnetic resistance (manual adjustment);
- Fitness monitor included – it tracks time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse;
- Workout goal functions for time, distance, and calories;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Quiet operation;
- Fairly easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- All the necessary tools for the assembly are included.
The Cons
- No online connectivity;
- No backlight on the fitness monitor;
- Batteries for the fitness monitor are not included.
Summary
The STAR POWER EP120101 is a rear-drive elliptical trainer made for home use. It features a 16-level manual magnetic resistance system, adjustable pedals, and a fitness monitor that tracks time, distance, speed, calories, and pulse. It has a fairly sturdy construction and can support users up to 330 lbs. It’s a machine made for light to medium-intensity workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss.