Unit | Size | Supported weight | Stride | Resistance | Performance monitor |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunny SF-E320047 Check Discounted Price | L:51.8" W:24" H:64.2" | 275 lbs | 13.5" | Manual magnetic, 12 levels | Time, Distance, Speed, RPM Calories, Pulse, Goals, Recovery, BMI, Bluetooth, SunnyFit compatible |
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E320047 is one of the elliptical trainers of the Elite Interactive Series released in 2022. It has a similar design to the older Sunny SF-E3955 model. However, it offers a few extra features. For example, it has 12 levels of resistance, while its console has a body fat function and a recovery function. Plus, it has Bluetooth connectivity and is compatible with the SunnyFit app.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 51.8L x 24W x 64.2H inches (132L x 61W x 163H cm)
- Assembled weight: 88 lbs (40 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 11 lbs (5 kg)
- Weight capacity: 275 lbs (125 kg)
- Stride: 13.5 inches (34 cm)
- Incline: N/A
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 12 levels
- Fitness monitor: Time, speed, distance, calories, pulse, RPM, goals, scan, goals, recovery, body fat
- Extras: Bluetooth, compatible with the SunnyFit app, device holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 180 days
Frame construction
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E320047 elliptical trainer features a steel frame combining oval, rectangular, and cylindrical tubing in its construction. All the steel parts are double-coated with a durable paint finish. The color used is gray, this being the only color available for this model. The trainer also integrates several plastic parts. The guards of the drive and resistance system, the pedal trays, the front base frame guards, and the console casing are all made from a tough thermoplastic material (probably polypropylene).
The machine has two sets of handlebars. One is fixed, and the other is mobile. The fixed handlebars attach to the top section of the trainer’s front mast. They have short grips with pulse sensors. The moving arms have longer grips. They attach to the trainer’s pedal bars and to the console mast. They do not have any sensors or other controls for the elliptical. The grips of both handlebar sets have rubber-foam grips for improved comfort and contact.
The Sunny SF-E320047 is not a large elliptical trainer. It is only 51.8″ (132 cm) long, and 24″ (61 cm) wide. It is recommended, though, to allow at least a few feet of clearance all around to be able to maintain a correct form when using it, and of course, for easy access. Also, the highest point of the machine is given by the top of the moving arms; these reach approx. 64″ (163 cm) above the floor level.
The machine is not super-heavy but does weigh approx. 88 lbs (40 kg). Therefore, the packaged unit may require two people for transport. But once it is assembled, it is easy to move. Its front base bar integrates a set of small wheels. Also, both base bars have adjustable levelers.
Pedal construction, stride, and elliptical path
The Sunny Elite Interactive Series SF-E320047 is equipped with a pretty sturdy set of pedals. As we’ve mentioned above, they’re made of thermoplastic material. They have textured silicone inserts and guards on the inner side and at the front, for improved foot stability. They don’t have any extra articulations and they’re not adjustable, but they are large enough to accommodate athletic footwear of all sizes.
The elliptical does not have an incline system. Therefore, you cannot adjust the angle of its elliptical path or the length of its stride. It offers a mid-range stride of 13.5″ (34 cm), so it should be able to accommodate comfortably users up to 6’2″ (188 cm). Taller persons should still be able to use this machine, but they won’t benefit from an ample range of motion.
This Sunny Health & Fitness elliptical trainer has a rear-drive system, so its elliptical path is slightly inclined forward. Thus, the pedaling motion resembles a descent on a soft downhill. This leads to a better workout, especially for your thighs, glutes, and extensors. But nonetheless, depending on your RPM, you can perform a more or less demanding cardio workout on this machine.
The pedal step-up height is approx. 8″ (20 cm), but at their highest point, the pedals reach approx. 15″ (38 cm) above the floor level. Therefore, it is recommended to place and use this cross trainer in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your own height.
Drive system
The Sunny SF-E320047 elliptical machine is equipped with a pretty light flywheel compared to other models in this price range. It only weighs 11 lbs (5 kg) so it doesn’t deliver a super consistent momentum. However, it is perimeter-weighted which improves inertia, and adds consistency to the ride.
The flywheel is bi-directional. In other words, the machine allows pedaling in reverse. This is quite a plus as you can alternate forward pedaling sessions with reverse pedaling sessions in order to change the focused muscle groups. It’s important to mention, though, that coasting is not possible; the flywheel stops spinning if you stop pedaling, and the console will stop counting your data.
The machine is equipped with a pretty sturdy crankset. It features a set of thick and flat arms with a chrome plating finish. The pedal bars are rectangular; the pedal trays, the crankset, and the pedal bars are durable enough to support users up to 275 lbs (125 kg).
The unit’s drivetrain uses a PJ400 poly-v belt. As opposed to a chain, this type of transmission comes with a few advantages. For example, a belt produces slightly less vibration than a chain. Also, a belt won’t catch rust and you don’t have to go through the hassle of removing the protective covers to lubricate it.
Resistance system
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E320047 Elite Interactive cross trainer is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system. This means that you don’t have to connect it to a power source. But on the other hand, the console cannot adjust the resistance automatically.
This Sunny elliptical trainer offers 12 levels of resistance, while the older SF-E3955 model has only 8 tension levels. On the lowest tension level, the pedaling difficulty is fairly low, great for recovery training, muscle toning, or workout warm-ups. On the 12th level of resistance, the pedaling difficulty is considerably higher. In fact, exercising for more than 20 minutes on the tension levels above the 10th difficulty can be quite a challenge even for a seasoned user.
The machine’s resistance system consists of a magnetic brake connected to the tension knob at the top of the front mast of the machine through a steel cable. Therefore, when you turn the knob clockwise, the magnets move closer to the flywheel. This increases the intensity of the internal magnetic field as well as the pedaling difficulty.
The real advantage of the magnetic brake, over a friction brake is the fact that the magnets don’t touch the flywheel, so it spins freely and quietly; the machine actually generates very little noise during usage. Also, since the magnets don’t touch the flywheel, the brake itself doesn’t need lubrication and doesn’t wear out.
Console
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E320047 elliptical trainer includes a console featuring an LCD display (without backlight) divided into several sub-sections in order to show as many workout metrics as possible at once. It tracks time, speed, RPM, distance, calories, and pulse. It is battery-powered and requires two AA batteries. In idle mode, it indicates calendar, clock, and room temperature.
The console unit does not have pre-set programs, but does offer the possibility to set workout targets for time, distance, calories, and pulse. If a target is set for time, distance, or calories, the console will count down from the selected value. If a target is set for pulse, it will prompt you to increase or lower your pace to stay within the selected pulse target.
A pulse recovery function and a body fat calculator are available as well. These have quick selection controls on the console. The pulse recovery function counts your pulse at the end of the workout and determines your fitness level. The body fat function calculates your body mass index based on your data input (age, height, weight, gender).
The console also has Bluetooth connectivity and you can sync your elliptical with your smartphone or tablet via the SunnyFit app. A QR code is included and you can scan it with your phone to install the SunnyFit app. This app is available for both iOS and Android devices. It opens extra features including multiple workout videos, and scenic rides based on various locations in the world that sync with the speed of the bike, challenges, and the possibility to track your progress online.
Finally, the console unit integrates a device holder. It consists of a small shelf placed above the unit’s keypad. It is large enough to accommodate most tablets or smartphones. However, a tablet placed on it will cover the console display.
Assembly and Maintenance
The base of the elliptical comes pre-assembled, with the drive and resistance mechanism already installed. You only need to attach the two base bars, the front mast, the pedals, the moving arms, the fixed handlebars, and the console. This may take more than an hour but the task is far from being complicated. Also, all the tools necessary for the assembly are included.
The internal parts don’t need any maintenance or periodic lubrication. So, for maintenance, you only need to keep the machine clean and periodically check for loose bolts and parts.
The Pros
- Sturdy construction – can support users up to 275 lbs;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable levelers on both base bars;
- Mobile arms with an ergonomic design and flat grips at the top;
- Fixed handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Smooth and quiet belt drive system;
- Large pedals with non-slip inserts;
- 12 levels of magnetic resistance;
- Multi-function console – it tracks time, distance, RPM, calories, speed, and heart rate;
- Goal setting functions for time, distance, calories, and pulse;
- Body Fat and Recovery functions;
- Bluetooth connectivity – compatible with the SunnyFit app;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Batteries for the fitness monitor are included;
- Easy to assemble;
- Tools for assembly are included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- The console display doesn’t have backlight;
- A tablet placed on the device holder will cover the console display.
Summary
The Sunny Health & Fitness Elite Interactive SF-E320047 is an elliptical cross trainer designed for home use. It features a 12-level magnetic resistance system, an 11-lb internal flywheel, a durable set of pedals, and a console that tracks the most important workout metrics. The console is also Bluetooth-enabled and supports the SunnyFit app. In all, it’s a pretty decent elliptical trainer, great for users of all levels, for low to high-intensity cardio training, and for a full-body workout.