| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Incline | Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunny SF-E320001 Check Discounted Price | L:66.9" W:24.8" H:64.6" | 330 lbs | Motorized magnetic, 16 levels | N/A | 24 programs, Recovery |
The Sunny SF-E320001 is one of the elliptical machines released by Sunny Health & Fitness at the end of 2020. It’s a motorized elliptical, basically a larger version of the Sunny SF-E320002 that we’ve already covered here. It also offers superior weight capacity.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 66.9L x 24.8W x 64.6H inches (170L x 63W x 164H cm)
- Assembled weight: 125.7 lbs (57 kg)
- Flywheel weight: 18 lbs (8.1 kg)
- Weight capacity: 330 lbs (150 kg)
- Stride: 18 inches (46 cm)
- Incline: No
- Resistance: Eddy current, 16 levels
- Console: 24 programs, recovery function
- Extras: Device holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 180 days
Frame construction
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E320001 elliptical is constructed on a heavy-duty steel frame with large,
durable thermoplastic covers for the drive mechanism and the moving arm joints. All the steel parts are coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. The color used is dark gray.
This Sunny elliptical trainer is considerably heavier than the SF-E320002. With all the parts assembled, its net weight is 125.7 lbs (57 kg). This being said, the packaged unit should be transported by two people. However, once the elliptical is assembled, it can easily be moved by only one person; its rear base features a lifting handle while its front stabilizer integrates a set of transport wheels. On the other hand, all this weight is a plus. You can be sure that the machine won’t rock or move even if you engage in a high-intensity workout.
The fully assembled trainer is also fairly large for a rear-drive elliptical made for home use. It is approx. 67″ (170 cm) long, and 24.8″ (63 cm) wide, so it may not fit too well in a small room. Plus, it is recommended to leave at least two feet of clearance all around it for ease of access and unhindered usage.
Like most other ellipticals, the Sunny SF-E320001 is equipped with two sets of handlebars, one mobile, one fixed. The mobile handlebars have long grips and attach to the front mast of the machine and the front end of the pedal bars. These being said, they cannot remain stationary; they continue to move for as long as you pedal.
The fixed handlebars have shorter grips. They integrate metallic pulse sensors and the included console can track your pulse if you hold on to them. These handlebars are non-adjustable and attach directly to the front upright mast of the machine via a set of screws.
Elliptical path, stride, and pedal construction
First of all, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E320001 does not have an incline system. Therefore, the length 
of its stride or the angle of its elliptical path cannot be adjusted. However, the pedal trays can be attached to their bars in three positions, so you can have them a few inches closer to the front or to the rear of the machine.
The pedal trays are made of heavy-duty thermoplastic material and attached to thick metal bars. So, both the pedals and the crankset of the machine are very sturdy. The elliptical is rated for a maximum user weight limit of 330 lbs (150 kg) which is not bad for a home-use machine.
The pedals don’t have any extra cushioning or articulation elements like the commercial models. However, just like any other elliptical machine, the Sunny SF-E320001 offers a low-impact ride. Also, the pedals have a textured surface and front/side guards for improved foot stability.
The machine offers a fairly long stride (18″ – 46 cm). This being said, it should be able to accommodate comfortably users up to 6’4″ (193 cm). The elliptical path is slightly inclined forward. Thus, a ride on this machine resembles a descent on a soft ramp.
The machine’s pedals are approx. 6″ (15 cm) above floor level when at their lowest position. Conversely, their highest point is at approx. 16″ (40 cm) above floor level. This being said, the pedal step-up height is somewhere in between, at approx. 10″ (25 cm). Therefore, it’s best to use the machine in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your own height.
Resistance and drive
The Sunny SF-E320001 elliptical trainer features a resistance system similar to the XTERRA FS2.5 model.
It offers a 16-level motorized magnetic resistance system. This means you can only adjust the resistance if the machine is connected to a power source. It also means that the machine can adjust the resistance automatically. A power adapter (9V/1.0A) is included with the unit.
The elliptical’s resistance system consists of a servo motor and a magnetic brake. The motor is connected to the console and the brake, so when you make any resistance adjustments, or when the console adjusts the resistance automatically, the motor shifts the magnets’ pull which increases or decreases the pedaling difficulty.
As we’ve mentioned above, this Sunny elliptical trainer offers 16 levels of resistance. The first few deliver a light pedaling difficulty, great for recovery training or low-intensity cardio, and muscle toning. Conversely, the 16th tension level offers considerably more resistance, great for anyone who wants to undergo a high-intensity workout, improve strength and stamina.
The machine is equipped with a fairly heavy flywheel. It weighs 18 lbs (8.1 kg) and it is perimeter-weighted. This design enables it to generate more inertia and a consistent momentum. The flywheel is also bi-directional. Therefore, you can pedal in reverse if you want. When pedaling in reverse, the resistance remains constant, given by the selected level on the console.
In terms of drivetrain, the Sunny SF-E320001 uses a poly-v belt. This being said, you don’t need to worry about its lubrication. Also, a belt drive generates slightly less vibration than a chain and contributes to the overall smoothness of the ride.
Console
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E320001 is equipped with the same console as the SF-E320002. It features
a multi-window LCD display with LED backlight that tracks time, speed, distance, total distance, calories, watts, and pulse. Speed and distance are shown in MPH and miles; there is no option to change them to metric units. The pulse reading is grip only. The console cannot read pulse from a wireless chest strap or smartwatch.
The console has 24 built-in programs that cover various workouts. The P1 program is the Manual mode. This allows you to adjust the resistance as you like during pedaling. The P2 – P13 programs are pre-set. They cover different types of workouts. For example, some have an interval layout, others have a peak layout, while others constantly increase the resistance up to the end of the workout.
The other programs are P14 – Watt Control, P15 – Body Fat, P16 – Target Heart Rate, P17-P20 – Heart Rate Control, and P21-P24 – User Defined. The Watt Control program adjusts the resistance automatically in an attempt to help you maintain a constant watt value. The Body Fat program calculates your Body Mass Index depending on your height, weight, and age. The Target HR program adjusts the resistance depending on the selected HRC, while the other HRC programs have a preset HRC value of 55%, 65%, 75%, and 85%. And finally, the User Defined programs give you the possibility to create and save up to 4 custom programs.
A Pulse Recovery function is also available. This has its own quick key on the console. This function is meant to be used at the end of the workout. If initiated, the console will determine how long it takes your heart to resume its normal BPM, and based on the result, it will give you a fitness rating between F1 – excellent, and F6 – poor.
The console does not have online connectivity, Bluetooth, a sound system, or a workout fan. However, it does integrate a device holder and a heart rate zone sticker which is great to have at hand if you perform heart rate-based workouts.
Assembly and Maintenance
The drive and resistance unit of the machine is already assembled, attached to the base frame, and concealed by the large plastic covers. However, the machine does require some user assembly as well. You will have to attach the two base stabilizers, the pedals, the front upright bar, the moving arms, the fixed handlebars, the console, and several small covers. This may take more than an hour but the task is fairly simple. Plus, the manual provides clear assembly instructions and schematics, and all the necessary tools are included.
Once the machine is assembled, maintenance does not require much. You only have to wipe the sweat that may fall onto the frame at the end of the workout, lubricate the joints if they develop squeaking noises, and periodically check for loose bolts and pars. The internal mechanism is pre-lubricated from the factory and does not require periodic lubrication.
The Pros
- Solid construction – can support users up to 330 lbs;
- Adjustable stabilizers on both base bars;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Lifting handle integrated into the rear stabilizer;
- Fixed handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Perimeter-weighted flywheel for improved inertia and motion stability;
- Large pedals with front and side guards for improved foot stability;
- Three attachment positions for each pedal;
- Fairly long stride – 18″;
- 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;
- Device holder included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Extremely quiet operation;
- Easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Decent warranty.
The Cons
- No online connectivity;
- No Bluetooth connectivity;
- No sound system.
Summary
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E320001 is a heavy-duty elliptical trainer made for home use. It features a 16-level eddy current resistance system and a console with 24 built-in programs. It offers a pretty impressive weight capacity (330 lbs) and offers a mid-range 18″ stride. In all, it’s a machine for users of all levels, for low to high-intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, intervals, and weight loss.