| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Resistance | Console | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunny SF-E3914 Check Discounted Price | L:46.5" W:26" H:62" | 230 lbs | Manual magnetic, 8 levels | Time, Distance, Odometer, Speed, Calories, Pulse, SCAN | Frame: 3 years Parts: 180 days |
The Sunny SF-E3914 is one of the elliptical climbers released by Sunny Health & Fitness in 2019 but it is still available at the moment. In terms of design, it can be compared with the Sunny SF-E3919 but its performance monitor lacks the recovery and body fat calculator functions. The machine is also a bit smaller than the SF-E3919 model and has a lower weight capacity.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 46.5L x 26W x 62H inches (118L x 66W x 157H cm)
- Assembled weight: 97 lbs (44 kg)
- Supported weight: 230 lbs (104 kg)
- Stride: 11.5 inches (29 cm)
- Incline: No
- Resistance: Manual magnetic, 8 levels
- Performance monitor: Time, distance, odometer, speed, calories, pulse, goals
- Extras: Device holder, bottle holder
- Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 180 days
Frame construction
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3914 cardio climber features a pretty solid frame made of steel tubing. It 
combines oval, cylindrical, and rectangular tubes in its construction, all coated with a corrosion-resistant paint finish. As opposed to the E3919 model, this machine is painted gray, this being the only color available for it.
Of course, the machine also integrates several parts made of thermoplastic material. For example, the pedal trays and the covers of the drive system are plastic-made.
Since it’s not a standard elliptical trainer, but a cardio climber, the Sunny SF-E3914 doesn’t take too much space. It is approx. 46.5″ (118 cm) long, and 26″ (66 cm) wide, while the top of its moving arms reaches approx. 62″ (157 cm) above floor level. It is recommended, though, to leave at least two feet of clearance all around the machine for ease of access.
The fully assembled trainer is pretty heavy. Its net weight is approx. 97 lbs (44 kg). Thus, the packaged unit should be carried by at least two persons. However, once it is assembled, it can easily be moved by only one person as its front stabilizer features a set of small wheels. Also, due to its weight and low center of gravity, the machine provides excellent stability. It doesn’t wobble or move even if the user is close to the maximum weight limit. Plus, both base bars of the machine have adjustable levelers.
Like most elliptical trainers, the Sunny SF-E3914 features two sets of handlebars, one fixed, one mobile. The fixed handlebars are welded directly to the front mast of the machine so they are non-adjustable. They integrate metallic pulse sensors and the performance monitor has a pulse reading function. They also have foam sleeves for improved comfort.
The mobile handlebars feature extra-long grips and ball grips at the top. They don’t have pulse sensors but they also have extra long foam sleeves for an improved grip. They are attached to the pedal bars and they cannot be locked to remain stationary; they move for as long as you pedal.
Stride, elliptical path, and pedal height
First of all, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3914 cardio climber does not have an incline system. Therefore, 
the length or angle of its elliptical path cannot be adjusted. Also, since it’s a climber not a standard elliptical, the rail bars of the pedals are inclined, so the machine provides a ride that resembled climbing a set of stairs.
The machine’s rail bars and pedals are sturdy enough to support users up to a maximum weight limit of 230 lbs (104 kg). The rail bars also have stainless steel covers to protect the paint finish. The pedals are equipped with a set of wheels that allows them to move smoothly on their tracks.
As we’ve mentioned above, the pedal trays are made of durable thermoplastic material. They have foam inserts with a textured surface for an improved grip and inner guards. However, they are non-adjustable and they do not have extra articulations. They attach directly to the pedal bars via bolts and nuts.
The Sunny SF-E3914 offers approx. 10″ (25.4 cm) of vertical climb, and 5.5″ (14 cm) of horizontal climb leading to an overall stride of approx. 11.5″ (29 cm). This being said, the machine should be able to accommodate comfortably users up to 6’2″ – 6’3″ (188 – 190 cm).
One last aspect to mention here regards the pedal height. At their lowest point, the pedals are at approx. 9″ (23 cm) above floor level. Conversely, at their highest position, the pedals are at approx. 16″ (41 cm) above floor level. Therefore, it is recommended to use your cardio climber in a room with a ceiling that is at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your own height.
Resistance and drive
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3914 cardio climber is equipped with a manual magnetic resistance system.
Therefore, you don’t need an adapter for it. But on the other hand, the machine cannot auto-adjust the resistance and the included console does not have pre-set programs.
The unit’s resistance consists of a magnetic brake attached to the internal flywheel assembly and to the tension knob visible on the front upright bar of the machine. As you turn the knob, the magnetic brake moves closer or farther from the flywheel which adds or reduces the pedaling difficulty.
This Sunny cardio climber offers 8 resistance levels. The first level of resistance doesn’t increase the workout load by a lot. Conversely, the 8th tension level delivers a considerably higher pedaling difficulty in case you want to perform a more consistent workout, improve strength, and stamina.
The machine is equipped with an 8.8 lbs (4 kg) flywheel featuring a perimeter-weighted structure. This type of flywheel construction is meant to improve inertia and add consistency to the ride. The flywheel is also bi-directional. Therefore, you can pedal in reverse if you want to diversify your workouts.
Similar to other fitness machines that have a magnetic resistance system, this Sunny cardio climber is equipped with a belt drivetrain. This type of transmission comes with several advantages. First of all, it generates less vibration than a chain so the pedaling motion is very smooth and quiet. And second of all, the belt doesn’t require periodic lubrication.
Performance monitor
The comes with a performance monitor similar to the one included with the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3810 
elliptical trainer. It’s a fairly simple unit, without pre-set programs or Bluetooth connectivity. It features an LCD display that tracks time, distance, total distance, calories, speed, and pulse. It indicates speed and distance in English units (mph and miles) and there are no options for changing them to metric units. Also, the pulse reading function is grip-only. This means that the monitor can only read your pulse if you hold on to the sensors integrated into the fixed handlebars of the machine. It cannot read your pulse from a heart rate chest strap or other devices.
The monitor unit is pretty easy to use. Its Mode button covers its selection function. You can press it repeatedly to scroll through the workout metrics and select the one that you want to view. In the same way, you can select the Scan Mode which rotates all the metrics showing each one for 6 seconds. The Set button allows you to select goals for time, distance, and calories. If a goal is selected for any of these metrics, the unit will count down from the selected value until it reaches zero. And finally, the Reset button clears all the metrics to zero.
The performance monitor unit requires two AAA batteries which are included. It starts up when you press the Mode button or when it detects pedal movement. It also turns off automatically if it does not detect any activity on the machine for more than four minutes.
The monitor also integrates a device holder. This consists of a small shelf placed above the unit’s LCD display. It is large enough to support any tablet or smartphone. However, the monitor unit does not have any connection ports for your device.
Assembly and Maintenance
The main body of the Sunny Health & Fitness Cardio Climber SF-E3914 comes pre-assembled. You only need to attach the base bars, the pedal trays, the front mast, the performance monitor, and the moving arms. This may take more than an hour of your time, but the task is fairly simple. The manual provides clear, step-by-step assembly instructions, and all the necessary tools are included. It is recommended, though, to grease the joints of the machine during the assembly so they don’t develop squeaking noises.
For maintenance, it is recommended to keep the machine clean, especially the tracks of the pedals to prevent any damage to the wheels. If the joints begin to squeak, some lubricant is required. The internal parts should not need any lubrication for a very long period of time.
The Pros
- Sturdy steel frame – can support users up to 230 lbs;
- Compact design;
- Transport wheels on the front base;
- Adjustable stabilizers on both base bars;
- Durable, large pedals with inner guards for extra foot stability;
- Moving arms with ball grips at the top;
- Fixed handlebars with pulse sensors;
- Reinforced and precision-welded rail bars for improved sturdiness;
- Quiet belt drive system;
- Manual magnetic resistance – 8 levels;
- Performance monitor included – it tracks time, speed, distance, total distance, pulse, and calories burned;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- Device holder included;
- HRC sticker included;
- Bottle holder included;
- Easy to assemble;
- All the assembly tools are included;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- The console display doesn’t have backlight;
- No online connectivity.
Summary
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3914 is a cardio climber machine featuring an 8-level manual magnetic resistance system, a sturdy frame with a weight limit of 230 lbs, and a performance monitor that tracks all the important workout metrics. It’s a machine made for home use, great for low to high-intensity cardio workouts, muscle toning, interval training, and weight loss.