| Unit | Size | Supported weight | Incline | Motor | Console programs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Sunny SF-T7917 Check Discounted Price | L:69" W:32" H:56" | 265 lbs | Automatic, 15 levels | 2.5 HP, 0.6-10 MPH | 15 preset programs, 3 user programs, 1 manual program, BMI, Goals |
The Sunny SF-T7917 is one of the electric treadmills released by Sunny Health & Fitness in the second part of 2019, so it’s a pretty new model. In terms of features, it can be compared to the Reebok Jet 300 but has an LCD display console, and a slightly shorter running platform. It’s a mid-range treadmill offering a fairly decent range of programs and also has an automatic incline system.
Key Features and Specifications
- Assembled dimensions: 69L x 32W x 56H inches (175L x 81W x 142H cm)
- Tread belt dimensions: 52L x 19W inches (132L x 48W cm)
- Assembled weight: 148 lbs (67 kg)
- Supported weight: 265 lbs (120 kg)
- Motor: 2.5 HP
- Speed range: 0.6 – 10 MPH
- Incline: Automatic, 15 levels
- Console: 15 preset programs, 3 user programs, 3 target settings, and BMI
- Extras: Tablet holder, accessory trays, sound system, USB port, Bluetooth connectivity
- Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 180 days
Frame and deck construction
Like most other treadmills, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7917 is constructed on a steel frame. Its 
base and deck are designed to support users up to 265 lbs (120 kg), which is not bad for a home-use machine. All the steel bars in its construction are powder-coated with a rust-resistant and chip-resistant paint finish; the colors used are gray for the upright posts that sustain the console and the base frame and black for the front base. These are the only colors available for the SF-T7917 treadmill model.
The machine’s body integrates a few ABS parts as well. The most notable ones are the motor cover, the side rail covers, and the console dashboard.
The fully assembled treadmill is smaller than other models, such as the SOLE F63. It is approx. 69″ (175 cm) long, and 32″ (81 cm) wide. Also, its highest point is given by the top of the console which reaches 56″ (142 cm) above floor level. It is recommended, though, to leave at least three feet of clearance at the rear of the deck, and at least two feet of clearance on each side of it, for safe usage and ease of access.
On the other hand, this Sunny Health & Fitness treadmill is foldable. Its deck can be folded up to save space. With the deck folded, the machine’s length is reduced to 32″ (81 cm), while its height gains approx. one inch. The folding mechanism consists of a hydraulic cylinder which is quite helpful when unfolding the deck as it slows its lowering preventing damage either to the deck or to the floor.
The Sunny SF-T7917 treadmill is fairly heavy. It weighs approx. 148 lbs (67 kg), so the transport of the boxed unit requires at least two people. However, once it is fully assembled, its relocation can be done with ease; its front base frame integrates a set of wheels.
Compared to other treadmills in this price and feature range, the Sunny SF-T7917 is equipped with an impressive cushioning system. There are two large cushioning elements visible on each side of the deck, and one other pair at the front that is concealed. They considerably reduce the shock generated during each foot strike. Therefore, running on this machine will definitely result in less workout-related joint pain.
The treadmill is equipped with a multi-ply belt designed to provide superior adherence to any type of athletic shoes. It offers a running surface of 52″L x 19″W (132 x 48 cm). This being said, the machine should be able to accommodate users up to 6’3″ (190 cm), allowing a complete stride during running. For walking workouts, the machine’s platform shouldn’t be restrictive for users of any size, as long as they don’t exceed the 265 lbs (120 kg) weight limit.
Incline and step-up height
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7917 treadmill is equipped with a motorized incline system. This means
you can adjust the incline during workouts; also, the machine has several workout programs that automatically adjust the incline.
The machine’s incline system consists of a metallic lift placed under the deck at the front and a separate motor from the drive motor. As you adjust the incline, or as the console automatically adjusts the incline, the motor will activate the lift and elevate or lower the front of the deck.
There are 15 levels of incline available, and the maximum incline level offers a ramp of approx. 15°. There are gradual adjustment controls on the console and integrated into the left grip. There also are quick incline selection keys on the console for the 3, 6, and 9 incline levels.
The step-up height of the deck is approx. 11″ (28 cm) when the incline is set at 0%. Conversely, with the incline set to the highest level, the front of the deck gains a few inches in height. Therefore, in order to avoid any ceiling height issues, make sure that the ceiling height in the room where you’ll be using the machine is at least 22″ – 23″ (56-58 cm) higher than your own height.
Drive motor
The Sunny SF-T7917 treadmill is equipped with a motor of a similar capacity to the Horizon Fitness T101-05 or the Sunny SF-T7820. It’s a 2.5 HP motor designed to support prolonged workouts at top speeds without overheating or losing performance. It’s also equipped with a small flywheel for improved motion stability and reduced vibration.
The unit’s motor offers a speed range between 0.6 MPH and 10 MPH. The speed adjustment increments are 0.1 MPH. This allows you to easily adapt your pace when changing the speed.
Just as for the incline, the console offers controls for gradual speed adjustment and quick speed adjustment. The quick selection speed controls are for 2 MPH, 4 MPH, and 6 MPH.
Just like any other motorized treadmill, the Sunny SF-T7917 needs to be connected to an external power source (120V). It features a cable with a US-type (3-prong) plug. The connector for it is at the front part of the deck, as well as the On/Off switch.
In terms of generated noise, this treadmill is not too loud. The motor itself is not noisy, but when running on the deck, the sound of your cadence will be heard, especially if you are close to the maximum specified user capacity (265 lbs). Also, with regards to power consumption, the machine shouldn’t add more than a few dollars a month to your electricity bill, even if it’s used daily.
Console
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7917 treadmill is equipped with a pretty standard console. It features
an LCD display with LED backlight for improved readability. The display is divided into multiple sub-sections so you can view all the workout metrics at once. It shows time, distance, speed, incline, calories, and pulse. Speed and distance are shown in MPH and miles. The pulse reading function is not wireless. The console cannot read your pulse from an HR chest strap transmitter. So, in order to benefit from a pulse reading, you must hold on to the sensors integrated into the machine’s side grips.
Like many other Sunny Health & Fitness treadmills, the SF-T7917 model doesn’t have online connectivity, nor it is compatible with any online fitness apps. However, it offers a pretty consistent base of programs. To begin with, it has the Manual Program which allows you to adjust the speed and incline as you like during the workout. Also, for the Manual Program, you can select target values for time, distance, and calories burned.
Next, the console offers 15 workout programs. These are all interval-based and all of them adjust both the speed and the incline of the deck automatically. Each program can be divided into 20 sections and you can select a time span for it, so each section will have a duration of the selected time divided by 20.
Three custom user programs and a BMI function are also included. The unit allows you to create and save three different programs with your own speed and incline settings. This feature can be quite useful if three different persons use the machine, as each one can save their own program settings. The BMI (Body Mass Index) program calculates your body fat percentage based on your age, height, weight, and gender input.
The machine’s console makes available several other notable functions. Among them, we can count the sound system, the USB port, the tablet holder, and the two accessory trays. The sound system consists of two speakers one on each side of the console. It connects to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth and allows you to play your music through the integrated speakers.
The USB port is only for device charging purposes. You cannot export your workout data via cable or USB stick. The tablet holder consists of a small shelf placed under the console display. The space between this shelf and the display is fairly wide, so a tablet placed on it won’t cover your workout data. And finally, the two accessory trays are molded into the console dashboard; they are large enough to accommodate hydration bottles or other small accessories that you might want to have at hand while you’re running.
Assembly and Maintenance
This Sunny treadmill comes pre-assembled. You only have to unfold it and tighten the two bars that sustain the console in upright position and plug the machine in. This shouldn’t take more than 15 minutes. All the necessary instructions are shown in the manual, and all the tools for it are included.
In terms of maintenance, the belt needs to be lubricated periodically. Although it comes pre-lubricated, you should add a bit of extra lubricant before the first use. A bottle of lubricant is included. Other than this, the belt should be kept clean to prevent any debris from being caught into the motor.
The Pros
- Sturdy deck – can support users up to 265 lbs;
- Folding design;
- Soft-drop unfolding mechanism;
- Transport wheels;
- Large cushioning elements integrated into the deck;
- 15 levels of automatic incline;
- Speed settings up to 10 MPH;
- Pulse sensors integrated into the side grips;
- Speed and incline controls integrated into the side grips;
- Low power consumption;
- Multi-window LCD display which tracks time, distance, speed, incline, calories, and pulse;
- 15 preset workout programs;
- 3 user programs;
- Goal settings for time, distance, and calories;
- BMI function included;
- Tablet holder included;
- Large accessory trays;
- USB charging port;
- Bluetooth sound system;
- Very easy to assemble;
- Little maintenance required;
- Excellent warranty.
The Cons
- No preset heart rate programs;
- No online connectivity.
Summary
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-T7917 is a mid-range treadmill made for home-use. It features a 2.5 HP motor with a speed range between 0.6 and 10 MPH, 15 levels of automatic incline, excellent deck cushioning, and a console with a total of 20 programs. It’s a machine for light to medium-intensity cardio workouts, interval training, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss. It’s not the most affordable trainer in this price range but does offer great value and quality for the price.