The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3803 elliptical trainer has an 8-level manual magnetic resistance system, a pair of big and robust pedals, and a dashboard that can track your key training metrics and objectives.
Sunny Health & Fitness ‘Ozone’ elliptical is another name for it. It’s a home-use trainer with a little capacity. It’s also a reasonably priced machine, so if you’re searching for an elliptical trainer that won’t break the bank, this one could be the one for you.
It also offers a pulse reading capability, which is not available on other machines in this price range. It’s a good trainer for modest aerobic exercises, muscle toning, and calorie burning.
Table of Contents
Parts and frame
The Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3803 elliptical machine has a steel frame with various ABS elements, including flywheel, resistance system covers, and other tiny covers.
All steel bars used in its construction have a corrosion-resistant gray paint finish.
Because it is a light-capacity trainer, it can only handle persons weighing up to 220 pounds (100 kg).
It’s also reasonably light. The frame weighs only 63.6 lbs when fully constructed (28.8 kg). This being said, it’s simple to put together and move. In addition, its front base has a set of little wheels that make it easier to move.
The frame of the machine is not collapsible. However, the completely constructed equipment has a tiny footprint compared to other front-drive ellipticals, such as the Schwinn 430 or the Nautilus E618.
It’s just 46″ (117 cm) long and 25″ (63 cm) broad, allowing it to fit into even the tiniest of spaces.
However, it is advised that at least two feet of space be left around the unit for easy access and unrestricted operation during exercises.
Despite its compact size, the unit maintains a high level of stability. It also has polygonal caps on its back base to rotate and function as levelers.
Thus, it may be readily stabilized on any sort of flooring. However, it is advised that you use this workout equipment on a rubberized surface.
Like most other elliptical trainers in this price range, the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3803 has basic pedals made of ABS plastic.
There is no padding or articulation in them. They aren’t adjustable and are attached to the pedal bars with two bolts. They are, nevertheless, large enough to fit shoes of various sizes, and their surface is textured for added grip.
Two sets of handlebars are included with this Sunny elliptical trainer. The fixed ones have grip sensors, so the console unit can detect your pulse if you hang on to them.
The grips on the movable handlebars are longer. Rubber-foam material is used on the grip areas of both sets of handlebars to ensure excellent comfort and hand adhesion.
Step-up Height
Because the Sunny Health & Fitness SF-E3803 is a rear-drive elliptical trainer, the elliptical path formed by the pedal motion is somewhat slanted forward rather than horizontal.
Thus, the pedaling action gives the sensation of descending a gentle ramp. This might be viewed as a benefit because a workout on this machine focuses more on your glutes.
The machine has a short stride and a limited range of motion (only 11″).
(28 cm). Thus, people who are taller than 6’0″ (183 cm) may find it too short for their stride.
However, if you select one of the higher tension settings and work quickly, you may get a very constant cardio exercise.
The step-up pedal height, or lowest pedal position, is approximately 8″ (20 cm) above floor level.
The pedals, however, are approximately 14″ (35 cm) above the floor level at their tallest position.
Thus, it is advised that the machine be placed and used in a room with a ceiling at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your height.
One final point to discuss here is the Q-Factor of the machine (spacing between the pedals).
The pedals of the machine are about 9″ (24 cm) apart. Thus, your feet are naturally positioned on them, and the workout does not cause any additional lateral stress on the knees and ankles.
Resistance Level
A manual magnetic resistance machine is included in the Sunny SF-E3803 elliptical machine.
Thus, there is no need to connect it to a power source. In addition, the resistance adjustment is not controlled via the console.
The unit’s resistance system comprises an internal magnetic brake connected to the front mast’s tension knob via a steel wire.
The cable regulates the location of the magnetic brake concerning the metallic flywheel as you move the knob.
This alters the magnetic force of the brake on the flywheel, making cycling more difficult or easier. The tension knob has 8 resistance levels indicated on it.
The first one has a low level of pedaling effort. However, the 7th and 8th tension levels give significantly greater resistance, allowing you to swiftly raise your heart rate and burn more fat. The internal flywheel’s size and weight aren’t stated.
However, given the machine’s overall weight, it shouldn’t be more than 15 lbs. It does, however, have a perimeter-weighted construction that provides a very smooth pedaling action.
On this elliptical, you can pedal backward. Thus, if you want to, you may mix up your routines.
When cycling in reverse, the console tracks your exercise numbers based on the internal flywheel’s revolutions.
A belt drive is standard on most fitness machines with an internal magnetic resistance mechanism, and the Sunny SF-E3803 is no different.
It has a long-lasting rubber belt that resists straining. There are various advantages to using a belt drive. The fact that it does not require any maintenance, that the pedaling action is incredibly smooth and silent, and that a belt causes less vibration than a chain is just a few of them.
Last but not least, the crankset of the machine is made of solid steel crank arms that are joined to the pedal bars.
Ball bearings are used in the attachment points to provide a smooth motion. The crank arms and pedals are also strong enough to sustain people weighing up to 220 pounds (100 kg).
Console
As we discussed before, the Sunny Health & Fitness Ozone SF-E3803 is an entry-level elliptical trainer.
Thus, it lacks fancy features like preset programs or Bluetooth connectivity on its console.
It’s essentially an activity meter that keeps track of your key workout numbers.
The console unit’s LCDs time, distance, total distance, speed, calories, and pulse.
It features a SCAN mode that rotates all these values for 6 seconds each. It also offers time, distance, and calorie target options. When you set a goal value for them, the unit will display how much longer you have until you achieve your target.
The console machine is simple to operate.
Mode, Set, and Reset are the three buttons. The Mode button allows you to set a goal for time, pace, or calories by selecting them.
You may change the values for your objectives by using the Set button. The Reset button resets all of the console’s values to zero.
The machine’s console lacks an inbuilt wireless receiver for its pulse reading feature.
It is, however, unable to communicate with Polar or ANT HR transmitters. You must utilize the integrated grip sensors to benefit from a pulse reading.
The top half of the console has a grid with heart rate zones that you should strive for based on your age to improve your aerobic output, fat burn, and other benefits.
This is a benefit because many other machines only show this grid in their instructions, so you won’t have it handy when working out.
Finally, a tablet holder is included inside the console unit.
Because this attachment is situated above the LCD, it won’t obscure your view of your exercise data if you place your phone or tablet on it.
Assembly
This elliptical trainer from Sunny Health & Fitness comes half constructed.
To put it another way, the entire basic frame, including all internal drive and resistance parts, is already assembled.
Thus, all you need to do now is install the base stabilizers, the console mast, pedals, moving and fixed arms, and the console.
This may take more than an hour. The manual, however, gives extremely clear assembly directions. All of the necessary tools for assembly are also supplied.
The machine’s internal components do not require any maintenance, at least not for an extended length of time.
Thus, maintenance is limited to wiping away the sweat that may fall on the frame after an exercise and regularly checking for loose bolts or components.
Lubrication of the unit’s joints may be required from time to time.
