Sunny SF-E3862 Elliptical Trainer | Motorized Magnetic Resistance

The Sunny SF-E3862 Elliptical Trainer by Sunny Health and Fitness features a build consisting of two major elements, steel and ABS materials. The frame is made of solid, heavy-duty steel, while the coverings for the drive/resistance system, the pedals, the fitness monitor, and several other small parts are ABS. Moreover, the overall construction is sturdy and stable.

The SF-E3862 elliptical has a motorized magnetic resistance system. Sixteen resistance levels provide workout intensities ranging from low to somewhat more challenging levels. The resistance level adjustment is made by pushing a button on the fitness monitor. Furthermore, it can automatically assign a resistance level when a preset program is selected.

The Sunny SF-3862 Elliptical Trainer has a mid-range fitness monitor with a blue backlit LED monitor. The 6″ monitor tracks workout progress by displaying workout stats such as Time, Distance, Total Distance (Odo), Speed, RPM, Watts, Calories, Heart Rate, and Target Heart rate.

Twenty-four workout programs include a Manual Program, 12 Preset Programs, Watt Control Program, and Body Fat Calculator Program. In addition, 5 HR-based Programs include Target Heart Rate and HRC Programs that target 55%, 65%, 75%, and 85%. Then, there are 4 Custom User Programs that enable four users to create and save their workout profiles.

Learn more in my complete review below!

Product: Sunny SF-E3862 Elliptical Trainer

Price: For a great deal on this elliptical, merely go here to Sunny Health & Fitness.com

Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 180 days

My rating: 8.5/10

Affiliate Disclosure: As a Sunny Health & Fitness Affiliate Program participant, I earn commissions on purchases made through links in this post. Full disclosure

Details and Specifications

• Assembled dimensions: 63L x 21W x 66H inches (160L x 53W x 168H cm)
• Assembled weight: 125.7 lbs (57 kg)
• Supported weight: 265 lbs (120 kg)
• Stride: 15.75 inches (40 cm)
• Incline: No
• Pedals: Articulated
• Resistance: Eddy current, 16 levels
• Drive: Belt
• Fitness Monitor: 24 workout programs
• Extras: Tablet holder, bottle holder
• Warranty: Frame 3 years / Parts 180 days

SF-E3862 Frame

The Sunny SF-E3862 elliptical trainer has a structural frame made of steel tubing. As a result, it offers a pretty sturdy construction; its pedals have a user weight capacity of 265 lbs (120 kg), which is not bad for this caliber machine.

The unit integrates several ABS parts as well. For example, the covers of the drive and resistance elements, the top parts of the pedals, the monitor’s casing, and several other small covers are ABS-made. In addition, all the steel parts come coated with a corrosion-resistant black paint finish.

The fully assembled trainer is not as large as some other models but takes approx. 63″L x 21″W (160 x 53 cm) of floor space. Plus, it is advisable to assign a usage area for it of at least 110″ x 70″ (280 x 178 cm) for unhindered operation and ease of access.

It is a reasonably heavy unit; when fully set up, it weighs approximately 125.7 lbs (57 kg). Therefore, two people should carry and assemble the elliptical.

However, once completed, only one person can easily move the machine. Its front base has two large, rubberized wheels, which facilitate its relocation, while the rear base has a solid lifting handle.

This elliptical trainer’s base comprises two parts, the rear with two rails and the front part that sustains the drive system. Furthermore, the rails have aluminum covers to move the pedal wheels more smoothly.

The machine’s base features six contact points with the floor, and each point comes equipped with an adjustable stabilizer. In addition, these stabilizers also have rubberized pads and excellent grip on the floor.

Pedals and handlebars

The Sunny SF-E3862 comes equipped with two oversized pedals. They have a non-slip surface and an outer border in the front to provide better stability for the feet. Unfortunately, they do not have foam cushioning like other commercial machines’ pedals, but they integrate articulation elements. Thus, they can change their angle by up to 12.82° depending on how you press your feet on them, providing a more comfortable ride.

The pedal bars come equipped with large rollers with internal ball bearings; they provide a smooth, stable, and quiet motion. Like most other ellipticals, the pedals connect to the moving arms of the machine. You cannot lock them in place. Therefore, the mobile arms will move for as long as you pedal.

Finally, there are two sets of handlebars on this machine. One is mobile, and the other is stationary. The portable arms feature extended grips with ball grips at the top. In addition, the fixed arms integrate stainless steel pulse sensors, so the fitness monitor can monitor your pulse by holding on to them.

SF-E3862 stride, elliptical path, and step-up height

Many front-drive elliptical trainers have an elliptical path slightly inclined backward. Therefore, the workout may give you the feeling of walking up a very soft ramp. However, this is not the case for the Sunny SF-E3862. Its elliptical path is horizontal. Furthermore, each step adjusts to your stride due to its articulated pedals, offering superior comfort and reducing the joints’ impact.

The machine offers a medium-length stride; it measures approx. 15.75″ (~40 cm). Therefore, the machine should provide a satisfying range of motion for users up to 6’0 ″ (183 cm). For taller users, the range of action may be a little short. Nonetheless, depending on the intensity of the workout, speed, and resistance, you can still benefit from regular exercise on this machine, even if you’re taller.

At their lowest position, the pedals are at approx. 10″ (25 cm) above floor level. Conversely, their highest level is approx. 16″ (40 cm) above floor level. Thus, placing and using the machine in a room with a ceiling at least 20″ (51 cm) higher than your height is advisable.

Resistance and drive

The Sunny SF-E3862 features a motorized magnetic resistance system. Its internal mechanism involves a magnetic drum and a servo motor. Therefore, the machine needs a connection to a power source. In addition, the resistance is only adjustable from the fitness monitor.

As you select a certain resistance level, the internal motor changes the magnets’ pull, increasing or decreasing the pedaling difficulty. The resistance system is also automatic; it can auto-adjust the resistance depending on the selected workout program.

This Sunny elliptical trainer offers 16 levels of resistance. The lowest level provides minimal pedaling difficulty, making it an excellent choice for anyone who requires recovery training or a very light-intensity workout. Conversely, the 15-16 levels deliver a relatively decent pedaling difficulty, allowing you to perform a more intense workout.

The internal flywheel weight is not specified, but it’s heavy enough to deliver a steady pedaling motion and consistent momentum. In addition, it’s also bi-directional; you can pedal in reverse on this machine if you want.

Like most other fitness machines with a magnetic resistance system, the Sunny SF-E3862 features a belt drivetrain using a poly-v belt. Thus, it comes with several advantages.

First, you don’t have to go through the hassle of taking the covers apart and lubricating them. Second, the pedaling motion is smooth and almost entirely silent. And finally, the movement of the belt produces less vibration than a chain.

SF-E3862 Fitness monitor

This elliptical trainer comes equipped with a mid-range fitness monitor. Unfortunately, it does not have Bluetooth online capabilities and is not compatible with any online fitness apps. However, it still offers plenty of programs and features to keep you motivated.

The monitor features a 6″ LCD with a blue LED backlight and relatively significant digits, offering excellent readability. In addition, the monitor indicates essential workout metrics, including time, distance, total distance, speed, RPM, watts, calories, heart rate, and target heart rate.

The speed and distance are in imperial units (MPH and miles); there is no metric option. While for the pulse reading, you must hold the integrated metallic sensors. Furthermore, the monitor is not telemetric and cannot read your pulse via an HR chest strap.

Unfortunately, the monitor does not have extra features such as a cooling fan or a sound system. However, it does integrate a tablet holder. In addition, its top section features a grid with the heart rate zones that you should aim for depending on your age to benefit from a better aerobic output, fat burn, etc.

Thus, it is a plus, as many other machines only show this grid in their manuals, so you usually don’t have it at hand when exercising.

Workout programs

The fitness monitor makes available 24 workout programs. The first one (P1) is the manual program; it allows you to adjust the resistance manually as you like during your workout. Also, if using this program, you can select goals for time, distance, or calories so that the monitor will show the remaining value from the chosen target.

The P2-P13 programs are preset. Each has 12 profiles, and you can select up to 16 resistance levels for each. The P14 program is for Watt Control. It allows you to select a target value for your Watt output. Finally, P15 is a Body Fat calculator program.

In addition, the machine can calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI) based on your height, weight, age, and gender input; the device can calculate your Body Mass Index (BMI).

The P16 – P20 are HR-based programs. They require you to hold the integrated pulse sensors. P16 is a Target Heart Rate program. It allows you to select a parameter for your heart rate, and the monitor will notify you if your pulse falls below your target. The P17-P20 programs are Heart Rate Control programs with preset HRC targets at 55%, 65%, 75%, and 85%.

In addition, during any of these programs, the monitor will auto-adjust the resistance adding intensity if your pulse falls below the selected heart rate or reducing the intensity if you exceed the set heart rate.

Finally, the P21-P24 are Custom User programs. Each one allows you to create and save your workout profiles and reuse them as often as you like. Other parameters, such as age, height, weight, and gender, can also be set for each custom user program.

SF-E3862 Assembly and Maintenance

The drive and resistance elements of the machine come pre-assembled and attached to the front base frame. All the other parts require assembly, though. You’ll have to connect the adjustable levelers on the front and rear base, attach these base frame parts to the main body and attach the monitor mast, the pedal bars, the pedals, the moving arms, the fixed arms, and the fitness monitor.

Consequently, it may take up to two hours of your time. However, the manual provides clear assembly instructions, and a set of necessary tools comes with the machine.

The machine does not require any internal maintenance. However, its joints may need lubrication from time to time. In addition, it would help to keep the pedal bars’ rails clean to prevent any damage to the wheels or nicks on the aluminum covers.

They may also require lubrication with PFTE lubricant (the manual provides all the instructions). It’s also advisable to periodically inspect the machine to re-tighten or replace any loose or damaged parts.

Pros

• Sturdy steel construction and a weight capacity of 265 lbs;
• Adjustable levelers;
• Transport wheels;
• Oversized, non-slip pedals;
• Articulated pedals which offer a tilt of up to ~12°
• Quiet operation, ideal for apartment use;
• 16 levels of eddy current resistance;
• 24 workout programs;
• Goal settings for time, distance, calories, pulse, and watts;
• Recovery function;
• The fitness monitor LCD has an LED backlight, which considerably improves readability;

  

• Pulse sensors integrated into the fixed handlebars;
• Tablet holder included;
• The bottle holder comes  included;
• Reasonably easy to assemble;
• Little maintenance is required;
• Excellent warranty.

Cons

• The fitness monitor is not telemetric;
• The monitor doesn’t have a sound system;
• The monitor does not have online connectivity;
• The fitness monitor does not have a USB port.

Sunny SF-E3862 Elliptical Trainer Summary

The Sunny SF-E3862 is a mid-range elliptical trainer designed for home use. It has an eddy current resistance system offering 16 difficulty levels, a fitness monitor with 24 workout programs, and a set of articulated pedals. In addition, it has a fairly sturdy construction, having a maximum user weight limit of 265 lbs.

It’s an excellent machine for light to intense cardio workouts, muscle toning, stamina development, and weight loss. Overall, it offers superior quality, durability, and a decent feature range for the price.

I hope you found this article helpful and informative. Would you please speak up if you have anything you’d like to share or any opinions about my website? I look forward to your comments, questions, and the sharing of ideas.

Please remember that you should consult your physician to determine if you have any medical or physical conditions that could risk your health and safety or prevent you from using the equipment properly. In addition, your physician’s advice is essential if you are taking medication that affects your heart rate, blood pressure, or cholesterol level.