4 O Accelerator Trail Runner Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The Silva Tech 4O Accelerator watches seemed like a really great idea, and are, but they are rather limited. I use mine for running and keeping track of speed and distance that I'm running. To do this you must figure out your walking and running pace lengths and set the sensitivity of the watch to your footfalls. Then each time your foot hits the ground the watch knows how far you traveled and using how often your foot hits the ground, speed can be determined. Great idea, right? The problem is that pace length varies considerably with the speed you run at. Faster speeds require longer strides, but when you run faster with this watch it is still using your inputted pace length and doesn't realize you are running faster.
For example: I calculated my pace length while running at 6.4 mph. When running 6.4 mph on the treadmill the watch is spot on (less than 1% error). BUT when I run 8.0 mph on the treadmill the watch thinks I'm only running 7.1 mph and thus both the speed and distance are horribly off. Similarly with running slower and shorter strides. When I run 5.0 mph on the treadmill the watch shows me running at 5.9 mph and thinks I'm running faster and further than I am. At both ends of this spectrum if I only look at the watch it may tell me a speed almost 1 mph off of the truth and if you add that up over some time it will read miles wrong on distance.
In summary, this watch is severely limited. Unless you can consistently run at the same speed (in which case why are you buying this?) you will probably be disappointed with the accuracy of this watch.

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T31c Replacement Strap (EA) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is not a "compatible" strap for a Polar, but the real thing. The only difference from the original is its size; most Polars are shipped with a "Medium" size strap that is adjustable and fits most people, but this "Large" could be better for those who found the "Medium" tight even at its maximum length. Since I had lost the original one, I needed a replacement. The "Large", which goes from 27" to 63", was a better fit for me.

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Nike Nike+ Stand Alone Sensor Review

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(More customer reviews)In world where tracking the awesomeness of your run seem to be more and more imperative - actually, I don't even know what that means.
The Nike + technology includes this little device that fits in a little hollowed out area beneath the insert of your favorite Nike shoe. The device is essentially a pedometer that is pretty darn accurate. It transmits information to either a Nike armband/wrist band or an iPod nano and helps runners or walkers track their distance, time, and speed.
First, you won't feel the device in your shoe. I read a review on another website in which a nice lady was complaining bitterly about how she could feel it in her shoe. Chances are, she failed to remove the little foam patch that currently occupies the little area where the Nike + sensor is supposed to go. Once removed, the sensor will fit in that hole and is flush with the bottom of the inside of the shoe. Once you put the insert back in over the sensor, you'll never know it's there. I also read someone else indicate that they could feel a weight difference once it was in the shoe. This is, in a word, absurd. If your body is so finely tuned that you can detect a weight difference between the shoe with the device and the shoe without it, you are truly an amazing human being, and I suspect you have x-ray vision and can run faster than a speeding bullet.
The reason the product gets 4 stars and not 5 is this: The website is less than impressive. The sensor transmits information to your wristband or iPod and can then be used to track your performance on Nike's website. It's nice that you can do this. The device comes, right out of the box, essentially "accurate" for the average runner, but it can be fine tuned for those that want even more accurate results. Where the website fails though, is its inability to provide some fairly basic information about a run. It can tell you your pace at a number of graphed points on your run, but it doesn't tell you - and this is really sort of nuts - how fast you ran each mile. Rather, when you click on the point on the graph at each mile marker, it tells you your pace at that moment in your run.
There are alternative websites that apparently can provide the "rest of the story" and give you the information you are seeking, and a simple internet search will provide you with their names.... but it is rather odd that Nike hasn't fixed this aspect of the site.
The Nike+ community is, overall, very supportive and pleasant. The site is useful to track your runs, set goals, participate in challenges, etc.
I've compared the accuracy to a gps running watch and I believe that the accuracy is essentially the same. I found that I could access some of the information on the gps watch a little easuer than Nike + but, I found the gps watch to be a bit bulky. I do like how with Nike Plus, you have the option of wearing a wrist band or an iPod Nano, in your pocket or strapped to your arm. This allows users to select an option that is best for their comfort. There are adaptors available that will allow you to use Nike + with other shoe brands. I have NOT tested those.
Another helpful tip.... Nike has finally gotten with the program and made running shoes in a variety of widths. Accordingly, if you, like me, could "never own a pair of Nike running shoes" because they were "too narrow and I have Fred Flinstone feet" take another look. Now that shoes come in different widths, you will be pleasantly surprised. This means the Nike + technology can appeal to a wider clientele - like those of us that are not built like sleek, running machines.
One final note.... I took the Nike + on a hike and found that in steep sections, the device could not be accurrate. This is because you must move at a certain pace with a reasonable stride for the device to work. When hiking a mountain, you often take short steps and move slower than the device can record (or, coming down, longer strides, etc) so don't expect the device to accurately capture that kind of a hike. As for gps technology on mountain hikes, it's a mixed bag by the time you factor in tree cover, pace, stride, etc. Just FYI.
I recommend Nike + I use it, and I like it, and I've been using it for about 5 months now. As a beginning runner, it's accurate enough for me, it's motivating, in a sense, and well worth the investment. With website improvements, this is a 5 star device.
If you have questions, post them in the comment section and I'll answer.... Thanks.


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Apple Nike + iPod Sport Kit for iPod nano 1G, 2G (Old Version) Review

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(More customer reviews)First Impressions: The kit is very small and lightweight. Setup is trivial, although I would recommend calibrating the unit. The voices are nice, and it decreases the music volume during announcements to keep a constant listening volume. My main reasonable complaint is that you need to see the screen when starting/stopping. This sounds obvious, but the nike armband (only one available at that time which holds the nano with the nike receiver connected) does not allow you to see the screen. The first problem I encountered was; after changing in the locker room I set the screen where I only had to press the center button to start my workout (no screen necessary for that!). But my the time I stuck it back in the armband, left the locker room, got some water and left the building, it automatically went back to the main Nike+ menu so I had to remove the nano again and go through it again _right_ before starting my run. Along these lines, if you do not memorize how to end your workout with the menu (multiple button presses and menu movements) or don't take the nano out of your armband at the end of the workout to manipulate the menu, it is possible to "end" a run without the run actually being recorded as a run (e.g. after my second run, the total mileage had increased by almost 5 miles, but the "previous run" menu still only showed my prior day run and when connected to my computer, no new run was uploaded).
Note: To remedy this, I now just pause my workout when I'm through and wait for the system to automatically end it for me!
Shoe pod: I do not wear Nike running shoes but I have high arches. I am able to stick the pod underneath my insole just at the bottom of my arch and it doesn't bother me while I run. Also, make sure the pod is flat in your shoe and oriented with the long axis along the length of your shoe. If it isn't snug and oriented properly, your distance will be really off (my first run of 42 minutes was "2.05 miles"). I have more recently cut a recess in my insole right at the base of the arch and now I don't even feel it. Again, be careful and please don't cut into the bottom of your shoe, remember it should be snug because you don't want it sloshing around while you run.
Calibration: People have reported good calibration out of the box, but mine was off. After a couple of weeks I calibrated the system 4 times around lane 1 of a 400-meter track (1 mile) and a course that had previously been 4.76 and 4.69 miles turned into 5.54 miles (much closer to what my map was telling me).
Accuracy: After running for months with it, this unit is much more accurate than I expected. When my GPS works, there's nothing better, but it's very inconsistent in a cloudy city like Pittsburgh. I really like the consistency of this unit. You should be aware that even after calibration, the unit will show longer distances when you run faster, but since most distance runners are fairly consistent during most training runs, this isn't a huge issue. As long as the shoe pod is snug and it's been calibrated, I get better than 95% accuracy, even on hilly courses (better on flats). You probably wouldn't want to use this to determine your 10k race time, but it's wonderful for normal training.
Pros:
1. Very motivational!
2. Works fine out of the box and easily [...].
3. Distance isn't dependent on clear skies and barren land like a GPS (i.e. works fine in downtown areas as well as tree covered trails and cloudy/rainy days).
4. Don't _need_ nike shoes to make it work well.
5. It allows you to "experiment" more on runs, because now you can say "hey I wonder where that leads" and not have to worry about wondering how far you actually ran.
6. Decreases music volume while it tells you your run statistics.
Cons:
1. You almost _need_ to see the screen to work the start and end workout menus. It is possible by touch, but sometimes when your fingers are sweaty the thumb wheel doesn't move as precisely as one would like. It is sort of strange that the only armbands designed to integrate the nike receiver (the nikeplus armbands) don't actually allow you to see the screen, even though it's necessary to use the nikeplus features!
2. No Auto-Pause feature: The entire purpose of this thing is to track your speed and time. You would think that you could set it to pause the time when you stopped moving! I completely don't understand why that is not an option.
3. The pause function needs to be longer. If you pause your workout for more than a few minutes it will automatically end your workout. I am not sure if this has anything to do with the auto-off/sleep function of the Nano, but I have found no settings to control this, after 4-5 minutes it will automatically end your workout.
4. The information announcements could be a little shorter. It's fine, but there should be a "short announcement" option that leaves out "completed", "current pace" and "distance" which is all pretty obvious.
[...].
Final thoughts: This is a great little addition for runners. It actually convinced me to upgrade to a Nano (from a Shuffle) and I can't say I'm disappointed. Although there are improvements I would like to see, I think this is a great offering that many runners would thoroughly enjoy and utilize to help them achieve their running goals. I'm also glad to see Nike is continuing to upgrade the web interface and software features of this device! Keep up the good work!

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Transform your iPod nano into a personal workout coach with the Nike + iPod Sport Kit. This wireless sensor and receiver combination works exclusively with your Nike+ shoes and iPod nano to give you real-time feedback during workouts and let you track your performance on your Mac or PC. Comes with: Wireless sensor for Nike+ shoes; Wireless receiver for iPod nano; Printed documentation. Requirements: iPod nano; Nike+ shoes; iPod nano software v1.2 and iTunes 6.0.5 (available via free download); A Mac with a USB 2.0 port and Mac OS X version 10.3.9 or later; or a PC with a USB 2.0 port and Windows 2000 (SP4) or XP Home or Professional (SP2).

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Apple Nike + iPod Sport Kit for iPod nano 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G, iPod touch 1G, 2G, 3G (OLD VERSION) Review

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(More customer reviews)I was skeptical about buying this because I'd read so many bad reviews. Nike and Apple both live on hype, so how good could it really be? After a lot of online research on how to position the chip in your shoe and calibrate it properly, I decided to buy. I followed the steps (listed below) and have had no trouble. I did a one mile calibration and 3 weeks later the Nike+ was accurate to 200 feet on my half marathon! Incredible for something that costs $30. Maybe GPS is for hard core runners, but this would be fine for your average running fan. And the cool online running log is a great bonus you don't get with the geeky full feature GPS systems.
The secret to making it work right:
1: position the chip face up, facing forward on your shoe
2: The chip must be held so it doesn't jiggle at all. (if you have nikes, this isn't a problem, but I don't so I cut a hole in my sole and made my own chip holder. I've see people use the lace holders with success, but it has to be really tight.
3: calibrate it for at least a mile on flat ground and try to run a consistent pace that is normal for your running. If you improve your average running time, you should recalibrate with the new pace for maximum accuracy.
(Was this nerdy enough for everyone?)

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Nike + iPod Sport Kit Transform your iPod nano or iPod touch (2nd gen) into a personal workout coach with the Nike + iPod Sport Kit. This wireless sensor and receiver combination works exclusively with your Nike+ shoes and iPod nano or iPod touch to give you real-time feedback during workouts and let you track your performance on your Mac or PC.
Your personal trainer. Your favorite workout companion.Thanks to a unique partnership between Nike and Apple, your iPod nano 1G, 2G, 3G, 4G; or iPod touch 2G becomes your coach.
Tune Insert the wireless sensor inside the custom, built-in pocket beneath the insole of your Nike+ shoe, and then plug the receiver into the Dock connector on your iPod nano. The iPod touch (2nd generation) includes built-in support for the system--no receiver necessary.
Run Now start your workout. As your run or walk, the sensor sends information to your iPod, tracking your time, distance, pace, and calories burned. If you choose, real-time, spoken feedback can even alert you to milestones throughout your workout.
Sync Back at your computer, sync your iPod to transfer your workout data to iTunes and nikeplus.com. There, you can evaluate your performance history, set goals, and even challenge other runners to a virtual race.
What's in the Box? Wireless sensor for Nike+ shoes, wireless receiver for iPod nano, printed documentation.

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Garmin 010-00679-05 Forerunner 50 Sports Watch with Heart Rate Monitor and USB ANT Stick Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I already own the Forerunner 305 and love it except for the large size of the watch when I am running. I considered getting the new 405, but since I already owned the foot pod and I actually like the larger unit (read as "larger screen")of the 305 while on the bike, I decided to just add to my current system with the Garmin 50. The GPS function of the 305 is nice, but while I tend to explore on the road bike I also tend to travel the same routes over and over while running, so the GPS functions are not really necessary. The Garmin 50 is super light and perfect for running. Via the ANT stick it will update Garmin Connect (the on-line training record) and Garmin Training Center automatically, so they are always synched. The display is small and only displays two pieces of info at on time, such as heart rate and distance or distance and pace, but I find that's all I usually need and I can check the rest of the info at the end of the workout. I tested the foot pod distance readings against a known distance and the 305's GPS reading, and it was accurate out of the box and did not require calibration.
The only problems I have had are that the date that the watch records for workouts is 7 days off and, according to Garmin, cannot be corrected. The date on the Time Display is correct, though, so it's still accurate as a watch, and the date shows up correctly when you upload the workout to Garmin Training Center. I'm sure they will fix this glitch in the future, but it's a minor irritation. This is a great unit.

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Jump-start your training with the Garmin Forerunner 50. This sleek sports watch is ideal for running, cycling, and other fitness activities, and it includes a wireless heart rate monitor. Plus, it automatically transmits workouts to your computer so you can analyze, store, and share data using Garmin's online community, Garmin Connect. Add Garmin's Foot Pod (not included) to track your speed, distance, and calories burned while running, or add aSpeed/Cadence bike sensor (not included) for tracking your cycling workouts.

Get the Data You Need Train inside or outdoors. The Forerunner 50 provides you with instant workout data, including training time, pace, distance, lap pace, lap time, lap distance, average and best pace, calories, and maximum and average heart rate. It also records both lap and detailed data. Available in three different versions, the Forerunner 50 comes bundled with different accessories (also available separately) to help you track your progress for whatever moves you.
Listen to Your Heart Forerunner 50 with wireless heart rate effectively tracks and records your heart rate while you work out, providing instant feedback about how hard your heart is working. The included digital heart rate monitor continuously tracks heart beats per minute, which is wirelessly transmitted to the Forerunner 50. Even train in a certain heart rate zone to improve your fitness level. And well after your workout is done, Forerunner 50 is still working, wirelessly transmitting your training data to your PC.
Measure Speed and Distance Garmin's wireless Foot Pod (sold separately) lets you track your running speed, distance, and calories burned while on the treadmill or pavement. Just snap the Foot Pod into a clip on your shoelaces, and it's ready to send data to Forerunner 50 as soon as you start moving. After your workout, Forerunner 50 automatically transfers the data to your computer when within range.
Track Your Ride When paired with an optional speed/cadence sensor (sold separately), Forerunner 50 tracks the speed and distance of your cycling workouts. The wireless speed/cadence sensor attaches securely to your bike and measures your pedaling cadence and wheel speed as you ride. You can even use it to train indoors because the sensor attaches to your rear wheel.
Run, Sync, Store, and Share You've logged the miles, and now you want to store them. With Garmin's innovative ANT+ wireless technology, your workouts are automatically transferred to your computer when your device is within range. No cables, no hookups. The data's just there, ready for you to analyze, categorize, and share through Garmin's online community, Garmin Connect, or the Garmin Training Center software.
What's in the Box Forerunner 50 watch, USB ANT Stick, Heart rate monitor, Owner's Manual

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GARMIN FORERUNNER? 305 GPS RECEIVER WITH HEART RATE MONITOR Review

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(More customer reviews)I use mine for cycling and running, the direct link to see your workouts mapped on GOOGLE EARTH is FANTASTIC!!!! (the included software is far more stable than the junk Polar included with their HRM's.
Heart rate strap with replaceable battery is coded and comfortable. It's better in my opinion than the Polar products (of which I've owned three)
This is much better than the Forerunner 201 which I previously owned (locks on satellites 10 times faster) and I'd avoid the 405 unless you really want to use this watch as a normal day to day wristwatch (check out the 405 reviews)
One nice feature is being able to customize the display screens. Another review criticized the 305 for the numbers being too small to read while exercising. I don't have an issue but would point out that you can significantly increase the size of the display by simply displaying fewer fields.
My only complaint is that it's easy to leave it on and run the battery down - which is a bummer if you're just about to work out. I wish there was an "auto off" feature which would shut it down if it detects no movement or heart rate within an hour or so. Fortunately, with Li-Ion batteries, as little as a 10 minute charge gives you enough juice for a 90 minute run.
If you've found this review to be helpful, please let me know!

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