Sports Instruments ECG Series Heart Rate Monitors embody our latest telemetric heart rate technology. Ergonomically shaped to fit the natural curve of your wrist, they offer unequaled comfort. The new, custom-designed screen font and high-contrast display, as well as the Ultra NightGlow™ reversed backlight, result in dramatically improved readability in all light conditions. And a new, advanced heart rate processing algorithm makes the ECG series the fastest, most stable, and most accurate monitors we’ve ever produced.
Submitted by
William Fold
a Downhiller
from Rocky Mtns USA Date Reviewed: November 22, 2009
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Strengths:
Many useful functions, never fails, never gets janky
Similar Products Used:
Polar HRM
Bike Setup:
irrelevant
Bottom Line:
a great HRM for the price. a bit tricky to change the watch battery but fairly easy if you have patience and jeweler's screwdrivers.
I don't understand the review of the fellow just before me, below. He is describing something other than what I have. I found the owner's manual comprehensive. I never had any reason to call a help-line or visit a website. if you're afraid of changing the watch battery yourself, take it to a jeweler. no problem.
5/5 for this great HRM
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc Robinson
a Weekend Warrior
from Prairie Village, KS Date Reviewed: November 21, 2009
Favorite Trail:
various Jo. Co. trails
Duration Product Used:
Tested or demo'ed only
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Fund raiser
Strengths:
None, that I can tell
Weaknesses:
Web site given in product book is nonexistent, got stuck in voice mail jail (flipped me between one menu and another) when calling for help, and instruction book does not tell how to turn on the watch. It may have come without a battery, but then why does the booklet tell how to change the transmitter battery, but says nothing about the watch battery itself?
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Hybrid. I ride the same bike for street and trails.
Bottom Line:
I will NEVER buy another product from this company.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
timthetoolman
a Weekend Warrior
from Denver, CO, USA Date Reviewed: June 21, 2009
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Peformance Bike
Strengths:
Price and features
Weaknesses:
Battery life. Try to not use the light and the life is reasonable.
Bike Setup:
Specialized Alley Comp
Bottom Line:
Unless there are others in this price range I would buy again if the one I have fails. It is 3 years old and I have used it about 2200 miles.
Here is how to change the battery in the Sports Instruments ECG 3 ECG3:
Here is how wrist unit (receiver) battery in Sports Instruments can be changed:
Required:
1. Patience!
2. Jewelers flat and Phillips screw drivers (sold any place that has tools)
3. Magnifying glass--best it does not have to be hand held
4. CR2032 battery--very common
5. Needle, straight pin or other device with small point
Remove band by:
* turn watch unit to back side
* Apply a small amount of pressure with finger pushing strap up and away from the watch body (basically at 45 degrees)--band fits in a groove and must follow groove to come off.
* Use small flat screw driver gently push in pin on pin's raised grooves (toward band, along pin axis) from either end of pin to collapse it and be careful that pin does not fly away as it is spring loaded.
Remove four Phillips screws holding back on.
Remove battery and electronics from housing by turning watch over.
This part is a little tricky and you likely will want a magnifying glass-- The metal strap that holds the battery to the electronic assembly has hooks on both ends. The side with the wider hook that goes over TWO black plastic tabs is the end that you will unhook first. With a needle (blunt end) or other pointed device GENTLY pull hook over the two plastic tabs. If you are using a straight pin you may want to grind it so it is not sharp. My smallest screw driver was too wide and would have increased chance of damaging plastic tabs. Now the strap comes off and the battery can be changed.
When putting everything back clean finger prints from glass and screen first and make sure that the o-ring the fit between watch back and unit are in the groove. I did not have to mess with this as the o-ring never came out of groove but this is what keeps the moisture out.
Over all the job is not too bad but take your time and if you are having issues stop and take a break. I guess that it took about 10-15 minutes to take apart.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bud Hawks
a Cross Country Rider
from Golden, CO USA Date Reviewed: October 2, 2008
Favorite Trail:
Colorado Trail
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$43.00
Purchased At:
Performance Bikes
Strengths:
Cheap
Weaknesses:
Cannot do math, not waterproof, not accurate
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Klein Adept Comp
Bottom Line:
It was fun at first, but seemed to have math errors. The times in each zone did not compute with the percentages in each zone. It got water inside after a quick rinse off shower. Took the back off, let it dry out. Next rinse off shower, was wet inside again. On final excursion, a strenous mtn. bike ride, it had my heart rate between 44 and 65. I am not in that good a shape. Customer support was indifferent at best, suggested I return it, did not answer my question asking if I should try another one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Keith Q
a Cross Country Rider
from Cary, NC Date Reviewed: June 21, 2007
I have last year's (blue) ECG3 monitor and use it for every ride, mainly for lap times and average heart rate. It's held up great, no complaints whatsoever. The only additional feature I'd like to have is Peak Heart Rate, but it's hard to complain about anything for what it cost me. Great product for a great price!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Howell
a Racer
from Austin Date Reviewed: January 20, 2007
Favorite Trail:
Any central Texas single track
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Performance, Ebay etc
Strengths:
Low price, easy to use, keeps lots of informaton. Great when it works!
Weaknesses:
Poor wrist band connection, watch has fallen off several times when riding. You have to remove the wrist band to replace batteries - that makes the wrist band connection even weaker.
I've owned four monitors made by Sports Instruments. The first couple lasted six months to a year and I was pretty happy with them. The third failed within a month of purchase. Same for this last one. I'm going back to Sigma Sport monitor with fewer features - current heartrate is enough for me. I really don't recommend this one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Christian
a Racer
from Michigan Date Reviewed: November 23, 2006
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$30.00
Purchased At:
Do Froogle Search
Strengths:
Simple to use. Not so many functions that you get lost scrolling through. Everything is right at your finger tipes.
Weaknesses:
Main problem is that it's dead right now. Thought the battery died but it turns out the battery is fine. Just went dead while riding. I noticed right at purchase that sometimes the screen would look goofy, but when I scrolled it fixed itself. I guess now I will find out how good their warranty is. Very dissapointing.
Annoying setup is the button on the right side can change the display while your riding. It's so close to the hand that it just bumps the button. Probably more noticeable while mountain biking since your up and down a lot.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
2007 Specialized Epic Custom Build
Bottom Line:
I'm not so sure I would buy this product again. I like the set up and the information it stores is perfect for the sport racer. However, having it go dead at 3 months is unacceptable. If it worked, you can't beat it for the price.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Scott
a Cross Country Rider
from Sanford, Florida, USA Date Reviewed: October 2, 2006
Favorite Trail:
Ocala's threesome
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Seemed to have most features for the money
Weaknesses:
Battery replacement is not easy, this caused my problem
Similar Products Used:
Acumen basics
Bike Setup:
Custom Iron Horse
Bottom Line:
After a coupla years off my Acumen had dead batterys. So I decided to upgrade to an ECG3 which had more features. I found a used unit on Ebay for a significant savings. When I got it I had to replace the wrist piece battery, no big deal, right? But, I had to take it to a jeweler because it doesn't come apart without the special tools. Well either he put it back together wrong or the seal just failed because on my next ride it shorted out due to water damage (found this out on 2nd trip to said jeweler). Whether it was the jeweler's fault or SI's I don't appreciate something that requires all this trouble for battery maintenance. Not to mention I had some sending/receiving problems with the chest strap too. "yea but you bought it used!" you say, well my cheap Acumen lasted over 5 years. I do have to say the company's rep made an effort to rectify the situation with some decent communication. Maybe the newer units are better.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PBJammer
a Cross Country Rider
from Ft. Worth, Tx Date Reviewed: November 9, 2005
Favorite Trail:
Johnsons Branch
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$49.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
Price, Handle Bar Mount, replaceable battery
Weaknesses:
Reliabliity
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Stumpjumper 100 FSR
Bottom Line:
I bought this heart rate monitor because it looked like a good value. The price and the features were the best I could find at the time. I have had to send it back because the display would lock up or go blank. Even after the repairs were made it resets itself. I would not recommend this product, in fact I am looking for a replacement. It has gotten to the point that I do not even want to use this product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mati
a Cross Country Rider
from New Zealand Date Reviewed: May 24, 2005
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Bike Nashbar (Lousy servise)
Strengths:
Gave the required info, while it worked.
Weaknesses:
After about 2 weeks of use the watch fogged out and a week later, after a short rainy ride the buttons stopped functioning completely.
Bottom Line:
I guess I had a bad luck with a lemon but bike Nashbar refused to replace it claiming that they don't carry it any more (it is still on there catalogue, though). They also refused to send an equivalent product claiming that they do not ship to NZ (even though the mail order system happily accepted my order).
After paying shipping cost twice I am without a HRM. Support your local shop!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Matt
a
from Madison, WI USA Date Reviewed: April 19, 2005
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
Ebay
Strengths:
Only the price. And the strap is decent.
Weaknesses:
Many. Worst of all - occassionally spontaneously resets itself.
Bike Setup:
QR triathlon bike, Klein Race Attitude, Kona Jake the Snake
Bottom Line:
Do NOT pay full price - really should only pay about $40-50 for the ECG 5. I bought it to train for my first Ironman and my basic BIG "beef" about it is that it very unreliable. (The day of my IM race I used it only to monitor H.R. - used Timex to keep time, etc.) At least 7 times, while using it, it spontaneously freaked out and reset itself - everything back to zero or default. Also, the start/stop and mode buttons are too easily accidentally pressed when working out, so sometimes the timer or chrono stopped w/o me knowing. Has a lot of features, but they can be confusing and are not the easiest to use - for instance, when taking splits using the chronograph you can't view the overall elapsed time while its running, just the current lap time (very annoying!). And eventually the split button didn't work very well - having to press it hard many times for it to work. As far as reading heart rate it seems O.K. but is always sporadic when on the bike (no problems running), causing me to use gel to help get consistant readings.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Fabian Hernandez
a
from Ciudad Juarez, Chih. Mex Date Reviewed: October 4, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Purchased At:
nasbar
Strengths:
Nice feature set (including backlight)
Weaknesses:
the wrist band and watch unit join is weack
Similar Products Used:
Polar, Nashbar
Bike Setup:
Specialized FSRxc
Bottom Line:
A better wirt band (wider) and more resistant would be nice. Chest strap is very good. Now that there are new models the prices has gone to nice place.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
James Liu
a
from Queens, NY Date Reviewed: August 23, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Nashbar
Strengths:
The ECG-5. Seems like a great product with accurate readings.
Weaknesses:
None so far.
Bottom Line:
Nashbar is having a sale on the ECG-5. I think they hiked up the price by $5 since I got it, so now it's $45...but it's still the cheapest that I've seen an ECG 5 being sold. Definitely get the ECG 5 over the ECG 3 if you are seriously thinking about tracking your workouts. The ECG 5 has a memory for your workout info which you can then manually enter into your regular computer after each workout for data analysis. Great workout tool.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Cross Country Rider
from Glendale, AZ, USA Date Reviewed: July 3, 2004
Favorite Trail:
McDowell Mtn Loops
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
Value
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
Sette Quasar
Bottom Line:
I've been very pleased with this purchase. I got the ECG-5 model from Supergo, on close-out for $50, and after 3 months I have to say that it has been well worth the price. It does everything I need it to do--has programmable zone; time above, in, and below zone; average and max heart rates; lap timer, etc. It's been extremely reliable so far, even under power lines. I don't even have to use any kind of gel--I just put the chest strap on and go. Seems to be high quality (MUCH better than the Sette product), easy to read display, great instruction manual/directions, etc. In short, I'll buy this model again (if it's still available) if I ever need another one.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
TienShan
a Cross Country Rider
from San Jose, CA Date Reviewed: June 10, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Skeggs Point
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
Supergo
Strengths:
nice design and construction (stainless steel) Big display and nice night light. User replaceable batteries. Seems to function well as $40 for ECG5 - good price (vs $150 or more for listed price)
Weaknesses:
The single button on the right is easily accidentaly pushed, when my wrist moves. Therefore it changes modes.
Similar Products Used:
Polar Edge - ugly, easy to scratch, costs $25 to replace the surface. This ECG5 only costs me $40.
Bike Setup:
Dean TI everything(Frame, handle bar, seatpost), XT drivetrain, Manitou Mars Elite
Bottom Line:
I like this heartrate monitor quite a bit. Stainless steel design is very sturdy and easy to the eyes. Besides it functions well as specified, some other little things I notice -
1. won't peel my poloartec 100 or polyester based shirt My Casio's nylon watch band will peel my shirt. Also the watch band won't stink as other nylon watch bands will do.
The price is very good $40. Considering Polar will charge $25 for replacing the watch surface and probably more than $14 to replace the battery.
The only weakness I noticed so far is that single button on the right is prone to being push to change modes.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SGT. ROCK
a Racer
from Grande Cache, AB Date Reviewed: June 7, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$60.00
Strengths:
Good fit Extensive functions Ease of use Scratch resistant face
Weaknesses:
None so far
Similar Products Used:
SI Circuit 5
Bottom Line:
I used a Sports Instruments Circuit 5 for five years before giving it to a friend and buying a new ECG 5. I was happy with the performance of the Circuit 5, but the strap sucked, and the face scratched easily. Both these problems have been eliminated in the ECG series. The ECG also has a wider HR range (20-240 bpm vs. 40-220), useful for those of us with a resting HR below 40.
My ECG 5 has been absolutely reliable over the last six months, and it cost about half what I paid for the Circuit 5 five years ago! Great product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Terry
a Weekend Warrior
from Austin, TX, USA Date Reviewed: June 7, 2004
Favorite Trail:
Muleshoe
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$59.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Price, BIG Display w/backlight, comes with bike mount gasket
Weaknesses:
cuts out when near power lines
Similar Products Used:
None
Bottom Line:
I’ve never been a runner, but by incorporating the EC3 into my attempts at jogging or mountain bike riding, I’ve been able to sustain longer runs of 3 miles into my routine by slowing down my pace when my heart rate began to climb.
I had no idea in the past why running was so difficult until I visually saw how I was feeling displayed on my EC3. This allowed me to slow my pace and heart rate and achieve longer runs that would have been in the past been impossible or very taxing.
The EC3 has performed as expected at a budget price that i could bear.
I purchased my unit based upon feedback from MTBR.
REI Outlet has the EC-3 on clearance for $39
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Carlos
a Weekend Warrior
from Guatemala centro america Date Reviewed: May 20, 2004
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$95.00
Purchased At:
All stores in guatemala!
Strengths:
Only plastic case !! ! ! ! ! :-(
Weaknesses:
Customer service its very bad, very ,very, very bad, poor, bad bad, bad, quality control, lack of guarantee , No exist guarantee in all products line (Hello, Wild ideas group inc!!!!!!!) :-(
Similar Products Used:
ECG 1, ECG4 Pro 7 its the same b.....hit
Bike Setup:
Giant XTC 1
Bottom Line:
The are no guarantee in this ECG 4, I send this watch, and return me at worst condition, no operate night light , the watch begin on-off on-off. I dont recommend this ECG line , this poor customer service and support are pure c....r..ap, I send $15.00 check to wild ideas group inc. (sports instruments inc) this is Pure Thief to customer. Save your money. I RECOMMEND POLAR HRM !!!! ! ! ! ! my e mail its fox@itelgua.com good luck if you buy this bu....t !
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe
a Weekend Warrior
from NJ Date Reviewed: December 14, 2003
Favorite Trail:
N/A
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
Private Seller
Strengths:
Great Basic Features. Solid Construction. User Changable Batteries.
Weaknesses:
Lacks Min, Max, and Recovery Heart Rate Functions.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
N/A
Bottom Line:
This is my first HRM, and I have not been using it long at all, but I believe my first impressions will help in the decision making process.
I researched many, many heart rate monitors (thanks to all of the help from the people on this web site !!!) and the SI ECG 5 provides the biggest bang for the buck. I am a techno-geek at heart, so I was drawn to the high-end models, but my rational side quickly kicked in. The only things I would have liked to have that the SI ECG 5 does not have is MIN, MAX, and Recovery Heart Rate functions.
The other reviewers on this web site have done an excellent job of describing and rating the Sports Instruments ECG 5 heart rate monitor, and I don't think I can really add much more to what has already been said, but here it goes...
First off, I bought the SI ECG 5 from www.ediscountbike.com, and recieved excellent price (a total of $57 including shipping) and service. I ordered it on a Sunday afternoon, it was shipped on Monday morning. I was sent confirmation emails on every step of the process, including an email that contained the UPS tracking number. I tracked it all the way to my doorstep on Friday afternoon.
I took the monitor out of the box, strapped it on, and ba-bump, I was monitoring my heart rate without even looking at the directions. I have a fairly hairy chest and did not need any creams, and I did not need to wet the transmitter to get a reading. I wore the monitor as I went through the two books that came with the monitor. They are very easy to read and understand, but they are very short.
My running route takes me directly under high-tension wires (I can hear the wires buzzing loudly) and this monitor did not miss a beat !!!! I am very impressed !!! After everything I have read, I expected my monitor to go nuts. Maybe things will change as the batteries weaken?
The SI ECG 5 is constructed very well, no cheap or flimsy parts. The highlight of the SI ECG line is user replacable batteries. I do not like packing up my equipment and shipping it somewhere to be serviced.
The bottom line is that I highly recommend the Sports Instruments ECG 5 Heart Rate Monitor, especially for beginners, but I believe that anyone looking for a high quality, middle-of-the-line HRM would find this monitor an outstanding purchase for under $60.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Andrew Crook
a Weekend Warrior
from Palo Alto, CA Date Reviewed: August 6, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
REIOutlet.com
Strengths:
This is for an ECG-4. Product is easy to use, loads of features and comfortable to wear. Customer service is excellent (thanks Bill). Replaced chest strap after I lost mine. Could not rate the company higher.
Weaknesses:
Calorie counter seems to give high values.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
2003 Giant NRS3 stock
Bottom Line:
Buy it! Maybe consider the ecg-3 without a calorie counter, or if you like eating chocolate you can keep thinking how many calories you've burnt.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Ryan
a Racer
from WIlliams Lake, BC, Canada Date Reviewed: July 31, 2003
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Strengths:
ECG-5 Great product at a fraction of the cost of a Polar. I doesn't give you bogus readings. It either reads it properly or not at all. I've seen Polar HRM with readings in the 240-280 range. This can really throw off your avg.
Weaknesses:
Doesn't have a maximum HR?? No readings when you haven't got a good sweat going. On a cool day on a road bike it tends to dry out. I've heard that hair gel works well, but I haven't tried it yet.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Sugar 1, Mars Super, XTR
Bottom Line:
I would buy this HRM again. Polar are priced way too high for no apparent benefit.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Joe Morris
a Cross Country Rider
from Winston-Salem, NC, USA Date Reviewed: July 15, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Salem Lake
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
ediscountbike
Strengths:
This review is for the ECG4 which had the best price and value at the time I purchased it. I held my breath to see if it could deliver all it promised and am happy to report that it has.
Weaknesses:
Buttons seem to lose sensitivity over time. This seemed like a good thing at first but the deterioration has continued. The problem may be due to the product frequently getting dunked in mud as I wear it riding/crashing.
Similar Products Used:
This is my first HRM but I've trained with friends who use Polar's (which is why I didn't buy a Polar).
Bike Setup:
GT I-Drive 4.0
Bottom Line:
After using it for a few months I would like to have an Average Heart Rate calculation that now seems available for about the same price I paid for my ECG4 but that's really splitting hairs. (NOTE: My chili's are awarded on the merits of the HRM and not what I wish I had now) My ECG has been thoroughly abused and aside from the button sensitivity and a plethora of scratches its doing fine. I'm hard on equipment so 6 months with me is a lifetime. Great product. I recently bought my wife the smaller womans size and she loves hers too!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Weekend Warrior
from Marysville, wa Date Reviewed: June 24, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
EDISCOUNTBIKE
Strengths:
Price. Rock solid readings.
Weaknesses:
Kind of Heavy, Specially with the solid rubber block that mounts on the handle bars
Bike Setup:
Specialized Enduro, XT components
Bottom Line:
This is for an ECG3, I have been using this product for the past couple of weeks and I have found that by using a heart monitor I can get a great workout every time. This product provides a steady, accurate reading that lets me know when I'm slackin. I took a big drop the other day while going fast and it measured my pucker factor by showing me a big rise in heart rate hehe. This is a must have for all riders looking for the ultimate workout. With the price of 40 bucks... Also... The chest strap fits great, worked right away without sweat or ecg gel. Never got interferance that I noted and quite frankly, don't see any reason to pay big bucks for features that I will never use. Enjoy!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
George
a Weekend Warrior
from Midland, MI USA Date Reviewed: May 10, 2003
Favorite Trail:
the hood
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$55.00
Purchased At:
new on eBay
Strengths:
Great price, all the needed functions, works well without Buh Bump or other conductive cream, user replaceable batteries (unlike Polar), good warranty length, comfortable to wear.
Weaknesses:
I have my suspicions about the calorie count accuracy. It says I burn 2,000 calories in 1.5 hours with 140 bpm heart rate and 245 lb. rider weight. Nice if true, but sounds unreasoanble.
Bottom Line:
A fellow (giggs@pclink.com) sells this model (ECG 5) on eBay along with the ECG 3 and ECG 4 models for about 1/2 of what web stores charge. He is fast in shipping and the product was brand new and works fine. I was going to spend almost $90 on a Polar model with non-user replaceable batteries and am glad I bought this ECG 5 model instead.
It's a very good unit and works swell (after you get a little sweat going - a couple minutes at most) without conductive creams even with my hairy chest.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Chris
a Weekend Warrior
from Oakland, CA, USA Date Reviewed: April 21, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$39.00
Purchased At:
ediscountbike.com
Strengths:
The ECG4 has a nice big display. The transmitter works quickly and well. The buttons and lay-out are easily accesible and intuitive.
Weaknesses:
It only shows 'Time in zone', it doesn't give 'time below zone' or 'time above zone'.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Bianchi Milano-Sweet!
Bottom Line:
The HRM is very reasonably priced. It is a very good and reponsive company [Sports Instruments]. The HRM is solid and accurate and easy to use. Batteries are easily replacable. Simple, inexpensive, and accurate. Get one yourself.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
P-Dog
a Cross Country Rider
from Pittsburgh, PA USA Date Reviewed: March 6, 2003
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$50.00
Purchased At:
ediscountbike.com
Strengths:
Accurate, comfortable, great value, backlight. Can specify HR range and measure time spent in range. Bike mount.
Weaknesses:
Calorimeter extremely inaccurate. Does not calculate average heart rate.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
2003 Stumpjumper FSR Comp
Bottom Line:
Found the ECG to be a better choice than the basic Polar HRMs because of the ease of battery replacement (can have it done at a watch shop instead of having it sent to company - which costs $40). Seems to be very accurate at measuring HR. However, i recommend the ECG3 rather than the ECG4 because the calorimiter function is useless. Found this out when i looked at the calorimeter after an hour of just sitting at my computer and when it measure 400 burned calories. At that rate iwould be burning over 9600 calories in one day, which i hope you agree sounds a little high. When I emailed their tech representative about this issue she basically agreed that the calorimeter is not very accurate, but i does provide a good gauge to measure whether you burned more calories from one day to the next, therefore a good "relative" calorie counter. She also added that it is intended to measure calories at normal excercise levels only (a heart rate greater than 110-120). Other than this minor problem i am satisfied with the product so far, it has great value. Time will tell how long battery life is. Tech rep said that if it was worn continually the battery in the watch and transmitter would only last less than 2 months.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John Gomez
a
from Miami, FL, USA Date Reviewed: January 13, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Posion Spider
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$40.00
Purchased At:
eDiscountBike
Strengths:
For ECG3. Intuitive buttons, looks good, accurate readings, good price, out of zone audible warnings
Weaknesses:
Time of day reading should be on top of day of week and date
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Santa Cruz Superlight
Bottom Line:
I'm happy with my ECG3 purchase. I wanted a HRM that served as a watch as well and looked good. Additionally, I like the fact that it does exactly what I need and not more. I can program the fitness zones and the audible and visual alarms are great. I put the strap around my chest and it instantly starts picking up a signal. I think it is a great product for a great price
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Nik
a Cross Country Rider
from Potomac, MD, USA Date Reviewed: December 30, 2002
Favorite Trail:
still looking
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
can't remember
Strengths:
I have the ECG 3 and it works great! Never had any problems with it. I swim in it, sleep in it, never take it off.
Weaknesses:
No backlight.
Similar Products Used:
N/A
Bottom Line:
It wasn't a problem when I wasn't running at night but I really, really wish it had a backlight. I highly recommend this watch but get the ECG 5 so you have a backlight. I can't bring myself to buy another one when the one I have still works...
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
SoulJourn
a Cross Country Rider
from Boulder Date Reviewed: December 3, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$90.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Intuitive... no irrelevant features. Solid Unit. Accurate.
Similar Products Used:
Polar S510 [expensive piece of junk... returned it.]
Just a straight forward unit w/ hr, training threshold (max/min) signal, & times. I've had a hard time finding interference w/ this unit... Jogging under powerlines and messing around w/ other home electronics while wearing this thing.
Saw an ad at eDiscountBike selling this for $40. At that price, its by far the best value for a mid level HR Monitor out there.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Steve Daniels
a
from Syracuse, NY, USA Date Reviewed: November 5, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Skytop Quarry, Syracuse, NY
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Bicycletires.com (I think)
Strengths:
Comfortable, easy to operate.
Weaknesses:
Light didn't work, but the manufacturer promptly replaced the whole unit.
Similar Products Used:
None.
Bike Setup:
Gary Fisher Big Sur.
Bottom Line:
Impeccable customer service. When I sent the unit back for repair after a year, and no receipt, it was promptly replaced with a new unit--no questions asked.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tym Tucker
a Cross Country Rider
from Deland, FL, USA Date Reviewed: October 25, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$35.00
Purchased At:
nashbar
Strengths:
works great
Weaknesses:
sets target zone itself
Similar Products Used:
first hr monitor
Bottom Line:
This is for the ECG2, and probably the ECG1 also. Don't buy this monitor, go for one of the higher models. It's a quality product, but the fact that you can't enter your own upper and lower thresholds is very annoying. It calculates them itself based on your max heart rate. Then it beeps like crazy if you get out of the "healthy heart" zone, which is 50-70% of max heart rate, also known as the lowest training zone, also known as anything other than sitting on the couch. So, if you do anything other than walk to the mailbox it's beeping unless you fudge the max rate setting, and then your lower threshold is gone. Bottom line: This product is for a fat ass who heard that a heart monitor will prove he's doing something good by walking around the block, not for a training cyclist.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Pete
a Cross Country Rider
from Escanaba, MI Date Reviewed: March 28, 2002
Favorite Trail:
fast and challenging
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$130.00
Purchased At:
Stadium Bike
Strengths:
This if for the ECG 5. Comfortable, Easy to read and operate. Very consistant signal, always registers when riding, but I don't ride near powerlines.
Weaknesses:
Not sure how accurate the calorie counter is.
Similar Products Used:
First heart rate monitor
Bike Setup:
Gt Rebound with SID XC fork, avid SD5 Brakes, XT cranks and derailers, IRC Serac tires, XTR cassette.
Bottom Line:
This is my first heart rate monitor and it has made major improvements in my training. It's comfortable, easy to read and operate, and does everything you need. Once you find out your max heart rate and LT you set your training zones and the monitor does the rest. The alarm alerts you if your cheating or working to hard. I did a lot of research and went with the Sports Instruments because of all it had to offer, and the awsome customer service that everyone mentioned. You won't go wrong if you purchase this monitor.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Dave P
a Cross Country Rider
from Fairfield, CA Date Reviewed: December 17, 2001
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$120.00
Strengths:
Works flawlessly!
Weaknesses:
(Very rarely) the HRM doesn't work under power lines.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Specialized Rockhopper A1FS Pro
Bottom Line:
This is my first HRM and I love it. Bought the ECG-3. Have used it for over six months now and it's worked perfectly. I like the way the units have user-replacable batteries in both watch and transmitter -- haven't had to replace them yet, but I'm glad I don't have to send it off to a shop when the time comes. Display is easy to read, functions are easy to understand and change while riding.
Love it!
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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