I was going to wait a while to review the Sigma PC15, but as I was just asked for a HRM recommendation from a friend, it makes sense to got ahead now.
PRICE.
A while back I bought two HRMs for my work as a clinical psychologist. Got a coupla small HRMs, wristwatch size with a wire running to a "cuff" over a finger. Each of them cost $20-$25 more than the PC15. And all they did was monitor HR with an option to set an alarm. Seems to me the price for the Sigma PC15 is more than reasonable.
EASE OF USE.
I am NOT fond of digital watches with buttons. iPods OK. Cell phones, just fine. Complicated computer programs, no problem. But not digital watches with buttons. Add translated-from-the-German instructions written by techies for techies and you'd think a bad appraisal was forthcoming. But no. Non-digital-watch-techies can use the PC15. I still think some of the access is "random," but I can usually get to where I want to be.
RUN / CYCLE.
I've used the Sigma PC on both of my bikes and on one long run. No difference in signal strength or accessibility with wrist (running) vs. mounting (cycling). Another reviewer commented on the ease of viewing the data and I would concur.
SWIMMING.
The warning that users should not push the buttons when swimming has warned me off using this in the water. Although I'm training for a triathlon in 2008, I really don't need this.
SIGNAL STRENGTH.
Another reviewer noticed that SIGNAL LOST is common. My experience: it's related to signal strength and interference. Attempts to see what my HR was while driving failed: too much interference in the car. Also, while going around the BWI Airport (cycle) loop I notice that the SIGNAL LOST message came up in predictable, high interference areas. So if you lose signal? Be patient, check to see what might be interfering, move past, etc. My signal always came back as predictably as it disappeared.
SUPER OCD?
I gather some folks like to download HRM information to their laptops. Although I am OCD enough to warm to this marvelous notion, I'm not willing to pay for it and am pleased with the functionality available with the PC15 at this price. Happy using pen and paper, later *laboriously* transferring data to my Excel spreadsheet.
CONCLUSION:
So far can only say the PC15 is a great piece of kit at a reasonable price. Very pleased indeed.
If Amazon allows double entries I'll check back in a few months. If others could do the same that would be a real service.
Dr. Kirtland Peterson
