Running Watch Reviews » Sigma

SIGMA ONYX Pro Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Running Watch Reviews — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:35:22 +0000

The SIGMA ONYX Pro Heart Rate Monitor Watch helps people who are looking to improve their training by using advanced data gathering and analysis technology.

With an intuitive interface and with built in training monitoring and analysis capabilities, the Onyx PRO provides a competent match for all your training needs. Now you can easily find out your heart rate, calorie burn rate, and all other pertinent information for evaluating your training.

The watch is also capable of providing you with training zones to ensure that you are going at the right intensity. It also has 7 memory locations, a lap counter (50 laps with average and maximum heart rate indications) to ensure that you’re training progress is saved as you work out.

Built from rugged and durable material this watch would be able to withstand all the training that you would need. It even has an illuminated display with highly readable font and magnification, to ensure that you can easily note how you are doing.

With all these features combined, the SIGMA ONYX PRO heart rate monitor watch is your partner of choice for weeks, months, or years of exercise.

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User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star Very bad quality!!! Don’t buy.
Sigma watch has a very poor quality. I bought I PC7 one year ago and the first time I put it under the shower it stops working (it was supposed to be 3m water resistance). I sent to sigma and I have to pay for all transport expenses from (From China to Brazil).After 1 year the battery is down and the back is rusty (I have a 10 year old Casio watch that is used is swimming in pool and seawater and does not have any rusty).

Don’t recommend Sigma watches.

4 Stars Nice Product; REALLY POOR Documentation
From the original review, I would now rate it at 2 stars.

Really like the product; very comfortable for 4-5 hours of wear and a comfortable strap…not that hard plastic that makes so many others uncomfortable.

But, the multiple language documentation is really poor. I just want to be able to set the time and my workout parameters…tell me how…easily, please!

It has become more frustrating as I wear the product. The buttons are confusing and it continues to drop the HR function to a lesser screen that I cannot access while riding, pushing buttons, swearing, and staying on course.

It would still be 5 stars if the documentation was readable and understandable.

4 Stars Works great in warm weather
Overall, this is a great product. The functions are easy to use and I like the multiple memory function.

I would rate if 5 stars if not for one annoying thing. The strap must be really wet for the watch to pick up the signal. That’s no problem in warm weather, but riding (my bicycle) in cold weather, or riding an easy recovery day where I don’t really sweat, the strap loses the heart signal. I have used heart monitors from two other brands (yes, one was the big “P” brand) and didn’t experience this problem on easy days.

Losing the heart signal temporarily wouldn’t necessarily be a problem, but what usually happens is it registers an abnormally high heart rate (like 205 bpm) when I’m trying to hold my maximum to say, 145 bpm. It’s frustrating to read the data after the ride to discover you don’t know what your maximum really was.

If you’re the type who sweats a lot, or you use it in warm weather, it is worth 5 stars. Otherwise, it is a 3 star rating if you use it like I do.

5 Stars SIGMA ONIX PRO
I am starting using it in my trainning, first I changed the belt batery -there were some periods with missing HR- now is working 100%.

Up to now, I am using it on the “training endurance own”, where it give you the total time and the parcials on diferent HR zones, and save it on diferent memories, looks very flexible and complete.

The funtions -tree diagram- is frienly, and de display looks good to interpre it if you need reading glasses -and not carry them when you are running- this is someting i was concern when i chose my new a HR monitor. It is a not well exploted niche for older people 45+ who use reading glases

4 Stars Sigma Onyx Pro
Great product and training programs are excellent. Very easy to use and provides enough information to track training at the detail and summary level.

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SIGMA ONYX Classic Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Running Watch Reviews — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:26:31 +0000

SIGMA ONYX Classic Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $89.99

Amazon Price: $78.95

The SIGMA ONYX Classic Heart Rate Monitor Watch helps people who are monitor and analyze their data through a simple and very easy to use device.

Built with a highly intuitive interface and with built in training monitoring and analysis capabilities, the Onyx Classic Heart Rate Monitor Watch provides a device for all your running training needs. This heart rate monitor watch enables runners to easily find out heart rate, calorie burn rate, and all other pertinent information for evaluating their training.

All the data that the watch can show are displayed in an illuminated screen with highly readable font and magnification, to ensure that you can easily note how you are doing.

With all these features combined with a stylish design, the SIGMA ONYX Classic heart rate monitor watch is your partner for all kinds of exercise

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SIGMA PC15 Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Running Watch Reviews — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 02:00:30 +0000

SIGMA PC15 Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $79.99

Amazon Price: $62.00

The no hassles Sigma PC15 Heart Rate monitor watch ensures that your exercise sessions measure up to your standards.

Like any other Heart Rate Monitor watch, the Sigma PC1 5 is able to provide you with accurate data about the way you train. Your heart rate, calories burned, lap times and splits are all recorded and measured by this wonderful equipment.

After recording your data, the SIGMA PC15 Heart Rate monitor watch even goes a step further and provides you with a Training manager feature to ensure that all your effort in your training are not going to go to waste.

With these features and easy to use interface, the Sigma PC15 is a watch that is as committed as you are with your training..

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars HRM Reliability, not as advertised
Sigma Sport, a German Company is producing very good bike computers which I and my family used to equip our bicycles with. 2 years ago I bought a HRM Sigma balance with a few essential features. I was not satified with the touch sensors arraged on a ring around the display, because I did not really feel when it was taking the finger push. Another flaw I discovered that the data link between the breast strap and the watch failed to work occationally without having any glue why. Due to a report in a bike magazine I decided to buy this PC 15. On this HRM the buttons are much better to push and clearly to recognize but I find the menu for the features that you can choose to be displayed confusing and not very easy to find. Again I discovered that the Data link failed to work sometimes for a couple of minutes and I have no read-out. Why I cannot tell. The spot under the sensors were always wet from my sweat. I think this is a general Sigma manufacturing flaw. I have sent the PC 15 to Sigma to have it checked. They denied any discrepancy but they have sent me a new breast band(?)

Loosing data while you were running, biking or walking messes up the total results and the end of the training.

4 Stars Works well
I have the PC15 for already a couple of months, using it in the Gym mainly.

The watch is well built and solid. I wear it daily though it is not the nicest watch seen. It works fine with no prolems so far.

Pros

—–

The minimal set of features I needed is supported. This set consists of HR, Cals, HR zones, % of max HR, Tansmitter’s compatibility to Gym equipment.

Max HR and avg HR measurements are also given.

Cons

—-

Menu navigation- Navigation is hard to control while at workout. Switching between displays requires attention as normally more than 5 steps are needed with 2 buttons to control.

Back light – light stays on for about 3 seconds only. After that it turns off even if you are still not done with the menu’s buttons. You’ll have to push the backlight button again.No automatic light on.My old Polar was much better in that sense.

Watch – No week’s day, no seconds.

Stopper – There is actually no real stopper inside. Resolution is of seconds, no fractions. After 10hrs the resolution degrades to minutes. It takes about 10 buttons push to get to the stopper from the main menu. In case of no signal (if strap is off) the stopper display switches to the main time/date display.

Lap Counter- No heart rate measurements per a lap, only time/lap.

4 Stars Why Spend More?
This watch does everything you need for personal training and is an unbeatable value, especially considering that it fully beats the features of competing watches costing 30 dollars more.

The included chest transmitter belt is easy to adjust and comfortable to wear, quickly linking up with the watch and maintaining a signal throughout long workouts. The HRM automatically sets up your optimal training zones based on the initial interview and audibly alerts you as you go from zone to zone during workouts, although I found the visual zone indicator to be a bit on the small side to quickly glance at if mounted to bike handlebars. The watch gives you a per-workout and overall statistics which are very helpful and complete.

The only minor aspects that prevent me from giving this HRM five stars is the decent but not perfect build & aesthetics of the body/strap, and instruction manual & watch menu interface that could use some more refinement. This is certainly not a deal-breaker though, and you quickly get used to the interface with repeated use.

Good stuff: thanks for pro fitness equipment affordable, Sigma!

1 Star poor
Bought this monitor and found the instructions on setting the watch up very hard to understand and follow. In addition in a few days it stop working and was sent back to Amazon. Ordered a Polar RS-100.

1 Star sigma PC 15 watch
This was the first product that I purchase off of the internet that I felt is JUNK! I can kick myself for throwing away the box. The chest ban the is use fails over 50% of the time. I e-mailed the mfg. and was told to water down the contacts. That worked for less then fifteen seconds and received a no signal read out on the watch. Do yourself a favor and go to consumer report let this company rate the product first before purchasing. I will sell this watch for $10.00 because that is the only module that works. BYER BE WARE!

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Suunto T3 Running Pack T3 Heart Rate Monitor and Foot POD

Running Watch Reviews — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 22:47:17 +0000

Suunto T3 Running Pack T3 Heart Rate Monitor and Foot POD

Now you can have all the tools you need to be able train in the best way possible with the Suunto T3 Running Pack T3 Heart Rate Monitor and Foot POD.

The Suunto T3 running pack includes the T3c wrist top training computer, the foot POD and Comfort Belt heart rate belt ensuring that you have the perfect range of equipment necessary for tracking your running data.

Simply wear the wrist top computer, attach the POD to the laces of your shoes and they would wirelessly communicate, allowing you to easily know details about your speed, distance traveled and other pertinent running information.

The Suunto Running pack will easily provide you with real-time information about the benefits of your workout. It utilizes the Training Effect system to give you a more thorough review of how you are doing.

Best of all, this Suunto Running Pack heart rate monitor package would not hinder your movement during training. Because it is built with light-weight materials, the gears would not be noticeable even while you are in the midst of heavy training.

Other features of the Suunto T3c Running pack include:

Real-time Training Effect
Current heart rate, average heart rate, and maximum heart rate
Real-time calories burned
Three-tier zone training system with alarms
Two adjustable heart rate limits with alarms
Dual time, date, and alarm
Log memory for 15 workouts
Stopwatch with 50 split laps
Interval timer
User-replaceable battery
Heart rate belt with error-free ANT transmission technology
Water resistant to 30 meters (100 feet)
Interchangeable straps

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SIGMA ONYX Balance Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Running Watch Reviews — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 11:56:15 +0000

SIGMA ONYX Balance Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $89.99

Amazon Price: $74.00

With the Sigma Onyx Balance Heart Rate Monitor watch, not only would women feel good, but also look good while running.

The Sigma Onyx comes with various features that enable runners to capture all the necessary information for improving their training. With just a few clicks on its highly intuitive and easy to use O-ring controls, the Onyx uses its digital coding method, to accurately capture pace, heart rate and all the other data.

It would then display them in large readable font, through its easy to read display

Compared with other feature loaded heart rate monitors that look clunky or awkward, the Sigma Onyx Balance Heart rate monitor watch trumps them by having impeccable design. The sigma onyx comes in an attractive powder blue shade and a decorative ring that can surely catch the eye of people everyone around.

With the combination of beauty and functionality, the Sigma Onyx Balance Heart Rate monitor watch is a good choice for active women everywhere.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Finally!!!
I’ve had this watch for about a month now. It seemed to take it’s time arriving, but once it got here it has been put to use and it is well worth the value.

I read a review about how it was a bit difficult to set, but I did not have a single problem with setting it. I always read the instructions so that may be why it was so easy for me to set, also knowing that this is a German manufactured watch I figured if ever there was a time to read the book, this is it.

I didn’t even read the entire manual, just skipped over to the page that had a break down of what every function was used for, and how to set them and that was it. Took me all of 10 minutes to input my personal data, and the next thing I know, I’m counting calories.

Just in case you don’t know, you must have the heart rate monitor on AND the stopwatch must be going in order for the calorie counter to work. I skipped over that part and was confused for a minute or two, but once I turned the stopwatch on, no worries.

Great watch, more user friendly than I expected it to be, and very durable.

4 Stars LOVE IT!
I love my Sigma HRM. When I asked my husband to help me with a workout plan, he stressed the importance of maintaining the heart rate. After researching several, I chose this one. I really like the calorie counter! It’s a bonus for me. This little jewel has been such a motivator for me.

The chest belt is comfortable and after a while you forget your wearing it. I like to wear mine all day after a workout to watch the calorie counter go up, up, up. The watch itself is a bit bulky for me but it’s not that bad. It’s funny.. my daughter or 3 knows mommy’s going to the gym when she sees my blue watch!

I love this product and would recommend it for anyone who wants to watch their progress!

1 Star Stopped working after 2 weeks
I bought this and was so please because it had exactly what I wanted and not too much jumble that I didn’t need. After about 2 weeks it stoppped reading my heart rate and would just display a “zero” for the heart rate. It became so frusterating because when there is no heart rate then it stops counting calories too. I’m returning it and finding another hrm.

1 Star Stopped working
I had the same experience as “Shopaholic.” After about two weeks, it just stopped working and displayed 0 for my heart rate. Currently in the process of returning the watch and hoping for a full refund. EDIT: I contacted the Niagara company who makes this product and they sent me a UPS shipping label to return the defective watch and are sending me a more expensive heart rate monitor watch at no extra charge. Pretty upset that the other watch didn’t work, but really happy with my customer service experience! Hoping the new watch works well!

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SIGMA ONYX Easy Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Running Watch Reviews — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 09:03:19 +0000

SIGMA ONYX Easy Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $99.99

Amazon Price: $59.45

People looking to live a healthier and more active lifestyle need good training partners that can keep up with them. They should look no further than the SIGMA ONYX Easy Heart Rate Monitor Watch.

With an intuitive interface and with built in training monitoring and analysis capabilities, the Onyx Easy provides a competent match for all your training needs. Now you can easily find out your heart rate, calorie burn rate, and all other pertinent information for evaluating your training.

Built from rugged and durable material this watch would be able to withstand all the training that you would need. It even has an illuminated display with highly readable font to ensure that you can easily note how you are doing.

With all these features combined, the SIGMA ONYX easy heart rate monitor watch is your partner of choice for weeks, months, or years of exercise.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Met expectations
So far I am pleased with the product. It was relatively easy to program. It seems to work accurately and consistently. The watch face is bigger than I expected and looks kind of funny on my small wrist, but it’s no big deal.

2 Stars Not Waterproof
Overall I liked this unit. Seemed reliable and accurate. But it is not waterproof as indicated in the instruction manual (10 meters). The faceplate fogged up after a quick rinse under the faucet.

3 Stars Revised: Took a while for customer service, but good in the end.
I have few complaints about the actual features of this watch. I do not care for the fact that it does not interface with exercise machines for tracking of HR due to the coding (where as I have read that Polar monitors do). But it does seem accurate enough. I love the programability of the personal HR zone and other features. Also has the indicator of where you are in the heart rate zone. Post workout delights are avg heart rate, low, and high! Stores records of your workouts for weeks and months.

When I first got this watch, the backlight did not work. I figured it was just a glitch. Then less than one year later, it stopped working correctly all around. The screen has become jumbled and you cannot comprehend the data on the display.

Firstly, I tried to contact customer service several times. I finally got a reply after 2-3 weeks or so with the excuse “we couldn’t get through to your email address”. No one’s ever had a problem. Anyhow, they did give me a route to send back my item for repair/replacement. It was very fast. I sent Priority Mail and got it back maybe 5 days later. And it was a brand new watch! Very happy. The backlight works on this one.

So it took a while, but I did prevail. Very nice. I am happy now.

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SIGMA PC9 Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Running Watch Reviews — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:35:18 +0000

SIGMA PC9 Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $64.99

Amazon Price: $45.49

When it comes to training, being able to know your heart rate and calories burned to determine if your training is effective. The SIGMA PC9 Heart Rate Monitor Watch provides runners with a device that makes it easier for them to access these data.

The SIGMA PC9 Heart Rate Monitor Watch has many features that make it suitable for training. Aside from the Sigma PC9’s built in calorie counter, it also has a special 3 zone indicator. The “3 zone indicator” is an alarm that alerts you if you are not performing within your ideal training zone.

With accurate readings, a durable construction, and a stylish design, the SIGMA PC9 Heart Rate Monitor Watch is a good tool for anyone who wants to improve the efficiency and effect of their training programs.

Features:

Training manager for optimum exercise evaluation and monitoring
Time menu with 5 functions
Pulse menu with 5 functions
Automatic exercise zone feature to calculate individual ideal limits
Zone Indicator
3 zone alarm
Easy-to-use menu
My name function
5 language support

What’s in the Box?
PC 9 heart rate monitor watch, elastic chest strap, transmitter belt, bicycle mounting bracket with O-ring

Manufacturer’s Warranty
Five-year warranty on defective parts or products.

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User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Hear Rate Monitor
The monitor works very well most of the time, though at times I don’t get a signal for a few minutes.

The software on the watch is somewhat complex and it takes some time to learn how to switch between functions.

4 Stars Nice and good price
This is a very nice heart rate monitor for a good price. I have used it for mountain biking, hiking, walking and weight training. Similarly as complicated as other brands when you first start to use it in terms of figuring out how to access all the features. I had some trouble with it a few months after I bought it (training manager stopped working correctly), but the online service center at sigmasport.com was very responsive.

3 Stars Not as good as expected
It seems like a decent watch with good functions! However, it keeps losing signal and starts beeping as your heart rate shows zero, that is so annoying especially when you are in between a work out, as you need to tug your belt closer to your chest or moist under the belt etc. It gets very annoying pretty soon!

2 Stars not what I expected…
I bought this after many comparisons and reading reviews about hrm’s on the web. I thought I was getting a classy looking petite watch. Not so. The first thing I noticed was how large it really is. It’s rectangular shape is about 2.25″ x 1.5″ x .5″ high. My wrist is 7″ (female), and I am not a petite person. The rectangular shape was actually wider (or longer) than my wrist and so when you join the straps underneath your wrist, I had spaces where it didn’t even touch my wrist because the of the length of the rectangle shape of the watch. And it is rigid, so it does not curve with your wrist. The features seem ok, but I didn’t actually use it. It did take me reading the manual several times just to find out how to get to the settings menu. After that, it was self explanatory. The chest strap seemed of good quality. I especially liked that you can change the battery yourself! I am returning this and will be looking for something less bulky for me.

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