Pedometers : Ratings of Sources

Our AssessmentThis article abstract in the journal of the American College of Sports Medicine summarizes results of a clinical study measuring the accuracy of pedometers during routine daily activity. Each of 20 volunteers wore a control pedometer (the Yamax Digi-Walker SW-200), and one of 12 other pedometers simultaneously. The Kenz Lifecorder (now replaced by the Lifecorder EX), New-Lifestyles NL-2000 Accelerometer and Yamax Digi-Walker SW-701 are rated as most accurate. Some pedometers underestimated steps by as much as 25 percent, and others overestimated steps by as much as 45 percent.

Our AssessmentThis study in the official journal of the American College of Sports Medicine tests the accuracy of two Omron pedometers, the GoSmart Hip Pedometer HJ-151 and GoSmart Pocket Pedometer with PC Software HJ-720ITC. Nearly 50 adults test the pedometers at different positions during slow, moderate and very brisk walks. Both pedometers perform well in the test, although the GoSmart Pocket Pedometer with PC Software did not perform as well when placed in a backpack. Overall, the researchers conclude that both pedometers are reliable, even for overweight adults.

Our AssessmentNEA Today is the magazine of the National Education Association. Scott Crouter, an associate professor of exercise and health science at the University of Massachusetts at Boston, and an unknown panel evaluate five pedometers. (Readers should note that the pictures displayed next to each pedometer are not the correct models.) Crouter recommends the cost-effective Yamax Digi-Walker SW-200 for normal-weight individuals. The Freestyle Pacer Pro and the Sportline 360 Total Fitness Pedometer are not as "durable or accurate as the Digi-Walker." Crouter also recommends the New-Lifestyles NL-2000 Accelerometer and the Omron GoSmart Pocket Pedometer HJ-112, which have accelerometers for accuracy regardless of girth or position of the device.

Our AssessmentIn an older review, writer Charles Passy evaluates five pedometers for CNNMoney.com. The Omron GoSmart Pocket Pedometer with PC Software HJ-720ITC wins the field test, earning an A- as an overall grade. The Oregon Scientific Pedometer with Calorie Counter and 7-day Memory PE823 receives a B rating for not being as user friendly. The New Balance Via Wrist Pedometer (now discontinued) receives an overall B-minus rating. The Walk4Life Elite receives a C rating for needing a precise placement to accurately register steps. The lowest rating of C-minus goes to the New-Lifestyles NL-2000 Accelerometer for over-counting more than the other models.

Our AssessmentPedometers.com, an engineering firm that specializes in product testing rates more than 20 pedometers on accuracy, reliability, mechanics, usability, size, battery life and durability. The reviews aren't dated, and some of the models have been discontinued, and it's hard to know when this was last updated. The New-Lifestyles NL-2000 Accelerometer and Yamax Digi-Walker SW Series receive the highest overall rating of 4.5 stars out of 5. The Omron GoSmart Pocket Pedometer HJ-112 receives the lowest rating for battery life and has a 3-star rating overall.

Our AssessmentThere aren't many pedometers sold at Walmart.com, but several Omron pedometers receive a good amount of feedback. The Omron GoSmart Pocket Pedometer HJ-112 receives the highest rating of 4.8 stars out of 5 from 475 owners, with most owners raving about the accuracy and good value. The Omron GoSmart Pocket Pedometer with PC Software HJ-720ITC receives 4.7 stars from 70 owners, and the Omron GoSmart Hip Pedometer HJ-151 receives the same overall rating from 44 owners.

Our AssessmentSNEWS, an outdoors and fitness site, writes a detailed review of the Timex Ironman Fitness Tracker. It appears the pedometer was tested by at least one person and the review does a good job of providing a balanced overview of the Fitness Tracker.

Our AssessmentHealth magazine highlights a few of their favorite pedometers, which seem to be based on features rather than accuracy or comparative testing. The Oregon Scientific Pedometer with Calorie Counter PE316CA and Omron GoSmart Hip Pedometer HJ-150 are the two clip-on favorites, and the Sportline ThinQ Pocket Pedometer is designed to slip into a pocket.

Our AssessmentRedbook magazine editors select the New-Lifestyles SW-651 Digi-Walker Pedometer as part of their favorite walking gear. They like the stopwatch function, but the pedometer is not compared to other models and there's not much detail in this review.