Review of SIGMA PC15 Heart Rate Monitor Watch

SIGMA PC15 Heart Rate Monitor Watch
By: Sigma Average Rating: 4.0 Total Reviews: 27
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Short useful life

On: 2008-05-21

Used the monitor for six months, worked great. Suddenly "NO SIGNAL" appears whenever I try it. Changed batteries, slathered self with conducting gel, still NO SIGNAL. Shouldnt a $50 HRM last longer than six months?

Great value, works well

On: 2008-05-18

Compared to the other heart monitors, I feel this was a huge value. My husband asked me how much I paid for it when I first got it because he couldnt believe it was less than $100. Training with a heart monitor has changed my workouts for the better and improves the efficiency of my fitness routine. I bought this for spin class, but now I use it for every workout. I highly recommend it!

Sigma PC 15 Heart Rate Monitor

On: 2008-05-02

So fare the monitor has performed flawlessly. Nothing real fancy, but give me all the information I need. Easy to use and good instructions. Definitely a product I would recommend for an entry level HR monitor

Inexpensive, but frustrating

On: 2008-04-17

Ive had this heart rate monitor for over a year now. I use it for running and biking. It was one or the lower priced models I could find with features such as target zones. For the most part it has been reliable and helpful.

Problems I have encountered:
1. Not sure how it reset, but one day it was displaying in German. Only way I could reset it (since I dont understand German) was to dig out the manual and match up the German instruction pictures to the English instructions (I think there are 5 languages in the manual) until I could get it back to English.
2. Generally I find the menu system confusing. Id like to be able to see Clock time with the Heart Rate, but that is not easy to do. It seems like you can get that, but that it switches out of that setting on its on.
3. Sometimes it gets stuck at a heart rate - usually at some unreasonable rate, like twice what it should be. I have to stop running and wait until it corrects itself.
4. Probably the most frustrating bit is that the training time doesnt work unless it is getting a pulse rate. If there is "No Signal" then the timer stops running. No signal and you cant start the stop watch. Went for a 30 minute run today and the watch only counted 19 minutes of the run, because the signal kept dropping.
5. NO SIGNAL - After a year I have figured this out pretty well. Generally I can wet my chest and the band "pickup" areas (saliva works quite well) and get a signal. In the winter this may not work and I use an electrode gel I got from the drug store (most dont carry it in my area, so I had to shop around to find it.) The chest strap does stretch over time and you will need to adjust it ever now and then to get the band to stay put during exercise.
6. The handle bar attachment for the bike is made for small bars. It still works on my road bike, but I cant use the O-ring they include to "lock" it in place. So when I take the watch off the attachment, I have to remove the attachment from the bike or it may fall off and get lost.
7. The battery compartment cover was difficult to turn on my watch and I almost destroyed the slot you put the coin in before I got it open.

For the money it isnt a bad deal, but I wont buy another one.

Great product

On: 2008-01-24

I own this product myself and liked it so much I bought it for my dad as a gift. It works very well, has a large display, and the strap is not uncomfortable at all. It has a ton of features, so much in fact that its a bit confusing learning how everything works at first. This is the only reason I gave 4 stars.

excellent features, instructions and menu could better

On: 2007-12-11

Ive been running with Heart Rate monitors for over five years. In this time I have used products by Sports Instruments and its predecessor Freestyle. The thing I liked about their heart rate monitors was the abundance of data, in particular the 3 zones (health, fitness, performance). The Sigma gives this data as well as the percentage of time spent in each zone. Naturally it also gives average heart rate and estimated calorie burn. As indicated in the description the watch also has numerous other features, but I really dont use them. I primarily like to track my time in the various zones, so I was very happy to find that the Sigma PC 15 provides this data.

When I first used my PC15 I thought it wasnt working. It turns out that I needed to moisten the chest strap a bit (as per the instructions!). My previous monitor/strap must have been more sensitive as I never had to moisten. In any case, once I moistened the electrodes the watch picked up the signal almost immediately.

The monitor is definitely worthy of 5 stars. I give it only 4 stars because the menu isnt the most intuitive. The instructions are somewhat confusing and could have been clearer.

Finally, I am very happy with my Sigma PC 15 and recommend it as an alternative to its higher-priced, name-brand alternatives.

Doesn't work

On: 2007-12-11

I bought this item a few weeks ago and have used it 4 - 5 times. The heart rate monitor works for about 10 minutes and then the signal is lost. I can pause it, reposition the monitor, find the signal and then start it again but it quits again and again. Im going to try to replace the battery in the monitor but I dont know why the battery would be weak already. I think it is more likely the battery compartment is getting wet from sweat. Why doesnt the manufacturer put the battery compartment on the front away from the body? No one sees the monitor anyway.

Short Term Product

On: 2007-12-09

I purchased this product in August,07 and I was pretty satisfied with it until after not even 3 months it stopped working. I replaced the batteries twice on the belt and once in the watch. Nothing! It simply stopped monitoring the heart rate. For last recourse, I sent an email to customer service asking only if they could help me in finding a solution to the problem. They replied informing that after 30 days of purchase they could not accept returns. Very frustrating as I take my training very seriously. From now on, I will purchase products with warranty only.
Lesson well learned!

Short Term Product

On: 2007-12-08

I purchased this product in August,07 and I was pretty satisfied with it until after not even 3 months it stopped working. I replaced the batteries twice in the belt and once in the watch. Nothing! It simply stopped monitoring the heart rate. The watch still kept its normal functionality though. For last recourse, I sent an email to Niagara Cycle customer service asking only if they could help me in finding a solution to the problem. They replied informing that after 30 days of purchase they could not accept returns and suggested that I should contact the manufacturer. Very frustrating as I take my training very seriously. Well, I did get in contact with Sigma customer care and they were very cordial and helpful. They provided an excellent assistance and requested that I would return the product to them for repair/replacement.
I really think this is a great product. Thats why I insisted so much in trying to fix it! I dont know whats the reason of the problem with my watch...but I cant wait to get it back!

Simply Wonderful!

On: 2007-12-02

This heart rate system was so easy to use. You set your information and go. I do suggest setting it up using the guide, otherwise you will get lost in the menus. However, it works so great at the gym. Most of the treadmills, elipticals, and cycling machines will pick up the signal and send it to the machines Heart Rate Display. It is a good training tool!

Works Well!

On: 2007-12-01

I bought this HRM after my last Polar gave out. Im pleased. The Sigma does everything it claims to do, and does it well. I wish the display were a little brighter, but otherwise Im happy with it. If it were a bit more readable under my rather dim gym lights I would have given it 5 stars. This may not be a problem for anyone else.

Good monitor

On: 2007-11-28

This is a good HR monitor for the price, both myself and my Girlfriend have one and we like them a lot. Theyre mainly very accurate and have good functions.

PROs: accurate, customizable(IE age, weight, training zone) simple (I dont like having to mess with a lot of buttons when working out.) Kcal is acually somewhat accurate unlike the timex I tried out and the polar wrist only model. bicycle mount included.

CONs: prone to interference from other HR monitors. ( I was on an eliptical @ the gym next to my GF and my monitor read 285bpm, which means I should be dead, once I moved it away from hers it was fine.)very prone to interference outside the gym (IE wireless networks, cell hpones, radios) tends to disconnect when seated like on a recumbent bike, other languages make this a little cumbersome.

Great Monitor, Great Price

On: 2007-11-26

I ordered this item when I saw it on an Amazon.com special. It was the right price and had the chest band. It actually works really well and does all the thinking for me, for instance I put in my gender, weight, and age and it calculates the correct cardiovascular zones for me, keeps track of KCal, total KCal, and can keep track of laps. Its consistent, meaning that if I do approximately the same exercise I burn the same number of calories, so I can rest assured that it is functioning correctly and takes stable, reproducible readings.

I dont know if its because Im female, but I do have some problems with the signal dropping from time to time. Its usually very brief and typically happens during sit-ups or stretching, which is fine with me as thats not really when I need to watch my heart rate. I also have to make sure the plastic that covers the sensor is warm and I have to breathe on it to provide some moisture so that it will actually start reading before I get 5 minutes into my workout. I also cannot use a sports bra I have to use a top with a shelf bra, or exercise top with a shelf bra. Fabric from my sports bras tended to get in the way of the chest band and caused some signal problems, this of course is not the fault of the chest band.

Excellent value

On: 2007-11-20

While the slew of menus and features in this HRM may be daunting to those using it for the first time, it soon becomes very simple, and those extra features in the product description become quite handy. My favorite feature is the display of the "zone" youre in, calculated from a percentage of your maximum rate. It seems to be quite accurate, and the only real criticism I have is that the backlight requires you to press two buttons at once, potentially going into another menu if you press one button slightly before the other. Also, the light turns off after a short time, even if you are still navigating through the menus.

Excellent

On: 2007-10-05

Ive had two Polars that never quite worked properly and eventually quit after a year. The Sigma works consistently, accurately and is easy to use yet gives a lot of information. Highly recommended.

PC 15 HR Monitor

On: 2007-09-23

Well functioning device that gives lots of useful information; monitor can double as a watch if you desire. The button sequence is not exactly intuitive,so I have to review the instructions from time to time (thus 4 stars instead of 5). I would recommend it to those who want to monitor their aerobic capacity.

Run AWAY from this

On: 2007-09-20

The watch is extremely difficult to program, one wrong button push and you are in a menu written in German...with no way back...and good luck if you dont speak it...
The worst part however is that product lasted 2 days and stopped working, even replacing the band battery did not help, and this was a brand new product....

More Than Satisfied

On: 2007-09-20

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 youd 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.

Ive 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 Im training for a triathlon in 2008, I really dont need this.

SIGNAL STRENGTH.

Another reviewer noticed that SIGNAL LOST is common. My experience: its 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, Im 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 Ill check back in a few months. If others could do the same that would be a real service.

Dr. Kirtland Peterson

Exceeds Expectations

On: 2007-09-08

For the money the Sigma PC 15 is a bargain. It has the Feature set of many more expensive HRMs, its easy to program, well made, and as a bonus it comes with a handlebar mount for cycling. I have owned several Polar HRMs over the years and eventually you reach the dreaded point in time when you have to send them back to Polar to have the batteries replaced. In my opinion, one of the best features of the Sigma PC 15 is that you can replace the batteries in the watch and the belt yourself. If you have never had to deal with replacing your batteries yearly with Polar, you cannot begin to appreciate how great this is. Its a little big as another reviewer said, compare it to a Casio G Shock watch in size. Its a steal for $65 from Niagara Cycle Works. I feel its one of the few things that I paid for and got more than my moneys worth. That doesnt happen enough these days. Buy it.

works

On: 2007-09-06

had a lot of trouble getting this thing set up and still dont know how to get all the bennies from it. it works as a watch and takes the heart rate fine but I would have liked a much less complex monitor.
My fault for not understanding what I was buying.

Just What I Was Looking For

On: 2007-08-16

I looked at two heart rate monitors before this one. They were both complicated and difficult to program. This one was easy to program and easier to use. If youre looking for simplicity I highly recommend this heart rate monitor.

Sigma Heart Rate Monitor

On: 2007-07-28

I purchased this monitor based on a review by another user. He did not lie. This monitor is easy to use if you read the instructions, accurrate, and is 2/3 the cost of comparable heart monitors in the stores such as Cabelas, Sports Authority, etc. The bike attachment is a nice touch.

a GREAT heartrate monitor

On: 2007-06-27

For the money, this one does a great job. It works reliably and is flexible enough to view anything youd want (current heartrate PLUS ... max HR, avg HR, % of max HR, calories burned, training time, more). If that wasnt enough, you can turn off the HR monitor and use it like a watch. You can even change the name across the bottom to anything you want (like YOUR name). Indigo night light works WELL in dark environments.

Impressed

On: 2007-06-02

This product exceeded my expectations by a long shot. It is literally easier to use than my watch. It is set up with menus which you can scroll through rather than memorizing witch buttons to hold down for 5 seconds. The menus are also clearly labeled on the outside of the watch. The only set up this product requires is Time/Date and weight/age. the watch does the rest for you. press one button it will start to log your heart info press another button, and it will stop. you can also pause. it will beep each time you enter a new heart rate zone. At the end of a workout it has all your information logged for you. including max HR, average HR, Calories burned, length of workout and loads of other features. This is highly recommended for anyone who is looking at staying or getting into shape.

I was further impressed with the product when I took it to the gym, I bought this mainly for my bike riding, but soon found out that most treadmills pick up the sensor and display it on the machine, which is great so you dont have to look at the watch or even wear it while running. I am sure that is a feature all the HR monitors have, but its just another great reason to invest in one if you are a treadmill user.

Works well

On: 2007-01-08

I use it for cycling. All the info I need to see is on the screen at one time. No hands off the bars to push buttons. The chest strap works with the fitness equipment at the gym too.

Good for the price, could be more sensitive.

On: 2006-11-27

All in all, I liked the functionality provided by this heart rate monitor. Unfortunately common bodily flexing can lift the contacts from the skin just enough for it to lose the heart signal, where it starts an incessant and annoying beeping. This will happen despite being covered head to toe in highly conductive sweat, possibly thanks to the design of the sensors.

Aside from that minor annoyance, the watch remains easy to use, offers review of your last workout with all the expected averages, maximum sustained levels, and some accumulated values for total workout length and calories burned. Very good price for all the features it offers, and it even comes with a handle-bar mount for all you bikers out there.

Fantasic HRM with all the features you need, a best buy

On: 2006-11-07

I have used this HRM for 4 months now and love it. I mainly use it riding my bike. Comes with a handlebar quick-mount for bike that is nice to use so can see it always without taking hands of bar.

Trying to decide I found Polar (and others) had too many models and they carefully structured features/price to make you spend $50 to $150 more. This HRM has a ton of features (all that I need) and a great flexible display. I dont think it has a light.

While working I like to display the Heart menu so I can see % of max constantly and a % graph and my current HR. Its easy to move thru the menus and see all the info. Keeps a running tally of calories, I think I burned 20,000 so far.

The Sigma Sport website is very well done and shows all the info you need to decide. This is a best buy.

Fantasic HRM with all the features you need, a best buy

On: 2006-11-06

I have used this HRM for 4 months now and love it. I mainly use it riding my bike. Comes with a handlebar quick-mount for bike that is nice to use so can see it always without taking hands of bar.

Trying to decide I found Polar (and others) had too many models and they carefully structured features/price to make you spend $50 to $150 more. This HRM has a ton of features (all that I need) and a great flexible display. I dont think it has a light.

While working I like to display the Heart menu so I can see % of max constantly and a % graph and my current HR. Its easy to move thru the menus and see all the info. Keeps a running tally of calories, I think I burned 20,000 so far.

The Sigma Sport website is very well done and shows all the info you need to decide. This is a best buy.

Amazing HRM

On: 2006-06-20

Ive been shopping around for a heart rate monitor for a while, Polar is the recommendation from everyone, however I didnt want to buy it for 2 reasons, its way too ugly and cheaply made, and very expensive for the specs, I ended up buying this HRM after I saw a cyclocomputer made by Sigma Sport, it was such wonderful, easy to use computer, so I thought their heart rate monitor would be designed and built the same way, I wasnt wrong, this HRM is amazing, very accurate, and most importantly it easy to use, straight forward, and loaded with functions without making your life complicated, it has all the features you need plus little extra for luxury, however without the hassle of digging around with buttons to get the important data output you need, it can display all the information you need with large print, so you dont have to concentrate a lot to read while cycling or running, unlike Timex or some Polar models, where the display is too small that you have to look longer to read it, quite distracting and frustrating when cycling, more over Sigma Sport utilized the whole surface of the watch to be as display (you can tell from the picture) and they placed all the buttons on the side, as a result you can get your heart rate, heart rate zone (health, fitness or Power) , your percentage heart rate out of maximum + training time or calories or lap count (you choose more if you want) all in one screen with huge print, very impressive, absolutely ergonomic design.
You can define your Max heart rate with the zones your self, if you know them, or you can simply enter your gender, age and weight and let the watch do all the work for you.
Another advantage is the chest strap and the sensor, you can change the battery by your self which is a major advantage over other HRMs, moreover the sensor is very sensitive, you dont even have to wet it to get the reading, didnt have distortion from electric signals yet, and very rarely lost the signal, when it happens the watch captures it again within few seconds.
The watch has a very attractive design, I found my self wearing it all the time instead of my regular watch, it has all the functions of practical watch, like time, 12 or 24 hr format, day and date, stop watch, alarm, backlight, plus nice looking, something you dont see in Polar models,
The watch comes with bike bar attachment so you can mount it while cycling
The only disadvantage is the size, its big and more suitable for men, I believe it would be too big for ladies arms, you can compare it in size to Casio G shock models, however its much thinner, but mounting it on Bike bar would solve this problem.
Over all I see this watch as a perfect HRM in regard to function reliability appearance and price, highly recommended