CAVEAT EMPTOR--DO NOT, REPEAT DO NOT BUY ANY MIO "HEART RATE WATCH"!!!!

In May 2005, I purchased this alleged "heart rate watch" on the basis of some internet research and a swimmer's website which recommended it, since I was going to use it while swimming laps in the nearby 24-Hour Fitness pool. At first it worked fine, as well it should of, as moisture was supposed to improve the electrical conductivity of the skin through which the pulse is monitored. Although, even during this initial period, the readings would sometimes be off by a magnitude of 100%, i.e. the pulse reading was DOUBLED. However, within a 60-90 period after begining use, the "watch" started to fail to take any pulse readings whatsoever. I called Mio and their "customer service" was of NO HELP WHATSOEVER, just repeating the instructions in the small pamphlet which came with the "watch". In fairness, I should mention that it did continue to take pulse readings (ironically for a swimmer's watch) in a completely dry environment. I shrugged off the problem and continued to wear the watch for timing my laps, although "wet" pulse readings were no longer possible (I could have bought a cheapy watch for timing laps at half the price for that purpose!). At any rate, more time passes and the "watch" now balks at changing from the time mode to the "chrono" function; pressing the buttons resulted in NOTHING HAPPENING. Or, if it did change mode, at the end of the laps, it wouldn't stop and give me a reading of the elapsed time. This eventually occurred even in a completely dry environment. When this started happening, I didn't even bother calling the Mio "customer service" and simply mailed the "watch" back to them on June 1, 2006 for repair, replacement or disposal. The so-called "guarantee" had lapsed on May 13, 2006, the anniversary of the purchase and apparently Mio adheres to the letter of that guarantee, since they have not responded by June 28, 2006 (four weeks) in any way, muchless repaired/replaced/returned my "watch". I might as well have simply flushed my $60 down the toilet. Hopefully this disparaging review will prevent those of you out there considering a purchase of any Mio "watch" from making the same mistake. I am now happily using a $20 Timex waterproof sports watch which, while it doesn't take my pulse rate, at least delivers accurate lap timing. IF YOU VALUE YOUR MONEY, NEVER, EVER BUY A MIO WATCH!!!! MIO SELLS DEFECTIVE PRODUCTS AND NATURALLY ENOUGH MAKES NO EFFORT TO STAND BEHIND THEM WHEN THEY CEASE TO FUNCTION.

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Very Accurate

I have compared this instrument's heart rate readings with other heart rate devices and the MIO is incredibly accurate. You don't need those that require a chest strap. Follow the instructions that come with the unit and it will perform as advertised.

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simple but accurate

purchased watch because it did not require a chest strap. readings are accurate. (i checked them manually by taking my own pulse at my wrist.) if you don't get a reading, try it again...never went beyond two tries while on treadmill. (% heart rate number not meaningful as there are several ways to calculate maximun: 220-age; 220 - 1/2 age, etc.)

would buy again...worth price.

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