FitEgg.com Multisport Reviews
We’ve been using the Sigma Sports PC9 Heart Rate Monitor for almost two months. The Sigma Sports PC9 is available for about $65 online and sometimes you can find an even better deal. Thanks to Sigma Sports for our test sample. First, we’re going to review a bit, but you can also check out our initial review of the Sigma Sports PC9 Heart Rate Monitor.
About Sigma Sport:
Sigma is an old hand in the cycling and fitness world. Founded 25 years ago, they started manufacturing cycle speedometers, the precursor of today’s cycle computers. Sigma continues to manufacture cycle computers and have added cycling lighting and heart rate monitors to their product line.
About the Sigma PC9 Man Heart Rate Monitor:
The PC9 Man is a new version of Sigma’s popular PC9 HRM. The PC9 Man is one of two new versions, the PC9 Woman being the other. From a functional standpoint, these HRM’s have the same features, the difference being the design. The PC9 Man includes the watch, the chest strap, the chest sensor, and a mount for bicycles.
The PC9 Man features most of the standard settings you would expect from a heart-rate monitor. The PC9 Man monitors your heart rate through the included chest strap. In addition to monitoring the rate, the PC9 Man features heart rate limits, zone alarms, a calorie counter, training timer, and training manager. The zone alarms allow you to monitor your performance based on your heart rate. The PC9 Man automatically sets the ideal zones based on your personal details or you can override the standard settings.
The calorie counter feature is also automatic: it calculates your calorie burn based on the weight you enter when setting up the HRM.
Since most athletes are only interested in the heart-rate monitoring features, we’re not going to spend too much time focusing on the tertiary features of this HRM.
Sigma Sports PC9 Man Heart Rate Monitor Midterm Observations:
So far, the Sigma PC9 is holding up very well to our testing. We’ve used the HRM during runs, swims, and rides. We were a bit cautious about testing the HRM in the pool, but the instructions and website assure us that we were in the clear.
The comfort and fit of the chest strap impressed our tester. Having used this HRM on rides beyond 5 hours and runs up to two and a half hours without experiencing any discomfort or chafing, we are pleased with the fit and construction of the chest strap.
The wristwatch part of the HRM took a little getting used to. The watch is made of stiff plastic and the section of the strap closest to the bezel does not bend to your wrist. This was a little uncomfortable to start, but our tester soon became used to the fit.
Our tester has only two complaints about this product to date. First, there is no backlight for the wristwatch. Though our tester doesn’t find himself frequently running in the dark, there are certain times a backlight would be helpful. This is a minor inconvenience.
The second, and more serious complaint relates to the buttons. Ninety percent of the time, our tester didn’t experience any trouble with the buttons. Occasionally, however, the tester experienced trouble activating a button. We mentioned this issue in the initial review, specifically that there was a lag after pressing a button. The easiest way to prevent this is to firmly grasp the side of the watch while pressing the button.
Overall, we’ve been pleased with this HRM. Though the button issue is aggrevating and can prevent the logging of your entire workout, we feel that the Sigma Sports HRM is performing within a reasonable range for it’s price. At less than $65, this is an entry level HRM and performs as such. It’s calculations regarding calorie burn are reasonable and within expectations. The display is clear and large. We look forward to bringing you a full final review in the future.
