Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

My 1st review after careful deliberation After careful consideration of the reviews, I decided to try this device on my I phone 4s. I had been to both the web-site and multiple sites reviewing this product. I decided to order through amazon because I can just return the product if it doesn't work. I am training with coach for 2 Iron man races in 2013. Heart rate stuff important. reviews made me very cautious. I did double check all sources to make sure I have an I phone 4S as described on wahoo blue site. This is important. GOAL My goal was to be able to utilize my Iphone 4S to capture heart rate information, training zones, cadence, speed, etc. and to upload to my training peaks account online. I already use multiple APPS to get most information. My dilemma, Buy new Garmin watch or use I-phone 4S (either Ant+ or Bluetoothe). Decided to use bluetoothe and return if it does not work. I decided I would try just the heart rate monitor and see how it goes, then move onto the Speed/cadence later if all goes well. If it doesnt work, I could just return and not waist alot of time. Thanks Amazon. SHIPPING Shipping was very fast thru amazon prime..... in 2 days. SETUP...easy The product came in a box with few instructions (Slight negative), so I did go to the website to make sure that I followed the directions on the wahoo blue site [...] then followed link to "BLUE HR getting started guide" near the bottom of the page. Next, I went to the apple I-store and downloaded the wahoo fitness app prior to trying anything. Wet the transducer, put on the strap, and opened the Wahoo fitness app and followed the directions. this is the sequence... Run settings, heart rate, add a new device. and it paired. back to start page.....push GREEN (get ready) and the heart rate was displayed and it was working. Similar process with Endomondo pro. Adjustable strap comfortable and adjustable. electrode pads stand out from the rest of strap, easy to wet. HEART RATE INFO I a drawer full of Heart rate straps, wore the Wahoo Blue heart rate monitor at the same time as my Polar FT1 and FT4 Coded on multiple 6-8-10 mile runs and 25 mile rides. Virtually identical information with both. Max on the Blue was 2 beats more than the Polar 1 and same on Polar FT4 coded. Average Heart rate the same on all. Have not worn this in the pool. Zones change smoothly and quickly. no lag time with heart rate changes. UPLOAD I found that the App that you use will determine upload to training peaks. With Endomondo, when you finish the workout, you must go to the website and upload from Endomondo. With Wahoo fitness you are given the option to upload each workout from either the iphone from workout history or at the end of the workout. Both are very easy. This is nice but will upload to a bunch of other apps also. Not all apps worked with the Blue HR, some apps do not work. Sport-tracker does not work, you must use their heart rate strap. Conclusion is that some apps work and some do not, but I think that each app may or may not work, double check the list on the website for training peaks and wahoo blue. I know that Wahoo fitness does work. All data including heart rate zones uploaded along with maps and data. Conclusion, the apps control this heart rate monitor. Make sure the app you use is listed with wahoo blue Compatible Apps: Wahoo Fitness, MotionX-GPS, RunKeeper, Runmeter, Cyclemeter, MapMyRUN, MapMyRIDE, 321run, Endomondo, and more! BATTERY USE Been using for 2 weeks now, no problems. All heart rate zones transferred to training peaks. Went on a 2 hour run yesterday and started at 80% battery on the I-Phone 4S. Turned off WiFi and closed all apps except both Endomondo and Wahoo Fitness. Left Blue tooth on obviously. Listened to music, had a 10 minute call while running, and had a set of headphones plugged into I-phone, I also turn off the display most of the time. Battery left after 2 hours.....65% (15% battery Usage). Did another similar 2 hour run and left the display on the entire time and I used 28% of battery over 2 hours . Conclusion, blue tooth isn't using much battery, screen monitor does. CONCLUSION I will move onto the Speed/Cadence and see how that works. So far very pleased with this heart rate monitor. Do not need to pair each time. once it is set up it seems to work. Have also used simultaneously with a Bluetooth headset, all works well. 2 Bluetooth devices at once. So far.....I liika dis. Hope this helps