Pedometer Reviews

Oregon Scientific PE316CA Pedometer with Calorie Counter

Oregon Scientific makes a large range of pedometers, with the PE316CA model - which incorporates a calorie counter – one of the most popular.

Unfortunately, it is difficult to find objective reviews online of pedometers. In any case, models are continually being updated, and any reviews that are available can quickly become dated.

Consumer reviews on commercial websites often provide the best guidance. Amazon.com, for example, offers 50 reviews. Here is an example:

I tried several relatively inexpensive pedometers ($5-$15) and was disappointed in their accuracy. This Oregon Scientific PE316CA has been the best I have tried. It has a sensitivity slide, which the others did not have. This feature allows you to set the sensitivity to the energy of your stride. (The others didn't record steps if I was sauntering easily, only when I was "power walking.")

I have not had trouble with the snap opening the display, as others have reported. The digital display is large and easy to read. The time is always displayed, along with either steps or miles walked, or Calories expended (set by entering your body weight). The distance of your step can also be set, whereas some of the other models use a default setting only.

I have only a few quibbles. Although the advertising indicates that you can use either a 12- or 24-hour clock, the instructions indicate only 12-hour. Also, the distance display is given only in miles. You cannot set kilometres if you prefer.

The undemanding About website rates the PE316CA pedometer four stars out of five, though the only analysis is:

Pros:    Counts steps, distance

Calculates calories

Backlight for night

Cons:    None

The Australian Consumers Association’s Choice magazine presented a survey of pedometers in October 2004. It included some comparative tables, and wrote:

The Oregon Scientific PE316CA tended to slightly overestimate the number of steps taken, despite being set on its lowest sensitivity. Overestimation could mean you think you’ve done the target number of steps when you haven’t.

A website titled “The Anatomy of a Pedometer” also features extensive comparative testing, and says about the PE316CA:

Overestimation of over 40% during free-living activity makes this pedometer a poor choice for daily use.

The Oregon Scientific corporate website contains detail of the PE316CA pedometer, along with a product manual.

* Get the Latest Price on the Oregon Scientific PE316CA Pedometer.

February 24^th, 2006 

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