Customer Reviews

AlcoMate Premium AL7000 Breathalyzer

5 star:		(9)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(3)

 

 

My wife and I have owned this for a few weeks and have used it a couple dozen times. It seems very solidly made and the readings seem reasonable, given our alcohol intake, and reproducible (within about a 5% range). A suggestion that seems sensible, although not in the instructions and I can't prove its importance, is to take in a moderately deep breath, hold it for 5-10 seconds, breath slowly out and then start to breath into the breathalyzer without stopping your expiration. This would seem to best assure a reproducible measurement of an equilibrated air sample from deep in your lungs and not from the trachea, which could represent fresh air that you have just inspired.

I purchased this unit as an upgrade to my AL6000. The AlcoMate brand has been, for me, the most accurate and reliable consumer brand in BAC testing. Supposedly, this AL7000 was even more accurate. I was thinking of replacing my old AL6000 anyway, so I figured I'd try it. Right out of the box, it looked and felt really nice! That assumption went out the window the first time I tried to use it with alcohol in my system. After 3 drinks (and waiting over 30 minutes, as recommended), it told me I was at a .000 BAC. Curious, because I sure felt a bit more buzzed than that. So my friend tries it after drinking 5 beers (and waiting 20 minutes). He gets a .000 reading! So he tests again after the unit resets. Now he gets a reading of .020. Definitely NOT accurate AT ALL. My AL6000 has ALWAYS been extremely accurate, so I was very disappointed in the AL7000's inaccuracy. I have since returned it and continue to use my reliable and accurate AL6000.

We purchased this with the goal of checking our teens. I was OK with a small margin of error, but what I found was that this device was not reliable at all.

Essentially I tested as follows:

1. Consumed 4 beers within 1.5 hours
2. Waited 30 minutes from the point of my last beer
3. Tested

The results were continually a BAC of 0.0%

This of course is not satisfactory as I would want to know if my kids had consumed as much.

I am not sure that there is a good consumer priced solution, but this is certainly not it.

As a side note, I did email the manufacturer and never received a response. So not only do you get a dysfunctional product, but you don't get any customer service.

I spend A LOT of time reviewing all the different Breathalyzer's on the market and in the end chose this one for a few different reasons:

*Small and compact (about the size of an iPod)
*No need to send the unit off to recalibrate (just order a new "AlcoMate Premium Sensor Module", pop it in and your done)
*VERY simple to use, only one button to worry about
*Very accurate (we actually had the opportunity to test it against a $800 unit)
*Good reviews from several websites comparing different makes and models
*Comes with a nice small discrete black neoprene-like cover

I am a HUGE believer in the concept of an accurate, personal breathalyzer. I ordered this unit after my AlcoMate 6000 broke. I am giving this unit only one star because it worked accurately for three months, then approximately every 5 tests later, the unit would say "bat". That means the unit would need replacement batteries in order to use. I even went so far as to buy the new Energizer batteries made for todays electronics...STILL did the same thing!! I am going to try the fuel cell type now as I cannot depend on this unit. It would also give off inacurate readings from time to time. The unit is made of plastic with a thin silver front. I did research the whole cost comparison of re-calibration 19.95 once a year vs. the PRISM replacement sensors. I think the replacement sensors were 29.95 each and good for 200 tests. Seems to me the once a year re-cal is the way to go on this one. Even the breathalyzers police use need to be re-calibrated so the process can't be all bad....

I have no problem with the accuracy of this product. It seems to estimate BAC from breath great. I do have a problem with how long it takes for you to get a measurement. It takes about 2 minutes to take a reading. That's a long time compared to the older version (30 seconds). Since most people want an average of 3 readings. That's 6 minutes. It's almost like they're trying to make you wait so long that you sober up. I liked their older version better.

I did a ton of research before I bought this product and so I had high expectations when I received it. It seems to be very accurate as long as you have waited 40 minutes or so since your last drink (and it sometimes helps to rinse your mouth with water first too for more accuracy). It is very reliable and easy to carry in my purse and very lightweight. I'd reccommend it. Pricey, but a good investment!

Bought this item for my son when he turned legal age for drinking. I thought it was proactive to have one for those times that he might go over the limit. He keeps it on hand and has used it a couple of times. Sure enough....he was over and knew he shouldn't drive. I think it's an invaluable item in these days...protects him and others. He said it's easy to use and accurate!

I find it consistent and informative. Once you use it, you have a good idea where the border is, and whether or not you need to check. However, if it is used on different people in short intervals, it seems to encounter problems, so I would not buy it for a party toy. But it sure is excellent for what I presume is its intended use. Great purchase. Plus my wife gave me a hard time for buying it, and now has apologized and thinks it was a terrific purchase.

All fifty states and the District of Columbia have "per se laws" that deem it a crime to drive with a Blood Alcohol Level, or BAC, at or above a determined level for that state, usually .08% (except for Colorado, Delaware and Minnesota, where the BAC is set at .10%). The Federal Aviation Regulations for piloting an aircraft set the BAC standard for airmen at less than .04%.

One way to protect yourself, both physically and legally, is with personal monitoring of your BAC after drinking alcohol. The Alcomate AL7000 Breath Alcohol Tester is a reliable instrument for screening purposes. It uses a pre-calibrated technology that allows you to replace the sensor module after 200-300 tests. It comes with a replaceable mouthpiece, and stores two back-up mouthpieces in the battery compartment.

Its sleek, compact size is easy to carry and easy to use. Simply depress the button, wait for the screen to read "blow," seal your lips around the mouthpiece, then blow smoothly and steadily. Your BAC is recorded on the screen, and you have no doubts about whether you can legally, and safely, drive a motor vehicle.

The Alcomate comes with a carrying pouch, strap handle, 2 AA-batteries, and replacement mouthpieces. Approvals have been granted by the FDA 510(k), DOT/NHTSA, US Coast Guard, and is ISO 9002 certified. It is an investment in your future that can be worth its weight in gold. If you consider the value of your life, it is priceless.

For accuracy, you should give yourself some "breathing room" (a little pun intended) between drinking and testing your BAC. If you consider the time it takes to have a glass of water (always hydrate), use the facilities, say goodbye to your friends, and walk to the car, you can easily use up enough time to do an accurate test.