Customer Reviews

Omron HJ-112 Digital Pocket Pedometer

5 star:		(2,534)
4 star:		(606)
3 star:		(126)
2 star:		(90)
1 star:		(102)

 

 

This is pedometer is Consumer Reports #1 rated digital pedometer- and I can see why. It's extremely light weight and really easy to use with just four big buttons on the front. Here's a few of its best features:

-it can accurately senses steps in your belt, pocket, OR purse!
-it has a large display for the visually impaired
-it has a 7 day history so you can see progress (or lack of)
-it calculates calories and distance in addition to steps

I'd recommend this little device to anyone who wants to lose weight- just begin one day, and the next day, see if you can maintain or beat your previous step record. Now how easy is that?

So what DIDN'T I like about it? Not much. Perhaps the ONLY sort of negative thing I can say is that you will need a tiny screwdriver to open the back of it to put in the battery. Other than that, if you're looking to increase your activity a little to improve your health, look no further. Also recommend The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution if you have plantar fasciitis that interferes with your exercise.

Since getting attached to pedometers a couple of years ago, I've gone through at least a dozen--Digiwalkers, Oregon Scientifics, Omrons. Sometimes the clips would break (Digiwalkers have no spring clip), or the cover would snap off, or they would prove highly inaccurate, or they would be bulky, or they would be too "versatile" and intricate to be practical for someone who was simply looking to get in 10,000 steps for the day. For this reason, I recommended the Sportline 330 as a comparatively rugged, accurate, and inexpensive step counter that, if need be, could be replaced with minimal financial damage.

But recently I saw this "high end" Omron at Walgreen's and thought I'd give it a spin. Its primary allure: it claims to be so sensitive that you don't need to wear it on a belt or some other outer wear. Just drop it in your shirt pocket or purse and forget about it.

Guess what? The Omron people aren't pulling your leg. This is indeed a very sensitive little machine that does what it says it will do, in addition to being fast, easy, convenient, and extremely durable. I decided to test it by walking 30-40 minutes with the Omron in my shirt pocket and the Sportline clipped to my belt. At the end of my walk the Omron and Sportline were within 80 steps of each other. Moreover, it was the Omron that gave me the extra steps (a bonus if you consider the amount of time it takes--practically 2 hours--to log the full 10,000 steps).

The only advanced feature I occasionally use is the memory bank. The device automatically resets to 0 steps while saving the previous day's count in memory (for up to a week). Although I set the clock, I rarely use the other extra features--calorie counter, aerobic read-out, or even distance covered. I don't even bother with things like entering stride length and attaching clips or necklaces. This particular Omron model rises above the field because of one thing: quality. It's accurate, it's easy and fast, and it's dependable if not indestructible (I've sat on it, inadvertently sent it through the wash, dropped it into a bath-tub). It keeps going, as long as you do. If you have a shirt pocket and know how to read from one to 10,000, you're on your way.

You can never have too many good pedometers, but this Omron makes it unlikely you'll need another one any time soon. There's no question in my mind that this is best of breed, the one that Tiger Woods would use even if he had to pay for it and realized no rewards other than the practical and motivational benefits of the device itself. At its current price, it's probably the best buy on Amazon.

I bought this gadget with the intent of monitoring my daily steps to get an idea of where I was currently to establish some sort of baseline so that I could get a reality check on my activity levels. I opened the box, read the easy directions, set up my personal step measurement (just measure off the distance of your 10 steps), and clipped it on my pants and forgot about it for the day. I was surprised to find out that a corpse could probably move around more during the day than me! Over the next 6 days, (this pedometer keeps track of 7 days of steps for you); I literally stepped up my game and went from 756 steps with NO aerobic exercise on day 1, to 7,880 steps with 30 minutes of nonstop aerobic exercise on day 3! Every day has been getting easier to achieve the 10,000 "normal" steps, and increasing the aerobic steps too (which are tracked separately). I can press the mode button, check out how many miles my steps translate to, kilocalories burned, aerobic steps, and compare it with the past 7 days as well. It has turned out to be even more fun than what I originally bought it for. I actually feel better, and the fun part is that I am trying to beat my own personal record from the previous day! This has been an eye-opening experience for me, and I keep this on or in my pocket all the time now, just to make sure I keep a mindful eye on my steps and aerobic activity for the day!

The Omron pedometer is perfect for those of us who walk our miles each day with our dogs. The pedometer is simple to program and completely accurate. All I do is slip the pedometer in my pant's pocket when I get dressed in the morning and the pedometer records my steps, distance walked, calories burned, aerobic minutes walked .... plus I can flash back through 7 days of data to see if I achieved my personal goals. I walk rurally, up and down a steep mountain, and there are no sidewalks. When a vehicle approaches I stop for a few seconds on the side of the road to let the vehicle pass, making sure my three dogs are sitting at my feet. Then of course, doggies being doggies, there are the short little doggie stops. The pedometer will keep on counting the aerobic minutes during the tiny little stops without starting back to having to walk ten minutes first. If you are a city walker, this means short stops for red lights, fire hydrants and bushes will keep your aerobic minutes ticking also.

I bought this for my 72-year-old father for Christmas since he recently had a heart attack and is now doing the 10,000 step regime. He had enrolled in some hospital-sponsored programs to teach him how to eat better and exercise more, and they gave him a cheap pedometer that never worked. He was getting discouraged, so thanks to the wonderful customers at Amazon, I did my homework and purchased this pedometer based on their reviews (which is primarily how I purchase 99% of my Amazon orders).

He has been using this pedometer since Christmas day and walks every night now. It is accurate and he likes all the features-- it measures regular steps, miles, aerobic steps, has a 7-day memory feature, and even a clock. The lanyard is a brilliant idea-- as many others have indicated, the belt clip can slip off, so the lanyard keeps it securely attached.

The best feature of this pedometer is the ease of which my dad was able to use it-- he set it up and got it working in a matter of minutes and the instruction booklet was clear and concise. There are no confusing displays or key combinations to remember, either, and the display is large enough for him to read without squinting (he's developing cataracts so sometimes reading is difficult for him).

For a small investment, this pedometer delivers what it promises.

This is the pedometer of choice for me. I have purchased multiple brands and have not been pleased with them. This pedometer is a winner simply by being able to be carried in a pocket or bag; it works and is accurate whether it is in your bag, your belt loop or in your pocket. I have tested this pedometer against others and I have found this to be very accurate. I love the fact that it can tell the difference between just regular steps and aerobic activity. It has a seven day memory and it tracks all of the vital stats for the day so that you can compare your week's activity. The safety clip is ideal and if you are walking the dog or get jostled in any way; you do not have to worry about losing your pedometer. This is a premium item; well made and fairly sturdy compared to others that I have seen and "owned".

I have not seen this work on a stationary bike as some folks were asking about in the forum. A good buy.

This is the same model just packaged differently. The three extra batteries may come in handy but I would most likely not get them all at once because each battery that comes with the pedometer is good for six months. That means you would have a couple of batteries (that you paid extra for) just hanging around. It is up to you but I always worry about shelf life of batteries, etc. You are going to get a battery anyways with your purchase and can always get additional batteries as you need them. I know, some folks like to have extras. But just thought that I would add that to this review in case some folks felt they might not be getting one in the first place.

UPDATE:

I swear that there is a timer inside these batteries because almost at six months to a day; they give out. I suspect that having the multiple batteries hanging around until you use them isn't the best choice either; they seem to have a shelf life. Love the pedometer though. I have been able to purchase new batteries that seem to work at Best Buy.

Note: This pedometer is a terrific pedometer; but this specific offering is no longer available here but is still available elsewhere on Amazon. I can assure you that this product was so good that I intend to upgrade and get the next evolution of this pedometer. I will warn you that the batteries only have lasted for 6 months almost on the money.

You can get battery replacements at Best Buy; in fact if you have misplaced the little gadget that comes with the pedometer to get the screws out in the back; the Geek Squad will get their tiny phillips out and get the back off: you can use the Energizer 2025 (two to a package and then you have a spare) and then your pedometer is back in business. $5.99 for two spare batteries without missing any steps.

Bentley/2007
Latest Model Omron HJ-112 Digital Premium Pedometer Plus 3 Extra Sony CR2032 Batteries

I purchased a Sportline 360 pedometer three years ago -- what a mistake! It only worked once -- then went into an inactive mode from which it never awakened. I should have returned it, but I thought that I must have done something wrong. After having professional trainers unsuccessfully try to get it working for me last year, I knew it was just a dud. Before buying this Omron Premium Pedometer, I read every pedometer review I could find -- the Omron Premium overwhelmingly received the highest marks. Now I want to add my "thumbs up" to the other reviews. I have had my Omron for a week and I love it. It is always on -- doesn't go into hibernation. It was easy to set up and counts steps perfectly. I have taken it to my fitness club -- the track there is a 1/5 mile track. I counted my steps as I walked around one time -- 196 steps. The pedometer counted out -- yes -- 196 steps. Love it. I bought this pedometer because of the great reviews it received at this site, so thank you all.

I splurged on this little gadget last night in a new effort to lose weight. If you aren't already aware of it, you should aim for 10,000 steps each day for improving your health and losing weight. Get a good pair of walking shoes, grab this pedometer, and go for it (I prefer to also carry a tiny FM radio on my belt with earbud headphones and a pulse meter).

I've owned probably 3-6 other pedometers that I have paid about $10-$30 for each unit in the last two years. Some were lit, some weren't. Some opened like a pocket watch to reveal the display (looked like a tiny pager). Others played a little tune and could speak the numbers on the display. One was even a basic mechanical pedometer with an analog display similar to a car's odometer display.

I wish I had bought this pedometer before I wasted my money on all of the others. This pedometer has yet to give me a 'false' reading. A good example is at work where I am in my chair that leans back at an angle. Most all of the pedometers I owned would register several hundred paces just while I was sitting at work or while driving in the car. Their mechanics would sway back and forth as I shifted in my seat or drove over small bumps. This one did not give any false readings at all in the car - nor has it done so at work.

Not even counting on it's ability to estimate your caloric usage during walking or your distance traveled (another 'estimate' in my book), it has scored an A+ in my book for its accuracy as a pedometer in it's ability to sense each step reliably and accurately.

Again - I regret that I didn't get this pedometer first.

It is a little larger than most, but I believe that is due to it's internal mechanics. It feels like a pocket watch when you hold it in your hand. It's not too light - and it's not so heavy that it will weigh down on an elastic waist band.

I haven't had more than a day with it yet, but it has definately impressed me so far. After a week, I'll have a better idea how well it does at keeping track of steps over a 7 day period.

This pedometer is easily a five star pedometer. It was easy to use, easy to set and read, and for the brief time I had it I thought it was the best pedometer I have owned.

Unfortunately, after 4 days it disappeared from my belt. The clip is completely unsatisfactory, and if you keep it on a belt you will loose it.

If you plan to carry it anywhere else, it would probably be worth buying, but do not count on the clip to secure it to your person.

I was trying to decide between the Omron Premium Pedometer and the Sportbrain. After reading all of the positive reviews for the Omron Premium Pedometer, I was convinced that this was what I wanted. I have not been disappointed! Without repeating what other reviewers have already said, I'd like to point out a few of my favorite features.

The seven-day memory feature is especially helpful for me to track my progress. For those who want to track their progress automatically on the Internet and don't mind paying a monthly fee, you should look at the Sportbrain pedometer line.

Back to my Omron, the device also automatically resets itself at midnight. When you put the device on in the morning, it's reset to zero with the seven previous day's measurements in memory. How cool is that?!

Quiet. Man, this thing is quiet as opposed to the click click click of cheaper pedometers. As far as I can tell, it makes no sound at all. I wanted something that I could wear often and not have it annoy me and others around me. I can wear this pretty much all day and not know it's there. I also enjoy the fact that it registers steps while inside my pocket so that I can wear it discreetly at work.

Setup takes a few minutes because you have to walk ten steps, measure and divide by 10 to convert that to the length of your average stride. This info, along with the time and your weight, gets entered into the pedometer during initial setup and takes no more than 15 minutes. My setup might have taken longer because I redid my ten steps several times to make sure I was fairly consistent in my stride.

If I had to point out a weakness, and it's a minor one, the holder which attaches to your waist could be a little more secure where it clips to your belt. As some other reviewers have noted, I bent over and mine fell off once the first day I had it. No problems though, as it still works fine.

I haven't written a lot of product reviews, but the Omron Premium Pedometer is so cool, I just had to spread the word! If you're serious about walking and want to measure your progress, this great little gadget is the way to go.