Product Review::Nike+ iPod Sport Kit
Since we tend to plan ahead here at the Sisterhood, I knew we were going to start a running challenge early in September. This gave me the opportunity to ask for a few key items for my birthday! An iPod Nano (5th Generation) and Nike+ iPod Sport Kit.
Nike+ iPod Sport Kit ($29.99) is a sensor that fits into the insole of you Nike running shoe, or you can buy an inexpensive adaptor (mine was $3.50) to hook it to your shoe laces. If you don’t have an iPod (Nano or Touch or iPhone all work), you can purchase a sport band to wear on your wrist. The iPod/sport band collects info from the sensor as your run: distance, time, pace, and calories burned. Once you sync your iPod up to iTunes, or hook your sport band up to your computer via USB, you can upload all your run data to the Nike+ website. All of your run data is stored there, and you can track your progress, set up challenges, or join other challenges. You can also connect with other runners in the Nike+ community.
So far, I’ve used the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit while I’ve trained for my 5K this past week. I haven’t set up a free account on the Nike+ site yet, but I’m planning to this week. Once or twice I’ve had an issue getting the sensor on my shoe to sync with my iPod, but once I got it synced, it was awesome. There’s a stop watch built in which helps when you’re alternating between running and walking. You’re also able to select the songs you want to play during your run, or just choose shuffle for all your tunes. There a Power Song feature that allows you to set one song up as your POWER song for when you’re needing a boost to keep going. All you have to do is hit the center button on your iPod to fire it up.
Overall, I am very happy with the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit. I think it’s exactly the little piece of technology I needed to help me get excited about training and running. Paired with the EA Sports Active 5K program, I don’t see anything but success in my future!
As with anything I buy, I thoroughly researched the Nike+ iPod Sport Kit. The reviews are definitely mixed. One of the main issues people have is with the sensor. You cannot replace the battery in it, so when it dies, you have to spend $19 on a new one. Sensor life seems to range from a few months to a year and half, based on the reviews I read. People either love it or hate. Before you make any purchase, I highly recommend checking out Amazon.com for product reviews. If you own a Nike+ iPod Sport Kit, please share you opinion with the Sistherhood by leaving a comment on this post!
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Category: Product Reviews
Well, I bought mine (finally!) this past week and I've used it for two runs. So far my biggest complaint is having to calibrate my runs. It told me I finished my 5k when in actuality I had only run about 2.62 miles/3.1. Other than that, it is fantastic so far! I did like Christy and bought a holder for my sensor to attach to my shoe. This was actually my biggest decision because I wanted something that wouldn't interfere with the sensor giving an accurate reading. I ended up with the marware version, simply because it had hundreds of 3 and 4 star reviews. It is more expensive, but it is a good brand that seems to hold the sensor more securely than others i looked at.
If you already have an ipod that will work with it, it's a great investment.
Key notes: if you have an ipod touch(or other, newer ipod), you won't need the full kit. I bought the $30 kit only to realize that my ipod had a built in sensor receiver and I really only needed the sensor itself, which they do sell separately for $19.
I want to weigh in here because I LOVE my Nike+ stuff. I haven't had a problem at all the sensors. I think the life span of the sensor is based on mileage (supposed to be about 300 miles). I had my first one for over 500 miles. My husband is on his third in the same amount of time. I don't mind having to pay to get a new one, just as I don't mind having to buy new running shoes when I've worn my old ones out. I love the online aspect of Nike+ too. I am a visual person and seeing the total miles run number increase after every run or walk is very motivating to me along with the little graphs that show you mileage but also track your pace for each individual run.
Becca, Do you have to calibrate it every time you run? I just calibrated mine today (for running and walking) for the first time. The first time I did the running calibration, I did something wrong and had to do it again. My run from today is all broken up into several workouts because of all the calibrations!!
Do you wear your iPod in an armband when you run? If so, which one?
I synced up my iPod with the Nike website today and I love it so much!! Very cool features and the graphics are great. I'm a visual person, too, so I think it will definitely motivate me in a good way.
Thanks for the info on the sensor. I won't have a problem replacing mine (or my shoes) every so often either, but it seems like I read a lot of reviews that talked about them going out after very little use. I only wear my running shoes when I run, so I think the sensor will probably last a long time!
I like the Nike+ kit but HATE NIKE shoes… :)
I wasn't too crazy about the Nike shoes either. I got the best fit in New Balance and I love them! It's like running on air. I have no issues with foot/ankle/knee pain at all. There was also no break in period either. I started running in them, and they were heaven from day 1!
thanks for the info, great post as always!
Great idea.
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thanks for the info, great post as always!
Great idea.
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