Nike+ SportBand

...Nike's 2nd version of the Nike+ SportBand a try and see how well it holds up.

Firstly I would like to re-iterate that this is the 2nd generation of Nike+ Sportband's after the disastrous release of the first version earlier last year. V1 was recalled after a strew of complaints when the device was not sealed in manufacturing; which means sweat or water ultimately broke many of the old devices. There were also complaints about the black-background ...
.../> Also supplied is a Nike+ Footpod, which is to be inserted under the sole of a Nike+ shoe. This is quite a drawback, for if you wish to use the sensor in any other brand of trainer you will need to purchase an additional lace-case. Also data may not be entirely accurate from this position. It provides 1000 hours of battery life while in use and have seen varying accounts of lasting from 4 months to 3 years. The battery itself cannot be replaced, ... more

Having been looking for a product which I can use to take out running to track distance and pace I thought I would take the plunge and give Nike's 2nd version of the Nike+ SportBand a try and see how well it holds up.

Firstly I would like to re-iterate that this is the 2nd generation of Nike+ Sportband's after the disastrous release of the first version earlier last year. V1 was recalled after a strew of complaints when the device was not sealed in manufacturing; which means sweat or water ultimately broke many of the old devices. There were also complaints about the black-background LCD screen which made visibility in dark lighting nearly impossible. It would seem after 4 days of use that these problems have all been fixed for V2 and it looks hopeful that it will not suffer the same problems as the first batch.

The build and looks of the SportBand are fairly high-quality. The double coloured wrist-strap is made of a flexible plastic, with small grooves on the inner surface to increase grip on the wrist. Instead of a buckle, the SportBand uses 2 prongs which 'poke' through the corresponding holes to secure a tight, secure fit. It takes a little getting used to at first, but becomes easier after the first few uses. Though the device snugly fits my own fairly small wrists, I am unsure from looking at it, if it would be capable of fitting anyone with large wrists too well, though it should be fine for most people.

The watch-face is a detachable USB dongle, roughly 4.6x2.3cm with the connector inserted into the strap. Another prong is used to secure the USB to the strap in a secure feeling fit. The device itself is black; glossy plastic coat on the topside and Matte black underneath. The LCD background is quite standard; white with black digits and displays current time and battery level when not in running use. There are only 2 buttons on the device; A large circular button to the right of the LCD is used to connect to the footpod, start, pause and end a run. Below the screen is a button used to scroll through information, such as distance, time running, calories, weekly and overall distance.

Also supplied is a Nike+ Footpod, which is to be inserted under the sole of a Nike+ shoe. This is quite a drawback, for if you wish to use the sensor in any other brand of trainer you will need to purchase an additional lace-case. Also data may not be entirely accurate from this position. It provides 1000 hours of battery life while in use and have seen varying accounts of lasting from 4 months to 3 years. The battery itself cannot be replaced, so the Sensor will have to be replaced - at a cost of around £14 (Amazon).

Out of the box the SportBand is very easy to set-up, however those who are not computer literate will definitely struggle finding, downloading and installing the Nike+ Desktop utility software. After installation and plugging the device into the USB port of the PC it took roughly 20 minutes to charge to full. According to the Nike+ website from fully charged the device can be used whilst running and connected to the sensor for around 14 hours and can store up to 28 hours worth of run data, however as the device charges each time it is connected to a USB port there would be a minimal chance of running out of battery on top of the decent lifespan.

I have recorded 4 runs since purchasing the SportBand and have been pleasantly surprised by how useful it is. Calibration is necessary however, as the first 10.44KM distance was recorded 9.55KM, though using the software it is very easy to do so and now provides quite accurate results. Whilst running, or walking if it is your preference, the display will show time, distance covered, current pace and calories burned while in use. During each of the workouts I never experienced a loss in signal from the footpod.

Though the SportBand is a fantastic device for runners and walkers, it is useless for any other exercise activities such as cross-training, using a stepping machine etc. This would not have been an issue for gym equipment users if Nike offered a manual workout input on their website, which they unfortunately do not.

Like myself, if you purchase the SportBand and still want to track overall fitness, use a website which allows the importing of running data from Nike, in conjunction with manual workout input, such as 'Daily Mile' or 'Map My Run'.

Post-run it is extremely hassle-free to upload and view run data. Simply a matter of inserting the USB and the Nike software will upload the data and open the web browser to show you run information in graph format. By signing up to Nike+ and entering weight, calorie information is also calculated and progress can be tracked online where it is also possible to publish run information to twitter or facebook. The website itself is a decent tool to motivate and challenge yourself as well as set goals for the future, so beginners to advanced runners can find use in the site.

Compared to sport GPS watch devices such as the Garmin 405 (£200 new) the SportBand is a worthy competitor for runners, priced at only £40. Though the SportBand may not boast GPS tracking, the 'Map It' feature on Nike's website works well for creating routes and applying runs to them. There is no heart rate monitor option for the SportBand, which may put some runners off though I do not personally have a use for one.

At 1/5 of the price of the latest GPS enabled watches this is quite a bargain, and a much needed improvement over the previous generation of Nike+ SportBands. It is very easy to use and great for tracking running workout progress. 

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