[squidsdc]

There are plenty out there; ranging from $5 cheepies to $30 and up. I don't need the kind the tell you how many calories burned, I just want steps and distance, with an easy to use feature for registering my stride.

I actually thought I found one that would work for me. I bought it at Sports Authority and it was only $12, and has the basics, and seems to be accurate. Here's the problem, though, it has a horizontal profile and is pretty darn near impossible to keep on my waistband during the day. (I'm short-waisted, so that could be adding to the problem.) Today is only day 2 and I'm already fed up. So back to the drawing board.

I"m checking the web for references, but thought I'd put it out there to see if anyone has one they really like and would recommend. TIA

[JadeMonkey]

I don't have one, but the Omron HJ-112 has gotten great reviews and comes highly recommended. It might be a good choice for you as it doesn't need to be kept vertical or horizontal. In fact, it is designed so that you can keep it in a pocket, bag, or clip it wherever you like and it should still work fine. It's only ~$20 too. The next model up (HJ-720ITC) offers a couple more features for those that might want all the bells and whistles for ~$30.

Amazon.com: Omron HJ-112 Digital Premium Pedometer: Health & Personal Care

-Jade

[notme]

I got a pretty basic one at Sport Authority. It was called a Freestyle Pacer. It was accurate and not to expensive.

[davef]

I don't have one, for what it is worth, I knew a guy who worked for a company who made them, he said you need to be very careful where you position them on your waistband as the can be terribly inaccurate depending on where they are placed. He was actually testing them and had one on each hip, when he checked there was a huge difference between the number of steps recorded.

[kgm0612]

I wore a pedometer for over 3 years, and always bought the cheap-o's ($7.00) from Walmart. It was pretty accurate, if positioned properly on my waistband, but not as accurate as the recommended Omrons.

Karen

[squidsdc]

Thanks for all the input. I did do some research and found the Omron is recommended. Apparently there are 3 types mechanisms for pedometers spring-levered with a coiled spring, spring-levered with a hairspring and this one:

Accelerometers - Piezo-electric Pedometers - The Quiet Ones
This pedometer mechanism is quiet - it has no moving parts, so there is no annoying click with each step. It also tests as more accurate than spring-levered mechanisms, especially when walking at slower speeds and when the pedometer is tilted at an angle as it might be with those with various body shapes. The pedometer uses a strain gauge, which measures how fast you are moving (inertia). This uses more battery juice, so users need to replace the batteries more often then with some other pedometers - every 6 months or so.
Advantages

* Silent
* More accurate for those with protruding waists, or if worn at various angles.
* More accurate at slower walking speeds

Disadvantages

* Must replace battery more often.

Models

* Omron HJ-112 Review | Compare Prices
* New Lifestyles NL-800 Review
* New Lifestyles NL-1000 Review
* New Lifestyles NL-2000 Review

So it appears this last type is the one that is not affected by where or how it is worn on the waist. My husband has an Omron, but I thought it was too big for me. Now that I know it can be worn in other spots, I may have to give that one a try.

Pedometer Mechanisms - What Makes Your Pedometer Click

[Alice]

I have a pretty cheap model from Weight Watchers. I purchased it due to the fact it counts "points"...but I've had trouble getting my step regulated with it...I may get another model.