I've bought a couple of these devices so far (one for me and one as a gift#. I must say that I'm superbly impressed with them.
To date, I've evaluated numerous optical heart rate monitors, and I am especially fond of companies that use PerformTek as the basis for their heart rate monitoring, as I've found this technology to be by far the most accurate and reliable.
Several companies have been using PerformTek in their earbuds, and at least one company #Scosche# has used it in their arm bands. But I must say that when it comes to earbuds using PerformTek, Jabra got it right. I'm quite impressed with what Jabra brought to the table with this product -- incredible European engineering in audio, ergonomics and user experience. Also, they made sure that this biometric sports headset works with not only their own native app #which is surprisingly quite good# but also with leading mobile fitness apps #such as MapMyFitness, Runkeeper, Endomondo, Strava, etc.#.
Likes:
1) Jabra's ergonomics are quite impressive -- especially considering that they needed to find a way to fit in the heart rate sensor into the earbuds while still having it be comfortable and have good audio. Also, they have several options for ear gels, and they even provide a "fit test" on the mobile app so that you can see which ear gels work best on your ear.
2) Audio quality -- fantastic.
3) Size & weight -- this is the most sophisticated, high-compact sports computer I've ever tested. Jabra packs a lot of power in these lightweight, tiny earbuds.
4# Mobile app -- I have an iPhone, and so I can't speak to the Android implementation. But so far, I've had not a single app crash testing with Jabra's app or anyone else's app paired with the device. Jabra's native app #which is not required for you to use since their device works with all the apps# is surprisingly good as it has a number of built-in fitness tests and a cool feature that allows you to setup your own workout with voice prompts.
5) Extra features -- Jabra added a button on the left earbud that, when you press it, tells you your instant heart rate, cadence and what ever other metric you program it to state. Also, the charge port is hidden in the right earbud.
6) Phone call feature -- I've found that the microphone is quite good and convenient for phone calls. In fact, sometimes I just leave the headset on me post exercise and use the headset as my phone.
Dislikes:
1) Cable -- the cable is quite nice, but I do wish it moved more freely over my shirt.
2) Color -- I'd prefer a sportier color, but I understand that this their 1st product.
3) Really, I'm struggling for dislikes, as this is an amazing feat of engineering by Jabra.
Bottom line: The Sport Pulse is the most sophisticated, comfortable, accurate and easy-to-use audio sports computer ever developed. If you like to exercise listening to music, and if you like tracking your heart rate zones, you'll love this product: good audio, great comfort and fit and supremely accurate continuous heart rate monitoring.