Seiko Running Metronome

Seiko DM50S Clip Digital Metronome:

Worth The Investment?

He read about the running metronome used in the ChiRunning and by the Elite Runners. He did his research and since been using one for his running.

Quick Review: Seiko DM50S Clip Digital Metronome

Durability:
Functionality:
Ease of Use:
Value for Money:
Final Score:	95%

Seiko DM50S Clip Digital Metronome Review

I have been a runner since school days but once I crossed the age of 40s, I noticed I could not run as fast as before. Many times, I thought I ran very hard and fast but when I looked at my sport watch I realized that my timing was getting worse, and the worst of all I started having injuries, my knees hurt as well as my ankles.

When I went for my first marathon a few years back, I was so exhausted that I felt like giving up half way during the run. At the end though I completed the race, I felt so lousy. my legs were feeling so painful and the nails of two of my toes fell off a week later.

I loved running and would love to continue running till old age. With this in mind, I started to research how to run better, farther, longer and with fewer injuries. And I discovered running barefoot or with minimalist shoes was the solution.

Then I realized how importance a good running form was. I learnt from my research one of the important ways to run faster, longer, farther and with fewer injuries is to adopt the forefoot stride at a high stride rate of a minimum of 180-strides/minute. That is where a Running Metronome could help.

I did my research for the Best Running Metronome used by the elite runners and based on the recommendation made at the various runners’ forums, I found out that Seiko DM50S Clip Digital Metronome to be the best running metronome.

I bought it and have been using this Seiko metronome for running since and never look back. Running has never been so fun. Though my knee’s injuries were not fully recovered, yet I could still run with no pain doing forefoot stride and using this Seiko Running Metronome to monitor my stride rate. Amazing.

Seiko DM50S Clip Digital Metronome Review: A Must Have For People Who Want to Run Faster, Longer, Farther and With Fewer Injuries

For the why’s and how’s to run faster, longer, farther and with Fewer injuries, you can read my write up HERE.

As I have mentioned earlier, one of the keys to have a good running form is to maintain the stride rate at a minimum 180 strides/minutes. For me I noticed that after running for 1.5 miles or so, my stride rate tends to drop, in order to compensate that, I tend to lengthen my stride length. That is where running economy comes into the picture. The longer the stride length and the slower the stride rate is, more energy will be wasted. As the run continues I get tired sooner.

Using a Seiko running metronome, we can avoid making this mistake. It also helps to motivate us keep running at the pre-set stride rate even when our legs become heavy.

So why’s everyone raving about this Seiko DM50S Clip Digital Metronome?

Some of the major features of the Seiko Running Metronome is it is small, compact and with the clip-on function.

But let’s take a look at the full feature:

• Clear and Loud Sound from Diminutive Body

• Clip-Style Metronome Clips onto your shorts, shirt collars, cap and etc.

• Tempo Ranges from 30 to 250 Beats per Minute – adjustable by increments of 1′s and 10′s

• 7 Beat Accents: 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

• 3 Rhythm Accents: 8th note, triplet, 16th notes

• Tempo Indicator: Motion LCD Display + 1 LED Flashing Light

• Adjustable Volume – 4 Level Volume Control and you can even set it to silent mode

What I like about this Seiko running metronome is its user-friendliness. without reading the instruction manual which comes with it, you will be able to do all the necessary setting for your running. There are only 4 buttons; I can even change the tempo (Stride rate), the beat patterns and the volume while running. This is important to me because usually I start off with a slower pace to warm up then increase to 180-beats/minute and above.

Let’s get into the Good and the Bad about this Seiko Digital Metronome I gathered from other runners’ feedback and my personal experience.

The Good (Pros)

1. Good compact design. The Seiko DM50 Compact Metronome is lightweight

2. The volume is adjustable, and can be turned off and show LED blinks only

3. Seiko DM50 Metronome is easy to use and can be very quiet

4. It’s very small and can be clipped on to my running shorts or even hold it in my palm

5. Long battery life – After using it for more than 2 years, 5/6 hours a week, it is still going strong. There are other sport metronomes out there, but the batteries for those are not changeable and they cost more.

6. The Seiko DM50 Compact Metronome is lightweight, the cadence and volume are easily adjustable even while running in the dark. Not that it is lighted; the settings are just easily set and differentiated by feel once learned. I often change my settings while on the run with little difficulty.

This is impossible if you are using those free online Metronome download to your iPhone or Smart Phone. They are preset and you can’t adjust the tempo or rhythm while you are running.

7. This Seiko Metronome is also fairly sturdy though it is made of plastic. I have dropped mine on the concrete floor while playing with it with no damage.

The Bad (Cons)

1. The 3 tiny screws that you have to take off in order to change the battery are hard to reach.

Solution: bring the Seiko DM50 to the watch shop and the staff will be able to change the battery for you within minutes.

2. The clip can be stronger though it has not come off during my run, it might come off while jumping

Solution: Hold it if you need to jump hard

3. Seiko DM50 Metronome turns on easily

Solution: before you put it in your gym bag, keep it in the box that comes with it or any small box

4.  Seiko Running Metronome is not water-resistant

Solution: if you insist in running in heavy rain, keep the Seiko Metronome in a small Ziploc bag, but don’t forget to up the volume before you zip the bag up

Product Details of Seiko DM50S Clip Digital Metronome

• Product Dimensions: 2 x 4.7 x 2.2 inches; 2.4 ounces

• Shipping Weight: 2.4 ounces

• Item model number: DM50 / DM50S

• Batteries: 1 CR2 batteries required. (included)

Let me show you what some runners are saying about this Seiko DM50S Clip Digital Metronome

“AWESOME, keeps me in pace–helps prevent running injuries in new runners particularly!!! Use it each time I train for 5k!!!” …..Cheryl L. Howard

“This has been a fantastic tool for improving my run times! I use it in conjunction with a plan for learning how to POSE run…I love this thing, but it makes me run so hard, sometimes I hate it…” …..Heather M. Rivard

“This was exactly what I was looking for. Small, easy to use, adjustable volume. It also provides a visual indicator of the selected rhythm, if that should prove necessary. Great for the price.” …..Stephen Whitley

“I bought this metronome for athletic training, specifically running. The device is easy to use and clips on clothing or brim of a hat. The volume has five settings and unless you are in traffic, the lowest setting is sufficient. The metronome gives you immediate feedback on each stride or movement cycle and allows you to set and know your pace in advance and change your pace throughout a training run. This is an excellent training aid at a minimal cost.” …..Maurice Regan

Seiko Running Metronome Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. When the tempo set to 180 beats/minute, I find the super-fast beeping sound so irritating that it makes me go nut!

A. Divide the desired stride rate by half. For example, if you decided to run at 180 strides/minute, set the tempo to 90, and keep your right (or left) foot stride to the beat.

Q2. Some people find even the lowest volume too loud!

A1.when you clip the Seiko DM50 metronome onto your running shorts, keep the side of the speaker face towards your body (ie. facing inwards); 

A2. tape over the speaker holes located at the back of the Seiko DM50

Personal Suggestion for Seiko Running Metronome

1. The only thing that would improve the Seiko MD50 would be a headphone jack for private listening, so it would not be a nuisance to others who might be running close by.

The Verdict

Seiko DM50S Clip Digital Metronome Review – Worth The Price Tag?

Reviewed by Keith Lee

Verdict for Seioko DM50 Metronome

Final Score: 95%

A Must HAVE for people who want to run faster, longer, farther, more efficiently and with fewer injuries by adopting the correct stride length and stride rate. (Don’t forget to use forefoot stride and NOT heal-stride)

Where Can I Buy The Seiko DM50 Metronome?

You can buy this Seiko Running Metronome from Amazon. At the moment Amazon is offering a 15% to 54% discount (depends on the model) with FREE Super Saver Shipping. And from what I research when comparing prices with other online merchants, Amazon do currently have the best deal (cheapest) especially with the free shipping option.

Go Click Here to get for yourself this Seiko DM50 Mertronome because I am 100% sure you will be extremely happy when you developed high running efficiency with the help of this little running metronome.