In our 2017 Gear Guide issue (April/May), our editors tested and reviewed a variety of breathalyzers. Here are the results.
AlcoHawk PT500
Test lab notes
Design: A sturdy, self-contained unit, the PT500 (above, center) is battery-powered with a large bright orange LCD screen. The interface was simple to use and the unit was fairly quick to operate once it was turned on.
Performance: We tested all three breathalyzers against a standard police-issue Intoximeter Alco-Sensor FST (retail price about $600) to provide a baseline of performance. The PT500 tracked within range at lower levels of intoxication—it was dead-on at the .011 sample and only low by .003 at the second sample at .028. However, that gap widened as our test subject’s blood-alcohol level rose, and it was off by .005 at the third sample and was low by .024 at the fourth sample (taken at .087). This gap was unacceptable, and as a result we cannot recommend this unit.
Scorecard
Easy to Use? X
Easy to Sanitize? X
Build Quality?
Enjoyment?
High Value?
Price: $149.99
Manufacturer: AlcoHawk
Available from: breathalyzers.com
AlcoHawk Ultra Slim
Test lab notes
Design: The AlcoHawk Ultra Slim (above, left) is a simple, straightforward standalone breathalyzer that fits nicely in a purse or pocket. There is no complicated interface, just an LED that shows your blood alcohol number and a single button, but it uses the same disposable plastic mouthpieces as its big brother, the PT500.
Performance: For the price, we expected accuracy without any additional bells or whistles. Unfortunately, that accuracy proved to be lacking, as the Ultra Slim was off by a very significant margin at every reading. It was high by .012 at our second reading at .028, it was high by .035 at our third reading at .045, and it was high by .053 at our fourth reading at .087. While we appreciated it erring on the side of caution, this inaccuracy means we cannot recommend it.
Scorecard
Easy to Use? X
Easy to Sanitize? X
Build Quality?
Enjoyment?
High Value?
Price: $59.99
Manufacturer: AlcoHawk
Available from: breathalyzers.com
BACtrack Mobile Pro
Test lab notes
Design: The micro USB-charged BACtrack Mobile Pro (above, lower right) requires a smartphone to operate, so don’t run your battery down while you’re out drinking. The app is well-designed with an easy-to-use interface and nice features such as a trend line that will predict when you’ll be able to safely drive as well as direct links to Über so you can call a car if you can’t wait.
Performance: The BACtrack was the most accurate of any of the units, reading only .001 off at the first sample, dead-on at the second, .004 high at the third, .003 low at the fourth (.087), and then reading .01 low as the subject’s blood-alcohol level rose well above the legal limit at the fifth sample (.149). Because it was acceptably accurate through the legal limit where we would cease driving, we do recommend it.
Scorecard
Easy to Use? X
Easy to Sanitize? X
Build Quality?
Enjoyment? X
High Value?
Price: $99.99
Manufacturer: BACtrack
Available from: bactrack.com
Recall Notice
We last tested breathalyzers in our August-September 2015 issue and in that test found the Breathometer smartphone breathalyzer (above, upper right) to not function correctly or accurately. As a result, we did not recommend it. Recently, the company has reached a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission and has agreed to refund all purchasers of the now-discontinued model. For more information about the recall and settlement, see the FTC’s press release at: www.ftc.gov/news-events/press-releases/ 2017/01/breathometer-marketers-settle-ftc-charges-misrepresenting-ability