Breathalyzer Review
Doing a breathalyzer review is a big challenge when it comes to check out all the different types, models and styles of alcohol detectors available today. You find that with the fast changes in technology, it is sometimes hard to keep up with it.
First thing when looking for a personal or portable breathalyzer, there are a few key quality characteristics that separate the great models from some of the cheaper units for sale. The more digits the unit displays on the screen, the more specific the digital alcohol tester result will be.
Getting back to the breathalyzer review it may be hard to be unbiased, as most of the reviews are usually one sided. Most likely if the review looks to good (all pros) and doesn’t give some cons, the reviewer maybe only interested in getting you to buy the product so they can make a commission.
So below you will find some of the most common that I think are worth checking out. Basically there is the make, brand, model, photo, description and an approximate price for this year 2010. I have tried out a few of the different models and brands. To get an accurate idea which are the best, there would have to be some extensive testing to see which ones would come out on top. Personally with the current advancements in technology, I would suggest looking at the fuel cell alcohol analyzers.
Manufactured by AlcoMate
Description
The AlcoScan AL2500 features reliable breath alcohol testing in an ultra-portable form factor, and does not require mouthpieces. Carry the AL2500 in your pocket or purse for convenient, accurate testing on-the-go. Approved/Certified by the DOT, NHTSA and FDA. Commercial Grade.
Features
No Mouthpieces required
DOT/NHTSA Approved
FDA 510(k) Certified
Commercial Grade
Accuracy +/-0.01 at 0.10% BAC
Dimensions: 4 x 1 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 5.8 ounces
Find out more about the AlcoScan AL2500 here!
Find out more about AlcoScan AL2500 at Amazon!
Price of this unit is around $60.00 USD
Manufactured by AlcoHawk
Description
The AlcoHawk Slim, a newly-released digital breath alcohol screen-er, is a compact unit with a sleek design. Operating on a single button, simply blow into the folding mouthpiece for an accurate BAC reading in seconds.The AlcoHawk Slim includes removable mouthpiece covers that allow you to test multiple individuals in a sanitary fashion. The sleek design also makes the AlcoHawk Slim very compact and easy to carry for personal use. It is the ideal solution for someone looking for a portable tester with professional quality with a consumer design and feel. Meets DOT/NHTSA Model Specifications for Breath Alcohol Screeners and passed FDA 510k Pre-marketing clearance.
Features
Quick and accurate test results with a simple one-button operation
Electronic airflow sensor to ensure a deep lung sample for testing
0.000 – 0.400% BAC (blood alcohol concentration)
+/- 0.01% at 0.02% B.A.C. sensor accuracy
Semicoductor sensor with 2 digit display for accuracy
Dimensions: 2.4 x 0.8 x 3.9 inches
Weight: 2.2 ounces
Find out more about the AlcoHawk Slim here!
Find out more about the AlcoHawk Slim at Amazon!
Price of this unit is around $70.00 USD
BACtrack Select S30 Breathalyzer
Manufactured by BACtrack
Description
The BACtrack Select S30 is one of the most portable breathalyzers available. Because of its small size, which is less than one inch thick and 4 inches tall, it is perfect for testing anyone, anywhere and easily fits into a purse or pocket for on the go lifestyles. Simply attach a mouthpiece, blow for 5 seconds, and an estimate of Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) is displayed in seconds. The S30 uses innovative MicroCheck technology which provides trusted results even with its small size. The sleek black finish makes it attractive to use at any bar, restaurant, or anywhere alcohol is consumed. Advanced features include a test counter, low flow error detection, and a wide test range from 0.00 – 0.40% BAC.
Features
Sleek, Portable Design – only 4 inches tall and less than one inch thick!
Advanced features include test counter and low breath flow detection warning.
MicroCheck sensor technology provides trusted results
Includes BACtrack S30 Breathalyzer, 2 AAA batteries, mouthpiece adapter, 2 mouthpieces, instruction manual, one year limited warranty
Obtained FDA 510(k) Clearance
Dimensions: 1.3 x 1 x 4 inches
Weight: 1.3 pounds
Find out more about the BACtrack Select S30 here!
Find out more about the BACtrack Select S30 at Amazon!
Price of this unit is around: $70.00 USD
Manufactured by BreathKey
Description
BreathKey is the smallest and lightest breathalyzer in the world, but it is big on features and quality. Unlike other bulky breathalyzers, it easily fits on a keychain so you can take it with you wherever you go. And it is the only consumer breathalyzer at any size or price that has a fuel cell alcohol sensor, the same type that is used in police equipment. The BreathKey breath alcohol tester is FDA certified, and has a lifetime battery that is good for many years of daily use. It also has an advanced backlit display with simple plain English prompts. One button operation gives results in seconds.
Features
World’s smallest and lightest breath alcohol tester – weighs less than an ounce
The only consumer breath tester to use fuel cell sensor technology, the same type that is used in police equipment
Accuracy certified by the FDA to be +/- 0.010% at 0.080% BAC (blood alcohol content)
Lifetime battery that lasts for many years with daily use
Professional features and quality, and made in the USA
Dimensions: 2.4 x 1.4 x 0.6 inches
Weight 0.6 ounces
Find out more about the BreathKey here!
Find out more about the BreathKey at Amazon!
Price of this unit is around: $70.00 USD
AlcoMate Prestige AL6000 Breathalyzer
Manufactured by AlcoMate
Description
AlcoMate Prestige Pro AL6000 Alcohol Breathalyzer tester. Includes Breathalyzer, AA Batteries (x2), Mouthpieces (x5), Field test case, Handstrap, and User’s Manual. The AlcoMate Prestige (Model AL6000) is the newest portable breathalyzer from AlcoMate, and the company’s flagship product. It offers the latest in cutting-edge breath alcohol sensing technology as well as powerful and convenient features not available with any other product. The Prestige is used by law enforcement, clinicians, professionals and pro-sumers looking for integration with a rigorous, high-volume alcohol monitoring program. Patent-pending Pre-Calbrated Modules eliminate the need for re-calibration.
Other Information
Safety Information – AlcoMate Prestige (AL6000) is classified as a professional grade breathalyzer.
Indicators of intoxication – Slurred speech, poor coordination, cannot walk straight, embarrassing behavior, rapid eye movement, impaired attention or memory, stupor or coma, death, loss of consciousness
Directions – Blow breath only into breathalyzer for 3 to 5 seconds and view display for test results
Features
Includes breathalyzer, batteries, 5 mouthpieces, handstrap, and heavy duty carry case.
1 year warranty
Color may vary
Semiconductor-oxide sensor
1 pre-installed Sensor Module
Weight: 13 ounces
Find out more about the AlcoMate Prestige AL6000 here!
Find out more about the AlcoMate Prestige AL6000 at Amazon!
Price of this unit is around: $140.00 USD
AlcoHawk Pro Digital Alcohol Detector
Manufactured by AlcoHawk
Description
Designed for maximum accuracy – used by hospitals, schools, and law enforcement as an alcohol screening device. The AlcoHawk Pro is one of the most accurate semiconductor-oxide breathalyzers available. This new model takes a deeper breath sample from subjects and provides more accurate results than similar models. This model is trusted by many professional organizations for employee screening, emergency room care, and roadside testing. The semiconductor sensor accuracy is ±0.01%BAC at 0.10% BAC and is DOT / NHTSA approved as an alcohol screening device. The AlcoHawk Pro is also 510(k) Certified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The AlcoHawk Pro now includes innovative FlowCheck technology. An important aspect of breath testing is ensuring that subjects blow a large volume of air through the tester. FlowCheck will verify that enough air has been blown through the AlcoHawk Pro before displaying a test result. If the FlowCheck engages and recognizes that not enough air was blown, an error message will be displayed and a retest should be performed.
Features
Includes 5 mouthpieces, carrying case, wrist strap, battery, car adapter, instructions, zipper bag, one-year warranty and official retail box
Single button operation
Features FlowCheck breath monitoring system for maximum accuracy
Used by police, clinics, schools, concerned parents, employers and also used for personal use
DOT / NHTSA approved, and by FDA
Dimensions: 5 x 1 x 2 inches
Weight: 14.4 ounces
Find out more about the AlcoHawk Pro here!
Find out more about the AlcoHawk Pro at Amazon!
Price of this unit is around: $160.00 USD
Manufactured by BACtrack
Description
The new 2010 BACtrack S75 Pro breathalyzer is a stunning mix of accuracy, affordability, and style. The S75 has been designed to reduce unnecessary size and weight, while maintaining all the accuracy benefits of a full-sized Fuel Cell based breathalyzer, which is the technology police use. The generous use of sleek, rounded edges allows the product to effortlessly fit into the palm of your hand. This eliminates the potential for drops, and also makes it easier to press the Start and Mode buttons during testing. The BACtrack S75 Pro also uses a new designed front facing mouthpiece. The front-facing mouthpiece has been designed to make self-testing incredibly easy. There is no reason rotate, twist, or turn the product after the initial countdown. Instead, a user can watch the screen and simply move the product forward towards the mouth when the countdown reaches zero. This helps eliminate flow errors – where a user does not blow quickly enough after the countdown. And because the BACtrack S75 Pro is priced aggressively and has obtained FDA 510(k) clearance, this professional technology is now directly available for both consumer and professional use.
Features
Uses Police-grade Xtend Fuel Cell Sensor technology for consistently accurate results from 0.000 – 0.400 %BAC
Front facing mouthpiece dramatically improves ease-of-use
Sleek, rounded edges maximize style and comfort
Xtend Fuel Cell sensor technology not susceptible to false positives from low calorie diet or diabetes
FDA 510(k) cleared, and trusted by professionals
Dimensions: 2 x 1 x 4.8 inches
Weight: 9.6 ounces
Find out more about the BACtrack S75 Pro here!
Find out more about the BACtrack S75 Pro at Amazon!
Price of this unit is around: $200.00 USD
AlcoMate Premium AL7000 Breathalyzer
Manufactured by AlcoMate
Description
The AlcoMate Premium is a powerful, reliable and easy-to-use breathalyzer that calculates %BAC from a breath sample. The Premium features patent-pending PRISM technology (replaceable sensors) in order to avoid the cost and time of traditional mail-in calibration service, as well as an Easy-Replace Sensor Panel that makes swapping modules easier than ever. With a compact and modern design, the Premium can handle your personal and/or professional breath alcohol testing needs in a convenient, ultra-portable package.
Other Information
Safety Information – Please wait 20 minutes after eating or drinking before using the breathalyzer.
Directions – 1. Install Batteries and attach mouthpiece. 2. Press Power Button to begin warmup countdown. 3. After countdown completes, “blow” will show in the display. 4. Blow steadily into the mouthpiece until the long beep ends (about 4~5 seconds). 4. Breathalyzer will analyze sample for several seconds, then show the calculated %BAC reading in the display. 5. Device turns off automatically after approximately 10 seconds.
Features
DOT/NHTSA Approved
FDA 501(k) Pending
No calibration (PRISM technology)
Law Enforcement Grade
Accuracy +/-0.01 at 0.10% BAC
Dimensions: 9.5 x 5 x 1.5 inches
Weight: 9.1 ounces
Find out more about the AlcoMate Premium AL7000 here!
Find out more about the AlcoMate Premium AL7000 here at Amazon!
Price of this unit is around: $210.00 USD
BACtrack Select S80 Professional Breathalyzer
Manufactured by BACtrack
Description
The BACtrack Select S80 is a professional breathalyzer that quickly estimates blood alcohol content (BAC). The S80 is the perfect choice for law enforcement, hospitals, clinics, businesses, and for personal use anytime fuel cell accuracy is required. The advantages of the S80’s Xtend fuel cell technology are numerous. First, the S80 provides 4 digit test results that can pickup trace amounts of alcohol – for example, 0.002 %BAC. This is helpful in zero-tolerance environments where subjects may have had only a small amount of alcohol. Next, the Xtend fuel cell technology extends the range of accuracy all the way from 0.000 – 0.400. Because the S80 shows a linear response to measured alcohol, the S80 will provide more accurate results over the complete range of alcohol concentrations. The benefit of the S80’s Xtend technology also applies to the life of the sensor. The S80 has an extended sensor life as compared to standard semiconductor-based breathalyzers, and will require less frequent service and maintenance. Finally, the Xtend technology also extends the use-able battery life up to 1500 tests per set of AA batteries. The S80’s Xtend sensor technology is unlike any other available, and is worth the upgrade. Don’t purchase a novelty breathalyzer that may not provide trusted results. Go with what the Pros use. The BACtrack Select S80 has been tested by the DOT/NHTSA and meets their requirements for a breath alcohol screening device. The S80 is also FDA 510(k) cleared for personal use.
Features
Crisp 4 digit LCD display provides easy, accurate results, test results in extended accuracy format
One button operation – press power and begin testing in seconds
Mouthpieces are individually wrapped for safe storage prior to first use
Provides enhanced linear accuracy and extended battery life
For continuous temperature checking, user-adjustable warning levels, and internal pump system for breath capture
Dimensions: 2.3 x 0.8 x 4.8 inches
Weight: 11.2 ounces
Find out more about the BACtrack Select S80 here!
Find out more about the BACtrack Select S80 at Amazon!
Price of this unit is around: $250.00 USD
AlcoTector Fuel Cell Breathalyzer
Manufactured by AlcoTector
Description
AlcoTector WAT90 is a State of the Art instrument that uses electrochemical fuel cell to measure BAC. Designed for the Police, Gov`t and professionals, breathalyzer has 4 digit BAC display. Great for the Agencies that want EXACT measurements every-time!
Other Information
Safety Information – AlcoTector is classified as a `Law Enforcement Grade` breathalyzer.
Indicators of Intoxication – Slurred speech, poor coordination, cannot walk straight, embarrassing behavior, rapid eye movement, impaired attention or memory, stupor or coma, death, loss of consciousness
Directions – Blow breath only into breathalyzer until results are displayed
Features
Exact BAC measurement
0.001% Accuracy
Law Enforcement Grade Breathalyzer
Fuel Cell Sensor
State of the art instrument
Weight: 11 ounces
Find out more about the AlcoTector Fuel Cell at Amazon!
Price of this unit is around: $400.00 USD
