'Road ID' Bracelet
March 31, 2010, 7:37 pm / Categories: Biking, Running
If you’ve opened a cycling magazine recently or registered for an event via Active.com, you’ve seen ads for Road ID. Often featuring Levi Leipheimer, the ads tout wearable ID bracelets displaying your name and emergency contact info. Most feature a wristband made from canvas, similar to a watchband with a medal plate with your personal details laser-engraved on for quick identification. Recently, Road ID introduced the Elite, a new model ID bracelet that is downright stylish.
I got mine a few weeks ago. With a matte black band and the stainless steel plate, it has a raw titanium look to it. You can even wear it to work if you wear cufflinks — it looks that good. And unlike the Sport model, which comes in three sizes, the Elite has an adjustable watch-style band as well as nine colors to choose from.
Initially, I was a little freaked out by the bracelet because it felt like a cross between toe tags and my insurance card. The steel plate features my first and last name, home town and state, and both a phone number and website where a First Responder could find my emergency info. To get that info, they need my serial number and pin, which is on the flipside of the bracelet.
On the site, First Responders — or anyone who has your serial number and pin number — can get access to the medical records you enter. I created my basic medical profile in about 15 or 20 minutes. The site is intuitive and easy to navigate. The cost? One year of info storage is included with the $29.99 Elite. Additional years cost between $8.49 and $9.99 depending on how many you buy.
Looking for choices? Road ID also offers a model that attaches to your running shoes, ankle bracelet, a dog tag-like model, and a shoe model with an attached pouch for keys or an emergency stash of cash.
Despite my initial hesitation, after inputting the info online, I’m feeling good about having the bracelet. After thinking it through, this is not anywhere near like a toe tag. It is more a dog tag mixed with my insurance card. Yes, that is how I can think of it!
Road ID is worth checking out for any athlete. It will probably give you peace of mind and will definitely do so for your loved ones. www.roadid.com
—Stephen Krcmar lives and plays in Mammoth Lakes, Calif.
The Road ID has the edge over the idband for the ability to be able to be updated as one moves home or the emergency contacts details change. Also, as you stated it’s not as stylish and is a lot less durable. I have had a road ID for a number of years without any sign of wear and now I have the interactive version I can make all these changes without needing to buy a new band.
RoadID wristband has a POLYPROPYLENE not canvas band…it does not rot or smell, and it has 2 reflective threads the length of it. There is also a silicone ankle band you can SWITCH the plate onto. All in all, a versatile product. Now with the ELITE, also a stylish version. My kids an I have used the for a year, running, vacations, out of the country. Peace of mind.
The interactive is a joke – all it does is build a recurring revenue stream for Road ID – do you really think a First Responder will call for your Med History when you’re laying on the ground – No they won’t. Their job is to stabilize and mobilize. So what if you have a known heart condition or allergy to latex – guess what – EMT don’t know that! Plus those ids are just big and bulky and now way would I load up my arms with that ID, plus my LIVESTRONG, plus watch. really – I’ll leave that for the “Freds”.
I agree that the interactive is not practical and most likely a revenue stream for RoadID — and a database builder. A similar and cheaper alternative is a band from crosstrainid.com. I’ve also heard that they are coming out with a watch ID in the near future – might be worth watching for it. I wear the crosstrainID while training — marathons and tri’s — makes my wife (and me) feel better knowing I have it on.
The clasp on the silicon Road ID elite band will not hold up. The first one lasted about a month and the second one which is only a couple of months old has also failed. If you are an athelete this band is not for you. If they just used a regular buckle it would be more practical.
For anyone considering the Road I.D. Elite — be very careful when cutting the strap to fit. I cut mine too short, and they won’t sell you just the silicone strap — you have to buy the strap and the buckle for about a third of the cost of the original purchase. Big waste of money, and not very good customer service.
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I suggest http://www.idband.net/index.php instead which make silicone wristbands. Not as stylish but a whole lot more practical