Extech Exstik Waterproof PH100 Pocket pH Tester

Comments about Extech PH100 Exstik Waterproof Pocket pH Tester:

Great waterproof pH meter with sealed electrode. {there is a model with a refillable electrode but I haven't tried it} Can measure 1 ml quantities of liquid up to a hot tub (100*F). No glass electrode to break. No filling the electrode. Measures pH of semi-solid surfaces (agar). Used this for a total of 7 years in my Research and Clinical microbiology labs. Lasts about 2-3 years with moderate use, so it is short lived, but the price is right. The replacement electrode is half the price of the whole unit and you never know if it is the electrode or circuit board that is bad. Cheaper to buy a whole new meter. Highly accurate to 2 decimals and gives temperature readout as well. Bought one off a famous internet site for home use on my Spa. The first one I received wouldn't calibrate so I sent it back for replacement. The replacement item I received works great. [I mention this because it was a common complaint about this item.] Others complained that calibration was difficult but they probably didn't read the instruction manual before use!!! Calibrations are automatic so no major hassle. The biggest problem - so small that it easily goes missing in the laboratory. Usually in someone's pocket. No major education involved - just 2-5 minutes and your measuring pH. So much better than any of the pH pens, etc., that I have purchased before. They were delicate and didn't last a year and were far from accurate. I like the Exstik much better than a bench top pH meter which uses glass electrodes that are a headache and difficult to maintain. Take it with you- it's extremely tough and durable for the field. It has a protective end cap to protect the electrode. So what if the half-life is 2 years, at the price, one could buy a couple of back ups and spend no where near what a large, bulky pH meter costs. I tried several other hand-held (more expensive) meters that were toys in comparison, and finally found the Exstik 100. It is a professional meter giving professional results. Will (EX) stick with it. Good product for home, field, and lab.