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Noob impressions with test strips versus Taylor

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bachman:
I've been pretty excited to see the basis for my water testing has proven to be pretty simple and numbers seem safe but I know the reputation test strips have versus test kits.
The kit I have is the Taylor K-1004 so it's limited in what it covers and I guess I'll see about getting the other stuff to add to it but for the first test and deciding to run it against the strips;

Bromine showed higher on the strip at 10 or possibly a shade higher where the Taylor kit shows it 2 to 4. I'm happy the more accurate rated kit has the numbers more to my liking and can see the problem if adjusting by reading off strips.

TA read low on the strip and the Talyor kit both, within 10 ppm of each other in the 40 ppm neighborhood.

Test strip ph was low in the 6.2 vicinity but the drop kit showed 7.2

Curious if this matches others results. I'll review the other recommended kits to see what I'm missing or what else is important aside from water hardness.

In my case, I have no idea if the spa frog mineral cartridge was still effective or not so I now have a new one in and the bromine as well at recommended settings. I'm hoping these work as stated and are effective and easy on the chemistry needs and drama and  have read good reviews and those that question if it's working. I'm hoping a 3 - 4 month use ought to enable a subjective test anyways.
Since I don't know how to add a signature, I'll include my tub info in case it's relevant to some posts. I think I've seen that option used in such cases....

Pre-owned 2004 Marquis Reward Silver Anniversary set at 102*, inline spa frog as mineral/bromine + an assortment of Leisure Time products / Colorado Springs USA

Michael Russell:
I have been avoiding ordering a test kit and trying to survive with just strip. So far I have not had any water issues as far as I know. Things seem to be decent, just trying to dial in my bromine levels which are yo-yo'ing. For the ease of the strips if I am not having problems I will stick with them.

That said my inner geek who loves learning new things wants to order a kit so I can make a science out of it :-)

bachman:
I hear ya. 
The strips felt like it was keeping it simple yet I probably didn't spend 5 more minutes in testing the three parameters the kit does. Readings are easier to define and in tighter increments rather than broad ranges. I find that a plus.

In yours and my case, we were happy with the results as far as we knew them to be accurate and if no rash, itching or general weirdness, may be okay.  :)
As you see by my result, the kit did prove it's worth giving different readings that are easy to see distinctions and accuracy scale is better defined. Not to mention, I'd have been adding chemicals to false readings the strips were showing. Yo Yo'ing is a probable result I'd have run into and now I'm saving some chemical use I didn't actually need.

I truly think the tighter numbers you run by using a more accurate test, the easier it's all going to be for maintaining and the less over-run you will have with chemical use.  (I'm guessing savings of time, stress and product  $.00 in the long run).

Tman122:
I always kept both. Strips for quick sanitizer checks and test kit for a more detailed monthly check.

bachman:
I've inherited a 2 year supply of test strips and happy to have and use. Good to hear some confidence in them for those in the biz so-to- speak.  I like the idea they are 'good enough' in many cases because I value the quick and simple. Strips should provide some trending info inbetween as well.

I've got so much to learn, I'll continue reminding folks everything I mention or learn is from the new to tubs perspective. 

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