i ordered my ketostix from amazon as well - not sure if it's because i live in hawaii, but the same bottle on amazon for $8 costs $28 here. yikes!!

i used them every day when i started lc'ing years ago, and it really helped to see a visual validation of what i knew was happening (my body is eating itself!!). i fell off the wagon for a long time, and am using them as a tool to help keep me motivated.

as long as i'm not cheating, i always register high ketone levels. especially at night a few hours after exercise.

i guess it depends on your body and if you register ketones. if you don't, i can see how it can be misleadingly disappointing. just my $.02!!