Recommendations for arm HR monitors

claireychn074 · May 10

Hi all,

I’ve had several fitness watches over the years and gave them up for various reasons. I don’t have an Apple Watch (and don’t want one). But I could do with a heart rate monitor for zone training / rate of exertion. Looking at the arm ones as I can’t wear one on my wrist when training (usually wear straps / tape) and I hate the ones which compress my chest. The arm sensors seem to have come on a long way and have some okay reviews. Lots to choose from, lots of apps to use with them. Any recommendation out there?

yirara · May 10

I think there are just two serious contenders, from Scosche and Polar. I've tried both brands over the years, and both are as good as the conditions you use them in. Meaning if your skin is dark or hairy then won't work well. Very fair and no hair: perfect. It's cold: they won't work quite so well because they measure blood flow through optical sensors like watches, and not some mini-ecglike chest straps do, thus they aren't quite as good anyway. Check out https://www.dcrainmaker.com/ he has tested quite a few of those over the years.