HRM questions

blonditz

I've been researching and I think I'm leaning towards the Polar FT4.

Is this a decent budget pick if I'm mostly looking to track calories burned?

This one doesn't sync to your phone, just the watch, right? I usually leave my phone in the locker room, I have no issues manually entering later.

How long does the chest strap stay wet? I usually change into workout clothes before I leave the house. Drop the kids off at school, drive to the gym, drop the toddler off at the gym daycare, then workout. Am I going to have to wet or re-wet it at the gym?

Where does the chest strap lay in relation to a sports bra strap? I finally found a sports bra I like after a lot of trial and error. It's an underwire and fits pretty snug in the band. I'm worried that the HRM strap will change the way the bra fits, especially since I'm big chested with a short torso.

cajunbandmom

I started with the FT4 and loved it in fact my work out buddy still uses mine. I now use the H7 I think it is. I wet the strap at work tuck it up right under my sports bra band because that is where I like it. I wear VS underwire sports bra. I am not chest heavy. It takes me about 20 to 30 mins before I start my work out and have little problems with connecting.

Good luck

dixiewhiskey

Good for your budget, not the best Polar model out there. In my experience, the calories it claimed I burned were really high. I would spend a few extra bucks and pick up something else that isn't the Polar FT4 or FT7. Neither model sync to your phone.. I wear my strap underneath my breasts.. the strap is not really what you have to have major concern over. The only annoying thing is the sensor which can be tricky to position without making it pop off the strap and making the bra feel awkward.

I would just wet it when you get to the gym

blonditz

Thanks

blonditz

Good for your budget, not the best Polar model out there. In my experience, the calories it claimed I burned were really high. I would spend a few extra bucks and pick up something else that isn't the Polar FT4 or FT7. Neither model sync to your phone.. I wear my strap underneath my breasts.. the strap is not really what you have to have major concern over. The only annoying thing is the sensor which can be tricky to position without making it pop off the strap and making the bra feel awkward.

I would just wet it when you get to the gym

What do you recommend then?

buzybev

I have a FT4. Works well for me and I have yet to have a problem with the chest strap not connecting. I have had it pop off a couple of times during workouts but that was due to weight loss and me being lazy and not tightening it when I needed to. From my understanding, the number given is a "gross" amount of calories burned, so I always convert the number it gives me to the net amount actually burned using an online calculator off shape sense. Hopefully this makes sense!

will2lose72

Polar makes a blue tooth strap (H7) that will synch to a phone with an updated bluetooth and appropriate IOS. Works with Iphone 4S, the 5's, and for Android you need 4.3 or better. Then you get the Polar Beat app which is free.

I like it...but unfortunately I bought it before realizing I wouldn't be able to update my Android version until Samsung decides to let me. I have used it with my kids phone and it works great.

mariposa224

I have the FT4 and I like it. I haven't found it to be overestimating for me. When I went to Zumba class I would wet it before I left my house, which was about 30 minutes before the class and never had issues. I wear a VS underwire sports bra and I actually wear the chest strap directly under the band on my bra. Not under the bra itself, but if you were to look at me in the sports bra & the strap, you would see the bra, then the strap, then my torso, then my shorts, etc.

mbz0616

I have had the FT7 for a couple of years now. The batteries seem to last a long time. I wear it only when I work out, under the band of my sports bra. The strap is comfortable and adjustable. (It's satisfying when you can shorten the strap another inch - you know your workouts are effective!)