Heart Rate Monitors?

puddle140

I'm looking into getting a heart rate monitor and I want to know opinions on which is the best one, where to get them, and how much $?

arewethereyet

Polar F6 by far the best! (IMHO)

if not then look for:
chest strap is a must
one that shows you HR, Max HR and calories burned.

I love the feature on mine that shows me what I have done for the week, month and I think it goes back 6 months. It is supposed to sink with the computer, but I was never able to do so, but that was not important to me.

I wasted money on a couple before I heard about the F6 and other Polar products. Even my trainer has one

bluespring

I've been checking them too.
They are a little pricey...
I'm torn between the Polar FT40...and the Polar FT60.
Amazon has them both for a good price.
Any problems wearing the chest strap?
Thanks.
Blue

cousinjenn

I agree with the Polar F6! Chest strap is comfortable and it is coded so it won't interfere with or get interference from other HRMs. Also, at my gym (and I have read most others) all of the cardio machines link up to Polar so I can see my heart rate right on the screen. Polar also has a nice website where you can upload your data from your watch (wirelessly) and look at your progress. Price will be about $125 if you can find a deal.

dbower18

I use a NIke trax C6. It works OK and you change batteries without an Act of Congress

Consumer Reports lists this as a best buy:

http://www.amazon.com/Timex-T5G971-Unisex-Personal-Monitor/dp/B000P8VWQS/ref=sr_1_1?m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1296308833&sr=1-1

I'll probably get one when the Nike goes.

ForTheFam

After weeks of research I bought the Polar FT40 off Amazon for $112 w/ free shipping. The PolarUSA website has a good way of refining your search for the features that meet your needs. Have fun.

bluespring

Did you also buy the Flow Link?
I know you need one to access the Polar website. But...is it a "must" purchase?
Thanks again.

arewethereyet

Did you also buy the Flow Link?
I know you need one to access the Polar website. But...is it a "must" purchase?
Thanks again.

I will check that out. I have had mine for 3 years and switched out the chest strap for the one that comes with it automatically now. Better designed and blocks the other HRMs. I love that I can see my HR on the machine. My Trainer has the watch so she can see my HR as we work out.

Can you tell I love my HRM

WarmDontBurn

I had the Polar F7 and just bought the Polar FT4 on ebay for $49.99 BNIB.

LOVED my F7 but it was the one where you couldn't change the batteries without sending it away.

forever28

Polar F6 by far the best! (IMHO)

if not then look for:
chest strap is a must
one that shows you HR, Max HR and calories burned.

I love the feature on mine that shows me what I have done for the week, month and I think it goes back 6 months. It is supposed to sink with the computer, but I was never able to do so, but that was not important to me.

I wasted money on a couple before I heard about the F6 and other Polar products. Even my trainer has one

Love my F6 too!!

ForTheFam

Did you also buy the Flow Link?
I know you need one to access the Polar website. But...is it a "must" purchase?
Thanks again.

I read a few comments that the flow link wasn't worth it. I didn't get it...I can only handle so much info at a time...:drinker:

NanBar

I have the F6- best money my hubby ever spent on me! I love it!

bluespring

I bought the FT60.....without the flow link.
Can't wait to give it a try!
Thanks all.
Blue

BryanAir

I have the garmin forerunner 305 which is currently $129 at amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-Receiver-Heart-Monitor/dp/B000CSWCQA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1296351971&sr=8-1

It isn't the correct choice for everyone, but if your exercise consists of biking, running, or walking outdoors it is great. It has a built in GPS, so you can download your workouts, see the route you took as well as your speed and heart rate at any particular time.

Wiitabax

If you've got an iPhone, there's a new 'app' just out that works similar to a hospital pulse-oximeter - it's only £0.59 (which is $1 I think) - you can use it before/after training, so although not constantly monitoring it's a great little tool to use.

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/instant-heart-rate-measure/id395042892?mt=8