Is going to buy a (polar)HRM...any suggestions???

proverbs31chick

I want to get an accurate count for how many calories I burn, soooo I saw an HRM (polar) on line from Target and the Polar website for about &69.99....

MissAnjy

i have the polar ft4 and i LOVE it

MaryDreamer

That's a very good price for a Polar. I have the F4 and so does my friend. It's regular $99 but got it on ebay for $60 including shipping.

LOVEthighSELF

I have a Polar and I love it!!! If you work out in the gym close to anyone else wearing one--- becareful sometimes you might pick up someone elses rate... used to happen to me in Spin.

proverbs31chick

Ok so what is the difference, I see F4, F7 what is the difference?

grouch201

I have the RS100 and it's a nifty little gadget. I think Polar is among the top of the heap when it comes to Heart Rate Monitors. I can't see any reason you'd regret getting one.

BrentGetsFit

Love my FT4, the FT7 has the ability to link up with your computer to transfer data. The FT4 is a little more basic.

LindaSueBakk

ft7 has a diary that records and keeps your workouts. since I record daily on MFP, I bought the ft4 and love it!

RaeannePemberton

go with the ft7 because at some point you will want to upgrade to it anyways... :-) i also have the rs300x and LOVE IT but it's only needed it you are a runner as the extra features are more geared for that thus the R and the F in FT stands more for "fitness" which is more general use... and can be used for cross training as well. you might also consider a bodybugg/bodymedia.. i blogged about this recently on my blog... "bugggin out" and "the truth about HRM" at http://payfitforward.wordpress.com

amyindm

Some of the newer Polars have a feature that makes it more difficult for the signals to get crossed among different heart rate monitors if you do a lot of group exercise, like spinning.

seckler

I just bought a polar FT4 on Friday and am soooo happy that I did. It is great actually knowing the true amount of calories burned during my workout! If you are only going to use it for this reason, you don't really need to spend more money for more features.

cmriverside

Yeah the F7 has that feature that keeps your signals from getting mixed with other users. It's only $10 more, and well worth the extra expense.

Go to Polar USA's website and you can do a side by side comparison.

Here's a really great blog post:
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Azdak/view/the-real-facts-about-hrms-and-calories-what-you-need-to-know-before-purchasing-an-hrm-or-using-one-21472

miovlb6

I got the Polar FT7 a week or two ago on sale at Amazon.com for $89 and so far I'm really happy with it.

Chuck1963

I like my Polar F11.

From the Polar website...

The F11™ is an exerciser's dream come true. A revolutionary heart rate monitor that creates a workout program to tell you how much, how hard and how long to exercise to reach your goals. The Keeps U Fit™ - Workout Program guides you to your personal goals. OwnIndex® will determine your fitness level, track your improvements, and provide motivation. The OwnCal® feature counts the calories and fat that you burn and the OwnZone® feature will automatically determine each day's target zone. The F11™ also features the WearLink Coded transmitter made from a soft, fabric material. The electrodes, which pick up the heart signals, are integrated right into the strap for added flexibility and comfort. The Coded feature eliminates interference from other heart rate monitors. The F11™ is the closest thing to having your own personal trainer.

bpayne78

Ok there's a difference between a F4/F6 and an FT4/FT6 the FT models I think are newer than the F models. I have an F6 and it was the first one in that series to have the encryption so as not to get interference (anything less than that.... F5, F4,etc.... do not). I am not familiar with the FT series models so I can't comment about those.

I agree with an earlier poster.....whichever model you get I don't think you'll be disappointed in a Polar.

EmpressOfJudgment

After reading this thread and several other reviews, I just bought the FT7. I had a hard time pulling the trigger because it is a little pricey, but I have a feeling I'm going to find it well worth the cost once I start using it.

foltzie22

I was going to go buy one 2 days ago but i had someone tell me that there not accurate....how does everyone else feel???

EmpressOfJudgment

I read a review somewhere that a guy who had had a heart attack got one and the readings were identical to the cardiac machines at the hospital. That was convincing enough for me. Well, that and all the other great reviews.

poisongirl6485

I'm glad this thread was posted so I didn't have to post one myself! I'm going to take the plunge and get a HRM and was looking at amazon. Became completely overwhelmed with just the different options offered JUST by the polar brand!!!

cmriverside

You won't go wrong with a Polar. I have a F6 I've used for several years and love it.
I also have a dive computer made by the same company and love it too.

Side-By-Side Product Comparison (POLAR only)
http://www.polarusa.com/us-en/products/compare?product1=nid_23350

Dare2BThin

I have the FT4 paid around $90.00 for it was the best investment I have made, in my weight loss journey.

ohiobluegal

I have a Polar...not sure which one....and the HR is almost always exact to the treadmills I use. The problem I have is the calorie count. My Polar is usually half of what the treadmill is. So I average the two. Any answers on this???

amyindm

I'd trust the HRM a lot more than the treadmill. The treadmill knows the average calories for someone of your size and age but they don't know how hard it really is for you to work on the machine. Someone just starting out vs. a seasoned runner on a treadmill will exert different amounts of energy I'd guess? In other words, the HRM is an estimation just like the treadmill but it seems like for cardio activity (not weight lifting or just walking around) the HRM is more accurate.

silveryflutterby

I also have the FT4. The other models have a few more bells and whistles, but the main thing i wanted was to see my calories burned and this model does that amazingly! i bought mine new from amazon for about $63 i think.

cmriverside

I have a Polar...not sure which one....and the HR is almost always exact to the treadmills I use. The problem I have is the calorie count. My Polar is usually half of what the treadmill is. So I average the two. Any answers on this???

Some treadmills don't ask for gender or age, either. Both of these make a difference in calorie burns. Use the Polar's numbers.

proverbs31chick

WOW, you guys ROCK!!! Thanks soo much for the wealth of information, that was so helpful. Can't wait to get mine!!!!

bluespring

FT60 for me
Love it.....especially the training sessions.
It appears that we all love all Polars!
:bigsmile:

proverbs31chick

Yes it sure does, and I will have my soon.

EmpressOfJudgment

WOW, you guys ROCK!!! Thanks soo much for the wealth of information, that was so helpful. Can't wait to get mine!!!!

And thanks for starting the topic! My new Polar was delivered yesterday and I can't wait to use it today.

YOGAONE

I have used Polar and Garmin HRMs, I am now using an inexpensive Timex T5G971 that I bought at Amazon for $44. I have checked it several times and found it very accurate. It lets you set your training range and beeps when you go out. If you are just starting out, try this one. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000P8VWQS Now $46