Heart Rate Monitor Question??

cjshimkus

Can anyone recommend a good, relatively inexpensive heart rate monitor? I would like to stay under $100 and I also do not want to wear a chest strap. Thanks!

ddiestler

I just purchased and am using the Polar FT4 but it comes with a chest strap. Honestly, I've researched and heard the ones with the strap are far more accurate. I don't even know its on..if that helps. My only regret, NOT getting one a year ago when I started working out.

Dawn

dad106

Unfortunately, if you want it to be accurate in counting calories.. then you need a chest strap. The ones without are not accurate because it only gets a heart rate reading when you put your finger on the sensor.. and unless you plan on standing with one finger on the sensor at all times, you need a chest strap.

Polar is the best brand.. FT4 or FT7 should suit you.

Strawberry34

I'm also going to buy my first HRM this week.....and I've been doing some research on them. A LOT of people are recommending the Polar ft 4 and Polar ft 7. After reading reviews on them, I think I've decided on this one.....http://www.amazon.com/Timex-Personal-Trainer-Heart-Monitor/dp/B005CP8Z3C/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2CT8XEJZ3W0N2&colid=3HT2EY6QHWGCC

cjshimkus

Thanks for all the advice. I think I am going to go with the Polar FT4.

crawpapa

Before you purchase, check out some other brands. I couldn't stand the looks of Polar, and went with a Garmin....I don't run or need to know the route and mileage or anything, but it was much better for me than a Polar would have been. I think Nike also has some decent ones. Agree with everyone that you will have to get the chest strap. I didn't want one either until I learned the ones without a chest strap only read HR when you have your fingers on the face of the watch. Can't exactly do that when you are working out.

dad106

I'm also going to buy my first HRM this week.....and I've been doing some research on them. A LOT of people are recommending the Polar ft 4 and Polar ft 7. After reading reviews on them, I think I've decided on this one.....http://www.amazon.com/Timex-Personal-Trainer-Heart-Monitor/dp/B005CP8Z3C/ref=wl_it_dp_o_npd?ie=UTF8&coliid=I2CT8XEJZ3W0N2&colid=3HT2EY6QHWGCC

NO! Don't get this one! It is crap and does not estimate calories well at all!

Please reconsider Polar.. you'll be much better off!

debgcook

I had the PFT4 and hated it. It wud not do my calories correctly or even give it. Had a friend help and still was not doing right. Too much money when I only wanted something simple not all those file and whistle and bels stuff.

RedWeb

I had the PFT4 and hated it. It wud not do my calories correctly or even give it.

Polar is an excellent brand. If you had an FT4 which didn't give calories then you were either not using it properly or it was broken. If it was the latter you should have sent it back. I have an FT7 and have no complaints so far.

paulwgun

Go with the FT4 i think mine is brilliant and it also links up to gym equipment that i use

If you have a smart phone and run outside then runkeeper (free app) will track for you :bigsmile:

debgcook

I am looking for something more simple. I don't want anything with "laps" on it. I have tried many so far and getting very frustrated. I just want it to have WEIGHT, DOB, AGE, Training to turn on then track the calories when I am in spnning or cardio classes. I don't need files.
Any reccamendation?

JustJennie1

With the HRM's that calculate calories do you put in ALL your stats: height, weight, age, target heart rate, sex, etc. to get an "accurate" reading? My guess is that if you don't then it's a bogus calorie burn based on the 150lb male that they typically use.

I've thought about getting one but I've heard that they're not that accurate.

RedWeb

I am looking for something more simple. I don't want anything with "laps" on it. I have tried many so far and getting very frustrated. I just want it to have WEIGHT, DOB, AGE, Training to turn on then track the calories when I am in spnning or cardio classes. I don't need files.

If you have a Polar FT4 or FT7 you press a button to start monitoring and press a button to stop. This will then show the calories burned. Not sure what you mean by "laps". The watch will store all your training sessions as individual files so you can look back through them. You are also able to download to the Polar website to view online. If you can work a basic digital watch you can work a Polar HRM.

ladybug1620

Go with Polar. And yes, you need a chest strap.

alikrorp225

I am looking for something more simple. I don't want anything with "laps" on it. I have tried many so far and getting very frustrated. I just want it to have WEIGHT, DOB, AGE, Training to turn on then track the calories when I am in spnning or cardio classes. I don't need files.

If you have a Polar FT4 or FT7 you press a button to start monitoring and press a button to stop. This will then show the calories burned. Not sure what you mean by "laps". The watch will store all your training sessions as individual files so you can look back through them. You are also able to download to the Polar website to view online. If you can work a basic digital watch you can work a Polar HRM.

Thank you for your input. I'm also looking for a good heart rate monitor. I will definitely look into Polar. Thanks again!

rhosherratt

I have the Polar FT4 also, I've only had it 5 days but I love it. The chest strap is fairly comfortable, I rarely notice I have it on during my workout. I purchased mine from www.bodytronics.com for $62. I ordered it Friday morning and it was in my mailbox Monday afternoon.

ivonne56

Polar and they are inexpensive and AWESOME!!

ThinMint_Stac

I love my Polar FT4!!! It helps so much with pushing myself harder:-)