Polar F1 HRM on craigslist - Should I buy it?

sambo155

I found a Polar HRM on craigslist for $10. The listing says, "Polar Fitness heart rate monitor. Never used. May need battery. Sells new for $50. $10 takes it." There is a photo of it in the box. I sent an email asking for the model and he said it's an F1. I did some research online and found that it's an older model but the reviews were all positive. I did read 1 review that said that they recommend that you send it in to Polar to have the battery changed. Then I read that the battery is a CR2032. I looked that up and you can get them at Walmart for a couple of bucks. My guy works in a battery store so I feel confident that he can change it.

What do you guys think? Should I get it?

RainbowPearl

Not 100% positive. You should google it. If I remember right. It does not calculate calories burned. Get an FT4. they calculate and work great. IMHO.

Josie_lifting_cats

That one doesn't have a chest strap and I believe the previous post is correct, doesn't calculate calories burned. I don't think it will work well for what you are looking for. Also some older models you have to send it in to get a new battery, you can't replace it yourself. Hope that helps!

morkiemama

I believe the older models of Polars need to be sent in for battery replacement. They now make Polar models where the battery is customer replaceable and it is labeled as such. I imagine you have to majorly crack open the old ones to change them and it is not advised.

I think the older models also do not give you calories burned and would just track your heart rate. I am sure you can do a Google search on the F1 and see what features it actually has and see if that would work for you. If another poster was correct and it does NOT have a chest strap, I would not recommend it. HRMs without chest straps have been known to be wildly inaccurate.

Bookers23

I agree with the previous posts. You really want a chest strap and ability to calculate calories. I have had several and find Suunto to be the most accurate. Has awesome features and can fine tune to your lifestyle. The T3d is a great intro monitor with great features. Good luck!

TammyLynne71

I have a T-31 that I got fairly cheap at the sporting good store. I always change the battery myself.

NatalieWinning

Yeah, you want a 4 or 7. That has chest strap and you can change the battery without buying a whole new "strap". That has more lasting value. Not sure about the calories part because I haven't looked back at the differences between ranks of polar HRM. I know when I started looking I came to the conclusion that for my money I needed to get at least the "4". But, I did get mine off e-bay for half price of retail. And it was new. So keep searching!

sambo155

Thanks, guys! I didn't even realize in my internet research that it doesn't track calories. Whew! Glad I checked with you guys first!
:flowerforyou:

josery1630

Just FYI, if you have someone other than a Polar authorized dealer change the battery, you void the warranty if something happens and it leaks and gets ruined. I've had mine for several years and have only had to change the battery once. Since I swim with mine, I didn't want to take the chance that it would get ruined, so I sent it in. It wasn't that expensive.