HRM's

barticus73

I am looking to get a polar Heart Rate Monitor and am torn between a couple different models and looking for some advice from expirienced users. Polar WearLink®+ transmitter with Bluetooth that uses an Android phone with different apps vs the standard Polar FT4/FT7 styles. I already have an android phone so was wondering if anyone has any input on the bluetooth models firstoff? I did a search but information seems to be pretty limited on this model.

Here is a link to the Polar WearLink®+ transmitter with Bluetooth:
http://www.polar.fi/en/products/accessories/Polar_WearLink_transmitter_with_Bluetooth

Thanks alot.

cardbucfan

I have the FT4 and don't know anything about the models with Bluetooth. What is the benefit? What do you want to use your HRM for? I only needed it for keeping an eye on my heart rate while working out and knowing my calorie burn so it's perfect for me and I don't need any of the other bells and whistles.

kissedgrafixx

I don't have any of the ones you mentioned (sorry) but I do have the Polar FT60 that I got for Christmas. It works perfect for me. I'm just interested in my weekly goal that the watch sets for me, and my calorie burn. It does what I need it to. Like cardbucfan mentioned, it depends on what you're expecting from your HRM to determine what's best for you.

barticus73

My concern with the wrist watch versions is whether it will be bothersome while working with free weights, etc.

caitlinsmum

I have a Polar FT4F and a garmin forerunner. The chest strap on the polar is comfier in mu opinion. The watch has never bothered me during any of my workouts...

samtrois

I also have a couple of questions on these devices..

Ive seen that the wearlink+ is compatible with most (maybe all?) of the watches they also offer [FT80G1, FT80, FT60 G1, FT60, FT40, FT7, FT4, FS3C, FS2C, FT2, FT1, F6, F7, F11, F55, RS400SD, RS400, RS300X SD, RS300X G1, RS300X, RS200, RS100, CS400, CS300, CS200CAD, CS200 CS100, CS100B]

Does this mean that they use bluetooth to transmit to the watch.

Could I buy an FT7 and use the chest strap with either the watch, or Android phone (endomondo)

queenbcronen

I also have a couple of questions on these devices..

Ive seen that the wearlink+ is compatible with most (maybe all?) of the watches they also offer [FT80G1, FT80, FT60 G1, FT60, FT40, FT7, FT4, FS3C, FS2C, FT2, FT1, F6, F7, F11, F55, RS400SD, RS400, RS300X SD, RS300X G1, RS300X, RS200, RS100, CS400, CS300, CS200CAD, CS200 CS100, CS100B]

Does this mean that they use bluetooth to transmit to the watch.

Could I buy an FT7 and use the chest strap with either the watch, or Android phone (endomondo)

good question. I was thinking of purchasing one soon and this would be helpful info. :happy:

michalebsdad

I have a Polar FT4 (personally don't need the extra bells and whistles of the T7). I love it. I wear the chest strap and watch and it doesn't bother me a bit when it comes to cardio, heavy lifting or even when I am hiking the beautiful Oahu Mountains on the weekends! I am not interested in the fitbit...no interest in doing any kind of sleep study on myself. You will find that that is way more accurate than the calories burned listed on this site.

giantruss

I have a garmin 910xt and love it for running and general cardio, general lifting but sometimes i remove it for heavy lifts, push ups etc.

i still leave the chest strap on so i can monitor heart rate and record the workout, but just find it's in the way for some things.

p.s i have a fit bit and it is very good but i much prefer my heart rate/gps monitor

dad106

My concern with the wrist watch versions is whether it will be bothersome while working with free weights, etc.

You shouldn't actually wear HRM's while strength training because the number given won't be accurate as HRM's are made to used during steady state cardio only.. with that being said though, I wear mine during sessions with free weights to keep an eye on heart rate, and I've never had any problems with the watch interfering. Just remember to take your calorie burns with a grain of salt.

To answer your question though, I'm not sure about bluetooth ones.. I use a Polar FT60 with a normal strap, and it works fine for all that I need it to do.

samtrois

I sent an email to Polar asking if any of their watches supported bluetooth mode for use with android phones and they said no.

They said I would need to purchase a watch/HRM along with the bluetooth HRM if I wanted to be able to use both.