Polar HRM's...what the difference?

Rocking_Robin
Rocking_Robin Posts: 238 Member
edited November 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
My trainer suggests I buy a Polar HRM, which I agree that it would be helpful, but I am looking at them and can not really understand what the difference between the different models....
I want to use it whether I do cardo or strength training... HELP!!??

Replies

  • JAllen32
    JAllen32 Posts: 991 Member
    I was in the same place a few weeks back. Between the T4 and the T7, seems the difference is that the T7 has some extra bells and whistles that the T4 doesn't have. But the T4 does accurately count calories burned, so if that is all your needing, like I was, then the T4 is perfect and cheaper. I have had if for a week now, and I'm very happy with it.
  • unhinge
    unhinge Posts: 318 Member
    I have the FT7 because I have large wrists and since I was purchasing it online I wanted to make sure it would fit. I LOVE IT! It is easy to use, the chest band is comfortable and easy to put on and take off and it is washable!
  • bjfrezell
    bjfrezell Posts: 241
    If you go to the Polar web site, you can do a side by side comparison. You can also do that at heartratemonitorsusa dot com.

    I have a Polar FT7 for multiple reasons, the most being that you can check your previous training files and I can change my own batteries in it.
  • JayByrd107
    JayByrd107 Posts: 282 Member
    The reasons you cite for buying the FT7 are available for the FT4 as well.
  • Rocking_Robin
    Rocking_Robin Posts: 238 Member
    I do not care about the bells and whistle's but I would like to know the benefitsof having those.... I walk, jog, strength train, do the eliptical, spin. I hope to also swim someday too...if it would work when I do all that it would be great...i am interested in what the memory remembers...how long does it remember your workouts for, all week?
  • Prefessa
    Prefessa Posts: 90
    I did alot of homework on this...You can go cheap...but if you want the most reliable data....The cheapest you can go is the FT40....There was a MFP member who did a writeup a few years ago. You want to be able to enter your Measured VO2 Max and Your Measured HRM into the unit. If you use calculated numbers your going with the statistical average.

    The FT40 allows you to measure your VO2Max which will change as you loose weight and get fitter! And you can either measure your HR Max via a lab (Stress Test) or use an established sub maximal bench test like the Queens College Step Test develped by McKardle and Ketch. If you buy a cheaper model you are stuck with a calculated VO2 Max and a Calculated HRM (220-your age).

    The FT60 or FT80 is the same only with Bells n whistles that are intended for competative atheletes looking to enhance performance. The CS series is for cyling and has features like calculating your pace for a cycling workout....Do you need that??? Now your getting into the point of deminishing returns because the MSRP's get over 200 bucks...I think the FT80 is over 300!

    my advice is...dont go too cheap, but don't pay for stuff your wont need or use!

    ...and shop online....brick and mortar "Fitness Stores" are likely gonna charge List Price which is above MSRP.

    Just my 2 cents...It depends on what you want from the thing...if calorie burn is not of use to you...then you can go with a cheap model like the F1....If your OK with calories burned +/- 20% then go with the F4....Want the monitor to put the data onto your computer...get the F7. In theory you can possible force a measured VO2 max or HRMax or at least get closer by entering different age, or height...or weight combination that gets you there.

    The FT40 can be purchased on line for as little as110 bucks (MSRP=$179.99)
  • Rocking_Robin
    Rocking_Robin Posts: 238 Member
    bump
  • IsMollyReallyHungry
    IsMollyReallyHungry Posts: 15,389 Member
    my advice is...dont go too cheap, but don't pay for stuff your wont need or use!

    I totatlly agree with this statement Robin :) I have a older model of Polar and I love it for sure. You are not going to get a good HRM for too much less than $100. Happy shopping! I guarentee you that once you start using it you will never workout without it.
  • Mamafred
    Mamafred Posts: 196 Member
    I bought the Polar ft7 about a month ago and absolutely love it!! I decided on it over the ft4 because of the battery issue. You have to send the ft4 back to the company to get the battery changed on both the watch and the transmitter. With the ft7, you can change the battery yourself.
  • IsMollyReallyHungry
    IsMollyReallyHungry Posts: 15,389 Member
    TIP: For all Polar watches they recommend you get a dealer to change the batteries. I have a watch shop do mines for me. I have been going to him for years for all of my watches.
  • JayByrd107
    JayByrd107 Posts: 282 Member
    I bought the Polar ft7 about a month ago and absolutely love it!! I decided on it over the ft4 because of the battery issue. You have to send the ft4 back to the company to get the battery changed on both the watch and the transmitter. With the ft7, you can change the battery yourself.

    Not true. I can change the batteries on my FT4 and I am not Polar.
  • ldalbello
    ldalbello Posts: 207 Member
    I could be wrong but the t7 is the only one where you can change the battery yourself. For the t4 you have to send it to the manufacturer. That's what I heard anyway
  • katiebythebay
    katiebythebay Posts: 611 Member
    My trainer suggests I buy a Polar HRM, which I agree that it would be helpful, but I am looking at them and can not really understand what the difference between the different models....
    I want to use it whether I do cardo or strength training... HELP!!??


    Try this link....

    It explains HRM's in great detail.


    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/503543-the-real-facts-about-hrm-s-and-calories


    ~katie
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