Heart Rate Monitor.....

chris1529

Which one is the best BUT affordable? I was looking at the New Balance ones today at Target. I kow I should probably get the one that straps around your chest so that it continuously measures your heart rate for more accurate calorie burn.

susansil

I have always used Polars. They are accurate, reliable, sturdy and have been in the business for many, many years. You don't need all the bells & whistles included in the fancier models. No matter what you decide, I wouldn't bother with one that doesn't include a chest strap.

ChelsChubzz

im wondering the same thing, i found one at walmart for $28 , but it doesnt have a chest strap. i dont know if it'll be totally accurate though

dogacreek

I have always used Polars. They are accurate, reliable, sturdy and have been in the business for many, many years. You don't need all the bells & whistles included in the fancier models. No matter what you decide, I wouldn't bother with one that doesn't include a chest strap.

^^^^ This

lporter229

Some of the cheaper ones do not give you calorie burn, so if you want it for this purpose, you may want to check that before buying.

msleesha

I have a Polar and it is very acurate. I would definetly recommend purchasing this one. It may be more than you want to spend, but you will get your money's worth. I bought one from Wal-mart when I first started training and it was very inaccurate and gave out on me around the 3 month mark. It came with a chest strap and was $38. I paid $75 for my polar off of ebay and it was brand new. It's an FT4.

banffkid

Polars all the way....Calorie burn is very important!!!!

JDKD82199

I have a Sportline I bought at walmart several years back, it has a chest strap and gives calories burned. I have had no problems with it. Don't remember what it cost.

mariposa224

You can find Polar FT4s and FT7s for between $60-$80 online. I know that's a bit pricey for some of us, but they are very accurate and, IMO, worth saving for. I have an FT4 and LOVE it.

pearceda

I puchased a New Balance watch and heart strap. I think I got it for around $58.00 (Costco). It works great and easy to use. I would not buy one without a heart strap. I am looking at upgrading now to a full GPS/HRM watch system (Probably a Garmin), but they will cost a little more ($200-$300).

EmHorn4

I have always used Polars. They are accurate, reliable, sturdy and have been in the business for many, many years. You don't need all the bells & whistles included in the fancier models. No matter what you decide, I wouldn't bother with one that doesn't include a chest strap.

^^^^ This

Yes.... ^^^^^ THIS! I have been using a Polar HR monitor for the past 9 months and I love it. The strap is very comfortable (some brands do not have comfortable straps - ugh!) and the calorie burn appears to be fairly accurate. Polar also syncs up with a LOT of common brands found on commercial and at-home gym equipment so you can get an accurate HR showing right up on the equipment screen without having to hold onto any handles to see

mommyhof3

I have always used Polars. They are accurate, reliable, sturdy and have been in the business for many, many years. You don't need all the bells & whistles included in the fancier models. No matter what you decide, I wouldn't bother with one that doesn't include a chest strap.

^^^^ This

^^^ Me too. I have a Polar FT4 and love it

mgero212

I got mine from Best Buy and I am in love with it!

KellyKAG

I tried to cheap out and ordered a Mio with a chest strap on-line for around $40. it worked for about 2 months and the chest strap was hard plastic and REALLY uncomfortable and would rub an angry spot under my breasts. Finally broke down this weekend and bought Polar FT4 from Target for around $85 and I was shocked by how much better it worked and how much more comfortable the chest strap is. Also setting the watcher was very straight forward and way easier. Polar is pricy but I basically flushed $40 buying cheap crap the first time around.

You can find them much cheaper on-line instead of in store but I'm way to impatient and paying shipping and waiting makes me crazy!

NurseAshoRN

I have a Polar ft4...bought it from bodytronics.com on a monday and it was here by thursday. LOVE IT. very very easy to use and I don't workout without it. It was 61.88 shipping included

gwynb041109

I got mine at ****s Sporting good, it was 40 dollars and is made by cardio line I think. I like it, has the chest strap and everything

dane11235813

i have a polar ft4 and i use it most workouts, but looking back now i'd say there are other things you could spend your money on. the calorie burn it's going to give you is going to be somewhat of an estimate even with the chest strap kind.

JBennis1013

I have a polar!

shaycat

You can find Polar FT4s and FT7s for between $60-$80 online. I know that's a bit pricey for some of us, but they are very accurate and, IMO, worth saving for. I have an FT4 and LOVE it.

My Polar FT4 was $70.00. That was a lot for me, but totally worth it. I was overestimating my calories burned by so much!

TMoni14

The one at Wal-Mart isn't accurate at all. I wore that one along with the one that has a chest strap to compare. The one from Wal-Mart said I burned 36 calories, while the other read 536 calories. Save your $28.

sw0301

I have a Polar ft4...bought it from bodytronics.com on a monday and it was here by thursday. LOVE IT. very very easy to use and I don't workout without it. It was 61.88 shipping included

I also bought my Polar FT4 from bodytronics.com on Tuesday, received it Thursday, same price. LOVE IT as well!! Better than the Sportline that I had paid $120 for!

cls_333

I have a Garmin, and it's soft, comfy, and the monitor part snaps off, so you can wash the soft belt everytime you wear it (super important). Also, it has always worked the second I put it on, never have to wait to warm up or sweat, never have to use gel, and it is very accurate. About $70 bought separately (I got mine with the Garmin 410). I highly recommend it.

PrincessKittenpants

I bought my New Balance at Target and I love it!

EMagineBeingEMazing

I have a Polar ft4...bought it from bodytronics.com on a monday and it was here by thursday. LOVE IT. very very easy to use and I don't workout without it. It was 61.88 shipping included

^^^^YEP!!! (me, too!)

MrDude_1

I use only Polar... mostly because I bought mine over 5 years ago, and it still works today.

its accurate, and reliable... plus after 5 years of using it, it still looks like new and works great.. other then battery changes, I have never had an issue... no real wear or anything.

lizzzylou

bump

rjsbailey

I have a Sportline I bought at walmart several years back, it has a chest strap and gives calories burned. I have had no problems with it. Don't remember what it cost.

same here paid around $30 and it is still working great!

ChelsChubzz

The one at Wal-Mart isn't accurate at all. I wore that one along with the one that has a chest strap to compare. The one from Wal-Mart said I burned 36 calories, while the other read 536 calories. Save your $28.

oh wow!! thank you lol. ill just wait for sure!

tryinghard71

Since this was a big buy for me I must have looked at hundreds and read review after review. I went with the Polar FT40 for woman. Everything I read said if you wanted a true reading you should get one with a chest strap. So far it seems to be working pretty well.

tryinghard71

Agree with rjsbailey. If you are serious about tracking calories burned then it will be worth the extra money to get a good one.

XXXMinnieXXX

I'm in the polar camp too. Got the FT60 of ebay for £99.99. Love it sooooo much. Worth every penny! X