HRM's - expensive/cheap from the UK.

strawberrygashes

I'm desperate for a HRM, I just don't trust mfp's calories burnt and think a HRM would overall improve my workouts. I'm a bit tight on cash at the minute though, I keep debating over the polar ft4, but then I am questioning if the cheaper versions will do exactly what I want at a fraction of the cost. I'm worried about investing in a polar when I know I could save money.

Does anyone have a cheaper alternative to a polar? And are you happy with it? Or have you/do you plan on buying a polar?]

I've seen one in Tesco for £20, and there is a pulse sonic one on amazon for £12.99. But again, even though they are cheaper I don't want to waste £12.99-£20 if its inaccurate.

temp666777

Strawberry, I have good news

I am an engineer that works on these sort of things. And in fact, they all use EXACTLY THE SAME computer chip and electronics!

There is a "heart rate kit" of electronics (it costs like $1) made by one or two asian companies, and in fact every heart rate monitor you buy whether it's a garmin for $500 or the cheapest unbranded one for $12 -- uses the identical components.

There is simply no difference.

The only difference might be in - say - the quality of the strap and so on. (Personally I've never found any real difference.)

Another difference could be that the different "touch bits" that touch your skin are diffrent on the different straps. Some may work better or worse. BUT this has utterly no connection to the price, they're all just randomly different depending on the shape of your ribs, etc. I've never, ever encountered one that doesn't work, so, it's no problem.

So, as a technical matter, the very cheapest one will perform identically to the most expensive - because, it's the identical chipset and resistors, etc.

Practically I have tried at least 20 different HRMs and they all work -- identically.

" I don't want to waste £12.99-£20 if its inaccurate" So fortunately, It will NOT be inaccurate. it's just a matter of the elastic strap quality etc.

I use a $500 garmin GPS-HR for running long distances, but I also have used a literally £10 hrm, and it gives identical results. (the strap happens to be more comfy for me on the cheap one as I recall !!)

Actually - it;'s exactly like buying a quartz watch. A $5000 quartz watch with diamonds etc has the IDENTICAL mechanism to a $4 quartz watch -- as you know, all quartz watches are just as accurate, does not matter if it was cheap or expensive, so that's a good analogy.

Hope it helps!!

strawberrygashes

Thank you temp!!!

I now feel like I can go for a cheaper option... I just kept thinking, if I'm strapped for cash at the moment, then it's a bit silly of me to go and buy an expensive HRM. And I was thinking that going for a cheaper model is probably a good decision for my first one (I can always buy a more pricey one at a later date)

Thanks for your advice, really appreciate it :-)

KitTheRoadie

Hi!

Take a look at this thread that's over at the Team UK group...

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/496791-hrm-12-99-at-lloyds-pharmacy

I am not sure if it's still available but Lloyds Pharmacy had an HRM on thier website and it was on sale at £12.99! Going by the chat in the thread it went down pretty well, maybe you should check that one out.

You're welcome! :happy:

strawberrygashes

Thanks for that christophe, I've just ordered one! As I scrolled down it said buy together with a blood pressure monitor for around £29 (which is what my mom has been after to keep an eye on her BP)... so I bought them both together.

Reviews seem decent and for £12.99 it's worth a shot :-) Thanks!!

rose_ruby

I have to say since buying a HRM recently, MFP seems to be pretty spot on with it's calculations!
x

thegeordielass

Thanks for that christophe, I've just ordered one! As I scrolled down it said buy together with a blood pressure monitor for around £29 (which is what my mom has been after to keep an eye on her BP)... so I bought them both together.

Reviews seem decent and for £12.99 it's worth a shot :-) Thanks!!

I got the one from Lloyds pharmacy. It seems to be OK most of the time but mine's become a bit temperamental at picking up my heart rate until I'm literally dripping with sweat (no matter how wet I get it before or where I position it). I'd also say watch out if you have issues with latex as the chest strap is latex - I didn't think this would be an issue for me until the itchy 'rash of doom' appeared.
It was an interesting experiment though to see how far out MFP and my Wii games are and to get started with a HRM. Now I'm saving up for a Polar so I can track accurately again.

militarydreams

Cheap one plus this webby gives me what I need:

http://www.shapesense.com/fitness-exercise/calculators/heart-rate-based-calorie-burn-calculator.aspx

If you know your vo2 max then there's a second calc underneath that's even more accurate.

mixedfeelings

just thought I would chip in to say I use the Lloyds one and it's been great.

Rachel_1986

i just ordered mine! been after one for ages but didnt know which one to get. thanks all

eeebee

I feel lost without my Lloyds one (which I applaud you for ordering, it is well worth the very fair price) which I have been using for a couple of months now.

I absolutely it .

strawberrygashes

Thanks for the positive reviews from those who have this one.

I did hear a couple of people had issues with an allergic reaction to the chest band, I guess ill just have to see how I go. I'm super excited to try it and see just how well I am doing. I may decide later to save up for an expensive one, but I think this will be a good option until then. I don't like spending a lot on something first time round.