HRMs

Dad_of_3

I have gone through the forums and looked at several topics, but can't find quite what I am looking for. I want a Heart Rate Monitor. I have some questions:

Are the only ones that are accurate the ones that come with a chest strap?
What is the most accurate one without a chest strap?
What is the most comfortable one with a chest strap?
What is the best of either type if you are on a budget, as I am?

jennaworksout

bump..I am looking for one too

Mokey41

The only accurate HRM is one with a chest strap because it monitors constantly. The ones you have to touch are only taking a reading when you touch the sensor and are a PITA to use. I like Polar brand and the chest strap is very soft and comfortable. The FT4 or FT7 are good models for basic use and can be purchased for under $100.

Sarge516

For what you are looking for, i suggest the polar ft4. I an of the opinion that a chest strap is necessary.

WDEvy

FT7. great HRM, comfy strap and works well even for swimming!

Guamybear

I agree polar FT7.. I don't even feel the chest strap and it is waterproof as noted above...

scottb81

The ones with the chest strap are more accurate because they continuously monitor the changes in heartrate throught the exercise time.

All of the chest straps are about the same and equally comfortable.

this1bigdog

I have a fitbit and HRM and use them together. . for daily calorie collection I use the fitbit . .but for exercise that don't involve motion I use my FT7 by polar($80) . .it's not annoying but not something you'd want to wear all day to track calories. .hence why I have the fitbit . .but for my work outs it's way more accurate . .when I hike. .way more accurate . .

any time you don't take your heart rate in to consideration you could lose/gain up to 40% of the cal you are burning. .so you could be burning more or less then you are calculating. ..as far as strap less the ones you have to hold are very innaccurate and the ones that are watches are about 60-75% as accurate because the heart beat is fainter at the wrist then right over the heart. . .and so my miss some beats . .hope that helps

Azdak

I have gone through the forums and looked at several topics, but can't find quite what I am looking for. I want a Heart Rate Monitor. I have some questions:

Are the only ones that are accurate the ones that come with a chest strap?
What is the most accurate one without a chest strap?
What is the most comfortable one with a chest strap?
What is the best of either type if you are on a budget, as I am?

Answers:

1. Yes, although even the ones with chest straps are not that accurate--at least not as accurate as most people want (need?) to believe

2. That's like asking which is the heaviest feather.

3. My experience of wearing chest strap HRMs since they were invented, is that one eventually gets used to the strap and it's not an issue. However, there can be some instances where very heavy people with certain types of chests cannot wear chest straps.

4. All HRMs are not alike. There are a couple of serious brands (Polar, Garmin) and the rest are mostly toys. Even within the "good" brands, the accuracy varies. HRM calorie counts are only accurate under a limited set of conditions--and even at their best, and under those limited conditions, they are no more than 80% accurate.

If you want to use an HRM as a training guide--that means using HR training as a way to improve the quality of your workout efforts, then any HRM will do--even cheaper models are good at capturing and displaying an accurate heart rate.

However, given the limited accuracy of ALL HRMs, I would not recommend the purchase of one to someone who is on a limted budget solely for the purpose of estimating exercise calories. Quite frankly, estimating exercise calories is not important enough to justify that cost.

However, if you do insist on getting an HRM, and want to get the best accuracy at the lowest price, I would recommend the Polar FT40--not the FT4 or FT7.

Dad_of_3

Thanks to all of you, especially Azdak- I appreciate such an in-depth answer! Last question- I have a 55 inch chest. I walk on the treadmill, and I will be limiting myself to walking until I get below 280 pounds- I need to do this because my back and knees cannot take running at this time.

Knowing that this will be my activity, what kind of HRM would you buy? Guamybear, would you still go with the FT7?

kindleworm99

I was at Best Buy the other day and surprised to see they have the Polar FT4 for 50 bucks and other brands of HRM. I got mine online for more though but I still love mine!! GET IT YOU WON"T REGRET IT!

underthecherrytree

FT7 Love mine!

Dad_of_3

How big a chest will the FT4 chest strap accommodate?

Dad_of_3

Anyone? How big (in inches) of a chest will the FT4 or FT7 chest strap accommodate?