Android HRM vs dedicated models

buffcleb

I'm looking to get a heart rate monitor for gym use and running. I'm getting all confused about what to get... I'd like to use it at the gym for getting more accurate calorie numbers and while jogging so I can keep track of my pace, route, distance, calories, etc...

Has anyone gone through and compared the dedicated polar, garmin, nike, etc dedicated watch type devices to using something like endomondo with a bluetooth HRM and an android phone?

I would love to here about what others are using and what works for you... like I said it would be for gym use and running...

thanks

DavPul

I find the android based Bluetooth HRMs device provide the same benefit to my overall fitness goals as the dedicated polar and garmin hrm devices do.

drgndancer

I use an iPhone with Runmeter and and a Wahoo BlueHR monitor. It's extremely effective, and cost a lot less than a dedicated GPS/HR monitor setup. The BlueHR gets great reviews and I personally really like it; be warned however that the low power Bluetooth standard is still in flux, so not every device works with every phone. You can get a regular Bluetooth HR monitor (as opposed to a low power Bluetooth), but they're a lot more power hungry and have to be charged regularly (the low power ones run for a year or more on a watch battery).

jallison12

I have an Nexus S Android phone and the Zephyr BT HRM chest strap. I haven't bought dedicated watches etc to compare against. The reason I went phone is that I wanted the flexibility to download and try different apps. Happens I've stuck with the first app I tried, Endomondo. When I work out in the gym I'm just using the HRM and Calorie counter; the GPS comes into play if/when I go out cycling. So, for what I wanted it for, I am pretty happy with it. It suits my needs.

Someone at work has a huge Garmin watch. He is a runner. I did ask him how he liked the watch. He said the only thing he hated is when he activates the GPS for a run his battery runs down in hours. I did realise but he had to charge his Garmin watch every day through a micro USB. That would annoy me. So many things to keep charged every day I don't need another.

susanp57

I have a bluetooth strap that I use with my tablet or phone, currently using with Endomondo during indoor workouts. I'm a cyclist so I have an older Garmin Edge 305 with a strap and a cadence meter for the bike. I like both very much. But if I were just starting now and already had a smartphone, I would go with the bluetooth. They both do the same thing and the cost is a lot less.

buffcleb

thanks... I was looking at the Zephyr BT strap... I would love to hear how accurate it is working with endomondo... I have heard people complain about getting good calorie numbers...

I'm am using endomondo manually right now and the numbers it gives for "Cross training" (elliptical) is about 25% of what the machine says... I crank up the resistance on the elliptical and there's not way using endomondo that have found to compensate for that... I'm hoping the hrm strap will help...

susanp57

I'm at the office so I will double check the name on the strap, but I think it could very well be the Zephyr. I got it from amazon.

BTW, I also got some bluetooth cordless headphones recently. So both the strap and the phones run off of my phone or tablet at the same time. Works well.

ETA: I note you have lost quite a bit. If you have been using Endomondo for quite a while, you may want to check your profile. Your calories could be getting figured on your heavier weight.

buffcleb

thanks... i just started using emdomondo a week or so ago... so it's only off by about 3 pounds right now... but I will double check... would be nice if the integration with myfitnesspal would pull that data back...

susanp57

My strap is the zephyr and I've been very happy with it.

buffcleb

thanks... ordered the zephyr today...