More questions regarding Polar HRM watches

MIM49
MIM49 Posts: 255 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I did check search first to try to avoid posting repetitive questions and have looked at the Polar website but I am a little confused between the Polar FT4 and the FT7. It appears that the FT4 also comes with a chest strap but the FT7 does not. Is it then necessary to purchase an accessory chest strap for the FT7? Does the FT4 not work without the chest strap? If the FT4 does work without the chest strap then what does the chest strap do? Is the Flowlink a necessary accessory for the FT7? I want to get one good monitor that will give me motivation to exercise (which I hate doing) by showing me the calories I burn: sort of my paycheck for doing a job I would rather not do. If the FT7 does what the FT4 does and does not require a chest strap, then I would rather pay a little more for the FT7.

Replies

  • edixon908
    edixon908 Posts: 68 Member
    The Polar FT7 comes with a strap and I hear that its a good HRM. I dont personally own one. Check out the videos on youtube ... regarding these HRM's and which one would be best for you.
  • dwoodmanjr
    dwoodmanjr Posts: 89 Member
    I've read on other posts here that people have had issues with the Polar HRM's concerning the battery replacement. I just bought the Sportline Duo 1060 because I'm able to change the batteries myself when I need to. It comes with a chest strap, but it's optional to use
  • rachelerwin
    rachelerwin Posts: 140 Member
    I have the Polar FT4 and it does come with a chest strap. I love seeing how many calories I can burn in a workout.
  • SocWkrBee
    SocWkrBee Posts: 374
    I would go on Amazon and check out the reviews before buying anything. The people who post them are pretty good at pointing out the pros and cons of a particular item.

    I have an FT4. It does the job just fine and comes with the chest strap as you mentioned. The only thing that bothers me is that I cannot directly upload my data. I did not care about that when I bought the FT4. However, I need to be able to do that now, in order to verify my workouts for my employer.

    I wish I would have gone with a newer version. Since, you say you don't mind spending the cash, go for the 7 or higher.
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    You need the chest strap. The FT7 and FT4 both come with one. The FT7 is an upgrade. They are both excellent. I have the FT7 but want the FT60. The big benefit to that one is the fitness test function. Its on my Christmas list :-)
  • BigDave1050
    BigDave1050 Posts: 854 Member
    The wife had issues with her Polar. The battery crapped out all the time. Now we both have Sportline Duo's and haven't had any problems.
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    Oh, the Flow Link is to upload your data to your PC. I love data, but didn't find it necessary to get that accessory (surprisingly LOL). Having the option to get it later is nice though.
  • justlistening
    justlistening Posts: 249 Member
    I have an Polar FT7 and it does require the chest strap. The heart rate monitor is attached to the chest strap. Your watch picks up the monitor readings and displays it. You are not required to buy the flowlink for the FT7. I think the only real difference between FT4 & FT7 is that the FT7 can store more of your workout stats-- average heart rate, maximum heart rate, calories burned for more of your workouts. The only reason I picked the FT7 over the FT4 was the watch color available on amazon :smile:
  • superraachel
    superraachel Posts: 106 Member
    I have the FT4, and it works great. Came with a chest strap, and I thought it would be annoying, but it really isn't at all. The battery is easy to replace even though I haven't had to replace it yet. There is no direct uploading, but I like entering the calories myself. I feel accomplished when I read it on the watch and accomplished when I enter it -double bonus!
  • elizabethis
    elizabethis Posts: 155 Member
    I have a Polar FT7 and am very happy with it. I got the polar link so I could upload exercise data for verification (monetary rewards for exercise via my husband's work).
  • omma_to_3
    omma_to_3 Posts: 3,265 Member
    I have a Polar FT7 and am very happy with it. I got the polar link so I could upload exercise data for verification (monetary rewards for exercise via my husband's work).

    Just curious how this monetary rewards thing works!
  • Hearts_2015
    Hearts_2015 Posts: 12,032 Member
    http://www.bodytronics.com/c/polar_ft_series_heart_rate_monitors

    Code:POFT4
    Regular Price: $99.99
    SALE PRICE: $61.77

    ***The model above, the FT4 comes with a chest strap and holds approximately 9-10 workout sessions.


    Polar FT7 Fitness Heart Rate Monitor
    Code:POFT7
    Regular Price: $119.95
    SALE PRICE: $72.44

    The model above, the FT7 comes with a chest strap and will hold 99 workouts and can be uploaded onto your computer. To do this an additional piece of equipment is needed which runs about $50. You do not HAVE to buy it only if you want to put all your workouts on your computer.

    As you can see the price difference between the two is very slight, if you think you might want to upload them at some point, it might be wise to spend the few extras dollars and purchase the FT7 model.

    The site link above is the lowest cost site I've seen and the postage is free to the customer. The code to get a discount is POPO .

    You can see what some have shared about the colors and styles and why some have purchased a certain model for that reason.

    If money is no object might as well go for the newest one of the two which is the FT7 with several additional features as compared to the FT4.

    I did a lot of research before I decided on this site and I found it to give the lowest prices. If anyone knows of any other REPUTABLE site that is less maybe they can share that info with you. If there is one, I've not found it.

    The old models of Polar you had to mail in your HRM to get the battery replaced, that's no longer the case. After talking to a Polar deal (on the original Polar site) they said taking it to a Jeweler is fine to have them change it. If you change it yourself it voids the warranty.

    If anyone gives you other ideas that conflict with the above, it likely is because I researched the lowest cost site and called a rep for Polar.

    There are MANY HRM's besides Polar but it's the most well known, it really depends on what you plan to use it for. If you're a runner, you may want something with more features.

    The above is merely what I've found to my liking so it's my personal opinion on the topic and what I will purchase for myself.:flowerforyou:

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