HRM recommendation

Polar is a good brand, I believe all of their models correlate HR and calories. I use an F6 and it's been fine for me for about 2 years now. A lot depends on what you want to do with it. The prices for a decent HRM range anywhere from 50 bucks to 500 bucks depending on how sophisticated you want to get, and what you need it to do. (I.E. a professional triathlete needs one that can measure HR, calories, pace, speed, time, distance, and pattern which is a lot for a small device. Where as a person just intersted in calorie burn only needs it to measure heart rate and give calories burned.

I haven't used the body bugg, but I've heard of people who have used the Polars and liked them. Personally, I own and use the Oregon Scientific SE300. It tracks calories, lap counts, can be used w/swimming, has chest strap w/watch among other features (too many to list - see link for all features). Got it for $75 on Amazon.

http://www.heart-rate-monitor-watches.com/oregon-scientific-se300-heart-rate-monitor.html

I LOVE IT!!!

I just got a Timex HRM a couple of months ago and it works great. I got model T5K217. Tracks calories burned plus saves the last 10 workouts. Easy step-up and programming. Have had no issue with it so far. $125.00 from Amazon. The reason I chose Timex over Polar is you can replace the batteries yourself in the Timex watch and chest strap versus having to send in the Polar to get them replaced.

Just wanted to add a little something. I have had a Polar for 2 years and it's awesome. I'm sure the Timex one is great as well. I wanted to clarify, though, that you don't have to send your Polar HRM to Polar to have the batteries replaced. I replaced the chest strap one myself (with a battery similar to a camera batter that I got from Walmart) and I had the watch battery replaced at a watch store in the mall. I paid $9. I just didn't want the sending it off thing to make your decision for you.

after hemming and hawing (sp?) I finally bought a polar last week. An F6 to be exact.. and it's pretty pink. I lost all my weight without one so didn't know if I wanted to spend the money... but finally caved.. AND SO GLAD I DID. You put in your weight, height, sex, dob and wham your set. I had be totally off with a lot of burned calories for certain exercises. ie at home eliptical was telling me I would burn about 500 cal/hour... polar= 240/ hour... BIG DIFFERENCE. I also do zumba, so it's nice to know exactly how much I burn rather than guessing. The 1 1/2 hour class from friday I burned 857!!! If I had guessed it would have been 700.

you don't have to send your Polar HRM to Polar to have the batteries replaced. I replaced the chest strap one myself (with a battery similar to a camera batter that I got from Walmart) and I had the watch battery replaced at a watch store in the mall.

The reviews I read about Polar said that it had to be sent it to get the batteries replaced, but that is good news that they can be replaced without sending it in.

you don't have to send your Polar HRM to Polar to have the batteries replaced. I replaced the chest strap one myself (with a battery similar to a camera batter that I got from Walmart) and I had the watch battery replaced at a watch store in the mall.

The reviews I read about Polar said that it had to be sent it to get the batteries replaced, but that is good news that they can be replaced without sending it in.

It really depends on the model. The F series, I understand you HAD to send it in to get batteries replaced - the FT series, they recommend you send it in, but you can change them yourself. I just got the FT7, and am really excited - I like it a lot.

I have heard great things about Polar and Garmin. I am looking at a Garmin item now because it can track miles run thanks to GPS.

Anyway, I have a body bugg and I like it but it does not tell heart rate and the display was $100 on top of the device. I got mine after new years and I got a "New Year's" sale but they are not cheap, and you have to pay a monthly fee to see your workout data etc. I am not sure if Polar has a website you can see your info on but most likely it does. I have found the bugg quite useful and I wasn't sure I could wear a chest strap without being irritated.

I think Polar has one that you can get a compatable "foot pod" with that will track miles and speed?? It's on their site - PolarUSA.com

I just got a Timex HRM a couple of months ago and it works great. I got model T5K217. Tracks calories burned plus saves the last 10 workouts. Easy step-up and programming. Have had no issue with it so far. $125.00 from Amazon. The reason I chose Timex over Polar is you can replace the batteries yourself in the Timex watch and chest strap versus having to send in the Polar to get them replaced.

I bought a Timex T5J031 Unisex Digital Fitness Heart Rate Monitor Watch and for the life of me, I can't figure out how to clear the past workouts so it doesn't add today's calorie burn to yesterday's etc. Not caring much for the manual because it is about as clear as mud.