Heart Rate Monitor Buying Advice

ScottThomasM
ScottThomasM Posts: 53
edited January 16 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi folks I'm in the market for a good heart rate monitor and I would love to get some advice from people around here who have used one before and basically know what I should be looking for, other than just reading my heart rate.

Obviously I'd like to get one as cheap as possible but not a flimsy little piece of gear that's going to fall apart at the smallest of activities.

Thanks!

Replies

  • Ascolti_la_musica
    Ascolti_la_musica Posts: 676 Member
    Polar FT4 does a good job. A lot of people like the FT7 or FT40, but the FT4 is sufficient. A pretty penny less expensive, too.

    I am in love with my FitBit. It's not a HRM, but tracks all of my steps throughout the day, my sleep, etc., and is pretty accurate on my calories. It's basically a glorified pedometer with all the bells and whistles that a data junkie could want. :-)
  • ChrisLindsay9
    ChrisLindsay9 Posts: 837 Member
    I'm an owner of a Polar FT4. It works well for me.

    Check out some youtube video reviews/tutorials of ones you're interested in, they might help you determine which one you want to buy?
  • ScottThomasM
    ScottThomasM Posts: 53
    I'm not a big fan of the chest strap that the Polar FT4 uses. Are there any alternatives that read heart-rate from the wrist pulse? Without breaking my bank account.
  • missfittin_missy
    missfittin_missy Posts: 184 Member
    the only way you are going to get an accurate reading is with the chest strap, never seen anyone who didnt love thier polar
  • ScottThomasM
    ScottThomasM Posts: 53
    the only way you are going to get an accurate reading is with the chest strap, never seen anyone who didnt love thier polar

    I may have been given some mis-information about the usages of heart rate monitors then. I guess I shouldn't rule them out because of the chest strap.
  • missfittin_missy
    missfittin_missy Posts: 184 Member
    definatly don't rule them out but do research on what is going to work best for you, polars are a little more pricey but I have had mine for 2 1/2 years. You need to make sure you have one that lets you put in your age, height, weight ect
  • MollieA912
    MollieA912 Posts: 40 Member
    I love my ft4. I was a little leery about the chest strap to begin with too. However, once you get it on you don't even feel it. And the band it comes with is very flexible as far as size goes. It's really helped me to track my exercise calories and it's nice to be able to take a peek at your watch and get in those extra calories to get you to a nice, round, hopefully high number. :)
  • sleibo87
    sleibo87 Posts: 403 Member
    I have the POLAR FT4 and Love it. Had it almost a year and its always worked great! I Bought it on sale off amazing for like $65 with shipping.
  • TooTatToTrot
    TooTatToTrot Posts: 81 Member
    I had an FT4 but I have an FT60 now. I barely know the chest strap is there when I'm doing my workout. I'm too busy dying lol. The only reason i switched to the FT60 was for the training program. It's about 40-50 dollars more than the FT4 but I shopped around for the lowest price. I'm also selling my FT4 if you want it you can PM me.
  • DeeVanderbles
    DeeVanderbles Posts: 589 Member
    Originally I just had a Sportline watch where I had to press a certain spot to get my HR. It's not the most accurate thing in the world but it was affordable at the time and the more frequently you press for your HR, the more accurate the read. It's okay for cardio, like running or using the elliptical or something because pressing frequently doesn't interrupt your workout but for circuit training or DVDs, etc., it's kind of a pain.

    I recently bought the Sportline Duo 1010 which has the chest strap and I love it. It was like $70 at Best Buy, totally affordable. I was surprised that Best Buy even had something like that but my husband needed to stop for something so I was looking around and found it. WalMart also has them.
  • ScottThomasM
    ScottThomasM Posts: 53
    Thank you all for the advice. I have decided to concede to the popular opinion and get a Polar FT4. It seems like a very stable entry-level monitor for someone like me and I'm looking forward to trying it out. Thanks to all of you.
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