Accuracy of heart rate monitors

SuperKeely
SuperKeely Posts: 20 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Okay, so I realize that heart rate monitors aren't 100% accurate, but I'm wondering if there are any real differences between quality/brand. If I pay $200 for a heart rate monitor vs the $60 one from WalMart, is there going to be a difference in accuracy, or would I just be paying for design/brand name/extra fancy features?

Also, are there differences in how they calculate calorie burn?

Thanks in advance :)

Replies

  • SuperKeely
    SuperKeely Posts: 20 Member
    Anybody?
  • tryinghard71
    tryinghard71 Posts: 593
    I would research them and find customer reviews. I did that and ended up going with a Polar FT40. Amazon is a great place to for reviews.
  • haileysugarfits
    haileysugarfits Posts: 70 Member
    I have the Polar too and I love it. I sure hope it's accurate!
  • johnwhitent
    johnwhitent Posts: 648 Member
    dcrainmaker.com has excellent info and reviews of heart rate monitors, tough there won't be any cheap ones there. He is a triathlete and does exhaustive, lengthy reviews of many brands and models. Even if you don't buy something he has reviewed you will learn a lot from the website. (He specializes in HRM/GPS watches, which may not be what you want, but again, you can learn a lot anyway).
  • 3dogsrunning
    3dogsrunning Posts: 27,167 Member
    Azdak mentions as least two that use more sophisticated methods in this topic.
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Azdak/view/the-real-facts-about-hrms-and-calories-what-you-need-to-know-before-purchasing-an-hrm-or-using-one-21472
    (scroll down to the HRM theory section)
  • gemmaleigh1989
    gemmaleigh1989 Posts: 241 Member
    If you get a HRM at least make sure it is one with a chest strap....if it doesn't have one, it is going to be FAR from accurate. Polar is highly recommended and can be anywhere from $70 to a few hundred. I would go with polar, if you a concerned about price, just going with their entry level one, it is still going to be as accurate as they can be, you're just not paying for all the extra bells and whistles. But seriously, paying an extra $30 or whatever for a polar watch is definitely going to be worth it.
  • moustache_flavored_lube
    moustache_flavored_lube Posts: 849 Member
    A lot of the cost goes into the "wrist" based computer they come with. I bought a polar H7 on ebay for $30, and it works with my iPhone. This gives me more flexibility and features than one that costs $300
  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    Azdak mentions as least two that use more sophisticated methods in this topic.
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/Azdak/view/the-real-facts-about-hrms-and-calories-what-you-need-to-know-before-purchasing-an-hrm-or-using-one-21472
    (scroll down to the HRM theory section)
    My Garmin uses the firstbeat technology mentioned in that blog post. I consistently get about a 15% lower calculated calorie burn while running than would be given using other HRMs or formulas.

    I usually get anywhere from 100 to 115 calories per mile from firstbeat while other methods give me closer to 130 to 135. (Male, 173 lbs).

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