Garmin or Polar Hrm?

sap30
sap30 Posts: 10 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello,
I've recently got really into jogging and I want to better track my distance and pace. I currently have a fitbit that I wear all day but I want to better track my jogging. Would purchasing either the Garmin Forerunner 10 or the Polar FT4 HRM be worth my while? If so, any suggestions on which would be better? I'm draw to the price of the Polar but I like that it appears the Garmin tracks my distance with the GPS. Any suggestions?

ETA: Or feel free to let me know if there's a better option.

Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • CA_Underdog
    CA_Underdog Posts: 733 Member
    I use a Garmin Forerunner 110. Not only does it track your distance, altitude, and calorie burn far more accurately than a Fitbit or MyFitnessPal, it also draws a map of the path you ran and stores it online. :)

    Polar's big edge is their heart rate monitor is compatible with most gym equipment.
  • CA_Underdog
    CA_Underdog Posts: 733 Member
    Looks like the Forerunner 10 support mapping your runs, too! :)

    http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2012/08/garmin-forerunner-watch.html
  • FitMe758
    FitMe758 Posts: 177 Member
    I have a Polar because:
    • it was cheaper
    • I always run with my phone so I can use its GPS
    • I have no intention to ever run trails, medium or long distances and no need to for altitude tracking
    • I also have no need for advanced data reports.

    (pretty much just want to know whether I'm close to dying while I am running, how long I rand, and how many calories I burned)

    So the basic Polar fits my needs. If I ever contemplated 10K, halfs, full marathons, if I ever ran "off the beaten path" or didn't like running with my phone, then I would have saved up for the Garmin.
  • SnuggleSmacks
    SnuggleSmacks Posts: 3,731 Member
    I have a Zephyr bluetooth strap which syncs with my phone. I can use multiple apps (even at the same time!) like iCardio and Runkeeper. They produce a lot more info than a normal HRM, and can tell me what zone I'm in through my earbuds so I don't have to constantly look at the screen. I'm going to take my phone anyway for music, so it doesn't require anything extra to keep up with.
  • groomchick
    groomchick Posts: 610 Member
    I've had both Garmin & Polar. Garmin is much more accurate and a lot less glitches with it!
  • sap30
    sap30 Posts: 10 Member
    Thank you for the info and the link CA_Underdog! Both very helpful!

    The more I look at the Garmin... the more I think it's what I'm looking for.
    I wanted to download the Map My Run app a few days ago because of the tracking feature so I can use it with the couch to 5k app I have. I decided against it once I realized I would only be using it on my iPod which obviously does not have internet access while running.
    And I also really like the pacing and walk/run functions.
  • sap30
    sap30 Posts: 10 Member
    Wow, I go to post a reply and I come back to see 3 more!
    Thanks for the info everyone!
    :)
  • badbcatha05
    badbcatha05 Posts: 200 Member
    I have both. I like my Garmin because I run. I like my Polar because sometimes I crosstrain on machines like a recumbent bike. A lot of the machines come ready to tether to the polar chest straps but won't with the Garmin.

    I have the 610, so my Polar was much much cheaper than that was. I broke down and bought the Garmin because the GPS apps on my phone always seemed to freeze or seemed way off.

    If you plan on the bulk of your workouts being running, I say spring for the Garmin. There are many different models. Just make sure when you order it, or buy it in the store, it comes with the chest strap for the HRM.... it's not necessarily included, and the sales clerk might not know this.
  • sap30
    sap30 Posts: 10 Member
    Good to know! Thank you!
  • dixiewhiskey
    dixiewhiskey Posts: 3,333 Member
    Polar all the way.. just not the FT4 or FT7

    However, I hear that Garmin is known for their GPS functions and can probably sync up with apps like MMR, MFP.. so if that matters, go with the Garmin.
  • donrdon
    donrdon Posts: 216 Member
    I run and use a Garmin. Currently using a 620 but have had the 610 and 405cx, all were excellent units. I use it for tracking pace, lap pace, mileage, cadence, and the list goes on. They are pricey though (there are more inexpensive models that have many of the same features). I guess it depends on what you're using it for or what you might be using it for in the future. Never had a polar but I'm judging they must be quite good at what they do, just by seeing all the people that use them.

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