what Heart Rate monitor would you suggest?

nomex
nomex Posts: 142 Member
edited September 22 in Fitness and Exercise
I am looking at Heart Rate monitors.... which make / model would you suggest. What features would you suggest I look for when purchasing? any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

Replies

  • AdamATGATT
    AdamATGATT Posts: 573 Member
    What are you going to be using it for? General workout, marathon training, bicycling (not a machine, the real thing) etc?
  • MissAnjy
    MissAnjy Posts: 2,480 Member
    Polar FT4, i absolutely love it. So easy to use.
  • MissAnjy
    MissAnjy Posts: 2,480 Member
    when looking for a HRM make sure to get one with a chest strap that monitors your HR continuously as you workout for the best accuracy.
  • Creiche
    Creiche Posts: 264 Member
    I have a Polar that I got for Christmas that I really like. It's easy to use, and I got a special sports bra that works with it instead of having to use a chest strap. I use it for general workouts at home, so I can't comment on its usefulness for serious training.
  • ahbach2005
    ahbach2005 Posts: 119
    FT4 or FT6 are good hrm's...being able to store a few workouts is a nice feature

    are there any special uses? There are some more advanced ones that are handy for different types of training.

    I would sty away from the ones that read off your wrist. You have to push a button to get a reading.
  • nomex
    nomex Posts: 142 Member
    I plan to use it for general workouts and running (probably not marathons though!). I used to run 10K but that was Years ago - it is my goal to train for a 10 k for spring.
  • craek
    craek Posts: 201 Member
    I just got the Polar FT4 last weekend and love it so far. A world of difference from my old one. I'd suggest the Polar brand.
  • kristinlough
    kristinlough Posts: 828 Member
    I love my Polar F6. But I'm sure a ton of 'em are great. It was just the best value for the money at the time :smile:
  • nomex
    nomex Posts: 142 Member
    would sty away from the ones that read off your wrist. You have to push a button to get a reading.



    thanks for that tip.... I was kinda drawn to the wrist ones, just because it seemed like less hassel! But in fact, it would be more if you have to press it for a reading!
  • katbass
    katbass Posts: 351 Member
    I have a pink Polar f4. I really like it a lot. It counts calories for me, and that is a HUGE asset. I really find myself relying on it to determine my workout routine (work harder, simmer down, etc) I never notice the chest strap.

    Downfalls: the battery seems to drain quickly, and the only way to have it changed properly is to send it back to them to have them change it. I made the mistake of changing it myself.....and the HRM hasnt really been the same since. And the pink strap tends to get stained with the sweat, even though i rinse it after every use.
  • nomex
    nomex Posts: 142 Member
    I certainly see Polar out there as the main brand..... alot of people carry it. What is the differences between the F4 and F6 ?
  • 25anniversary2011
    25anniversary2011 Posts: 123 Member
    I bought the Polar F6 in May 2010 ($100) with chest strap. Loved it's accuracy BUT stopped working in December and cannot replace battery. You have to purchase a whole new transmitter. The battery is guaranteed for 2500 hours, I might of used it for 50 hours, too bad, so sorry. No warranty on battery life!

    Make sure you research that the battery in both the watch and the strap are replaceable and it is something you can do without having to ship it somewhere.

    I'm researching it myself as I need to replace mine. Keep me posted and I'll do the same!
  • nomex
    nomex Posts: 142 Member
    Downfalls: the battery seems to drain quickly, and the only way to have it changed properly is to send it back to them to have them change it. I made the mistake of changing it myself.....and the HRM hasnt really been the same since. And the pink strap tends to get stained with the sweat, even though i rinse it after every use.
    [/quote]

    thanks for that tip! That is super crappy that they have to be sent away for battery changes! what a pain! Are there any that don't have to be sent away??? or that the batteries can be replaced locally? CRAZY!
  • reese1206
    reese1206 Posts: 229
    I have the Polar F6 and I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!! I have NO complaints at all.
  • nomex
    nomex Posts: 142 Member
    thanks reese 1206 - i will have to take a closer look at that one! You seem to like it alot! :happy: :happy: :happy:
  • 25anniversary2011
    25anniversary2011 Posts: 123 Member
    thanks reese 1206 - i will have to take a closer look at that one! You seem to like it alot! :happy: :happy: :happy:

    I liked it alot too BUT it only lasted 6 months.

    Reese - how long have you had yours?
  • nomex
    nomex Posts: 142 Member
    @ 25 aniversary201 - WOW!!!!!!! 103 lbs lost! you are my new hero! CONGRATULATIONS! I appreciate your advice on the HRM..... I certainly don't want to waste my money. I would rather spend a bit more, than get one that only lasts six months! That is just rude!
  • reese1206
    reese1206 Posts: 229
    about 9 months. I use it daily
    thanks reese 1206 - i will have to take a closer look at that one! You seem to like it alot! :happy: :happy: :happy:

    I liked it alot too BUT it only lasted 6 months.

    Reese - how long have you had yours?
  • 25anniversary2011
    25anniversary2011 Posts: 123 Member
    about 9 months. I use it daily
    thanks reese 1206 - i will have to take a closer look at that one! You seem to like it alot! :happy: :happy: :happy:

    I liked it alot too BUT it only lasted 6 months.

    Reese - how long have you had yours?

    Maybe I bought a bad one? I'm trying to get some help from Polar to see if they will take care of this for me, but all they say is "send it in and we will check it". I have to pay shipping to them and then more shipping ($7.95) to get it shipped back to me. I don't think this is fair when I only used it for an average of 2 times per week for about 5 months. BUT I did love it's accuracy! Loved the calorie burned count!
  • 25anniversary2011
    25anniversary2011 Posts: 123 Member
    @ 25 aniversary201 - WOW!!!!!!! 103 lbs lost! you are my new hero! CONGRATULATIONS! I appreciate your advice on the HRM..... I certainly don't want to waste my money. I would rather spend a bit more, than get one that only lasts six months! That is just rude!

    Thank you! Thank you!
  • Tobi1013
    Tobi1013 Posts: 732 Member
    I use a Polar FT4 that I LOVE!! I chose the FT4 because it calculates calories burned, stores past workouts, and the chest strap has a user replaceable battery. I found mine on Amazon.com and paid about $80.
  • katieandlilly
    katieandlilly Posts: 31 Member
    I am using the Polar F6. I got it for my birthday in May of 2010 and have used it over 200 hours since then and had no problems at all. I love it so much. It absolutely takes my workouts to the next level!
  • WarmDontBurn
    WarmDontBurn Posts: 1,253 Member
    I had a polar F7 and it only lasted 5 months BUT I did buy it used off ebay. It stopped working well and I could not change the battery in the transmitter. I just bought the FT4 and it should be shipped today. I did get it off ebay for $49.99 so it wasn't too expensive and this one is brand new in the box still.

    If you go to polar's website you can compare some of the models and get an idea of the price point:

    http://www.polar.fi/us-en/products/compare

    The regular F series though I don't see listed so they must be discontinued so that is why I opted for the FT.

    Good Luck ...you will LOVE it!
  • xp0sed
    xp0sed Posts: 173 Member
    Thanks for all the information in this post. I've just decided I've like a HRM, I will look into Polar
  • katapple
    katapple Posts: 1,108 Member
    I've had my Polar FT7 for over a year now and have had no issues, haven't needed to get the battery replaced either. My husband has the Garmin Forerunner 305, calculates distance and HR and he loves that. You don't need to be running for it to calculate your calories burned. Garmin's customer service is good too, I had to replace my regular 205 because the signal wasn't picking up and they got a new one back to me within a week :)
  • Serenitytoo
    Serenitytoo Posts: 449 Member
    I have the Sigma Onyx Balance. It has been great. I have had to replace the battery and could do it locally, I didn't have to ship it away anywhere. It is digitally coded and measures calories burned when your heart rate is over 100bpm. I have had it for over a year now and I really love it.
  • ouryear002
    ouryear002 Posts: 325 Member
    bump!
  • 25anniversary2011
    25anniversary2011 Posts: 123 Member
    about 9 months. I use it daily
    thanks reese 1206 - i will have to take a closer look at that one! You seem to like it alot! :happy: :happy: :happy:

    I liked it alot too BUT it only lasted 6 months.

    Reese - how long have you had yours?

    Maybe I bought a bad one? I'm trying to get some help from Polar to see if they will take care of this for me, but all they say is "send it in and we will check it". I have to pay shipping to them and then more shipping ($7.95) to get it shipped back to me. I don't think this is fair when I only used it for an average of 2 times per week for about 5 months. BUT I did love it's accuracy! Loved the calorie burned count!

    I've decided to try the Timex T5J983. I saw it at a local Academy for $99. but ordered it off of Amazon for $66. I will let you know what I think about it and how it works. Amazon will let you return (free shipping) if not happy with product. I am also sending my Polar off for "repair", will wait and see about that one. I also didn't remember to mention that the F6 that I have came with a pink watch, the band is getting ugly and stained. Maybe washing it might help?
  • bode1all
    bode1all Posts: 28
    I had a friend who got a garmin one to track distances for running. It works great at calculating distances and how long each mile will take, but it doesnt work inside so I would steer away from any that are made specifially for calculating distances as that could be a drawback with all of them. I have the Polar F7 and I really like it. It has a feature that will add up your calories for you on a weekly basis. So its nice to set a "weekly goal" for the amount of calories you would like to burn. Also, the strap for this one is a nice soft material and not plastic. I feel the platic ones would cause alot of chaffing if you plan on doing a lot of summer running.
  • nomex
    nomex Posts: 142 Member
    Great information on here! I have done a bunch of research and am drawn to the Polar FT60. It is spendy.... but it has a GPS foot pod accessory to track distance and speed. I have read that some of the Garmin GPs monitors are inaccurate with tracking locations.... now to save my money and reach my goal to get the reward!
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