heart rate monitor suggestions

itsbasschick
itsbasschick Posts: 1,584 Member
in Health and Weight Loss
i'm looking for a heart rate monitor with these features:

* large data display rather than screen being covered with lots of small info so i can easily see my heart rate while moving
* audible alarm when heart rate goes too fast
* ability to set zone heart rates manually

it would be nice to have a user-replaceable battery. while additional features would be nice, some HRM's i'm looking at have small numbers on the screen, and that's a deal breaker for me, as is the lack of alarm.

thanks!

Replies

  • lrob79
    lrob79 Posts: 16 Member
    I think a Polar FT80 has everything you are looking for, check it out and see
  • Ryderod
    Ryderod Posts: 103 Member
    You can look at the ladies Polar FT7, it will do all of that, and can upload your workouts. Just do NOT get the black display, that model is nearly impossible to see in poor lighting conditions!
  • itsbasschick
    itsbasschick Posts: 1,584 Member
    any reason to get it instead of the FT60?
    I think a Polar FT80 has everything you are looking for, check it out and see

    i got the FT7, but sent it back. i couldn't see the screen in sunlight, but i did actually get the black display. maybe i'll try one with a different color...
    You can look at the ladies Polar FT7, it will do all of that, and can upload your workouts. Just do NOT get the black display, that model is nearly impossible to see in poor lighting conditions!
  • SnuggleSmacks
    SnuggleSmacks Posts: 3,731 Member
    I don't know if you've considered it, but there are several HRM chest straps which sync to apps on your phone rather than a watch. I have a Zephyr which uses Bluetooth to connect to iCardio, Runkeeper and Endomondo on my old Android phone. It has a usb charger, so I don't have to worry about replacing the battery. The numbers on the apps are very large, and most of them sync with MFP.
  • SLVUnit
    SLVUnit Posts: 21 Member
    Love my suunto easy to read face...reminder to exercise daily easy upload to program...tracking progress simple. Own battery change and when I had to get a new watch band replacement was only $25. So worth it...Under $200 for the whole kit..watch n HR monitor n pedometer. .
  • itsbasschick
    itsbasschick Posts: 1,584 Member
    i have considered it, but i've been reading and reading about the apps, and can't figure out which - if any - work with android and the samsung galaxy S4 that also have the alarm that goes off if my heart rate gets too high. and not sure how to pull out my phone to look at it while i'm going fast, but willing to try - just don't want to break my phone!
    I don't know if you've considered it, but there are several HRM chest straps which sync to apps on your phone rather than a watch. I have a Zephyr which uses Bluetooth to connect to iCardio, Runkeeper and Endomondo on my old Android phone. It has a usb charger, so I don't have to worry about replacing the battery. The numbers on the apps are very large, and most of them sync with MFP.

    i've heard good things about them. don't need reminders, definitely need heart rate alarm.
    Love my suunto easy to read face...reminder to exercise daily easy upload to program...tracking progress simple. Own battery change and when I had to get a new watch band replacement was only $25. So worth it...Under $200 for the whole kit..watch n HR monitor n pedometer. .
  • SnuggleSmacks
    SnuggleSmacks Posts: 3,731 Member
    I have an arm strap for my phone, so I can just glance down at my upper arm and the numbers are right there. I don't even have to touch it. But also, most of the apps will have a voice which will read the numbers out to you. I use iCardio mostly, and it reads out every time you reach a new zone, plus you set it to read out after a certain interval. It's especially great for running with earbuds, you don't have to look at anything at all since it's telling you what you need to know right in your ear.

    Also, many of these apps have running programs like couch to 5k training and fitness tests and story-based running games and things like that which also read out loud.
  • MelodyandBarbells
    MelodyandBarbells Posts: 7,724 Member
    FYI you do not need to keep your heart rate from going too high or be in a "fat burning zone". It is nothing to be concerned about unless directed by your doctor, or you're doing some special training that demands that your heart rate is X at Y time (haven't really heard of or seen this before).

    My FT4 has the alarm for in zone vs. out of zone but I shut the thing up, including all sounds during the workout. The heart rate is prominently on display though and I like to see this during a workout to get an idea how much I'm exerting myself.
  • Falluso
    Falluso Posts: 12 Member
    As someone who has owned both Suunto and Polar products I can't recommend the Suunto enough for the depth of information provided. That being said, Suunto products cost more here in the USA so if budget is a challenge I would stick with a Polar Loop for your feedback and monitoring.

    Now if money is not of concern and you want to really "get your stats on", then I would 100% go out and purchase a Hexoskin. The data feedback will work on any computer with a current web browser, an iPhone or an Android phone. This is what I use now and I monitor all aspects of my workout.
  • itsbasschick
    itsbasschick Posts: 1,584 Member
    thanks for the responses, all!

    JaneiR36, i'm not worried about zones. i tend to overdue, and being in poor condition and over 50, having my heart rate going too high has been a problem for me.

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