Heart Rate Monitors--Garmin FR70 or Polar FT4?

onamissionn2013
onamissionn2013 Posts: 1
in Fitness and Exercise
Trying to decide which HRM to purchase. Please share your thoughts!

Thanks.

Replies

  • meredithkrueger
    meredithkrueger Posts: 38
    I have a Polar FT4 and LOVE it. And, I actually researched users on fitnesspal before I bought it and it seemed that this one was a favorite. I have never heard of the Garmin so I can't say if it is better.
  • dammitjanet0161
    dammitjanet0161 Posts: 319 Member
    I've just bought the Polar FT4 and love it, I find it very motivating. Recommended by lots of MFP users and a good price (and I love that mine is bright green instead of the usual pink or black!).

    The reviews on the Garmin don't seem as good regarding ease of use and many of the reviews mention that it's best used with a footpad, so that's another gadget to buy.

    ETA - However, I guess it depends on what you want it for, as the Polar doesn't do the GPS distance tracking thing like a Garmin.
  • TMattP
    TMattP Posts: 49 Member
    You need to think about what you want to do longer term. I use a Garmin. I run, bike etc and they have loads of little extras that you can add to whatever exercise you're doing. I have a foot pod, hrm and have just bought a cadence sensor for my bike.

    So I'd research both devices and see what you can add to them later. I've never used the Polar so i don't know if you can add foot pods or other sensors etc. May save you some money in the longer term.
  • roanokejoe49
    roanokejoe49 Posts: 820 Member
    Dude, you can't go wrong with either. I use a Polar and have since I competed in triathlons back in the 80s. Look at your budget, how you want to use it, and pull the trigger. You can't go wrong with either.
  • lingo10
    lingo10 Posts: 305 Member
    Research both on their official websites and see if their functions suit your needs or read up amazon reviews :)

    I do own a Garmin FR70. I like how it comes with the little ANT agent usb you stick into the computer, download the connecting program and all your information logs onto garmin connect online website. Once you download the software once, it sync automatically when your watch is within a couple of feet of the usb stick.

    On the garmin connect, you can see your chart of the fluctuations of your heart rate, the max, the avg, calories burned, and can classify your entries

    The wrist strap is light and has tough rubber so it fits snug. The only little tick about it is, due to the grip on the rubber around the face of the watch buttons might be a little hard to press but not tough though.

    You enter in your personal info the moment you power it on and thats it. You can sync with the foot pod if your a runner. Do laps.

    Best of luck! :) (Both watches are great!)
  • badcemom
    badcemom Posts: 50
    I have a Polar FT7 (similar to the FT4) and love it. I was using MFP's exercise database to determine how many calories I was burning and it was WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY off. So far, I have used my HRM for Zumba, Turbo Kick, and martial arts classes and practice. I feel very confident that it is giving me accurate results.

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