Help!! I don't know which Polar HRM to purchase.

Marciad1976
Marciad1976 Posts: 4 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hello everyone!
Right now I have a very basic Polar FS2C monitor and would like to upgrade. Right now I am looking at the following. I don't want anything that would be too confusing to setup or understand. Can you tell me your preference on the list below and reasons you love, thank alot!

Polar

FT4
FT7
FT60

Replies

  • spectralmoon
    spectralmoon Posts: 1,179 Member
    Out of your list I am only familiar with the FT4, and for me it was very basic, straightforward, and... well, that's about it. I personally use an FT40 and love the heck out of it. But if you're looking for something more advanced than an "In The Zone" graph while you work out, I'd suggest upgrading.

    I'll guess it now that most people will back the FT4. It just wasn't for me.
  • SkinnyGirlCarrie
    SkinnyGirlCarrie Posts: 259 Member
    I don't know if the FT7 and the F7 are the same or not...think I have the F7. It's the chest strap and I use it with the iCardio/Digifit app on my phone (uses the newer Bluetooth tech to sync) and love it!

    Editing to add: with the app you can customize your heart rate zones based on your data and the app shows during your workouts what your beats are, what zone you're in and how many cals you're burning. Then I sync that data to my fitbit account so I can get a daily picture of what I've burnt. Not sure how accurate it is based on other threads I've read but since I consistently use it at least it's , ah, consistent for me :) Plus I don't like to wear watches in general, never mind while I'm exercising and I always have my phone with me. I prop my phone up on my treadmill or in my living room for other workouts, or I put it in an armband if I'm outside.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    It really depends what you anticpate using it for.

    I have an FT60, although I've just upgraded to a Garmin with HRM, and I use mine for distance running and cycling training. The HR display is very clear and easy to read when I'm on the run, the indicator that I'm transitioning zones isn't all that loud so difficult to hear if there is traffic around.

    The soft strap is comfortable enough although I have found ome chafing on my chest when I'm running in excess of 10 miles, haven't noticed any issues with chafing when I'm cycling.
  • Marciad1976
    Marciad1976 Posts: 4 Member
    I workout doing DVD's at home like Jillian or the Beachbody workouts. So that may help narrow it down. I really want to see my calories burned and want to make sure I am in my right zone.
  • SusanKing1981
    SusanKing1981 Posts: 257 Member
    I use the Polar FT4 and it's fine for what I want it for...working out how many calories I burn doing Slim in 6 etc.
  • RheneeB
    RheneeB Posts: 461 Member
    Know your confusion....it took me a month to finally make a decision. I had never used a HRM so comparing everyting out there was confusing. I ended up purchasing the Polar FT7 and I have been using it for 2 weeks now. I got it on Amazon.com for $64 - the strap is very comfortable and it is really easy to use and understand. I could see though, how someone really serious into fitness...or runners, cyclers, etc. would want something even more advanced. For me and my beachbody workouts, the Polar FT7 is perfect!!
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    I workout doing DVD's at home like Jillian or the Beachbody workouts. So that may help narrow it down. I really want to see my calories burned and want to make sure I am in my right zone.

    The approximation that an HRM will give you isn't an accurate refleciton of your calorie expenditure with those sort of sessions. In all honesty it's really not worth it, but go for the cheaper version if you really want one.

    Lots of people like the FT4, just bear in mind that it'll be over-approximating the expenditure.
  • 70chevellegsp
    70chevellegsp Posts: 50 Member
    I've had the F7 since January and use it daily. I don't really pay attention to the caloric burn as much as getting my heart rate in the zone I want. Using my spinner or treadmill in the cold months is totally different with the F7. I use the Sportstracker app and can compare workouts to have a comparison of my fitness level in addition to tracking my workouts which keeps helps me a lot.

Categories