HRM/GPS Watch

kshadows
kshadows Posts: 1,315 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I had a Polar FT7 that I really liked but I lost the watch so I decided to really upgrade and got a Garmin Forerunner 220. It's alright, but I honestly HATE having to wear a chest strap. Before the Forerunner, I was considering the TomTom Runner Cardio (optical HR sensor in the watch).

The GPS is not the most important feature to me because I use MMR on my phone anyways. I'd like something that will give me HR and cals burned estimate for running outside AND for indoor stuff (I go roller blading at a skating rink).

Any suggestions on a product that would work for me?
If you have the TomTom Runner Cardio, can you use it indoors for other activities?

Replies

  • kshadows
    kshadows Posts: 1,315 Member
    Anybody? :(
  • SKME2013
    SKME2013 Posts: 704 Member
    I use the Polar RCX5 with heart rate monitor straps. I know you do not like them, but apparently they are the most reliable ones to measure your heart rate.

    The beauty of my multisportswatch is that the battery lasts up to a year as heart rate monitor and gps are extra items that you have to carry around, something I don't mind as I don't need GPS for everything.

    I find the gps very accurate and it works for my sport activities very well. (Running, roller blading, elliptical, hiking...)

    Stef.
  • kshadows
    kshadows Posts: 1,315 Member
    I use the Polar RCX5 with heart rate monitor straps. I know you do not like them, but apparently they are the most reliable ones to measure your heart rate.

    The beauty of my multisportswatch is that the battery lasts up to a year as heart rate monitor and gps are extra items that you have to carry around, something I don't mind as I don't need GPS for everything.

    I find the gps very accurate and it works for my sport activities very well. (Running, roller blading, elliptical, hiking...)

    Stef.

    I've heard too that the chest strap is the most accurate but apparently the new tech of the Runner Cardio is as accurate as a strap so I'm hoping there's something like it out there!
  • chelbivandine
    chelbivandine Posts: 33 Member
    I have the TomTom Cardio Runner and I love it. Yes you can post inside workouts. It would have to be under your treadmill option! But that option goes solely off of your heart rate and weight so it will count how many calories you burned that way. I personally find that it is far more comfortable than with the chest strap. I was having issues with connectivity to myself with the Polar Series chest straps. They wouldnt read my heart rate half the time. I HAVE NOT HAD THIS ISSUE WITH THE TOM TOM! I love it and would recommend it to anyone.
  • chelbivandine
    chelbivandine Posts: 33 Member
    Also I see that there was a mention about the battery. I am sure you know this but the TomTom is rechargable so no supplying batteries at all (like you have to do for chest straps) and I did extensive research into the HRM Watches and found that they are just as accurate.
  • glevinso
    glevinso Posts: 1,895 Member
    edited November 2014
    Check out the Mio Link - its an optical wrist-worn heart rate monitor. It can pair with your Forerunner 220 just like the chest-strap does
  • moongdss74
    moongdss74 Posts: 1 Member
    Here's a blog where they review HRMs and optical straps:

    http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/05/scosche-antbluetooth-optical.html

    He does a lot of testing with multiple gizmos and compares them. Good site!
  • glevinso
    glevinso Posts: 1,895 Member
    Second the DCRainmaker site. His reviews of fitness gadgetry are top notch.
  • FatFreeFrolicking
    FatFreeFrolicking Posts: 4,252 Member
    Sorry, but a chest strap gives the most accurate calories burned.
  • brianpperkins
    brianpperkins Posts: 6,124 Member
    FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »
    Sorry, but a chest strap gives the most accurate calories burned.

    Continuous read HRMs give the most accurate reading of heart rate ... chest strap or some opticals can provide the same level of accuracy in their measurements. How accurate their estimates of caloric burn are depends on the formula and the activities performed.
  • glevinso
    glevinso Posts: 1,895 Member
    FatFreeFrolicking wrote: »
    Sorry, but a chest strap gives the most accurate calories burned.

    This statement, and the empirical data presented in the post above yours don't correlate. You will need to be more specific, and present data, before you convince me.

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