chest strap vs non-chest strap

sarah307
sarah307 Posts: 1,363 Member
edited September 27 in Fitness and Exercise
when i reach one of my mini goals - 4 more pounds!!! - then i get to reward myself with a HRM :):)

I know there are TONS of posts about this but I need more information -

What I want in my HRM:
*calories burned
*heart rate (duh haha)
*distance traveled
*less than $100 (possible???)
*smaller sized
*ACCURATE

now - chest strep vs non-chest strap. I understand using the chest strap will make it more accurate. But HOW MUCH less accurate are the HRM without chest straps? In my opinion, the chest strap would be uncomfortable and they are more expensive!

what are everyones suggestions/thoughts??

Replies

  • Becca_007
    Becca_007 Posts: 596 Member
    Absolutely! Chest strap model only! The strap is not even noticeable, really, you get used to it and it fits great under your workout gear, sports bra etc.

    The accuracy of a chest strap is by far much better and not really even comparable! You'll be so happy you got the chest strap model, great reward for yourself BTW.:wink:

    ETA: You can get a great Model for close to what you're looking to pay, Polar FT7, F11 are great choices! :drinker:
  • carlfry
    carlfry Posts: 62
    I have pretty big boobs and I cannot even notice it there once I'm working out. I have had a HRM with and without a chest strap and I prefer having one for accuracy. And for how much more accurate - 100% lol. I have a very nice HRM that gives me no troubles - $35 at Walmart (and many online stores including Amazon). Look up Oregon Scientific OR-SE102 Heart Rate Monitor Watch. That's the one I have and love it.
  • fatboypup
    fatboypup Posts: 1,873 Member
    dont even waste your money on a non chest strap model ...... its like having a V6 mustang
  • abra526
    abra526 Posts: 213 Member
    I have a Sport Line SX that I got at walmart for less than $50 and it came with the chest strap. I can't even notice it when I working out, it's very comforable.
  • cmriverside
    cmriverside Posts: 34,416 Member
    Defintitely with the chest strap. None of them are 100% accurate, but you'll get more info with the strap.


    I don't think any of them have GPS - do they? That's a totally different gadget. Anyone know? - or if they do - $$$
  • Ben2118
    Ben2118 Posts: 571 Member
    Polar FT4, (FT4F <-- female version) does everything you need it to (chest strap) and you could get it over there for about $60!

    Mine is great, I use it every day I don't find the strap uncomfortable at all.

    Ben.
  • SeasideOasis
    SeasideOasis Posts: 1,057 Member
    If you have a smart phone (iPhone or Android), I would HIGHLY recommend one of the newer bluetooth models (assuming you dont live in a tightly closed bomb shelter were you get become horrible reception 99% of the time). It also has all the stuff you wanted/were looking for.

    I have an Android, so I went out on a limb and bought one of the Polar Bluetooth+ Chest Strap Models! I LOVE IT! My phone is already my MP3 player, so having it with me when working out isnt any big deal. Also, you can sync it with online programs, "race" people in other places, and lots of other things.

    Polar Bluetooth+ cost me $80.00
    (If you have an iPhone the new Nike+ works just as well, as my friend has one of those)
    I chose the SportsTracker App (9.95) to go with it. There is one, I forgot the name, that is green and begins with an E that is only 4.95, however, I seemed to have more problems getting it to connect to my HRM.

    As for the chest strap, I am very well off the in chest department, and have had no problems with my strap. It stays in place nicely and you cannot even tell Im wearing it if I have it on in public.
  • sarah307
    sarah307 Posts: 1,363 Member
    oh my gosh!!
    THANK YOU SO MUCH EVERYONE FOR YOUR INPUT**
    this is going to help me find one that works!!!

    im glad to know to not waste my money on one without a chest strap!!!
    and i'm also glad to know different models i can check out...!!

    to the person who said they had Oregon Scientific OR-SE102 --- do you know if there is any difference between those ones and the "Polar" ones? JW!

    THANKS AGAIN
  • fatboypup
    fatboypup Posts: 1,873 Member
    If you have a smart phone (iPhone or Android), I would HIGHLY recommend one of the newer bluetooth models (assuming you dont live in a tightly closed bomb shelter were you get become horrible reception 99% of the time). It also has all the stuff you wanted/were looking for.

    I have an Android, so I went out on a limb and bought one of the Polar Bluetooth+ Chest Strap Models! I LOVE IT! My phone is already my MP3 player, so having it with me when working out isnt any big deal. Also, you can sync it with online programs, "race" people in other places, and lots of other things.

    Polar Bluetooth+ cost me $80.00
    (If you have an iPhone the new Nike+ works just as well, as my friend has one of those)
    I chose the SportsTracker App (9.95) to go with it. There is one, I forgot the name, that is green and begins with an E that is only 4.95, however, I seemed to have more problems getting it to connect to my HRM.

    As for the chest strap, I am very well off the in chest department, and have had no problems with my strap. It stays in place nicely and you cannot even tell Im wearing it if I have it on in public.

    i use the polar bt+ with my cardio trainer ap LOVE IT!
  • 2girls4boys
    2girls4boys Posts: 72 Member
    Thanks! I never thought about using my phone.
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