Quality heart rate monitor
jensquish1
Posts: 499 Member
i was set on getting a polar HRM but have heard awful things about the cheat strap not working right. I am looking for some other suggestions!
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i have a FitBit charge HR. i love it
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What are you wanting it for? I run with a Scosche rhythm+ armband--it syncs to my Garmin via ANT+ and could sync to a phone or whatever via Bluetooth. I find the armband *infinitely* more comfortable than the chest strap I tried.
It can be a little finicky for the first quarter mile or so, but then it settles down pretty nicely and doesn't drop data or anything. The heart rate graph syncs nicely with my pace and elevation graphs, so I assume it's working A-OK.0 -
So in.....0
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I am wanting to use it for running as well as a new weight training/hiit program in starting soon. I need to know what my heart rate is at certain points of the work outs. I also want a more accurate calorie count.cheshirecatastrophe wrote: »What are you wanting it for? I run with a Scosche rhythm+ armband--it syncs to my Garmin via ANT+ and could sync to a phone or whatever via Bluetooth. I find the armband *infinitely* more comfortable than the chest strap I tried.
It can be a little finicky for the first quarter mile or so, but then it settles down pretty nicely and doesn't drop data or anything. The heart rate graph syncs nicely with my pace and elevation graphs, so I assume it's working A-OK.
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Polar H7 strap works well, not to mention it is very accurate. Where did you "hear" all the negativity?0
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What awful things have you heard? I've been wearing the same one for 3 years, haven't had any problems. I've used it with my FT80, Loop and bluetooth sensor, and V800 and H7 Sensor, all my sensors still work.0
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I've had a Polar FT4 for almost 2 years now and have never had a problem with the chest strap. I had to change the batteries in the watch once but that was it.0
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Sorry, looking for a new one myself. Been using a Timex for years. It works well, but want to see what else is out there and what others are using and like.jensquish1 wrote: »
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A lot of the reviews I've read were saying that the strap wasn't picking up the heart rates well and that the device would go to crap within a short time. I know things happen. I really just want more suggestions to make the "best" purchase. I don't want to have to fiddle with the dang chest strap while trying to work out because it's being a pain. It seems as though a lot of people were having issues with it.missomgitsica wrote: »I've had a Polar FT4 for almost 2 years now and have never had a problem with the chest strap. I had to change the batteries in the watch once but that was it.0 -
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Reviews online about the chest strap not picking up heart rates. Maybe user error?ScubaSteve1962 wrote: »What awful things have you heard? I've been wearing the same one for 3 years, haven't had any problems. I've used it with my FT80, Loop and bluetooth sensor, and V800 and H7 Sensor, all my sensors still work.
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jensquish1 wrote: »
A lot of the reviews I've read were saying that the strap wasn't picking up the heart rates well and that the device would go to crap within a short time. I know things happen. I really just want more suggestions to make the "best" purchase. I don't want to have to fiddle with the dang chest strap while trying to work out because it's being a pain. It seems as though a lot of people were having issues with it.missomgitsica wrote: »I've had a Polar FT4 for almost 2 years now and have never had a problem with the chest strap. I had to change the batteries in the watch once but that was it.
My strap has been through the washer several times and no problem the only time I've had faulty reading is from faulty cardio equipment, but my monitor didn't miss a beat. Most of the problem is with the strap not being wet, and not sticking to your skin. I've found soaking it and applying a little electro gel, or KY jelly fixes that problem.
The one thing I have noticed, which is not a problem for me. I have the H7 sensor that uses both bluetooth, and the old technology to sync with cardio equipment, is if I sweat to much and my shirt is soaked, it will switch, but I only know this because I see it on my chart, and notice the HR is faded.
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jensquish1 wrote: »
A lot of the reviews I've read were saying that the strap wasn't picking up the heart rates well and that the device would go to crap within a short time. I know things happen. I really just want more suggestions to make the "best" purchase. I don't want to have to fiddle with the dang chest strap while trying to work out because it's being a pain. It seems as though a lot of people were having issues with it.missomgitsica wrote: »I've had a Polar FT4 for almost 2 years now and have never had a problem with the chest strap. I had to change the batteries in the watch once but that was it.
The problem with Amazon reviews is that what you may be reading may not be for the item you are researching. Amazon does a terrible job with making sure reviews are for the correct item in question.
Also, a lot of negative early reviews often come from people with Android devices, who had and may still have trouble syncing with their device. There are a lot of different flavors of Android, unlike iPhone, which is the mainstay for Polar.
There are also some people who have had defective sensors. That can happen with any product. There are also people complaining about what they believe is a bad device, when they probably didn't take care of the sensor or watch like they should every day.
And last but not least, you have to be careful about the phony reviews. There are literally thousands of them on Amazon.
I read Amazon reviews when researching a product. However, I don't put a lot of weight with them either. I go to as many sources as I can.0 -
jensquish1 wrote: »
I am wanting to use it for running as well as a new weight training/hiit program in starting soon. I need to know what my heart rate is at certain points of the work outs. I also want a more accurate calorie count.cheshirecatastrophe wrote: »What are you wanting it for? I run with a Scosche rhythm+ armband--it syncs to my Garmin via ANT+ and could sync to a phone or whatever via Bluetooth. I find the armband *infinitely* more comfortable than the chest strap I tried.
It can be a little finicky for the first quarter mile or so, but then it settles down pretty nicely and doesn't drop data or anything. The heart rate graph syncs nicely with my pace and elevation graphs, so I assume it's working A-OK.
Beyond the irony of you asking online for opinions on HRMs to clarify/counter online reviews ....
HRMs are not going to give you an accurate caloric estimate for lifting or HIIT.
Are you looking for one that connects to your phone? To gym equipment? That comes with its own watch display?0 -
Good to know! Thank you for your input.ScubaSteve1962 wrote: »jensquish1 wrote: »
A lot of the reviews I've read were saying that the strap wasn't picking up the heart rates well and that the device would go to crap within a short time. I know things happen. I really just want more suggestions to make the "best" purchase. I don't want to have to fiddle with the dang chest strap while trying to work out because it's being a pain. It seems as though a lot of people were having issues with it.missomgitsica wrote: »I've had a Polar FT4 for almost 2 years now and have never had a problem with the chest strap. I had to change the batteries in the watch once but that was it.
My strap has been through the washer several times and no problem the only time I've had faulty reading is from faulty cardio equipment, but my monitor didn't miss a beat. Most of the problem is with the strap not being wet, and not sticking to your skin. I've found soaking it and applying a little electro gel, or KY jelly fixes that problem.
The one thing I have noticed, which is not a problem for me. I have the H7 sensor that uses both bluetooth, and the old technology to sync with cardio equipment, is if I sweat to much and my shirt is soaked, it will switch, but I only know this because I see it on my chart, and notice the HR is faded.
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Very true. I've never purchased or owned a HRM so I really don't know a whole lot. Thank you!BasicGreatGuy wrote: »jensquish1 wrote: »
A lot of the reviews I've read were saying that the strap wasn't picking up the heart rates well and that the device would go to crap within a short time. I know things happen. I really just want more suggestions to make the "best" purchase. I don't want to have to fiddle with the dang chest strap while trying to work out because it's being a pain. It seems as though a lot of people were having issues with it.missomgitsica wrote: »I've had a Polar FT4 for almost 2 years now and have never had a problem with the chest strap. I had to change the batteries in the watch once but that was it.
The problem with Amazon reviews is that what you may be reading may not be for the item you are researching. Amazon does a terrible job with making sure reviews are for the correct item in question.
Also, a lot of negative early reviews often come from people with Android devices, who had and may still have trouble syncing with their device. There are a lot of different flavors of Android, unlike iPhone, which is the mainstay for Polar.
There are also some people who have had defective sensors. That can happen with any product. There are also people complaining about what they believe is a bad device, when they probably didn't take care of the sensor or watch like they should every day.
And last but not least, you have to be careful about the phony reviews. There are literally thousands of them on Amazon.
I read Amazon reviews when researching a product. However, I don't put a lot of weight with them either. I go to as many sources as I can.
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Haha true... If it connects to my iPhone I would be happy! lol I don't really care for it connecting to gym equipment.brianpperkins wrote: »jensquish1 wrote: »
I am wanting to use it for running as well as a new weight training/hiit program in starting soon. I need to know what my heart rate is at certain points of the work outs. I also want a more accurate calorie count.cheshirecatastrophe wrote: »What are you wanting it for? I run with a Scosche rhythm+ armband--it syncs to my Garmin via ANT+ and could sync to a phone or whatever via Bluetooth. I find the armband *infinitely* more comfortable than the chest strap I tried.
It can be a little finicky for the first quarter mile or so, but then it settles down pretty nicely and doesn't drop data or anything. The heart rate graph syncs nicely with my pace and elevation graphs, so I assume it's working A-OK.
Beyond the irony of you asking online for opinions on HRMs to clarify/counter online reviews ....
HRMs are not going to give you an accurate caloric estimate for lifting or HIIT.
Are you looking for one that connects to your phone? To gym equipment? That comes with its own watch display?
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jensquish1 wrote: »
Haha true... If it connects to my iPhone I would be happy! lol I don't really care for it connecting to gym equipment.brianpperkins wrote: »jensquish1 wrote: »
I am wanting to use it for running as well as a new weight training/hiit program in starting soon. I need to know what my heart rate is at certain points of the work outs. I also want a more accurate calorie count.cheshirecatastrophe wrote: »What are you wanting it for? I run with a Scosche rhythm+ armband--it syncs to my Garmin via ANT+ and could sync to a phone or whatever via Bluetooth. I find the armband *infinitely* more comfortable than the chest strap I tried.
It can be a little finicky for the first quarter mile or so, but then it settles down pretty nicely and doesn't drop data or anything. The heart rate graph syncs nicely with my pace and elevation graphs, so I assume it's working A-OK.
Beyond the irony of you asking online for opinions on HRMs to clarify/counter online reviews ....
HRMs are not going to give you an accurate caloric estimate for lifting or HIIT.
Are you looking for one that connects to your phone? To gym equipment? That comes with its own watch display?
The H7 sensor will connect to your phone, don't know if that's the one you were looking at. you don't need the watch for it.
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If you get the H7 monitor, you can use the free Polar Beat app with your iPhone (which is very good). It will automatically upload your daily workout figures to polarpersonaltrainer.com (once you set up a free Polar account). Very good tool for tracking progress.0
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jensquish1 wrote: »
Haha true... If it connects to my iPhone I would be happy! lol I don't really care for it connecting to gym equipment.brianpperkins wrote: »jensquish1 wrote: »
I am wanting to use it for running as well as a new weight training/hiit program in starting soon. I need to know what my heart rate is at certain points of the work outs. I also want a more accurate calorie count.cheshirecatastrophe wrote: »What are you wanting it for? I run with a Scosche rhythm+ armband--it syncs to my Garmin via ANT+ and could sync to a phone or whatever via Bluetooth. I find the armband *infinitely* more comfortable than the chest strap I tried.
It can be a little finicky for the first quarter mile or so, but then it settles down pretty nicely and doesn't drop data or anything. The heart rate graph syncs nicely with my pace and elevation graphs, so I assume it's working A-OK.
Beyond the irony of you asking online for opinions on HRMs to clarify/counter online reviews ....
HRMs are not going to give you an accurate caloric estimate for lifting or HIIT.
Are you looking for one that connects to your phone? To gym equipment? That comes with its own watch display?
OK ... for the ones that read the electrical impulses from your heart (chest strap required) that leaves the Polar H6 and H7, 4iiii Viiiiva, and Wahoo Tickr line of straps. There are also the optical sensors such as the Scosche Rhythm + and Mio's arm mounted straps.
All of those get good reviews for accurately tracking HR and work with Bluetooth devices such as an iPhone or Android.0 -
Another H7 recommendation. This is by far the best one I've ever had. The previous Polar bluetooth HRM was crap. Very erratic and unreliable. But they fixed all these issues with the H7.
I also purchased 2 extra straps (very cheap) since I run 4-5 days per week and the straps tend to smell bad. I know you are not supposed to, but I throw mine in the washer and it comes out smelling (and working) good as new.
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jensquish1 wrote: »
A lot of the reviews I've read were saying that the strap wasn't picking up the heart rates well and that the device would go to crap within a short time. I know things happen. I really just want more suggestions to make the "best" purchase. I don't want to have to fiddle with the dang chest strap while trying to work out because it's being a pain. It seems as though a lot of people were having issues with it.missomgitsica wrote: »I've had a Polar FT4 for almost 2 years now and have never had a problem with the chest strap. I had to change the batteries in the watch once but that was it.
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My polar chest strap is always messing up! My boyfriend has one also and his is also messed up. It stops picking up the heart rate mid workout soo annoying! Kills the vibe big time!0
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alyssa88005 wrote: »My polar chest strap is always messing up! My boyfriend has one also and his is also messed up. It stops picking up the heart rate mid workout soo annoying! Kills the vibe big time!
If it is under warranty, you and he need to contact Polar. If it isn't under warranty, he probably should get a new Polar strap for $20.00 as they don't last forever.
Have the both of you been maintaining the strap properly after every workout?0 -
jensquish1 wrote: »
I am wanting to use it for running as well as a new weight training/hiit program in starting soon. I need to know what my heart rate is at certain points of the work outs. I also want a more accurate calorie count.cheshirecatastrophe wrote: »What are you wanting it for? I run with a Scosche rhythm+ armband--it syncs to my Garmin via ANT+ and could sync to a phone or whatever via Bluetooth. I find the armband *infinitely* more comfortable than the chest strap I tried.
It can be a little finicky for the first quarter mile or so, but then it settles down pretty nicely and doesn't drop data or anything. The heart rate graph syncs nicely with my pace and elevation graphs, so I assume it's working A-OK.
Just an FYI but HRMs will not be at all accurate for HIIT, and even worse so for strength training. The calculation embedded in the HRM assumes steady state cardio, the further away you get from that activity the more inaccurate it will become.0 -
I love my Zephyr HxM because the battery is rechargeable. Don't wind up using it much anymore, though. Do make sure the contacts are wet. If you are sweating, that will help.0
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jensquish1 wrote: »i was set on getting a polar HRM but have heard awful things about the cheat strap not working right. I am looking for some other suggestions!
Don't get one, they are just the closest estimate ... might as well as use the free estimate... unless your loaded then just buy whatever....0 -
I'm probably not going to get one. It's almost pointless I suppose. And I'm messing around with technology while working out I'm going to flip out lol0
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Tedebearduff wrote: »jensquish1 wrote: »i was set on getting a polar HRM but have heard awful things about the cheat strap not working right. I am looking for some other suggestions!
Don't get one, they are just the closest estimate ... might as well as use the free estimate... unless your loaded then just buy whatever....
In my opinion, a heart rate monitor (which not 100% all the time) can really assist one in training, depending on the type of training. And if one takes the time to find his or her max rate, the monitor can help one be more specific in zone training. The willy nilly method is not very advantageous, in my opinion.0
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