Heart Rate Monitor Suggestions

SenseAtional
SenseAtional Posts: 134
edited September 28 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm looking to buy a heart rate monitor and I was hoping to get some suggestions. I don't want to spend too much money, as I'm a poor student, but I also understand that quality is essential in an HRM, and that may result in a higher price.

Which is better, the watch kind or the ones with the chest strap?

And this question's for the ladies - how does the chest strap work for you? I'm pretty well-endowed, and I'm already doubling up on sports bras, so I can't imagine wearing anything else...

Thanks!

Replies

  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    Well, they have all of theirs on sale at Target this week, pretty good prices. They have New Balance ones and Polar. Most people would say go with the Polar FT4. I don't have one because I am a poor grown up!
  • timeforachange2011
    timeforachange2011 Posts: 155
    I have the polar FT4 and love it. It does come with a chest strap. I was a little concerned at first with the strap but it fit just fine and I absolutely love it! :)
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    The ones with the chest strap are your best bet as they are more accurate then the watch only kind. The best brand is Polar, which means you will be spending more, but it will be worth it in the long run.

    As far as for the girls, your HRM chest strap will sit right under them and you can adjust it to fit your size.. so it shouldn't be too uncomfortable. I'm only a B cup, so I never wear a sports bra as it is and even with my regular bra I don't find it to be that cumbersome.
  • bethsherbahn
    bethsherbahn Posts: 64
    I have the Polar FT4 and i love it easy to use and set up !!!! It was the best $90 i have spent you can get it at Best BUy
  • Angela4Health
    Angela4Health Posts: 1,319 Member
    POLAR FT4!!!!!!
  • GaveUp
    GaveUp Posts: 308
    I just got the Polar FT4 with chest strap. I couldn't believe how comfortable the chest strap is. I would think using a HRM with chest strap is more accurate. I did notice MFP and my treadmill is off from my HRM. Both of them were higher.

    I paid 80 bucks on sale
  • SenseAtional
    SenseAtional Posts: 134
    So, it's unanimous - the Polar FT4. Is the FT4F the same? I was looking at this one on Amazon right after I posted the question: http://www.amazon.com/Polar-FT4F-Heart-Monitor-Watch/dp/B0031ZK84E
  • MoNiCaMaRieV
    MoNiCaMaRieV Posts: 50 Member
    i got the sportline universal from walmart 50 dollars i believe.. it has a chest strap and havent had any problems with it so far... i really like it
  • myboysmomx2
    myboysmomx2 Posts: 505 Member
    Bump!
  • GaveUp
    GaveUp Posts: 308
    So, it's unanimous - the Polar FT4. Is the FT4F the same? I was looking at this one on Amazon right after I posted the question: http://www.amazon.com/Polar-FT4F-Heart-Monitor-Watch/dp/B0031ZK84E

    That looks just like mine. Mine is peach. I wanted pink but Sports Authority didn't have pink. :(
  • maemiller
    maemiller Posts: 439 Member
    I have a Polar FT7 and I really love it. I put it right under my breasts. I did have to find the right adjustment for the strap. Too loose and your heart rate readings are way off, too tight, severe chafing. You do have to make sure that the sensors are nice and wet so that it has good contact with your skin and the sending unit in the center of your chest. I've ran with it and you can't tell it's there. It's stylish and I use it every day
This discussion has been closed.

Categories