HRM with GPS suggestions
Wolfena
Posts: 1,570 Member
OK - so, for years I used a Polar F-11... and I also had a Fitbit One, which I thought was fun for about two weeks and then just thought was a pain in the butt so went back to my F-11.
Anyway, it's been years gone by and I'm getting back into running, walking & bicycling again. I really think I'd like to get a new one that also tracks distance (a GPS). I still want to be able to enter all of my personal information and track calories, heart rate, fitness level, etc (pretty much everything my F-11 did, but with the distance thing!)
Who has one they love (or hate) - please share, I'm impatient and am hoping to buy one ASAP (maybe tonight!!!)
I don't really want to spend more than 150$ & I don't care if it has a chest strap or not.
Anyway, it's been years gone by and I'm getting back into running, walking & bicycling again. I really think I'd like to get a new one that also tracks distance (a GPS). I still want to be able to enter all of my personal information and track calories, heart rate, fitness level, etc (pretty much everything my F-11 did, but with the distance thing!)
Who has one they love (or hate) - please share, I'm impatient and am hoping to buy one ASAP (maybe tonight!!!)
I don't really want to spend more than 150$ & I don't care if it has a chest strap or not.
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Replies
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I have a Garmin 235. Look at DC Rainmaker's website. His recommendations, reviews, and comparisons are very helpful. I wouldn't impulse buy a GPS watch.4
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pomegranatecloud wrote: »I have a Garmin 235. Look at DC Rainmaker's website. His recommendations, reviews, and comparisons are very helpful. I wouldn't impulse buy a GPS watch.
Who/Where is DC Rainmaker's website? Can you post or message me the link?
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Garmin. The vivoactive HR sounds like just what you are looking for.1
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polar m400 with heart rate monitor strap. keeps you in the same polar ecosystem that your used to. It tracks activity sleep along with having a very nice gps running watch built in with sport profiles for other activities as well.0
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http://www.dcrainmaker.com/
DC Rainmaker is definitely the best for GPS reviews. I've been using a Garmin 220 for a couple of years but would also consider the 230 or 235 if looking now.1 -
I have the Garmin Vivoactive with chest strap (my preference for accuracy). Love it. GPS and apps for biking, swimming, walking, running plus downloadable (I have GymTimer). A good busget smart/fitness watch in my opinion.0
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Oh and I have looked at other models but for me, at the moment, a bit pricey (coveting the Fenix 3 currently).0
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lsutton484 wrote: »polar m400 with heart rate monitor strap. keeps you in the same polar ecosystem that your used to. It tracks activity sleep along with having a very nice gps running watch built in with sport profiles for other activities as well.
I did a little research on this one.... looks great for running/walking, but I also bicycle - not sure it'll be suitable?
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lsutton484 wrote: »polar m400 with heart rate monitor strap. keeps you in the same polar ecosystem that your used to. It tracks activity sleep along with having a very nice gps running watch built in with sport profiles for other activities as well.
I did a little research on this one.... looks great for running/walking, but I also bicycle - not sure it'll be suitable?
one of its default profiles is cycling.0 -
lsutton484 wrote: »polar m400 with heart rate monitor strap. keeps you in the same polar ecosystem that your used to. It tracks activity sleep along with having a very nice gps running watch built in with sport profiles for other activities as well.
I did a little research on this one.... looks great for running/walking, but I also bicycle - not sure it'll be suitable?
Depends. Do you use speed and cadence sensors? Power meters? Then no. And no watch in this price range will either.
If you don't, it's fine. Just get one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Polar-Universal-Bike-Mount-Wrist/dp/B000GLK4GS/ref=pd_sbs_200_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=41b7Hi0BowL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160,160_&psc=1&refRID=4NGC64XPG9S4SXKY0KT4
If you want to use bike-specific sensors (speed, cadence, power), you either need a cycle computer or a really expensive watch (Garmin Forerunner 735 or Fenix, Suunto Ambit3). A FR230 and Vivoactive will connect to speed/cadence sensors but not power.0 -
I love my vivoactive, no HR but the newest model does have it. You can also pair an HR with the Vivoactive so that's an option and at 169.99 on sale, its hard to beat even with the added cost of an additional heart rate monitor.0
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scorpio516 wrote: »lsutton484 wrote: »polar m400 with heart rate monitor strap. keeps you in the same polar ecosystem that your used to. It tracks activity sleep along with having a very nice gps running watch built in with sport profiles for other activities as well.
I did a little research on this one.... looks great for running/walking, but I also bicycle - not sure it'll be suitable?
Depends. Do you use speed and cadence sensors? Power meters? Then no. And no watch in this price range will either.
If you don't, it's fine. Just get one of these: https://www.amazon.com/Polar-Universal-Bike-Mount-Wrist/dp/B000GLK4GS/ref=pd_sbs_200_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=41b7Hi0BowL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160,160_&psc=1&refRID=4NGC64XPG9S4SXKY0KT4
If you want to use bike-specific sensors (speed, cadence, power), you either need a cycle computer or a really expensive watch (Garmin Forerunner 735 or Fenix, Suunto Ambit3). A FR230 and Vivoactive will connect to speed/cadence sensors but not power.
If she doesn't want to spend more than $150 on a GPS/HRM watch, I doubt she has speed/cadence sensors or a power meter on her bike...2 -
If you want a watch that's good for bike and run then see if you can pick up a new old-stock Garmin Forerunner 305. It can use speed/cadence sensors as well as HR and run cadence. It also has quick release mounts for wrist and bike making it easy to switch from one to the other. They can often be had very cheap on Ebay etc. I used one for years until the GPS eventually started playing up on it. For running the 220 I replaced it with is better but the 305 takes a lot of beating for a cheap bike/run watch.0
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I personally use the Forerunner 220 with a Wahoo Fitness Tickr Run HRM for running and Edge 220 with a CycleOps HRM for cycling. But that is a pricey investment....
My wife uses the Forerunner 25, which is an All Day Activity Tracker, Sleep Monitor and a GPS Running watch, which will pair with an ANT+ HRM. The only thing you need to do is when the cycling is over is change the event in Garmin Connect over to Cycling/Ride instead of Running so it will adjust your calories correctly.
The other logical option would as mentioned a first gen VivoActive. It has a profile for running, a profile for cycling, a profile for swimming and will pair with a ANT+ HRM.0 -
OK - so, for years I used a Polar F-11... and I also had a Fitbit One, which I thought was fun for about two weeks and then just thought was a pain in the butt so went back to my F-11.
Anyway, it's been years gone by and I'm getting back into running, walking & bicycling again. I really think I'd like to get a new one that also tracks distance (a GPS). I still want to be able to enter all of my personal information and track calories, heart rate, fitness level, etc (pretty much everything my F-11 did, but with the distance thing!)
Who has one they love (or hate) - please share, I'm impatient and am hoping to buy one ASAP (maybe tonight!!!)
I don't really want to spend more than 150$ & I don't care if it has a chest strap or not.
I just bought a Garmin Vivoaction HR and love it. It has multi sport activities to include running, bike, walking, swimming, golf, rowing, and you can add to it. Really like how it records intensity minutes for activities and associated heart rate.
$250 but REALLY worth it.1 -
VintageFeline wrote: »Oh and I have looked at other models but for me, at the moment, a bit pricey (coveting the Fenix 3 currently).
Suunto announced that they're working on a new watch, the Spartan Ultra, which will compete with the Fenix 3. Garmin put the F3 on sale for 25% off that weekend. I think the price went back up, but it'll go down again when the Suunto comes out. Garmin wants to snipe customers away from their competition.
Also, REI has their own credit card, sometimes they have a deal where they'll give you a $100 gift card for opening a CC account. You only have to use the CC once to get the card.
There are sites ("active junkie") that will split their ad commission with you if you buy from another site through them.
Combine a few of these tricks and, well, it's still expensive. But not quite as bad.
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I have an M400 w/chest strap HRM and use it for swim, bike and run training. I love the Polar Flow app. At a $150ish price point, it has served me well.
As noted above, it doesn't provide speed/cadence and power, so for my indoor bike trainer work, I use a wahoo speed/cadence sensor and get virtual power from TrainerRoad. - But I suspect that is TMI.
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Thank you all, I think I've decided on the Vivoactive HR, which probably has way more than I need!
Although my local store carries both that and the polar M400, so I may give it a look over too 1 -
NorthCascades wrote: »VintageFeline wrote: »Oh and I have looked at other models but for me, at the moment, a bit pricey (coveting the Fenix 3 currently).
Suunto announced that they're working on a new watch, the Spartan Ultra, which will compete with the Fenix 3. Garmin put the F3 on sale for 25% off that weekend. I think the price went back up, but it'll go down again when the Suunto comes out. Garmin wants to snipe customers away from their competition.
Also, REI has their own credit card, sometimes they have a deal where they'll give you a $100 gift card for opening a CC account. You only have to use the CC once to get the card.
There are sites ("active junkie") that will split their ad commission with you if you buy from another site through them.
Combine a few of these tricks and, well, it's still expensive. But not quite as bad.
I'm in the UK, can't do any of that! But there is a seller on Amazon shipping from the US which makes it significantly cheaper. Still a bit rich for me at the moment.0 -
NorthCascades wrote: »VintageFeline wrote: »Oh and I have looked at other models but for me, at the moment, a bit pricey (coveting the Fenix 3 currently).
Suunto announced that they're working on a new watch, the Spartan Ultra, which will compete with the Fenix 3. Garmin put the F3 on sale for 25% off that weekend. I think the price went back up, but it'll go down again when the Suunto comes out. Garmin wants to snipe customers away from their competition.
Also, REI has their own credit card, sometimes they have a deal where they'll give you a $100 gift card for opening a CC account. You only have to use the CC once to get the card.
There are sites ("active junkie") that will split their ad commission with you if you buy from another site through them.
Combine a few of these tricks and, well, it's still expensive. But not quite as bad.
I think I'll have to check out REI!0 -
After more research, seeing them in person & contemplating price... I ordered the Garmin Forerunner 25 bundle. (Purple/black)
Now I can't wait till it gets here!!!
https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/into-sports/running/forerunner-25/prod164366.html1 -
Good choice.
It should work fine on the bike, too. It will probably think you were running, so when you get home you'll want to go to Garmin Connect (on your computer's browser, or on your phone with the app) and change your bike rides from "running" to "cycling." You don't have to, but GC has some nifty reports like how many times did you run vs bike each month, how many hours and calories and miles of each, etc. Only work if your activities are tagged.
Also you can get a handlebar mount if you want one:
I have a Garmin watch too. I thought the "smart notifications" were going to be a gimmick that I'd never use. They're actually hugely valuable. I set my phone down when I get home, and don't need to find it to see why it's buzzing, or I get a text on my wrist and don't miss it. I like that it's waterproof because when I hike with a buddy and they drive, sometimes that "I'm on my way" text while I'm in the shower. The watch shows it to me and I know to get moving.1 -
NorthCascades wrote: »Good choice.
It should work fine on the bike, too. It will probably think you were running, so when you get home you'll want to go to Garmin Connect (on your computer's browser, or on your phone with the app) and change your bike rides from "running" to "cycling." You don't have to, but GC has some nifty reports like how many times did you run vs bike each month, how many hours and calories and miles of each, etc. Only work if your activities are tagged.
Also you can get a handlebar mount if you want one:
I have a Garmin watch too. I thought the "smart notifications" were going to be a gimmick that I'd never use. They're actually hugely valuable. I set my phone down when I get home, and don't need to find it to see why it's buzzing, or I get a text on my wrist and don't miss it. I like that it's waterproof because when I hike with a buddy and they drive, sometimes that "I'm on my way" text while I'm in the shower. The watch shows it to me and I know to get moving.
I am more of a walker/runner than a bicycler... I would be more interested in just distance & calorie burn when I ride then the other more complicated stuff. Pretty sure this Garmin will do that for me even if I'm on a bike
I also was thinking all of those smart notifications were unnecessary for what I want. I really don't care who is calling or texting or emailing me while I'm exercising, nor will I really need notifications about my exercise by text or email. Checking the device itself should be suitable. But who knows - once upon a time I didn't think I'd need/want the GPS either, as I'd always just come home and use geodistance to figure it out!
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My wife loves her FR25. I got it for her for Mother's day and she loves it. Uses it all the time.1
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I have a Vivoactive HR and I love it! Works great for what I do.
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Polar M4000
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Garmin makes a range of great GPS watches with multi-sport capability and pretty stunning accuracy - mine are within 10-20 meters over certified courses. I love their stuff - have had several over the years - they get better and better -, and all models have been reliable and easy to set up and use. I second that comment that the DCRainmaker site has super helpful video product reviews. Be sure to consider the models that give you heart rate without having to use a chest strap.0
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