Polar HRM??

I went with the FT7, personally but I think you can get slightly cheaper ones that are nice as well. Oh yeah I should edit to say I love mine :bigsmile:

I got FT4 - good starter ... easy to use.

FT4 is the entry level one. If you want slightly more accurate go FT7, it includes VO2 max. From there the higher the number the more bells and whistles.

Love the FT7! To be honest, I was going to get the FT4 and somehow the FT7 was cheaper on amazon...and I'm happy I have gone with it. To start out with I was only interested in calories burned...but since my fitness journey has evolved that are a few more settings that are on the FT7 than the FT4 which are helpful, plus, you are able to store your info and upload it to your computer which is helpful

Hi, I’ve gone for the FT40(F) – all singing/all dancing HRM. Cost a small fortune (not as much as others) but looks so worth it (only just ordered, waiting for it to arrive). Afraid I’ve not tried FT7 but have another HRM, very basic, and realised I needed to ‘upgrade’.

You’ve probably read the FT40(F) spec so you’ll know what it can do. I like the idea of knowing which zone I’m in: fat burning (very important!) or cardio and having it work out difficult stuff like resting/max HR zone.

I can post another reply once tried out - interested? Guess it depends on what you’re looking for from your HRM. Happy shopping!

@Jasnbeck98: hi, just to say, not forgotten. HRM arrived yesterday. Will post thoughts tomorrow, just need to do fit test (first thing in the morning, whilst calm).

Hi 'Jasnbeck98'

As promised, here’s thoughts on FT40. One word: brilliant.

Easy to set up and use. Manual’s easy to understand. There’s FAQs on Polar's website for more info, if need be. The nifty fit test determines fitness zones (fat burning/cardio) and tells you how many calories you’ve burnt in each. Data is kept for 50 training entries.

Re. ownindex (quite a few posts about this), looks like it might be possible (though not tried) to enter VO2 manually, as opposed to the HRM determining for you.

All in all, I'm pleased I got it, it will help me train. It comes down to what you’re looking for from your HRM. Good luck deciding! :happy:

Hi 'Jasnbeck98'

As promised, here’s thoughts on FT40. One word: brilliant.

Easy to set up and use. Manual’s easy to understand. There’s FAQs on Polar's website for more info, if need be. The nifty fit test determines fitness zones (fat burning/cardio) and tells you how many calories you’ve burnt in each. Data is kept for 50 training entries.

Re. ownindex (quite a few posts about this), looks like it might be possible (though not tried) to enter VO2 manually, as opposed to the HRM determining for you.

All in all, I'm pleased I got it, it will help me train. It comes down to what you’re looking for from your HRM. Good luck deciding! :happy:

I heard it also does your workout for you? Is this true?

For anyone else considering a Polar HRM...

I have the FT60 and love it. If you are seriously committed to fitness, this is an HRM that can take care of it all AND has options to grow into more serious functions if you wish.

It's one of only 2 Polar models (the other is the FT80) that have a kind of "personal trainer" built in, called the STAR program. There are 3 STAR program settings for you to choose from, each with a different weekly goal, "Weight loss", "Fitness Improvement", and "Maximize Fitness".

The watch will also give you a fitness test to determine your VO2max, which is generally considered the best indicator of an cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance. In other words, how "fit" you are.

Then, each week, at midnight on Sunday, a new weekly goal is given to you. For the next week, how to fulfill that goal is up to you. You could cycle, Rumba, P90X, walk in the park, do strength training, etc. Whatever it takes to get your heart rate into the zones set by the STAR program.

If you meet the weekly goal, you get a trophy that shows up on your watch during the next full week. It's amazing how badly you'll want to keep that cheesy little trophy on your watch! It really is a fantastic little incentive.

I believe the FT60 is also the cheapest Polar HRM that's compatible with the S1 Foot Pod, which measures your running speed/pace and distance. If you're a runner, this is a great option for logging your runs.

It's also compatible with the G1 GPS sensor, if you need/want that option.

The FT60 is $145 with free shipping @ Amazon last time I checked.

If you do buy a Polar FT60 or higher, I highly recommend buying the Polar FlowLink USB device (about $45). When you have finished working out, simply place your watch on the device and it automatically uploads the data to the Polar Personal Trainer site and logs all the stats for you. Fast and easy, and very, very motivating!