Buying a Heart Rate Monitor... HELP!!??!!

ShannaB83185
ShannaB83185 Posts: 441 Member
edited October 28 in Fitness and Exercise
I am purchasing a heart rate monitor today if it kills me! :explode: I have spent the past 2 days reading reviews looking at different websites and I have NO idea which one to buy!:grumble: I know that I want one with a chest strap as I have heard it provides the most accurate reading but as far as brand goes not a clue?! I would love a Polar but they are wayyyy out of my price range :sad: I am looking for something that's about $60 or under. Does anyone know which brands are good and which ones I shouldn't buy. I have been looking at MIO and New Balance? HELP!

Replies

  • kaybrose730
    kaybrose730 Posts: 143 Member
    Hey Girl!
    I've been researching the same thing! I keep looking at Amazon at the Polar FT4. They are in the $70 range.. i've been waiting to get one for $60 but it hasn't happened yet :(
  • happienikki
    happienikki Posts: 25
    Hey pebs! I was researching the NB for you, and they have good reviews!!!! I think that sounds like a fabulous choice!!!!!!
  • ryno0618
    ryno0618 Posts: 361
    You should be able to pick up a POLAR FT4 on Amazon for around $60. The price fluctuates but I've seen FT4s for $55 and I purchased an FT7 for $70 last year on Amazon.

    You really get what you spend when it comes to HRMs. I would rather save up the extra 30-40 bucks than to get a cheap HRM at a big box store or sporting goods store. IMO
  • FORIANN
    FORIANN Posts: 273 Member
    I picked up a Timex for about $42 on Amazon...wrist monitor and chest strap. I've only had it about 2 weeks, but it's working out well for me. Maybe go with that and if in six months you're still going strong and think you need/want more features then upgrade and sell the old one for $20-$30. Just my .02.
  • Pakitalian
    Pakitalian Posts: 218 Member
    Bump. I am in the same situation... Curious to see the responses!!
  • jadedone
    jadedone Posts: 2,446 Member
    Thinking about it too.
  • SomeMorr
    SomeMorr Posts: 220 Member
    I just got a Mio strapless watch. I kinda wish I would have shelled out the money for the one with the strap b/c you dont have to test each time your HR changes but I am worried that it will be annoying to wear. I do love my Mio (I have the Mio Drive) the only issue is that you have to mindfully check your HR while exercising which is the only con sometimes. I have been using mine at the gym for the last week and it has made a huge difference in the calories burned from what the machine says.
  • misschristi
    misschristi Posts: 119 Member
    i researched a ton before i got mine too, i finally decided on the polar ft4 and found it on amazon for like $60-70. i ended up with a puma one that my bf gave to me, but i read a lot of good things about the ft4 :)
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    You def. need one with a strap... and Polar really is best. The cheaper you go, the worse it is going to be at estimating calories and what not.

    Look on amazon, they trend to have really good prices.

    Whatever you do stay away Timex.. They are crap at estimating calories burned.
  • elledo
    elledo Posts: 80
    The only thing with the FT4, is that I'm pretty sure it's not coded, so it can pick up other peoples data if they are wearing a HRM too. I have the F7 and it is coded and works really well.
  • SafireBleu
    SafireBleu Posts: 881 Member
    http://www.heartratemonitorsusa.com/polar-ft4.html This is a great price. I love my Polar. I have an FT40 but was gonna get the Polar ft4 or 7.
  • jillybeanruns
    jillybeanruns Posts: 1,420 Member
    Honestly, keep saving if you can't get a quality Polar. You need one with a chest strap (it isn't annoying you barely notice it).

    I have the FT60 and is among the most reliable and accurate. I also have a Garmin GPS for my running.

    I don't know much about the FT4, but this one (yes it's brown and kind of ugly) is $60.58 via Amazon.
    http://www.amazon.com/Polar-Womens-Heart-Monitor-Bronze/dp/B001U0OFD2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326851508&sr=8-1
  • KimH313
    KimH313 Posts: 162
    I found the polar ft4 on bodytronics.com for $62 with free shipping and no tax, that's the lowest I was able to find! It was back ordered so it did take a little while for it to be shipped but it's on it's way now, good luck!
  • elledo
    elledo Posts: 80
    This popped up about 5 mins ago.

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/331402-problems-with-polar-ft4
  • nafroese
    nafroese Posts: 122 Member
    Check out Ebay that is where I got mine!
  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    The only thing with the FT4, is that I'm pretty sure it's not coded, so it can pick up other peoples data if they are wearing a HRM too. I have the F7 and it is coded and works really well.

    This is not true.

    The newer series(FT) is all coded. The older series(F) is not coded, I don't think.

    The FT4 and F7 are two totally different models.. so please do research before spreading misinformation.
  • serebelum17
    serebelum17 Posts: 3
    I just ordered the Polar FT60 from Amazon after reading the different reviews. It was $124.89. This model retails at $219 on the Polar website. One caveat is that apparently with the less expensive models, they have to be returned to the manufacturer for battery replacement. So look for one that has a battery that can be changed by the user. Based on the reviews, I didn't get a good feel for the Timex. Like the other poster said, you really get what you pay for when purchasing a heart monitor! Good luck.
  • AmyRhubarb
    AmyRhubarb Posts: 6,890 Member
    I have a New Balance N4 & it works great! The average price is around $70, but I saw them at Target the other days for $40 - not sure if the sale is still on, but check it out. You can find them online as well - I found mine on eBay for $26. Good luck - I hope you find what you need for a good price!

    Reviews on amazon: http://www.amazon.com/New-Balance-Heart-Rate-Monitor/product-reviews/B003A0QEMU
  • JohnnyResets
    JohnnyResets Posts: 177 Member
    I'd say go with a Polar too. I haven't had any other one, but I have an older model F11 and it has worked like a charm! An it does make a huge difference from what the machines say...

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  • ShannaB83185
    ShannaB83185 Posts: 441 Member
    Thanks everyone!!! I bought a Polar FT4 off a website bodytronics.com! It was $61.78 and free shipping and then I noticed their was a spot for a coupon code so I googled coupon codes, found one and got another $3 off :) Paid $58 for a PINK one :)) It's shipping out of Georgia and I live in Florida so I should have it soon! Soooo excited!! Thanks everyone for the help!
  • skylark94
    skylark94 Posts: 2,036 Member
    Thanks everyone!!! I bought a Polar FT4 off a website bodytronics.com! It was $61.78 and free shipping and then I noticed their was a spot for a coupon code so I googled coupon codes, found one and got another $3 off :) Paid $58 for a PINK one :)) It's shipping out of Georgia and I live in Florida so I should have it soon! Soooo excited!! Thanks everyone for the help!

    Jealous! I wanted pink, but I'm an instant gratification type and all I could find locally was ugly bronze. Congratulations on your purchase. I think you'll be very happy with the FT4.
  • KimH313
    KimH313 Posts: 162
    Thanks everyone!!! I bought a Polar FT4 off a website bodytronics.com! It was $61.78 and free shipping and then I noticed their was a spot for a coupon code so I googled coupon codes, found one and got another $3 off :) Paid $58 for a PINK one :)) It's shipping out of Georgia and I live in Florida so I should have it soon! Soooo excited!! Thanks everyone for the help!


    That's the one I got! Its coming tomorrow yayyyyyyyyyyy !!!!!
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