Best HRM for 100 buck and under

ebonyroche
ebonyroche Posts: 682 Member
edited November 9 in Fitness and Exercise
Im looking to get a HRM but I don't know which brand to get. I have around 100 buck to spend maybe more, any suggestions on which one to buy? I really don't want the one you wrap around your chest. Thanks
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Replies

  • garbanzalo
    garbanzalo Posts: 61 Member
    Polar FT7

    Edit - Sorry, did not read the second half saying you do not want a chest strap. The Polar has one for accurate measurements. Any particular reason you don't want a chest strap?
  • firedudecndn
    firedudecndn Posts: 25
    Timex
  • irjeffb
    irjeffb Posts: 275 Member
    I recently got a Polar FT7 for $100, and I really like it.

    Note that it does have a chest strap, but most of the ones without a chest strap are less accurate and/or a pain to use.
  • sayfay
    sayfay Posts: 90 Member
    I recently got the Polar FT4 and love it!
  • Dtho5159
    Dtho5159 Posts: 1,054 Member
    The issue is, if you don't get one with a chest strap, it won't track your Heart Rate therefore won't be as accurate. I bought the Polar FT4F off Amazon for $54 (it was on sale) but regular priced Im sure they are under $100. I saw lots of Polar models for $85-$90.
  • HotBodUnderConstruction
    HotBodUnderConstruction Posts: 420
    If you want a good HRM...your money is only well spent if you get a watch that is as accurate as possible...unfortunately the most accurate HRM's come with a chest strap. If you reconsider your ban on chest straps, then I would recommend looking at the Polar series watches. I didn't like the chest-strap either at first but like all things it doesn't bother you after you get used to it ;)
  • ladybug91254
    ladybug91254 Posts: 232 Member
    I have the Polar F4 and love it. Have had it for over a year. Very easy to use and under $100. Think I paid a bout $70 or $80.
  • sweettoothfairy
    sweettoothfairy Posts: 212 Member
    Polar Ft7.. just recieved it today and its awesome.
  • byHISstrength
    byHISstrength Posts: 984 Member
    Polar FT7. I have had mine for over a year, and love it.
  • ctlinj7
    ctlinj7 Posts: 151 Member
    I have the Polar FT7 in red. I LOOOVE it. I have used it religiously since Sept 1, 2011. It gets you motivated seeing how many cals you've burned so far .. .and I'm always like ok, I got a 100 more to lose I can do that...... Only con with it is there's no timer for intervals, there's a ticker for start to finish but that's it.

    I've also hear good things about Garmin. They are a little pricier but my friend loves her's with the GPS.
  • erickirb
    erickirb Posts: 12,294 Member
    Most of the ones without a chest strap only take your HR when you hold the button on the watch. So to get a good average HR you need to check it often, which can be a pain. Just opt for the one with chest strap. Look at Polar FT4 and FT7 on Amazon to get a good price on a great unit.
  • thepetiterunner
    thepetiterunner Posts: 1,238 Member
    I have a Garmin Forerunner 110 which I use for my runs (it has GPS) but I just bought a Polar FT60 for myself.

    The HRMs with the chest straps tend to be more accurate. You may want to reconsider your stance on this if you're going to spend that much on a HRM anyway.
  • ebonyroche
    ebonyroche Posts: 682 Member
    Polar FT7

    Edit - Sorry, did not read the second half saying you do not want a chest strap. The Polar has one for accurate measurements. Any particular reason you don't want a chest strap?
    I seems constricting, but if it the most accurate, I should try it. Do you wear it under your workout clothes?
  • willafan
    willafan Posts: 101
    Polar FT7 - Love it! Very easy to use and just under $100 on Amazon.
  • kristina509
    kristina509 Posts: 43 Member
    I went last Friday to Best Buy looking for the Polar Ft4 HRM and bought a FitBit instead...and I am really loving it! I was skeptic about the strap going around you and I was afraid it wouldn't fit me. Plus, when you think about getting sweaty I would think it would get uncomfortable, but I don't know. Good luck!
  • nukehiker
    nukehiker Posts: 457
    Polar FT7

    Edit - Sorry, did not read the second half saying you do not want a chest strap. The Polar has one for accurate measurements. Any particular reason you don't want a chest strap?
    I seems constricting, but if it the most accurate, I should try it. Do you wear it under your workout clothes?

    yes wear under your t-shirt etc... im sure some of the ladies here can help you with proper position etc. I have the FT4 and have had it for about a year or so. It has been great. I know the strap comes in 2 different sizes ?? just make sure you get the proper one. it might seem a bit odd at first but after a few times you won't even think about it being there.
  • Terk1968
    Terk1968 Posts: 25 Member
    I just got a Polar FT7 Heart Rate Monitor from Amazon for $77. This is my first HRM and I love it. I've had it about 2 weeks. I bought it initialy to get a better idea of how many calories I actuly burn in a work vs MFP. I thought I'd only wear it a couple of times to get a basic idea of a normal burn but I've worn it for every workout since I've had it.
  • Mrsairforce
    Mrsairforce Posts: 130
    Polar FT4 $100 at target. Best investment I ever made.
  • HotBodUnderConstruction
    HotBodUnderConstruction Posts: 420
    Polar FT7

    Edit - Sorry, did not read the second half saying you do not want a chest strap. The Polar has one for accurate measurements. Any particular reason you don't want a chest strap?
    I seems constricting, but if it the most accurate, I should try it. Do you wear it under your workout clothes?

    Yeah you wear it under your shirt and you place it right underneath where your sports bra ends
  • golope
    golope Posts: 54
    I've been wondering the same thing about which HRM to buy. I have the desire to avoid a chest strap. Mostly because I think my boobs would get in the way. If I looked down, I'd never be able to see it to read it. If you put it under your t-shirt, how do you read it? Do you have to keep pulling your shirt off or something? I know nothing about these so maybe these are stupid questions but I just don't see how this would work for someone with a really big chest. It might get lost under there! lol
  • idauria
    idauria Posts: 1,037 Member
    I've been wondering the same thing about which HRM to buy. I have the desire to avoid a chest strap. Mostly because I think my boobs would get in the way. If I looked down, I'd never be able to see it to read it. If you put it under your t-shirt, how do you read it? Do you have to keep pulling your shirt off or something? I know nothing about these so maybe these are stupid questions but I just don't see how this would work for someone with a really big chest. It might get lost under there! lol

    The readings aren't on the chest strap itself. You also wear a watch on your wrist. That's where you'll see your readings. I was skeptical about the chest strap too so at first I bought an inexpensive HRM that was watch only and it was a piece of crap. I wised up and bought the Polar ft4 and never looked back. It's not uncomfortable at all. The strap is adjustable so you can make it as comfy as you like.
  • lsilly15
    lsilly15 Posts: 137 Member
    I have the MIO with the chest strap (make sure it comes with that!) And i love it so far!
  • lsilly15
    lsilly15 Posts: 137 Member
    I've been wondering the same thing about which HRM to buy. I have the desire to avoid a chest strap. Mostly because I think my boobs would get in the way. If I looked down, I'd never be able to see it to read it. If you put it under your t-shirt, how do you read it? Do you have to keep pulling your shirt off or something? I know nothing about these so maybe these are stupid questions but I just don't see how this would work for someone with a really big chest. It might get lost under there! lol

    The readings aren't on the chest strap itself. You also wear a watch on your wrist. That's where you'll see your readings. I was skeptical about the chest strap too so at first I bought an inexpensive HRM that was watch only and it was a piece of crap. I wised up and bought the Polar ft4 and never looked back. It's not uncomfortable at all. The strap is adjustable so you can make it as comfy as you like.


    I have a big chest and i thought the chest strap would get in the way -- not at all! just position it correctly
  • PeaceLoveVeggies
    PeaceLoveVeggies Posts: 673 Member
    I just bought the Polar FT4 online, it's suppose to get here tomorrow. A lot of my friends say that they love theirs, so I got it too. I got it off of bodytronics.com for $61.88.
  • jrich1
    jrich1 Posts: 2,408 Member
    If you dont get a chest strap then you will be sacrificing accuracy... go with a FT7
  • liroez29
    liroez29 Posts: 221
    I am getting ready to buy on too, I am seeing an exercise specialist, I asked her advise and she said she likes the Polar heart rate monitors, said you can get them at Target or ****'s sporting goods. So that is what I am going to get I think. Hope you find one that you like!
  • pinkprincessmama
    pinkprincessmama Posts: 52 Member
    I'm looking at the Polar FT60. Any reviews on that one? How does it compare to the FT4 and FT7?
  • aregensb
    aregensb Posts: 239 Member
    I have a Omron HR-100C with a chest strap, I bought it for like $35. The only thing I don't like about it is that it doesn't calculate calories based on your heart rate. If I were to buy another one, I think I would probably get a Polar FT4 or FT7.
  • Butterfly3730
    Butterfly3730 Posts: 220
    Polar FT4 (chest strap is included and very comfortable) and I love it! I would not do a HRM watch without the chest strap.
  • WhisperALullaby
    WhisperALullaby Posts: 67 Member
    Bought a Polar FT7 for about $60 new on eBay. Amazon always has good prices on the Polar watches too if you're going to go with a chest strap then. New Balance has a cheap one too that isn't bad.
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