Heart Rate Monitor Help

mes1119
mes1119 Posts: 1,082 Member
edited November 11 in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all! I'm very interested in buying a heart rate monitor to judge my calorie burn during workouts.

What do you recommend? I'm a student so cost friendly is important. Nothing crazy, just effective and cost efficient. I don't necessarily need all the bells and whistles but if it comes with that, I won't complain! Thanks :)

Replies

  • dad106
    dad106 Posts: 4,868 Member
    Polar FT4.. On Amazon for 60 dollars.

    Most basic that you can get that is pretty cost friendly.
  • JenGrape
    JenGrape Posts: 32 Member
    Jumping on the thread here... anyone know of a waterproof one that can be used during swimming that they would recommend as well?
  • Shock_Wave
    Shock_Wave Posts: 1,573 Member
    Polar FT40 is awesome!
  • MDWilliams1857
    MDWilliams1857 Posts: 315 Member
    I do believe that most Polars are resistant up to a certain depth. I know I wore mine in the shower with no problems.
  • ckenning
    ckenning Posts: 71
    bump
  • isaacs06
    isaacs06 Posts: 75 Member
    I also have a Polar FT4 - i did a lot of research and thought this was the best buy - 60 bucks aint cheap in my world!
  • kattiek
    kattiek Posts: 83
    I have a Polar ft7 and it's waterproof up to 30ft or 30 meters, I forget which one. I do remember seeing a warning to not press the buttons on the watch underwater. I haven't used it for swimming, but I love it for running & weight training. It's very easy to set up and shows you your calorie burn. I think I spent about $70 on it from amazon.com. It's money well spent!
  • kim_mc
    kim_mc Posts: 321 Member
    I like the Polar FT4 also. Gets the job done and very affordable! It can be worn while swimming....
  • JenGrape
    JenGrape Posts: 32 Member
    I have a Polar ft7 and it's waterproof up to 30ft or 30 meters, I forget which one. I do remember seeing a warning to not press the buttons on the watch underwater. I haven't used it for swimming, but I love it for running & weight training. It's very easy to set up and shows you your calorie burn. I think I spent about $70 on it from amazon.com. It's money well spent!

    Thank you!! I will check it out! I want it for lap swimming that I'll be doing this summer... a new workout for me. I would like to have a more accurate number on all of my burns in general.
  • jsunshine220
    jsunshine220 Posts: 109
    Polar FT40 is awesome!

    I love the FT40 as well. Not sure if it's in your price range but I love mine.
  • CoraGregoryCPA
    CoraGregoryCPA Posts: 1,087 Member
    Polar FT7 is awesome, about $100. But the Ft4 is the same as the FT7 but you are missing just a few bells and whistles that you probably won't miss.

    The Ft4 is about $20 less than Ft7.
  • jvan1957
    jvan1957 Posts: 114
    I bought one at Wal-Mart for 27.00. It said I burned one cal a min. Regardless if I was running, walking, weight lifting or sitting in a chair. Also said I was burning one cal a min when I didn't even have it on. Took it back. Don't go too cheap :o)
  • JennyBB125
    JennyBB125 Posts: 29
    I have the sportline 1010 but I dont recommend it. If youre not wearing your chest strap its hard to get a reading. Youre supposed to touch your finger to the metal part but it doesnt always read. It was 54 bucks at sports authority and works good otherwise. I would recommend something you can enter your sex, age, weight etc because the calories are more accurate. It works for be because I only use it at the gym wearing my chest strap anyways, i dont wear the watch day to day.
  • vguynes
    vguynes Posts: 753 Member
    I like the Polar FT4 also. Gets the job done and very affordable! It can be worn while swimming....

    I purchased mine from bodytronics.com using the code POPO. The final price was $58.
  • MommyTKD
    MommyTKD Posts: 61 Member
    I got a New Balance one at Costco for under $40 and it seems to work just fine.
  • crawpapa
    crawpapa Posts: 156 Member
    Hated the way all the Polar HRM's looked and went with a Garmin instead and love it. A bit expensive but nice.
  • jninepug
    jninepug Posts: 6 Member
    I have a Sigma PC9 and I love it! It is easy to work and it cost $69. I bought a Sportline 1010 first but I kept loosing the signal. When I tried to return it, ****'s Sporting Goods didn't want to take it back because it had come into contact with bodily fluids (sweat). After much fighting with them, they finally returned my money and I then went to a local bike shop and bought the Sigma for the same price. It's never lost signal.
  • TraToy
    TraToy Posts: 35 Member
    Bump
  • Misiaxcore
    Misiaxcore Posts: 659 Member
    I got a Polar FT7 for 100 bucks on Canadian amazon..
  • iCACTUS
    iCACTUS Posts: 113
    I have a Sportline Solo 915. It was $60 bucks. I love it!
  • jennifer282000
    jennifer282000 Posts: 128 Member
    bump
  • sabinecbauer
    sabinecbauer Posts: 250 Member
    I bought one at Wal-Mart for 27.00. It said I burned one cal a min. Regardless if I was running, walking, weight lifting or sitting in a chair. Also said I was burning one cal a min when I didn't even have it on. Took it back. Don't go too cheap :o)

    :laugh:
    Yep. Sounds about right. I was trying to save some money by going with one of those wrist watch units to the tune of $49. They're terrific for resting heart rate, but the moment you start sweating they can't acquire your pulse anymore. Fabulous concept! I'd love to see the manufacturer's idea of a workout :tongue:
  • mes1119
    mes1119 Posts: 1,082 Member
    So I'm guessing I'm just going to have to suck it up and spend 60 on a good one. DEFINITELY not worth it to buy a cheap one if it isn't going to work!

    Thank you all for the posts. I'm going to look in the PolarFT4 from the looks of the rave reviews everyone gives it.
  • tiarah83
    tiarah83 Posts: 45
    I was torn between the FT4 and FT7. I went with the FT7-ended up costing around the same as the FT4 on amazon...haven't gotten it yet so I don't know how it'll work but I spent $74 with free shipping.
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