Polar Heart Rate Monitor
Happy New Year!
I want to buy a Polar Heart Rate Monitor but I'm a little overwhelmed and thought maybe someone on here could help me. There are so many different models. I was looking at the F11 but i'm not sure if thats the right one or if there is another one that might be better.
Does anyone have one? Which model?
Well it depends on what you are using it for. Are you doing mainly outdoor sports, running, cycling? They have some that you can buy that are specifically for these types of activities. If you are just doing some cardio and strength training I would recommend the FT60 or the FT40 which is for weight loss. I have the FT80 and to me it's a little bit over kill but its awesome and very accurate. Remember that the higher quality you go the more accurate they will be. I love my heart rate monitor and I'm sure you will too. Its an awesome investment. Here are some links from the polar website but I would check ebay for the best deals on them ( I got mine for half the price and it is practically brand new) just make sure they have good feed back ratings ;). Good luck!
I have a Polar RS200 that I just sent in for repair for the second time. The problems relate more to the transmitter (footpod) for measuring distance, so don't that that problem scare you away from Polar. My model is more for running. My primary concern was measuring how fast and far I had run.
As far as the heart rate monitor, I personally don't need anything fancy. Just knowing my heart rate gives me feedback about why I am doing better or worse on a particular day. I also use it to back off on the exercise if needed. I think all of the watches do that.
If you have any desire to download and track the data, you might want to stay away from the F11. It has SonicLink for data transfer. It gives an audible sound like an old modem that you have to hold next to a microphone. Mine works that way. I hate it. Half the time it loses synchronization and I have to start all over. If downloading data is a feature that you want, I would focus on models that use an infrared (Polar IrDA) or the FlowLink reciever.
I believe the FT60 uses the flowlink and I know the FT80 does.
I bought in April '09 so I have enough experience using the Polar F11.
I absolutely love it! You can input your user settings (height, weight, age) and it saves calories burned daily as well as over the whole year. I use it every time I work out as it is more accurate than the machines. I find it is pretty accurate as I test it when I'm around the house doing nothing versus hard activity and it measures the calories I burned. I sometimes compare my calories to the CC tools and they are similar. The strap of the F11 is very comfortable you hardly feel it. I heard the older models were too hard. The straps goes around your chest which sends signals from your heart to the wrist watch which saves your data. The data willl be there for your own use.
If you have any questions...PM...I'm very happy with the purchase even though it is a bit pricey. The money will be worth it if used constantly
I think the recommendation about the polar watches are excellent. The F11 is a very basic watch, but it's not very expensive. Kayb85 mentioned the FT60, that's the one that I use and it's a bit more expensive. The cool think about that watch is that it helps you develop an workout plan and helps you ensure that you're training in the right zone.
I'm not a big fan of the foot pods in general. They tend to be a little inaccurate. If you want to really measure distance and speed, I'd go with a GPS unit. You can add either to the FT60, but it's an extra cost.
You may find this FT60 review helpful.
I went with the Body Bugg. I ordered it a few days ago. I can't wait for it to come!
Original Post by belly_b_gone:
I went with the Body Bugg. I ordered it a few days ago. I can't wait for it to come!
Smart. I have been using it for two years, and it is worth every penny.
