Heart Rate Monitor Watches
I had gotten a MIO strapless heart rate monitor a couple of months ago. It sucked! Worked fine around the apartment, but as soon as I was actually exercising, the HRM wouldn't calculate unless I was completely still. Traded that one in. Next I tried a Timex with a HRM strap. Worked GREAT... for about 3 weeks, then the monitor wouldn't calculate my heart rate for about 5-10 min, and when it would, it would say it was 33. When running, it MIGHT get up to 120, but most of the time would stay down at 50 or 60. So I've sent that one back.
Now I'm thinking about trying a Polar HRM watch (although I don't really want to have to send it away to change the battery) but they seem to get good reviews, I've narrowed it down to: the F4, F6, and RS100. I don't really want to spend much more than $100 and I really only care about the heart rate functions and calorie expenditure. Has anyone had much luck on one of these models over another? If I can't get one that works right soon I'm going to give up!
That is one problem with the cheaper Polars, cross reading. The F4 and F7 are encrypted and only talk to themselves. They are recommended by the personal trainers at our health club for that reason.
Original Post by safina1:
Original Post by v_avila:
Safina, I think it's time for a battery change...
which is a pain in the *** I heard that I have to send the watch to Polar. is that true?
I've had my Polar F11 for about 4 years now and never ever ever sent it in for a battery change. I think the manufacturer says it won't honor the warranty unless they change the battery, but I just took mine to a jewler and they do it for free and takes about 5 minutes. Lately I've just changed it myself.
I think they say the battery will last 6 months in the watch and a year in the strap for "average use" I used to have to change the battery more often than I do now. I also quit using the encoded strap and just use the basic strap that came with my first HRM. I don't work out in a gym with other HRM users so the encoded strap is not necessary. I also think it caused more complications than the HRM itself with giving me funlky readings. I don't have the flatline or fibrillations with the cheap strap.
What models of Polar are considered the 'cheaper' models?
Does the strap itself need any kind of upkeep (i.e. battery change)? I'm still a relatively new user, and just now hitting the 1 year mark...
Original Post by sauvignon:
What models of Polar are considered the 'cheaper' models?
Does the strap itself need any kind of upkeep (i.e. battery change)? I'm still a relatively new user, and just now hitting the 1 year mark...
I think the cheaper models are the lower "F" models. Also my first HRM was a Polar C and it just tells the pulse and the strap doesn't have a battery or anything very basic model. The straps that are encoded do need a battery change, but I think the electrodes wear out before the battery.
Original Post by marujita13:
Do the Polar HRM's require a strap around your waist/torso? Or is it just a watch? I've been thinking about getting one, but those straps look uncomforable.
I honestly forget to take mine off sometimes when I'm done working out, that's how much I don't notice it. It really wasn't long either to get to that point, like 2 weeks tops. I have the Polar F11 and it's my cardio's best friend. Worth every penny imo.
Hey I have a Polar F6 and I love it, it tracks calories, excercise time weeking journals. Definitly reccomend it
I bought a REALLY inexpensive HRM yesterday. It requires I enter age and gender, but not weight and height. I don't have to stop my workout to see the heart rate (just touch it for 5 secs or so).
Should I return it?
I say if it works for you, keep it! You might want to hold onto the receipt for 30 days or whatever just in case. My problem was just that it wouldn't give me a heart rate if I was moving at ALL, and that's pretty pointless since the whole reason you want the HRM is to tell you your heart rate WHILE exercising! Good luck! I hope it keeps working for you.
Original Post by mperic81:
I bought a REALLY inexpensive HRM yesterday. It requires I enter age and gender, but not weight and height. I don't have to stop my workout to see the heart rate (just touch it for 5 secs or so).
Should I return it?
This would be equal or worse then the machines estimate IMO. Well if you care about seeing how many calories you are burning, you really need something based on height, weight, and heart rate. If all you care about is your heart rate number then this might be fine. I'd be cautious on the quality of it though still.
I have just recently purchased a Polar FT40. Finding it to be quite accurate and gives an extra kick to my training. Though I'm a runner and do wish I had looked more into the Polar RS models.
My POlar FT also keeps a record of calories, % of fat from total cals burn, shows when your in fitness or fat burning mode, training files stored. I like that the strap is comfortable and have no issues with it slipping down my chest like the older cheaper model I had been using. Did have some probs today though a few times it (sensor) stopped sending signals to the watch but I think that may have just been the electrodes no wet enough.
