Heart rate monitors/calorie burn monitors

Okay, heart rate monitors/calorie burn monitors that use age, weight, height, sex…how accurate are they? I bought one before the holiday weekend, I paid roughly 50$ for it and was utterly disappointed. If I used it’s calorie burn measurements I’d have been burning between 6000 and 9000 calories a day doing practically nothing. As lovely as that sounds it’s also very untrue. I even set the resting heart rate. So I guess what I’m asking are there any good brands out there? Something semi accurate? Did I get a bad one?

I just bought one from amazon, it was 150$, I'll let you know how it goes (I literally JUST ordered it)

Those are not designed to be worn all day. They only work when your heart rate is increased like when you do cardio.

I purchased a Polar F6 on ebay for $40, its a dream. I only wear it when exercising though.

Beware though that the calorie burn will be way less than what the machines and CC say, in most cases anyway.

I was basically testing it for calorie burn. I tried several things, simple walking…and then when that seemed to high, sitting and doing nothing. On the sitting and doing nothing if I multiplied that number by 12 hours I was getting 3000-4500 calories burned in a 12-hour period, so I doubled that number for the post. Anyway, my point is this thing is obviously wayyy the heck off. I have no problem with lower burn rates, just ones that seem ridiculously high. In truth I wasn't looking for something to use as a solid answer, just something to give me an idea of how much activity I'm really getting in when I'm active.

Did you check to make sure that your weight, age, and gender got programmed in when you changed the settings from default? That's really strange. What kind is it?

I have a polar F11 and I LOVE it. I waited months because of the price. It was definitely worth it and I regretted not getting one sooner.

I have a Mio Motiva and I love it! On walks I burn slightly lower than when I ride my recumb. bike. I can up my intensity so that I can get a higher heart rate. I got a little crazy with mine when I got it, I kept trying different activities and seeing how many calories I burned. Mine has a setting for 3500 calories and as you exercise it counts down to zero so you know when you have "lost a pound". Just make sure you log in the correct information for yourself, age, weight, height, etc.

I also have the Polar F6 and I have no complaints. :)

They can be a lil pricey, but it's a great investment.

Did it come with the chest strap? 

I wouldnt buy anything OTHER than polar.  They are the best!

~H~

No chest strap, it was the best Wal-mart had to offer...I should have known better. It was just the first place we were at after I'd decided to get one. I had no idea what these things should run and didn't give it much thought.  I can't remember the brand because I already returned it...something that was on the Dr Phil  show I remember that being the pitch on the side of the box, looked like a watch.

Since it doesnt have a chest strap there is no way it can be accurate, even during exercise. You should return it and look for a polar f 4 or f 6 on Ebay. They retail for over $100 but you can getthem half price on ebay.

I have had several polar watches... I keep upgrading.

I absolutely love polar watches and would recommend them to anyone. Some cardio equipment (treadmill, bikes) at the gym can even read your heart rate.

If it doesn't have a chest strap its not worth it.  Also like others have said all HRM are not designed for all day wear only during workouts.