heart rate monitors

I am looking to purchase a heart rate monitor. I have only ever used the one with the chest strap a few years ago), but on e-bay I see lots that appear to be strapless. Anyone use one like that? are they any good? Is cost a big determinant of quality with these things? THX for UR help!

Wed. Aug 8, 1:21pm

From what I understand, the strapless ones work by putting your finger on a receptor on the watch- kind of a pain in the butt if you're looking to really monitor your HR... seems more loke a toy than a tool.

I've got a Polar F6- it's got a chest strap. I'm a guy, and it took me about 3 runs to get used to it. Honestly, the chest strap isn't that bad- properly adjusted, it'll even stay on when I'm swimming.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007, 1:56 PM

The chest strap ones are better-and I agree, you do get used to them. I use mine for every workout and I don't even feel it. I have a polar one too-although I can't remember which model. It was under $100 and it's been worth every penny!

Wednesday, August 8, 2007, 2:03 PM

I totally agree that the chest strap ones are better. I have both kinds and use the one w/the strap most. The strapless one seems more convenient, but it really isn't. It cannot take a continuous accurate heart rate for your entire workout like the strap one can. It just bases your HR and entire calorie burn on the last time you put you finger on the little button to measure it. Obviously we know our HR goes up & down during our workout. The strap one monitors continuously which would be way more accurate.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007, 3:01 PM

Yeah, I had one of the finger-press monitors and it sucked. I hardly notice the chest strap now, and you can get a decent Polar one for about $60 now. Totally worth it.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007, 4:34 PM

i bought a C9 watch model from target and it actually works really well.. i was very surprised. the button even works accurately while running (i tested it against the treadmill hand monitor). maybe i got the fluke one that actually works, but i love it!

Wednesday, August 8, 2007, 5:17 PM

I want to get a chest strap one to be more accurate, the finger one on my mp3 player sucks. It'll give you 3 different readings in 2 minutes.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007, 11:32 PM

I got a Mio strapless HRM for $35 about a month ago. It was relatively cheap, but I honestly think I'd be happier with an expensive one with a chest strap. I find mine to be very accurate, but having to put my fingers on it for a couple seconds tends to disrupt my workout. During an interval workout its great, but if I'm continuously on the move, jumping around and whatnot, it takes longer to give me a reading, maybe 10 seconds or so, and by the time I'm finished messing with it, my heart rate's not the same.

I guess if you're not really moving your arms, its not too bad, but I'm still gonna save up to buy a good polar watch!

Wednesday, August 8, 2007, 11:42 PM

Heart rate monitors - what do you want to know - I use them every day in my job. They are sensational as a training tool and as motivation if used correctly. Need to do do a heart rate stress test to work out your training zones - and then away you go. Do not use 220 - age as a guide as it is sooooooo incorrect it is not funny. If you want any more information you can email me at work as I am happy to help. simon.illingworth@hamcoll.sa.edua.u

Thursday, August 9, 2007, 2:40 AM

Definitely yes on the chest strap, but I wouldn't spend too much ($150 +) because these bad boys break. From the most populars brands Polar, Nike, Timex, and even Sunto the average life-span--gathered from my usage and my workout/training buddies--is 1-1.5 years. It's one thing or the other that breaks, chest strap or wrist unit. Yeah you could replace the park but by that time you'll want to upgrade anyways.
I usually end up buying a Polar and do the battery replacements myself. Though it does work in the pool I never let it in the pool unless I know it is already near the end of its life. And do heed the care instructions on the chest straps. Regularly washing them really extends their life span.
Overall a great investment and training tool.

Thursday, August 9, 2007, 7:59 PM

I also use a Polar HR montior with the chest strap. I just put the strap right above the band of my sports bra...I don't even feel it, no different than wearing a sports bra. I've seen several men running with the also and they don't seem to move! I've had mine for about 3 years, but I don't use it every workout. I've replaced the batter several times, but that's it!

Thursday, August 9, 2007, 8:07 PM

I use a Polar 725x (cross training monitor) and do something like 200 hours a year and replace battery once. Never had a problem with the hard ware and software support is also sensational. Excellent motivational tool.

Thursday, August 9, 2007, 11:16 PM

Bump.

Thursday, March 27, 2008, 11:35 AM

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