Heart Rate Monitors

[logi]

Looking at purchasing one but dont know a whole lot about them and the sport check people seem to just focus on selling me the most expensive ones.

Been looking at the Polar FT80 it seems to focus on more than just running and has some strength training features to it.

Anyone have any experiences with some that they could recommend?
looking to spend no more tahn 200-250 if possible

[Super_Geo]

I've had a Garmin 405 for the past 3-4 years. Has worked great. Garmin's online tool (connect.garmin.com) is really well put together as well.

I think you can get the Garmin 405 for $160 at Costco nowadays...

[phreezee]

Garmin Forerunner 410, $140-150 at Costco. I only use for biking and running. Don't really know what "strength training features" would be actually.

[austic]

I have the costco one, works great. "strength training features" on a watch? why? just need a good GPS and heart rate monitor aka the garmin from costco..

[Cos]

.

[sheik_yerbouti]

The best website for this information is dcrainmaker.com (http://www.dcrainmaker.com/) . I love the Garmin FR60 (or 70)

[shadowz]

Me and another coworker are using FT60 and FT80 respectively, got mine for 199 plus ship and his was 275 I believe from a BC online store

[The_Rural_Juror]

I have had a garmin 305 for a few years now. Garmin's got a great system. The only downside I can see is that the calorie estimator is based on distance and intensity, rather than heartrate alone (which the Polar does). So if the calorie burn rate for indoor workout is important to you, then the Polar comes out ahead. Otherwise, I really like my Garmin.

[CLiVE]

I have a garmin 910xt, a Garmin 405, and a Timex Ironman.

Depends on what other features you are looking for. If you are looking for just Heart Rate, and cheap timex with HRM will work just fine. If you want GPS for biking/running go with a garmin. If you want a swim watch also, 910xt or similar.

Selling my Garmin 405 also....Works fine, but the touch dial drives me crazy. :dunno: Tough to adjust display or features on the go, transitioning between sports is awkward, and tough to have a steady hand if you have to use the touch bezel while running.

[suntan]

I have a Polar H7. Works great. Integrates with my iPhone. It's only $80.

[Marsh]

Its not exactly a heart rate monitor, but does anyone have the Nike Fuel band? Thoughts on it?

[swak]

If you're looking for something just to track HR at gym, $200 is way too much to spend.
The Garmin 405 and Forerunner are sex if you're looking to track running though.
Otherwise, a basic Suunto watch will be more than enough... I think i paid $100 or so.

[austic]

Originally posted by Marsh
Its not exactly a heart rate monitor, but does anyone have the Nike Fuel band? Thoughts on it?
one of the guys at my gym brought one back from the states. does not work that well you really only get points if you shake your hand around tons... kind of like an expensive pedomoter if you ask me.

[rvd]

I'm reading the 2012 Sports Gadget Recommendations on dcrainmaker. Can't quite narrow it down, can anyone make a recommendation ?


Watch
Stationary Bike – speed, distance, calories
Trail running – speed, distance, caolories
HR
GPS
Log, to compare, hr, speed, distance, every session

[sheik_yerbouti]

Go to MEC for the return policy and buy a Garmin Forerunner 310xt or 910xt. They are the best. You will be happy with either. Garmin Connect software is great.

[swak]

Garmin connect is useless - unless you use it to see where you've been and show your friends your data. I'm a huge garmin fanboy, but will admit that their 'software' could be a lot better.

Use Training Peaks for useful and professional layouts and data. Even their free trial is better than garmin.

2nd best to TP is Polar's software too. As well, never seen/used suuntos but I'm sure its dece based on their clientelle.

But go see the guys at Bow - a lot of the staff there is competitive racers and whatnot, and should be able to steer you in the right path!

[TYMSMNY]

Anyone have any experience with either/both of the following HRM monitors? Stuck between the two...

Runner that dabbles in cycling so units must have cadence capabilities. Swimming = none.

Polar RC3
vs
Garmin 310xt

[swak]

The RC3 is a serious watch... Big fan of Polar (Yet i ride with a Garmin - they're still better on the bike side).


But im going to be jumping on the new SUUNTO Ambit this year.
MSRP around $550, gps, hr, etc... plus you can get a kit for your bike (cadence, speed, distance, incline, etc). for about $95

[TYMSMNY]

It was either get a runners watch with cycling capabilities or... a basic HR watch and get a separate bike unit.

I'll be using it for running (outdoor training up to a marathon) and biking (indoor/outdoor training up to a "ride to Conquer Cancer event"). I'd use it for the occasional "wonder how hard I'm working in hockey" or "how many bpm can I get my heard up to while riding".

One concern is that these watches are huge... have to swing by some place that has both to compare. I know GPS City has Garmin but not Polar from their website. Where's a good place to check out that has both??

[msommers]

Garmin Edge 500 w/ cadence unit + Forerunner 410

Sick combo :D

[98type_r]

Garmin Edge 305 w/cadence + Forerunner 910xt :D :D

I like to have a dedicated bike unit that is stem mounted, it just looks cleaner on the stem vs. having a watch on the handlebars. Plus the screen layout is better with more available data, any of the watches maxes out at 4 data fields.

[TYMSMNY]

Yea, the 910xt looks super nice. Did you pick one up locally or online? cost??

[msommers]

Originally posted by 98type_r
Garmin Edge 305 w/cadence + Forerunner 910xt :D :D

I like to have a dedicated bike unit that is stem mounted, it just looks cleaner on the stem vs. having a watch on the handlebars. Plus the screen layout is better with more available data, any of the watches maxes out at 4 data fields.

Nice combo! The 910xt is way more watch than I'll ever use. I am curious how the new Edge 510 compares to the 500 though.

[swak]

Originally posted by msommers


Nice combo! The 910xt is way more watch than I'll ever use. I am curious how the new Edge 510 compares to the 500 though.

Its just a software and cosmetic upgrade :nut:
If you're running a 500, i wouldn't jump on it, IMO.

They dooo look pretty sweet though haha... But its basically the same.