Heart Rate Monitor Watches?

R

Row

Joined
Jan 11, 2008
Messages
104
Hey Guys,
It looks like I'm in the market for a new watch, and since I'm going to be working out quite often alone this summer, my coach hinted a watch with a heart rate monitor might be helpful. So here's when you guys come in to help. My first question is: is it right to assume Polar is the way to go? From what I've heard and read they seem to the "best" company that makes these types of watches. Specifically I've been looking at the Polar Rs 100. For the record I'm not a runner, but I end up running quite often for training and so a stop watch is kind of a must. This seems like the limiting factor in buying a polar, since, through my understanding, it seems like quite a number of the models (including the F11 and F6, the other two I was seriously viewing), don't come with the stop watch.
So, in summary, my questions for you guys is:
1. Should I consider companies other then polar?
2. If polar, or for that matter any other company, what models should i consider?
And really my only criteria is a heart monitor, a stop watch, and a watch. My budgets around $150, but I could probably be convinced to go up a little. Thanks in advance for any help
 
I bought this Sportline brand watch at target for around $40 I think. Doesn't require you to wear a chest belt so that's a plus. And it's been pretty accurate the year+ I've had it.
 
Bike Nashbar has a house-brand watch / heart monitor that works pretty well. I've had mine for a few years now.
 
I used a Cateye that was part of a bike computer and mounted on the bike, but it could be removed and worn on a wrist strap if desired. Worked well...

HRMs are a good training tool; as they let you dial in your effort and recovery to a nicety. I see now (at least for cyclists) the power-output meters are becoming popular for serious trainers.
However, after using one for a while, you can get a pretty good feel for where you are in your aerobic range by gauging your breathing and other clues.
 
Polar is probably the biggest, but Suunto is supposed to be the most accurate. I haven't checked this year's models, but they used to take measurements a couple of orders of magnitude more often than competitors comparable models. Most of the line also has a feature called the Training Effect that goes a little deeper than just heart rate and gives you a better idea of how you are actually improving your fitness level. It's a pretty illuminating feature in that you can see if you are just working way too hard and over stressing your body and muscles, or doing work that is not really improving your fitness level and just burning calories.

My wife and I both have the T3c. The strap that comes with the new TXc line is far more comfortable than any other ones we tried, which was a big factor in our decision. There are also accessories available, like running, bike, and GPS pods. My wife is a big runner, so I got her the running kit, which, like the watches, measures all kinds of stuff that other brands' don't bother with.

Anyway, I'd definitely recommend giving the Suunto line a thorough look. And yes, they all have stop watches. :)
 
Thanks guys. A lot of good info I'll have to look into. Definitely going to look at suunto more closely. Thanks again and keep the advice coming.
 
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