Heart Rate Monitor

I have a Polar that I wear sometimes. I have found that it really helps when I decide to take a break, I can bring my heart rate down quickly doing the bio-feedback thing. The strap is a pain though, definitely the reason I don't wear it 100% of the time.
 
I've occasionally worn one of the watches where you don't use a chest strap, but hold your finger on a button to check your heart rate. Not necessarily the most accurate thing in the world, but it's interesting to satisfy your curiosity. I never actually used it for anything meaningful, though - it was just a thing where I was wearing the watch already and checked it out of curiosity.
 
remmmm said:
I have a Polar that I wear sometimes. I have found that it really helps when I decide to take a break, I can bring my heart rate down quickly doing the bio-feedback thing. The strap is a pain though, definitely the reason I don't wear it 100% of the time.
Click to expand...

That's what I was afraid of.
 
CaptInsano said:
Can you be more specific about why the strap was bothersome?
Click to expand...

Most of them are very uncomfortable. Try the newer Suunto models with the comfort strap, which is denoted by a "c" at the end of the model number. My wife and I both have the T3c and find the watch and strap both very comfortable. The new "d" models have the same strap, but they broadcast two signals so the machines at gyms also pick up the signal.
 
CaptInsano said:
Can you be more specific about why the strap was bothersome?
Click to expand...

most of the straps are rubber and go across your chest. Now throw in some heavy intensive hiking on a hot day, with a pack on, and you get majorly uncomfortable
 
CaptInsano said:
Can you be more specific about why the strap was bothersome?
Click to expand...


Yeah. I did my research and even upgraded to a higher end Polar that had their new at the time (a couple of years ago) fabric comfort band. It's the only one I have experience with, so I can't really say if it's more comfortable then the regular Polar strap or not. The strap doesn't chafe or anything, I guess it's just the sensation of having this sort of restrictive strap around your chest. You could honestly simulate the sensation using a couple of those flat bunge cords. Just find a combination of two cords that you have to put some tension on to stay in place and that's what it feels like. I'm not saying I'm giving up on using mine ever again, but in reality (for me) it's one of those pieces of gear that you want to use, but end up leaving at home because it's more trouble then it's worth.
 
storl said:
Most of them are very uncomfortable. Try the newer Suunto models with the comfort strap, which is denoted by a "c" at the end of the model number. My wife and I both have the T3c and find the watch and strap both very comfortable. The new "d" models have the same strap, but they broadcast two signals so the machines at gyms also pick up the signal.
Click to expand...

Those look awesome, but more $$$ than I am interested in paying for teh benefit. :o
 
I've got a garmin edge 705 that I mostly use for biking and running. It works really well because you can see how different grades and elevation effect your heart rate. I did a race last weekend and it's interesting to analyze the date afterword.
 
The chest strap on the Polar never bothered me. I used it mainly when biking big hills or hiking at high altitude. I have a tendency to overdo it with bikes. Likewise, when hiking at high altitude, it can sometimes be easy to rapidly accelerate your heartrate. The Polar is a good reminder.

I don't wear it for regular bike rides or hiking at normal altitudes.

DancesWithKnives
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top