Heart Rate Monitor Advice
| Author | Date | Message |
|---|---|---|
| Brendan Hogan | Feb 12 2008, 1:50pm | Hi, Please can someone offer me good advice on the purchase of a heart rate monitor. My friend told me they are essential for training, but with so many to chose from what features should I be looking out for? What brands/models are considered the best value? Thanks, Brendan |
| Simon B | Feb 12 2008, 3:28pm | Hi Brendan, I've just bought a Polar rs200 (bought it Online a few days ago, so haven't actually received it yet). After doing a bit of homework I decided this was the best one for me (I'm a bit of a beginner, so couldn't see the need for anything more complicated). I heard that Polar are the best, and not to bother with the Nike ones, etc. I'd be interested to hear if anyone is using the Rs200, or if they'd recommend anything else. By the way, I hope to take part of some of the events this season for the first time. So hope to see you there. Simon. |
| Turlough Conway | Feb 12 2008, 9:18pm | Hi Brendan, There are basic ones in Lidl for less than twenty for a test run. They will just give your heart rate but you only need to glance at the watch every now and then to keep an eye on it. If its not for you it hasnt cost the earth. Likewise if it is for you and you want to upgrade. |
| Jackie O | Feb 13 2008, 11:54am | Brendan I have the Polar RS200sd - have had it about 3 years now and it's great. It has 5 heart rate zones to track where you've been throughout your run and the footpod is really useful as you can see distance travelled and your min, max and average speed (which is most useful for pacing yourself). Personally I like Polar as they are reliable, very functional and you can use any of their watches with the polar cheststrap (I also have the AXN500 so can use either watch as needed!) That says as Turlough says you can get basic versions for much cheaper that just give Heart Rate and very often this is all you need. Therefore if this is all you want from your watch for now, avoid the new fangled ones until you become a little more experienced and figure out what exactly you want in a HR monitor! |
| Brendan Hogan | Feb 14 2008, 10:39am | Thanks all for your advice on this. I think I might go for a Polar FS3c. This will give me a reliable brand at an affordable price. Has anyone ever used this one? Simon, you seem to have done a lot of research before you purchased your Polar rs200. Have you come across a Polar FS3c? I too plan on becoming a member of IMRA this season....What would be a good starting event. Thanks again, Brendan |
| Simon B | Feb 14 2008, 1:13pm | Yes, the FS3 looks like a good entry level HRM with a few features (like training zones, etc). I'd say go with that one as a happy medium. I think it's in the ?60 price range. Simon. |
| Simon B | Feb 14 2008, 2:42pm | Yes, the FS3 looks like a good entry level HRM with a few features (like training zones, etc). I'd say go with that one as a happy medium. I think it's in the ?60 price range. Simon. |
| Tony Kiernan | Feb 14 2008, 4:15pm | My advice is to go for a model which has a HRM and a chronograph / stopwatch. Means you can wear it while racing or doing speed sessions and track your HR on each split time. Some of the Polar entry models don?t have this. |
| kevin english | Feb 15 2008, 12:44pm | I think the best thing to do is check out www.polar.fi the rs100 is a perfect start with most of the features.the rs200 gives you the option of using the foot pod if you fancy buying it at a later date.From experience the heart rate monitors in aldi dont last,atleast with polar you get a full years warranty.The fs3c is a fitness watch(wouldn't have split laps ect).hope this helps.kevin |
| Brendan Hogan | Feb 18 2008, 11:36am | Thanks Kevin, Do you know where I could pick up an rs100? What's the difference between a HRM and a fitness watch? (you mention the fs3c is a fitness watch) Brendan |
| Fergal Fitzmaurice | Feb 18 2008, 10:28pm | If you go to http://www.polar.fi/uk/retail.html it will give you a list of all the retailers in Dublin. I bought mine from www.irishfit.com and got it next day. If only I used it more often now :) Hope that helps |
| kevin english | Feb 21 2008, 9:30pm | Hi Brendan,drop down to runways(187 parnell st)opposite the back of the ilac centre and next door to cycleways. Fitness polar watches usually don't come with lap counters or some features that runners like.fergal(blast from the past)how you keeping ?drop me an email kev08765@yahoo.com |
