looking for a heart rate monitor

I'm looking for a heart rate monitor for use while running, rowing and cycling. It doesn't need to be fancy but I would like it to do this one function well. I don't care that much about other functions. It can be a watch or a band and I would like to avoid paying more than necessary for unnecessary features, I don't need it to do steps or distance as my phone does that fine and really don't care about sleep patterns. Especially since the higher end models seem to have tons of features that they don't do all that well. What is recommended in the budget range?

I'm thinking something like a Polar FT4, has anyone had any experience with them?

Are you looking for something that will keep track of your heart rate while doing the said activity or something that can just check your heart rate every so often while doing the activity?

I have a Polar RS100. which is an older version.

It works well. They don't show the strap you have to wear across your chest though, that has the actual heartrate sensor. If your familiar with that fine, but it isn't terribly obvious in the marketing that you have to wear this thing across your chest for it to work.

The strap for the sensor is washable (and good thing, it has to go on next to your skin while your working out), and it's not really uncomfortable, but it's something you have to remember, it's a bit more than just wearing a wrist watch and it works.

I'm thinking of moving to a FitBit or something similar, it may not be as accurate, but you just stick it in your pocket and it works all day long. The Polars are very accurate, but with that strap, you only really will use it during workouts.

Thanks Brian, I was surprised by the strap as well after reading some reviews. A watch itself is probably pretty accurate but the watch without strap seems to cost £100+ when the strap is cheaper and more accurate. It is really for hitting cardio at the gym so the strap should be fine. Glad to hear only good things about Polar.

When I had this idea a while back a couple of folks here pretty much persuaded me to forget it.

yes, that's why I will go with the watch + chest band or bluetooth chestband pair and not just a watch.

I have used both Polar and Garmin hear rate monitors over the years. I started back in 1993 when marathon training, I purchased a Polar with a chest strap. Polar was the world leader in heart rate monitors and the watches were pretty basic. I used it for many years and then the whole GPS scene exploded and Garmin introduced their line of GPS and hear rate monitors. I bought a Forerunner with a chest strap. It worked very well also, I still have both my Polar and my Garmin. I would suggest you look at each of what those two companies have to offer. If you are worried about a chest strap, don't be, they don't rub and you don't even really notice your wearing it. They are way way more accurate than any other method. Monitoring your heart rate and incorporating heart rate training is the best way to push yourself and avoid overtraining which you can easily track with how your heart rate recovers. Good luck with your purchase, you will not regret it.

Very accurate and minimal, though not for active sports -- unless you ducktape it to your finger.


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