Heart Rate Monitor opinions?

[azcatz]

Hi all--

I mostly lurk, but am tiptoeing out to ask about HR monitors. Do you use one? Which do you like best? I'm thinking of the Polar F6, but the reviews I read suggest the F11. I'm not sure if I need all the bells and whistles of the F11 (in addition to the higher price!).

Thanks for any suggestions.

Julie

[neicebug]

Hi, Julie! :)

You are in the same boat I was when I made my purchase. My decision came down to vanity...I wanted the PINK model, so I chose the F6 model.

I only use my monitor for keeping tabs on my calorie burn and to make sure I am working up to my target hr when I exercise. So, the F6 works perfectly for me.

I found this link to compare the F6 to the F11 and the F4...
http://www.polarusa.com/consumer/weightmgt/products.asp
Click on the "Compare Weight Management Models".

I hope it helps you!
xoxo, Denise :)

[Mckmain]

Julie...I have had many HR monitors over the years as I like knowing what my heart is doing. I recently purchased the F6 and I really like the features. Especially the Sonic Link where you can transfer your workouts to the Polar Personal Trainer site, and then you can see all the workouts in the week. I can even add my running workouts as I use a different watch for those....:)

[marnold]

Julie,

I have this one and I use it for the same reasons already stated above...calories expended and time in HR Zone...good luck on your purchase.

http://www.polarusa.com/products/fseries/f6.asp

[materialsgirl]

I have the F11 in chili red and I love it - no complaints. I think anything made by Polar is a pretty safe bet. :)

[debbydarestobefit]

I think your choice boils down to what exact features do you want or need, and what your budget will allow. I have the F6, it fits my current needs. Sometimes, though, when out biking or walking, I wish I had a Garmin ... but that'll have to wait as it is truly a want at this time.

Have fun with whichever one you get!

Deb

[tygra]

Hi! I waivered for a long time, but finally purchased the pink F6 last week when I saw free overnight shipping special. I absolutely love it so far and, like the previous poster, wanted pink :-) It keeps you pushing in workouts and also tells you where to potentially slow down. I'd recommend one, and I've only had this model.


HTH
Jane

[cheval]

I use a Garmin Forerunner 305 for my workouts. I love this thing. I also do outside stuff (ride horses) and this works great for that, too. If you're willing to spend the $$ on the Polar F11, totally check out the Garmin FR 305. You can pick it up for about $155 after a $50 mail-in-rebate.

I use it for interval training on the treadmill, too, to keep track of my intervals. Once a week, I do interval training based on HR. I warm up nicely, then run at 6 mph until my HR reaches 170 (about 90% max for me). I then recover at a walk until my HR drops to 127. I repeat that 9 times, do a cool down and a Stretch Max segment. I set the intervals up on the Forerunner before I ever start and it beeps at me when to change my speed so I don't have to keep an eye on the clock or even my HR. Extremely handy. Then I can download the information to my computer and compare my HR from week to week to see how I'm improving.

Either way, I just don't workout without my heart rate monitor. I can't allow my HR to go too high for too long or I have to deal with respiratory problems, so it's really important for me to monitor my HR and control my workouts.

April

[AEHaight]

Not sure about the particular Polar HRM models you mentioned, but several of them have not had user-replaceable batteries which was a major consideration for me.

I have a Nike Imara HRM with the same features as a mid-range Polar HRM. Love it! Been using it for 2.5yr and haven't replaced a battery yet-but they ARE user-replaceable.

[azcatz]

Thanks everyone--

I went ahead and ordered the Polar F6 (in the lovely shade of Pink, of course :))

I'm looking forward to trying it out and seeing if I'm working as hard as I think I am!

Thanks again,

Julie