Does Anyone Own a Polar Heart Rate Monitor?
- Thread starter melagras
- Start date
mrsprincess07
Cathlete
I owned a Polar F6 and last year replaced that with the FT7 which is the model they replaced the F6 with.
I liked both, I think the F6 was more user friendly but the great thing about the FT7 (that is, if it's not replaced with another model already) allowed you to change your own batteries unlike other models. I also like the new chest straps that they use as mine doesn't lose contact nearly as often either. The downside is that the display screen is harder to see/read than my F6.
I really like my polar especially given how much they cost. You can get various models including those made specifically for running or weight lifting.
I liked both, I think the F6 was more user friendly but the great thing about the FT7 (that is, if it's not replaced with another model already) allowed you to change your own batteries unlike other models. I also like the new chest straps that they use as mine doesn't lose contact nearly as often either. The downside is that the display screen is harder to see/read than my F6.
I really like my polar especially given how much they cost. You can get various models including those made specifically for running or weight lifting.
poachedsalmon
Cathlete
I have a Polar Heart Monitor. In fact, I have been using the same one for 7 years. I wouldn't use any other brand. I have the F4 and have been very happy with it.
It's not the most expensive one they have, but it is not the cheapest either. I can enter my stats (age, height, weight, etc) and it will keep track of how much time I spend in my target zone and calories burned. For me, that's all I need to know. They have a variety of monitors that will give you more info if you need it.
It's not the most expensive one they have, but it is not the cheapest either. I can enter my stats (age, height, weight, etc) and it will keep track of how much time I spend in my target zone and calories burned. For me, that's all I need to know. They have a variety of monitors that will give you more info if you need it.
RapidBreath
Cathlete
I have the FT4. I love my Polar. Its my favorite. I like the newer models, its easier to change the battery. They are worth it. But, they don't all come with GPS. I use my Garmin for GPS outside. I think of my Polar as my 'little friend'
It keeps me honest.
It keeps me honest.
bonjonbart
Cathlete
I have the Polar FT4, too, and I do like it. It has all the information that I need for my workouts. You will have to determine what options you want on a HRM before you buy one, but I think Polar is a reliable brand.
I've had an F4 for years and years. It's still going strong. I've had to replace the chest strap, but that is okay: with the new one you can replace the battery yourself. I use a Garmin Forerunner for running, but the Polar F4 for all my other workouts. I agree that you will want to explore what features you want before you decide on a model, but I don't think you can go wrong with a Polar.
CDPotier
Cathlete
Mine always stop working
I have the polar FT, and now two of them are not working correctly. Is there any brand better than Polar? I am sick of ordering the same one over and over again, and I even use electrode creme under the band. The four pound weighted gloves I have helped a great deal, but now it will not even tell me how many calories i burned.
I have the polar FT, and now two of them are not working correctly. Is there any brand better than Polar? I am sick of ordering the same one over and over again, and I even use electrode creme under the band. The four pound weighted gloves I have helped a great deal, but now it will not even tell me how many calories i burned.
exercise-lover
Cathlete
I have the Polar F4 for more years than I can remember. I love it! Working out with a heart monitor is really motivating and educational. I have nothing but praise for the Polar HRM.
Trixoo
Cathlete
My Polar is at least 10 yrs old and still going strong. I'm happy to hear it's easier to replace the batteries in the newer models, because when mind finally konks out, I'll be looking for another and that was the only aspect I didn't like. I don't know what model I have but it's probably the lowest model because I only wanted to able to see my heart rate. I got my sister an F6 and she loves it, except for having it ship it off to et the battery replaced about every 4 yrs at this point). I've on,u had to have my battery replaced once, and never in the chest strap.
Good luck...I hope you find something you like that's reliable.
Good luck...I hope you find something you like that's reliable.
This is the one I have and I can't imagine ever doing any workouts without it. I still have a laptop running XP for the software that came with it. I hope they never discontinue it. I have no interest in any of their newer offerings. DH has an RS300 that he uses everyday.
Sunshine1528
Cathlete
Had an older version, think it was the F6 which was going well for quite a few years. Got an F40 for my daughter who absolutely loves it (wears it every day even as a watch !) and then mine seemed to need to be reset everytime I was using it so also got an F40 for myself.
I typically use it for HR, fat % and cal burn and record on my calendar so don't use the software but you can track it via computer if you purchase the cord.
Got it on Amazon for $110 the end of last year.
I haven't used any others so don't know how they work but am very pleased with the Polar.
Their website if very helpful to do comparisons between the different models so you can see which one would be best for your personal uses.
I typically use it for HR, fat % and cal burn and record on my calendar so don't use the software but you can track it via computer if you purchase the cord.
Got it on Amazon for $110 the end of last year.
I haven't used any others so don't know how they work but am very pleased with the Polar.
Their website if very helpful to do comparisons between the different models so you can see which one would be best for your personal uses.
DirtDiva
Cathlete
Mine runs flawlessly on Windows 7, so don't worry about switching over if you have to. I debated on getting the new RX5 this Christmas, but it doesn't work with the ProPolar software and when I talked to the gurus at PolarUSA they said for what I do the RS400 is more versatile. I don't think there is any software that matches this, the heart rate graphs and the ability to plug in mileage and all those small details is what makes this invaluable to me. Even though its designed for running, its way better then the CS series for cycling. I have computers and GPS for my bikes anyway. Love this watch!
unfetteredpast
Cathlete
DirtDiva -- I also have an RS400 and wondered if you've had problems going through watchbands? I'm on my third. My sweat just destroys the rubbery part to the point that it eventually falls apart. You can only buy a replacement band through Polar. Because of the odd shape, generic watchbands won't fit. I love my RS400, but if I could change one thing about it, that would be it.
DirtDiva
Cathlete
I haven't had that problem (yet), I suppose I should look more closely I forget to take it off sometimes for days. Thank god its waterproof. I have noticed that the *start* button isn't engaging as quickly and that may mean it needs to be serviced. I have had zero problems switching out the battery on the watch and on the strap. I've realized over time that if your heart rate spikes wicked high (like in the 200's) its time for a new Polar Strap. I wash mine after every use (in the sink) and hang them to dry. I have a few of them I rotate through. I've also found the face can scratch, I've hit it on a few trees riding and ended up covering the face with the stuff you cover up cell phones with, that's been working really well. I can't think of anything else that has gone wrong with it. Wonder if the RS800 is worth it when this one bites it finally.