Recomend me a heart rate monitor

In My Humble Opinion
1

Just for fun, here’s a Froogle search for “heart rate monitor”

http://froogle.google.com/froogle?q=heart+rate+monitor&btnG=Search+Froogle&hl=en

Sooo many different kinds. I’m planning to do the swim leg of a triathlon, and I would like to know how my heart rate’s doing while in the pool. From what I’ve read, I think I need a model with a sensor chest strap, which obviously has to be waterproof, and the watch part. Things I think would be cool:

  • alarm when reaching/exceeding target heart rate zone.
  • average heart rate over full workout.
  • stopwatch functions, including split/lap times (so I can keep track of my pace on 1 unit).

From what I can tell, Polar seems like a well-know, well-respected brand. Beyond that, there are so many different models at various prices, and I’m not sure what to pick.

So, what can you tell me about your heart rate monitor? What do you like? Do you wish you had gone with another model, and why? I’m especially looking for swimmers - what works well underwater?

Thanks!

2

I’ve had the Polar Edge for 13 years, they don’t even make them anymore. However, swimming, running, cycling (primary) I’ve never had a problem. I have sent it back for new batteries and replaced the chest strap three times. Each time turnaround was less than 5 business days. Each time they’ve sent me little goodies that I’ve requested (new tie wraps for the bike unit, etc). There are a lot of cyclists I know of that don’t like a unit they can’t replace the batteries themselves, but I like the peace of mind that the units been calibrated and warranted waterproof.

3

The new Polar stuff is very good. The new ones can be used in water, but you can’t press the buttons while immersed.

I wore mine during an aerobatic flight in a jet. You can see peaks when we started pulling G’s. Very cool.

4

I’ve always had a problem with heart rate monitors in pools. The chlorine ruins the stretch in the chest band. Also, flip turns nicely move the band down to my stomach. I’d like to know if you find one that works well in the pool.

I have a Polar HRM, and it has held up well. I broke my first band, but won another Polar in a race, and use it. I’ve had the polar for close to 10 years, now.

5

Thanks for the replies! You guys are great. Looks like several people second the goodness that is Polar.

Is there much difference between the $40 units and the $100+ units? I think I will look for one of ones that have the sealed-in batteries.

6

Basically, you pay for features. The more expensive the watch, the more features it has. Mine downloads to a computer (Windows), stores a lot of laps, etc.

I’d also look at the Timex Ironman watches. You can get GPS and a heart rate monitor. (Garmin also makes them, but you can’t swim with them.)