Wireless Heart Rate Monitors

Xatrei · Post by **Xatrei** » February 4, 2004, 4:32 am

I'm looking to buy one in the next few days, and was wondering if any of you fitness gurus have some suggestions. I'm leaning towards the Rebook Fitness Trainer, which I can pick up locally for around 50 bucks. Does anyone have any experience with this particular model, or suggestions for different product in the same price range ($50 +/- $20)?

Winnow · Post by **Winnow** » February 4, 2004, 7:24 am

Avoid brands that use these as contacts:

Xatrei · Post by **Xatrei** » February 4, 2004, 2:07 pm

Thanks Winnow - you just saved me from a major mistake.. Just got back from returning this little gadget, which is cool since I thought it was a little cumbersome to begin with. Besides, the contacts hurt my nipples.

noel · Post by **noel** » February 4, 2004, 2:42 pm

The most widely used brand of heart rate monitors in the world is Polar (http://www.polar.fi/polar/channels/eng/index.html). Polar has several models in your price range that are worth considering. I'm currently using the Polar 720i, which allows me to do just about anything, including, downloading my training sessions to my computer in graph format so that I can view them, and focus/evaluate specific aspects of my training. I've been using different HRMs for over 7 years now.

The one thing I would caution is this. For the money you're spending, you're going to miss out on features you might want down the road, depending upon what you're doing etc. Some of the more expensive ($100+) units from the different manufacturers will do things like, sets of HR zones for training, recording workouts to be downloaded and viewed on your PC, recording temperature, and a lot of other convenience features (as an example, if you are running and bring a polar near your chest strap, it automatically turns on the light which is very handy for running at night). The Reebok unit looks pretty decent, but take a look at the Polar line if you get a chance.

Heart rate monitors are probably the most useful tool you can have for any type of cardiovascular workout, and I highly, highly recommend anyone who is doing any type of cardiovascular or endurance training use one.

Xatrei · Post by **Xatrei** » February 4, 2004, 5:42 pm

Thanks for the tip Ara, I'll check into the Polar products. ATM, I'm not terribly concerned with all the "frills," and am mostly interested in knowing when I'm at my THR. I can always upgrade later if I feel like I'm missing out on some of the more advanced features.

Tegellan · Post by **Tegellan** » February 4, 2004, 11:08 pm

I have always used Polar as well, I am not much into the frills either just want to know my pulse and optimal training zones and it always worked like a charm for me.

The light thing is very practical too since i run in the dark a lot.