Heart Rate Monitor Question

[qbu]

OK...so I'm looking for a heart rate monitor. I thought I found the one I wanted (Polar F11), then did some more research and am now more confused . From what I'm reading, you cannot change the battery in the chest strap on you own for the Polar F11. DH is concerned that it will only last a short time and then need to be sent out for replacement.

Looking for recommendations from those who use one.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[ttdriver]

Re: Heart Rate Monitor Question

I don't know about the F11, but my DH just changed the battery in my Polar M61 a month ago (it lasted well over 2 years of HEAVY USE) .. its been amazingly reliable and I wouldn't think of running without it!

Betty

[qbu]

Re: Heart Rate Monitor Question

Thanks, Betty! I'm sure if your battery lasted for well over 2 years with how much use you give it, it should last even longer for me!

[ValidRouge]

Re: Heart Rate Monitor Question

qbu, I have an F11 (which I *LOVE* btw) and I've been using it over 6 months with NO problems. I didn't realize it had to be sent out to replace the battery....D'OH!

Oh well. Even knowing that....I'd still buy it. It's a great HRM, the chest strap is VERY comfortable. The features are very nice.

[imgonnagethin]

Re: Heart Rate Monitor Question

Same here, been using my Polar for a year and it's still going strong!

Kay

[Richt]

Re: Heart Rate Monitor Question

I have an F11 also. Its great and it does everything I want it to do.

(Except for calclulating mileage, but I coulnt afford a Garmin Forerunner).

[LowCarbLara]

Re: Heart Rate Monitor Question

If you want to be able to change the battery on both the wrist unit and chest strap you might want to consider getting the Nike Triax C8.

Richt - you must try and get your mitts on a FR305! They're awesome. Two good websites are www.redlionsports.co.uk and www.heartratemonitor.co.uk .

[qbu]

Re: Heart Rate Monitor Question

Thanks everyone for your input. I appreciate it. I think I'll probably go with the Polar F11, since that was my initial choice and everyone seems to like it. Plus, if the battery lasts that long, it will certainly be worth it.

[ttdriver]

Re: Heart Rate Monitor Question

A very good choice for sure! IMO, Polar is the best.


Betty

[Pie4me]

Re: Heart Rate Monitor Question

Is a heart rate monitor hard to use?
Is a wrist unit the best?
Can someone do some explaining to me about these gadgets...
I hear so many people using them lately...Maybe Santa should
bring me one....! Thanks-Pie4me

[ValidRouge]

Re: Heart Rate Monitor Question

Pie, you should definitely put one on your list.

The way they work is they have a band that goes around your chest. That piece listens to your heart and counts the beats and sends the information back to the wrist watch piece. The wrist piece displays things like current time, time spent exercising, heart rate and such. Some monitors do fancier things like calculate your target heart rate zone and then beep at you when your heart rate is too slow or beep at you if it's too high (the F11 we were talking about does that). Some models will store all your workouts and give you summary reports. Some models can be downloaded to internet sites for tracking your workouts.

They are really cool.

[ttdriver]

Re: Heart Rate Monitor Question

I agree with Joy.

When I first debated about getting one, I thought "man, that's alot of money..." but yanno what .. I bought it anyway and have NEVER regretted it. At the time I bought it, I thought "well, I'm spending alot of money, so that in itself will keep me running!" Which it did .. my Polar has been the BEST investment .. and IF it ever quits (which I doubt because the thing has been extraordinarily reliable and dependable after 2+ years), I will run out the door and buy another one in a heartbeat (pardon the pun) .. I absolutely LOVE it .. its my running "partner" .. it keeps me honest and dedicated .. I love seeing the fact that in less than 2 years, I have burned nearly 200,000 calories .. how cool is that??!!!

Look at my picture very closely and you will see the chest strap wearlink transmitter on my chest poking through my shirt ... yep, I love it!

Yes yes yes .. buy one ..

Betty