Heart Rate Monitor Advice

[jane6pack]

Greetings,

I am in the market for a heart rate monitor. I have narrowed my choices down to Polars, specifically the F6, F11 and the M32 and M61.

I like the idea of the new, soft chest strap. Has anyone had experience with it - either positive or negative.

Does anyone have any thoughts on whether or not it is worth it to splurge and get the F11 over the F6?

I am also having some difficulty discerning whether the M's or the F's are a better choice for an avid video exerciser.

I appreciate any advice you might be able to offer.

Thanks :)

[stacy4ft9]

You may check out this link:

http://www.heartratemonitorsusa.com/Pages/TZ-2004-Pages/HRM/HRM-model/polar/All.html

It's where I bought my hr monitor (about 2 1/2 years ago). This page takes you directly to polar and under each model they tell you what it's suitable for. Also, on the right hand side of the screen, you can click on "hr monitors for running", hr monitors for weight management", etc. The chest strap I have is soft almost all the way around, then it's a little harder on the part that sits against my sternum. I have no problem with it all.

I think the F series have smaller watches. I know the M51 (don't think it's sold as that anymore) watch is quite big for my wrist.

I like my watch because in addition to tracking the cals/ahr/% of fat/time in zone/exc time, it also has a file to track my cals burned / workout time for as long as I like, for instance, I track it for a week. So that way I know what I burning each week just by looking at that particular file.

Hope that helps :D

What features are you looking for?

[jane6pack]

Stacy,

Thank you for your help. The link is useful. My main goal in starting this whole search was to have a monitor that counted calories burned. After reading some other posts on this site, I am concerned about getting a less expensive model and then upgrading in a few years anyway; it would be nice to have some of the other exciting features currently offered.

In my research I have learned that the newer Polar monitors have what they call a "Wearlink" transmitter. It is made of washable cloth, and its batteries can be changed by the user, unlike the older elastic transmitters. I am hopeful that someone here can perhaps compare her experiences with the older T-31 transmitter and the new Wearlink.

Thanks again for your help. :)

[LoriInND]

I have the T31. I got it about about 1-1/2 years ago. I haven't had any problem with the transmitter and it is still going strong. The transmitter is a harder plastic material, but it is comfortable. I am overally very happy with it. I do think that if you are interested in calories burned at all, just to go ahead and get a more expensive model right off the bat. I will probably do that when this one needs replacing. :)

[jane6pack]

Thanks. I am leaning towards getting the top of the line monitor for exercise junkies (the Polar F11) so I don't out grow its features. I still wish I could talk to someone who has experienced both the T31 and the new Wearlink transmitters. Ah well.

I appreciate your input.

Thanks again. :)

[Tarheels]

Jane, I have the F11, and I LOVE it. I'm not sure if I'll ever use everything on it, but I am glad I have all the options. I previously had an M52 I believe, which was the top of the line at the time. I am very happy with Polar. I can't imagine working out without my monitor!

[jane6pack]

Thanks Jenn.

Would you be willing to tell me your thoughts on the two different transmitters, the T31 and the new Wearlink that came with the F11? Do you notice a difference?

Thanks again.

[Tarheels]

Sure, Jane. I'm sorry I missed that part of your question. I think the T31 was a bit easier to get used to wearing/more comfortable and also easier to clean (? It was all elastic/cloth, whereas the Wearlink has fake leather/pleather sort of feel to one side). I just felt like I could rinse the T31 easier, but I really haven't had any problem at all with the Wearlink. The transmitter part of the Wearlink only took me a few days to get fully used to. I love the fact that I can change the battery myself, and for that reason alone, I am so glad to have it. Really, I think the Wearlink is totally worth it. Also, I got the F11 in the Chili Pepper color - so fun to have a red watch. :D

[jane6pack]

Cool! Thanks again. I don't know that I am woman enough to pull off the Chili Pepper, but I am going for the F11. I greatly appreciate your input. You really have your finger on the "pulse" of this subject. ;)

[Tarheels]

Very cute! :p I am sure you could handle the chili pepper. It's very fun! :)