Heart Rate Monitor
287
Member
1442 days
Great Greyhound posted 3 years ago.
Grace,
I bought a Polar SX720 HRM, it works really well on the bike, and has tons of functions, including some you may not want. I bought it through e-Bay, and saved a bundle on it. Do some research and see what type of features you want/need. You can probably find a better deal on line, but nothing is better than putting your hands on an item you want to buy.
I'm pretty anal about recording all types of data from each training run and races. This allows me to see just how I'm progressing. So for me, the SX720 is great, I get Temp, Altitude, Bike speed and cadence, as well as running splits. I can also download all of this data into my computer.
My wife on the other hand, is happy with a simple HRM that allows her to just record the Splits and Avg HR for a split. She has to manually enter all of her data into the computer. Just my .02
Enjoy,
Darrell "Legs 'n Lungs" Lenkner
in West Chester, Oh.
Check here for Images of us.
2334
Member
2426 days
Tribro posted 3 years ago.
Hey Grace,
Did you try to see if you could use the Dick's certificate online? Probably a better chance of the HRM being in stock.
On choices, good question. There is definitely a lot to choose from out there. Polar seems to be the most popular among triathletes, but Timex makes good HRM and Nike has a few out as well. I actually just got a Nike triax c8 for Christmas. It's slimmer than most of the Polars and seems great so far, but it lacks many of the features you might find in some of the Polar models such as the ability to upload data to your computer. But for a basic HRM it seems good. Has laps, water-proof, heart rate programmable ranges.
Check out our list of HRM's for more info on each model and price ranges:
http://www.trifuel.com/gear/Accessories/Heart_Rate_Monitors/
I haven't added the Nike Triax series yet, but will do that now.
Also look at the Polar S150 or 120. Cheaper Polars but still good.
On benefits:
If you're going to do endurance training and try to follow the different training phases (i.e. base, tempo, race pace) then it is beneficial to use a heart rate monitor. There are several articles in the articles section on finding your heart rate and the different training phases and periodization. You could try to gage your training on perceived exertion(sp?) but it can be difficult. Plus for not much more than a watch you'll be able to track run times and HR which is good data to keep in order to track your progress.
Other stores:
Try http://www.trisports.com or Road Runner Sports usually carries HRMs. Use this link for 15% discount.
http://clickserve.cc-dt.com/link/click?lid=41000000002229744
or (just did some quick research), here are the Polars available at Dicks Sporting Goods Online:
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/family/index.jsp?filter=yes&fCat=851740&categoryId=851740&fgender=&fbrandid=3245&fpricesort=priceAscending
hopefully that link works.
849
Member
1488 days
catwood posted 3 years ago.
i looove to analyze stuff, so i have a 625x... and i got the power kit for xmas :-).. i'm really excited to go back to my bike in boston and get it set up. that'll surely be enough motivation to ride in the cold...
i should watch out, i need to stop buying awesome gizmos that give me more data to analyze. I spend way too much time looking at trends and analyzing graphs, etc.... such a geek...
2334
Member
2426 days
Tribro posted 3 years ago.
o.k. just added the other Nike's, prices range from $89-$119. Seems you're getting some good input. Not sure what your price range is, but I think between Darrell and Catwood's Polars and my Nike you narrowed your choices some...
13
Member
1470 days
swtgracey posted 3 years ago.
Hey all,
Thanks for the input. I just ordered the Nike Triax C8...if it's good enough for tribo, it's good enough for me :)
Thanks again,
Grace
8
Member
1469 days
Big Guy Tri posted 3 years ago.
I did a lot of research on HRM's and ended up buying the cheap one at Costco for $50. It does all I need. Its cool because when I am at the gym it transfers it right to the treadmill and bike without me holding on to the sensors. It stores several workouts for me. Unless you are a number junkie this one will do you.
Big Guy Tri
13
Member
1470 days
swtgracey posted 3 years ago.
I wish I would have known :(
I sent back my Nike one and ordered the Polar S150...but I didn't pay $50
1796
Member
1540 days
PrinceofClydes posted 3 years ago.
Hey Big Guy!
A fellow Clyde I see. Welcome to the forum. I need the company amongst all these whippets.
I too have a $49 piece-of-crap HRM my dear, un-hip, un-informed mom bought me a few years ago for Christmas. It just won't die.
The average doesn't work, but the current heart rate and the max heart rate modes do. That's all I need for training really.
I can stay between my range when I need to and it makes the w/o a bit more interesting.
PoC
"Pain doesn't last, chicks dig scars, glory is forever!"
- Shane Falco.
Hello, another newbie here.
I attempted to buy a heart rate monitor today with my Dick's Sporting Good christmas gift certificate, but they were out of stock (at 2 stores).
I think this was a good sign because after looking at the display, I am at a complete loss as to which one to get, how they work, are they even beneficial...etc...
I was told the Polar brand was a good one. Anyone have any advice on a good heart rate monitor that isn't ridiculously priced and exactly what the benefits are from using one? Any store suggestion or website? Thanks, Grace