In order to better facilitate cross training while I a stress fracture, I want to pick up a heart rate monitor. I’m looking for something that would have a decent feature set for running, cycling and swimming. I’m most interested in the features in regards to running(and cross training at this point, a lot of elipitical, pool running and biking), as I’m a competitive D3 college runner, semi competitive cyclist and occasionally triathlete over the summer. I’m looking for something around 100 bucks. Any recomendations? So far the polar S150 looks like something that would cut it, but I’d kind of like to spend a little less and im wondering if I actually need the speed/distance stuff for cycling. Thanks for your help.
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You don’t need a HR monitor for swimming.
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All you really need in a HR monitor is HR, and maybe laps so you can track avg HR for intervals and stuff.
Maybe you should look at the M series from Polar. I think they’re cheaper than the S series.
And for cycling just buy a simple speedometer for cheap.
Thanks
Also, any opinions on timex hrms?
I have the S120. It tells me my heart rate and beeps if I go too hard. It also tells me my average HR, which I find handy when I time trial to test for my lactate threshold. Should be right around $100. Doesn’t download or anything fancy like that. Still has plenty of functions that I haven’t figured out how to use. I’m a simple man.
Dito. HR and avg HR is all you really need.
I just picked up the s120 for $89, it has all the basics (HR, avg and max, laps, you can set zones and alarms). Don’t need the cycling stuff, I have a comp for that. It works for me.
I like my Polar S210. It gives me Avg & Max HR, time spent in 5 different zones, calories spent, and has lap capabilities for track work, out-and-back courses, etc.
No cycling funtions, but that’s what my cyclocomputer’s for.
You could go with the Polar S120. If offers mostly the same features as the S150 without the cycling functions. Should cost around $99.
Go with the S120, the other option is the A5 but the S120 adds a much easier to use screen looks a little nicer too. The only things you loose are the calorie counter and the backlight that the A5 had. But the triple display of the 120 is well worth it.
Timex are decent monitors, and offer user changeable batteries. We have experienced problems only with Timex’s Speed and Distance systems related to the battery cover. But Timex’s lower end like the 5C401 or 5C511 are great models with nice features for about $70.
Timex 5C411 Heart Rate Monitor
"Whether training for a 10K race or exercising to lose weight, the Timex.
Digital Heart Rate monitor helps you make the most of your workouts.
- Timex. Ironman*Triathlon Digital Heart Rate Monitor
- Target heart rate zone with optional alarms
- 5 target zones based on max heart rate
- Recovery rate timer
- Calories burned
- Display with flipping system for easy reading
- 100-hour chronograph with lap and split
- 30-lap memory with average heart rate
- 100-hour, 3-mode countdown timer
- Month/day/date with 12/24 hour time
- Alarm with 5-minute backup
- INDIGLO. night-light with NIGHT-MODE. feature
- Double-shot polyurethane strap
- Water resistant to 50 meters
- TIMEX DIGITAL HEART RATE SENSOR FEATURES
- Digital FM transmission for clear signals around exercise equipment and power lines
- Synchronized transmission prevents crosstalk from other heart rate monitors
- Continuous heart rate readings even during the most intense activities
- Comfortable and lightweight with adjustable elastic chest strap
- Owner-replaceable battery
- Sensor Water-resistant to 30m
- (Sensor will not provide accurate readings when under water.)
- Unlike many other heart rate monitors, all Timex Heart Rate Monitor sensors
have batteries that can be replaced by consumers without requiring them to be
returned to the manufacturer. - Data recorder compatible"
so your experience with the 5C411 is positive? I am thinking of getting this one - just want a basic HR with a stopwatch.
Sounds like it will fit the bill nicely.
i picked up a timex ironman hrm with all the bells and laps, etc for $72 … i don’t know what else i could need that it doesn’t do quite well.
btw, i’ve been told the timex (or is it the nike?), have their hrm stuff made by polar.
on the chance of gettin flamed for mentioning an off brand item:
keep it simple. have you ever -really- used all the functions on your bike computer?
i’ve been using a Nashbar HRM for 2 years. has lots of the bells n whistles found on significantly higher priced name brands. i didn’t need all that stuff but it was the cheapest one at the moment. i got mine on sale there for under $50. they have a cardiosport model right now for $39 and change. the basic polar -f1- is there for under $50.