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aricbcool
10-12-2005, 17:49
I'm looking for some recommendations on a heart rate monitor. I am starting a running program based on Stu Mittleman's book: Slow Burn. I'll be running for time/heart-rate, rather than distance.

My current criteria:

- Clock or Chronometer
- Heart Rate Monitor
- Durability

I've looked at HRMs online and the various features many have are a bit overwhelming. That said, if there's a feature you've found particularly useful, or just can't live without, please let me know.

Any and all recommendations are welcome. I look forward to hearing from everyone.

Regards,
Aric
jatx
10-13-2005, 00:28
Aric,

Go with a Polar, they are the gold standard. They make about twenty different models that will fit your needs, so just shop around and try to get a good deal. They are very accurate, durable, and the newer chest straps are pretty comfortable.
Martin
10-13-2005, 02:02
jatx,

Only complaint is that I have trouble opening the chest strap again without feeling like I'm going to break it. Actually, as it is, I simply pull out a length of the band so that I can step out of it.

Martin
jatx
10-13-2005, 09:49
I'd be very surprised if you broke it. And if you do, there is a two year warranty on the wrist unit and chest transmitter. Still, I have never broken one in 16 years of usage.
Stargazer
10-13-2005, 09:59
I've had a Polar for 7 years and would recommend this brand as well. No problems with the wrist unit or chest strap.
longtab
10-13-2005, 14:42
I'm looking for some recommendations on a heart rate monitor.

I use the standard SF Team issued Suunto Advizor. It has served me well two years and counting...
Warrior-Mentor
10-13-2005, 15:20
I've had a Polar for 7 years and would recommend this brand as well. No problems with the wrist unit or chest strap.


Same here.
aricbcool
10-13-2005, 17:10
Thanks for all the recommendations everyone. I looked at the polar web site all night last night. So far I like the S120 and RS100 models...

I'll be looking at the Suunto site tonight.

I plan on deciding and purchasing by this weekend so keep those recommendations coming! :lifter

--Aric
aricbcool
10-13-2005, 19:11
I use the standard SF Team issued Suunto Advizor. It has served me well two years and counting...
Longtab,

I was looking at the Advizor on the Suunto website and noticed it's water resistant to only 30m...

Have you had any problems with it in rain or wet conditions?

Whatever I get, I figure I'll probably be wearing the receiver as a watch and I'd hate to worry about immersion problems...

Regards,
Aric
Razor
10-13-2005, 20:07
You planning on diving it to 100ft anytime soon?
The Reaper
10-13-2005, 20:23
You planning on diving it to 100ft anytime soon?

While checking his heart rate!

TR
aricbcool
10-13-2005, 20:29
You planning on diving it to 100ft anytime soon?

While checking his heart rate!

TR

How'd you guess? :D

Actually, "water resistance" is a bit deceptive.

Check this out:

http://www.walmart.com/catalog/catalog.gsp?cat=118644&path=0%3A3891%3A78394%3A114108%3A119237&pg=2

Regards,
Aric
longtab
10-13-2005, 23:29
Longtab,

I was looking at the Advizor on the Suunto website and noticed it's water resistant to only 30m...

Have you had any problems with it in rain or wet conditions?

Whatever I get, I figure I'll probably be wearing the receiver as a watch and I'd hate to worry about immersion problems...

Regards,
Aric

No problems yet. I haven't checked my heart-rate at 100 feet yet either. But remember I only got mine for the price... free, plus I got a pair of M-Frames too!
aricbcool
10-13-2005, 23:36
No problems yet. I haven't checked my heart-rate at 100 feet yet either. But remember I only got mine for the price... free, plus I got a pair of M-Frames too!

Cool.

Thanks for all the feedback everyone. I'll let y'all know how things turn out.

Regards,
Aric
ender
10-14-2005, 20:42
I have a sunnto advizor. I've never had a problem with it. And I swim with it on all the time. I've also taken it in the field, both here in Canada, and to Kandahar this summer for my little vacation in the sun.

Definitely takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'. The only maintnance I've had to do is clean out the gunk that collects on the back of the watch. And the battery lasted me 2years, almost to the day.
aricbcool
10-14-2005, 20:45
I have a sunnto advizor. I've never had a problem with it. And I swim with it on all the time. I've also taken it in the field, both here in Canada, and to Kandahar this summer for my little vacation in the sun.

Definitely takes a lickin' and keeps on tickin'. The only maintnance I've had to do is clean out the gunk that collects on the back of the watch. And the battery lasted me 2years, almost to the day.

Good deal.

About the battery, were you able to replace it? Any problems afterwards?

Thanks for the feedback.
--Aric
Detcord
10-16-2005, 02:22
Polar makes the most accurate and durable HRM's out there.

I've used Polar's on an almost daily basis for about 15+years, often for several hours at a time riding.

You can't go wrong with any Polar monitor!!!
ender
10-17-2005, 18:14
I found a replacement battery at a local drugstore. No problems after. For reference, the battery is a 3V CR2430. They say it'll last 12-18mos. After that it's just a matter of plugging in the date, time, and recalibrating the compass. Which is easy. Just don't lose the little rubber ring on the backing and you'll be good to go.

FYI. I've got a Nike HRM as well. And the chest transmitter from the Nike works with the Suunto[I got the advizor by accident, they put the wrong watch in the vector box.. screw you coast mtn sports..hahah].

And the instructions for the Suunto are fun to figure out. I had an easier time teaching .50cal stoppages on a MG course.