I want to buy (max. $300) a training/heart rate watch to use with exercise bike and jogging. Any suggestions?

Question

Is the Polar F55BR any good? What kind of features are must have/nice to have? I don't need to pay $300, but will if it is worth it. I am not an athlete, but just a regular guy that wants to monitor heart rate, calories burned, etc. There may be features out there I don't know about that I would like or want. Any help is appreciated!

Answer 1

Polar makes fine products, but why spend $300 if you don't need all the special features.

I was like you...an average guy looking for a dependable HRM that would give me all the information I needed to stay fit.  I really didn't need to have fancy features with computer interfacing blahblahblah...

After doing my homework, I found this and couldn't be happier:

http://www.timex.com/gp/product/B000P3J1...

This is a user-friendly HRM that won't break the bank.  Easy to personalize for your size & fitness.  Instruction booklets give all the set-up steps and full explanation of features, in addition to techniques for helping you determine your personal maximum HR.  It gives readouts on current HR, avg HR, peak HR, min HR.  The "review" indicates the total time as well as the time you remained in whichever target zone you've selected.  It also shows the total calories burned during your workout.  Lap splitter, timer, Indiglo, etc.  There are also a variety of combinations you can have displayed, so you're not limited to just chrono/HR.  Not only is it easy to setup, it's also easy to change the settings as your weight/condition changes.

I've been using mine at least five or more days per week for almost five months now.  I've had no problems whatsoever.  It has functioned perfectly & accurately without glitches.  The chest strap is comfortable and is water (and sweat) resistant.  The watch and the chest strap both have batteries that are easily changed by the user when replacement time comes.  It also looks passable for all-day wear, if you don't mind wearing a digital watch.

The watch lists @ $90, but there is/was a seller offering them for $60ish.  I think some Target stores also stock it for about $70.  I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Answer 2

for just heart rate the Garmin Forerunner 50 is great.  I use it cycling and running for just heart rate (I look down and can tell if i'm working hard enough, too hard, or not hard enough depending on what type of training day it is).

Plus, the accessories (heart strap and the speed/cadence sensor) are compatible with the higher end devices.  I'm planning to upgrade to a Garmin Edge 305 bike computer/GPS and I already have all the accessories I need (and will keep using the watch when running).

Answer 3

I agree with e.b.  All you really need is heart rate.  Forget the bells and whistles unless you have money to burn.  Our local WalMart sells a Polar model for under $100 and they have an Oregon Scientific one on line for $35.00!  Link below.

A heart rate monitor is an excellent training tool.  I've been using them for over 20 years.