Heart rate monitors

[Homerboy]

Wife wants to get one for working out at the gym
No idea on what to look for etc. I know she was hoping (though not required) for the machines she uses to be able to pick up the transmission so she doesn't have to look specifically at the wristband all the time. No idea if that is "standard" or what...

Any suggestions, links, info is appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[JustWhitman]

I bought one about 2 months ago, Polar F6. I don't think it will transmit to the machine you're using, as it's "coded" to prevent interference from other people wearing HRM in the gym. It's pretty accurate from some tests I did.

I would stay stick with the Polar brand. They have models ranging anywhere from $60 - $500, depending on how much tech overload you want. You'll have to do more research for whether it will talk to the exercise machine though, as that wasn't a selling point for me. I just set an audible alarm for my target zone so I don't have to continually look at the watch.

 

[Homerboy]

Originally posted by: JustWhitman
I bought one about 2 months ago, Polar F6. I don't think it will transmit to the machine you're using, as it's "coded" to prevent interference from other people wearing HRM in the gym. It's pretty accurate from some tests I did.

I would stay stick with the Polar brand. They have models ranging anywhere from $60 - $500, depending on how much tech overload you want. You'll have to do more research for whether it will talk to the exercise machine though, as that wasn't a selling point for me. I just set an audible alarm for my target zone so I don't have to continually look at the watch.

yeah Im doing some research now... billions of options thats the problem

 

[JustWhitman]

Yea I spent a few hours over the span of a week or two just trying to decipher the differences in all of the models. Most of the more expensive ones are a waste of money unless you're training for some major event. Ultimately I just went with the one that had options to log calorie burning and average/peak heart rate. It has a few more than basic features, but not many for someone looking to bury themselves in stats. The F6 is ~$100 and is a good compromise of features/usefulness, IMO.

 

[49erinnc]

After a ton of research, I recently bought a Nike Imara for my girlfriend and she loves it. SUPER accurate heart monitor, has calorie counter, intervals, HR zones, etc.

She is a runner and has owned a few of them but this has been her favorite. It's priced at $99.99 at Sports Authority but I bought it here for $51:

Nike Imara

It's also the perfect size for a woman's wrist. If she wants a truly accurate read, don't waste your money on the ones that have the finger nodes on them. The chest strap version will definitely be more accurate.