Who knows about HR monitors?

[Cornholio]

We're an in-shape group. There must be others here who are interested in this.

I'm going to get one, and I need to know what to get, or look for. Any thoughts?

- What about cross-talk?
- What about a system that talks to my cyclocomputer AND a watch?
- I think the machines at my gym use Polar. Do they automatically detect my signal? What if Joe-on-the-next-treadmill has one?
- Do pedometers really work? What about arm-mounted GPS?

(PS-- I'm not really interested in a discussion about the relative merits of HR training, mmmkay? It's an interesting discussion, but I'm just asking hardware questions.)

[CantDog]

pedometers can get pretty close. They are incredibly simple little gadgets, just a little pendulum that each time it moves over a contact surface adds a tick to the counter. They are accurate to about 5%. Considering the GPS ones are a lot more expensive, I wouldnt pay for the added accuracy.

[Sierra Cement]

I've had a Polar that has worked solid for over a year now. It's pretty much a standard programmable monitor that customizes for you - in terms of determining max heart rate based on age, sex, weight, etc. My max HR is different than the formula for a guy my age and weight should be, and it was able to adjust accordingly. But it gives you the correct range, % of max, average, time in zone, and calories burned - which is cool.
My wife has a Nike HR monitor which also works well. Maybe even better.
I would go to a place like REI and check out a bunch of models.
I saw in a Sharper Image catalog a HR monitor that is able to work without that annoying chest strap - but that was about a year ago.

[SkiingBear]

I'm using the Polar S625X...put simply, it does everything. It comes with a foot pod that you attach to your running shoes to track your distance, pace, speed, etc. Another $40 gets you the biking speed sensor (you can set it up for 2 different bikes, road and mtn). It also accepts the cadence sensor and power meter.

Even if you're not using the running or biking modes, it tracks altitude, temperature (at each split time), calories burned, and total ascent. I used it the last three days at Alta and it was amazingly accurate (was only 5-20 feet off at the top of the Wildcat lift. You can transfer the info to your computer (yet another accessory that you pay for, but again, worth it). I've plotted up my data and you clearly see the hike up and then the descent (It's kinda cool to see your heartrate peak right at the moment you drop into the run).

I've ditched all of my bike computers and use this exclussively now. I think it retails for something like $370, and when I was done buying sensors and the Infra-red link I think it all priced out near $500. Kinda pricey, but the info it gives me is easily worth that and more. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[GT40]

My HR monitors work across platforms. Haven't pick up others ppls. A good basic unit is only $30-40. Others cost a whole bunch more, have lots of bells, but who needs them? I guess if your training for serious comps. My Polar unit has worked well for over 10 years now. Only changed the battery

[gonzo]

get polar. timex straps suck (too heavy), nike watches suck (asymetrical thing is cool in theory but your wrist hits the buttons). sunnto uses polar straps. i hear suunto's are great but they're pricey. not sure if they make a bike one. the polar bike ones are huge to the point of not being wearable when you are not working out. the GPS ones are even bigger and more $$. the bigger ones also have download stuff and software, but i'm not into that either. never had a problem with interference and polar will def. be picked up by mochines at the gym.

the best system i have come to is the low end polar on a "the band" velcro band. this can be wrapped around your handlebar very easily when riding and is very comfortable when not. then i have a low end cycloputer on my bike for bike stuff. prolly $40 - $60 each. werd.

edit: there is also some italian company that makes a HR/bike rig. really weird looking red white and blue thing. haven't heard anything about them.

[Karl Stall]

I have the Nike Triax C10, and love it. It has some system for negating cross-talk, big numbers. I don't think those ones you can plug into a cpu are worth it or necessary.

I can't recommend it enough - great all-around watch.

[homerjay]

I have a Polar A5, simple and relatively cheap (under $100), find it online and Performance bike will match it locally.

Only complaint I have is that it doesn't have stopwatch and HR on the screen simultaneously. Other than that, it's great.

[Mrs Roo]

Use Polar. I'm using it for my PhD research. If it's good enough for research then it's good enough for training. If you wear the wristwatch monitor (and the strap) it shouldn't interfere with anybody elses. You can also down load it onto a PC as well ( if you REALLY want to though I'd worry about you if you did!)

[Cornholio]

I'd worry about you if you did!

You would? You know I spend a chunk of my day talking with people on the internet, right?

Thanks, though!

Thank you all for the advice-- I think I'm pointed in a good direction!

[Kellie]

(PS-- I'm not really interested in a discussion about the relative merits of HR training, mmmkay? It's an interesting discussion, but I'm just asking hardware questions.)

I love the disclaimer - that made me laugh

[L7]

I've got a polar as well and it's been a solid performer. I think mine is the A5 as well. I figured it was best bang for the buck of useable features. It's pretty bare bones and the one beef is I always seem to wipe out info (average HR) while I check on a rides figures. The way you scroll through to get the info isn't that intuitive I think. Polar is supposed to have the best transmitting system which is why you find that system on exercise equip and why Suunto uses it. They also have some way of negating crosstalk but I forget how that went.
Suunto has a new unit coming out that focuses on the (epoch?) which I believe is the gap between heart beats. Supposedly focusing on that is supposed to give a much more accurate truer indication of exertion levels. May Mrs. PHD Roo can explain it. Might be worth reading up on but also might be pretty pricey.

[Shin-to-Win]

To echo others, go with a basic Polar. I was really into zones and everything a few years back and went with the Sports Instruments ECG5 with all the bells and whistles. Time in zone, time out of zone, avg heart rate etc. After a few weeks, I realized I only really used it to check my heart rate at certain points to confirm my gut feel on where I was. Now I can generally peg my HR within 3-4 beats while riding or running.

You can get the Sport Instruments/Freestyle ones cheap, but the durability is not there. Mine fogs sometimes and you have to take the thing apart to change the battery, which in my case caused the top button to stop working.

My SI has always worked on polar compatible gym equipment. Much better than holding those damn handles . . . hate the gym anyway. Last resort, would rather spin on a trainer at home watching "Sweatin' to the Oldies"