what is best heart rate monitor?

i'm a cheepo I have the polar ft7 and have been happy with it. It mostly depends on how many bells a whisles you want.

What type of data feedback are you looking for?

In my mind, there are three categories. 

First gives you feedback on your current HR, but does not store any HR information.  Those are going to be your cheapest option.

Next comes your HRM that can store information similar to how a stopwatch can store lap information.  Basically it will tell you your average and max HR for each lap and your entire workout.

Then you get into the expensive garmin type HRM systems that store second by second data.  So basically you can download your data to a PC and see how your HR varied second by second...not just overall and by each lap.

Personally, I use the timex race trainer.  It's a regular sized sports watch that falls in between the second and thrid category.  It does store second by second data...but you need to buy a $100 USB stick to transer the information to your PC.  I got just the watch and HR strap on sale, with a discount, so I think I paid maybe $100 for it.  The bundle with the USB stick would have cost me about $180...so I passed on the USB stick. 

I have yet to see a reason why I need the USB stick to download second by second HR data.  On the bike, I have a garmin 500 that can record second by second HR data from my strap, and on the run (in a race) I'll hit the lap button at each mile marker...so that's enough HR data for me.

I suppose having second by second HR data is good if you pair it with a GPS device...that way you can see how your HR varies with speed and elevation climbs. 

Edited by tri808 2010-12-01 7:10 PM

Strictly in this category there are 2 clear winners,  the Suunto and Garmin.  Suunto is by far a better application towards HR training and Garmin has better GPS all inclusive, esp with their 310XT as it is waterproof.


Best Heart Rate Monitor?   Suunto T6


ps, I use the Garmin 310 XT and Edge 500 and love it.

If you just want a HR monitor without GPS and other bells & whistles you can't beat this: http://www.amazon.com/Timex-T5J031-Digital-Fitness-Monitor/dp/B000P8VWRC/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Edited by bhc 2010-12-02 8:20 AM

I have this 27 lap unit linked above (good price there) and I knew I should have spent the extra $ and upgrade to the Timex 50 lap watch/HRM.  The 27 lap unit doesn't interfere with my bikes wireless CPU like the Polar unit I had did, but I wish it had the extra WO memory of the Polar and 27 laps limits swim workouts.