Heart Rate Monitors

danambro8 - 2009-06-17 4:31 PM

I have a timex HR monitor and it gets the job done just fine for me at a sticker price of less than $80.  It doesn't have any cool features like downloading on to the computer or GPS but it does have an option to set your zones and tells you when you're in or out of them which is what I use it for.

supa-powa - 2009-06-17 12:01 AMIs that all you need them for? Just training in your zones? Is all the added features just for additional info or do you actually need it?

supa-powa - 2009-06-16 7:02 PM So I've heard heaps about how beneficial heart rate monitors are for cycling and running training. The two major brands I've heard the most about are polar and garmin. Just a few quick questions on monitors (I'm a newbie on the subject) 1. Is it worthwhile skimping out and going for a cheap option/2nd hand? Or are these just crap?

2. Main differences between polar and garmin?

3. Whats all this GPS stuff that they can do? It doesn't seem necessary?

4. Can they download straight to software on home computers? Is this necessary?  

5. Do you have to do tests every so often to find out your "zones" of heart rate?

6. Whats the best option for someone who just wants to train in the different zones? And maybe to download onto home computers if you feel it is necessary?  

supa-powa - 2009-06-16 10:02 PM So I've heard heaps about how beneficial heart rate monitors are for cycling and running training. The two major brands I've heard the most about are polar and garmin. Just a few quick questions on monitors (I'm a newbie on the subject)

1. Is it worthwhile skimping out and going for a cheap option/2nd hand?
If all you want is your HR, those will work fine...sometimes better than a garmin....

Or are these just crap?
the features you are looking for will define their crapiness....if all you want is a HR readout, they wont be crap and will work fine.  If you want speed/distance, a $40 HR watch will turn out to be crap.

2. Main differences between polar and garmin?

not sure, to be honest.  I use a garmin forerunner 305--love it. 

3. Whats all this GPS stuff that they can do? It doesn't seem necessary?

GPS is only necessary if you want speed/distance.  Even than it is not necessary,as you can get that with a foot pod option.  other features of a GPS is that if you get lost, you can find your way home....


4. Can they download straight to software on home computers? Is this necessary?

yes, only necessary if you want to keep track of your workouts.  cheap ones you refer to wont do this.  you'll probably need a garmin or polar or another high end brand to do this.  It is nice to track your speed/distance/HR and have it on file, but not necessary.  The only thing necessary is that you S/B/R.

5. Do you have to do tests every so often to find out your "zones" of heart rate?

you should, as the age based method often will be wrong.  Keep in mind, there are several different zones.  You could get 4-5 different HR zones after the same exact test from different sources....

6. Whats the best option for someone who just wants to train in the different zones?

If all you are looking for is HR zones and that is it, I suggest you do a field test, seach google and you'll find plenty.  search this site and you'll find plenty.  Or, search out your local area and someone will do it for $50-$75...nice thing about paying for it is your likely to not screw up and have to re-test.  than, get a cheapo HR monitor that will display your HR, and stay within the range of the w/os.

you ask some great questions, the key is to define what you want, than go get it.  To be honest, if you are gonig to train with HR, I highly suggest you ahve someone perform the test for you.  First time around, you are likely to make a mistake and have to re-test.  testing is like going for your annual physical...you have to do it, its not fun, but when its over you're glad you did it....