Subject: RE: what is best heart rate monitor? 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
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