General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Heart Rate Monitor Rss Feed  
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2011-03-03 9:28 PM

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Subject: Heart Rate Monitor
I'm getting ready for my first tri in July and am looking into purchasing a heart rate monitor. I was looking at Timex as I don't wont a bulky watch but haven't read very good reviews on them. Any suggestions on a quality monitor/watch and do you actually wear this during the race or just when training. Thanks.


2011-03-03 10:34 PM
in reply to: #3381999

Member
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Orange County, CA
Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor

I would suggest the Garmin Forerunner 305.  It is a bit bulky but the GPS function over the Timex is huge.  It has made all the difference for me.  I have a 305 and a 405cx.  I like the 305 better and it is cheaper.  405cx is less bulky and looks better but is hard to use and doesn't have as many data fields.

Good luck.

2011-03-03 10:44 PM
in reply to: #3381999

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Coeur d' Alene, ID
Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor
I would get a garmin if you got the money. I have a timex and have been happy with it. I think that it works great but I would love to have all the data the garmin puts out.

Edited by mark.evans 2011-03-03 10:46 PM
2011-03-04 5:00 AM
in reply to: #3381999

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Northbrook
Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor

Garmin forerunner 305, should be on sale now since the latest model is out.

Its bulky but you don't feel it, it weighs nothing.  Benefits outweigh its bulkiness any day.

2011-03-04 5:18 AM
in reply to: #3381999

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor
Best site to reference and well respected on this board..www.dcrainmaker.com very thorough reviews!
2011-03-04 7:42 AM
in reply to: #3381999

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Just South of Disorder
Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor
I have a brand new HR Monitor that will work with the Garmin watches. I was going to post it for sale shortly so if you get a Garmin and need a brand new HR Monitor drop me a line. Oh and get the Garmin wheather you buy my HR or not Garmin is the ticket. I have the 310XT and it just flat out KICKS . I don't know how I ever trained without it.


2011-03-04 7:53 AM
in reply to: #3381999

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Pro
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Melbourne FL
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Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor

Well, a lot depends on the price point you are  comfortable with.  I'm use a lower end Timex HRM here and there with a 1 run memory that I bought for my kids science experiment last year that was only $75 after a Sports Authority 25% coupon. I've had zero issues with it, and it works better for me on the bike as it doesn't interfere with my Cateye wireless Computer like my Polar does.

This is a must read for using a HRM.

Ditto on the dcrainmaker link above for more featured HRM/GPS/etc. devices.

2011-03-04 8:40 AM
in reply to: #3381999

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Expert
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Charlotte, NC
Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor

How about a Garmin FR60?  Small watch, not bulky at all.  Later you can also add a footpod if distance measurement is important to you.

I've been very happy with mine.

2011-03-04 8:46 AM
in reply to: #3381999

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, Michigan
Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor
If you go with the 305, which I would endorse, get the quick release kit. The wrist strap is velcro and WAY more comfortable than the plastic one that comes with the watch.
2011-03-04 9:31 AM
in reply to: #3381999

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Racine, WI
Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor

I have to recommend the Garmin FR60.  I bought the package with the HRM and the footpod.  It's a very normal sized watch - I actually wear it every day.  It is water resistant to 50m, meaning you can wear it on your swim and not worry.  The best feature is that you can add bike speed and cadence to it.

It does nearly everything that the big watches do, except GPS and one-touch sport changes. 

I would definitely recommend reading the reviews over at www.dcrainmaker.com

2011-03-04 9:52 AM
in reply to: #3381999

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Centennial, CO
Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor

I purchased a timex hrm last summer, not the gps, just hrm.  I've had zero issue with it until...

recently the band started to crack and is almost broken. This particular hrm band cannot be replaced w/out sending it to Timex...ok, not too big of a deal I suppose. I called Timex, got the address to mail it, they were only going to charge $10 to do it.  No problem until I find it takes 4 weeks. 

 

I'll be purchasing a Polar next time. 4 weeks to replace a watch band is absolutely ridiculous, imo.



2011-03-04 12:35 PM
in reply to: #3381999

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Hawaii
Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor
Here's another vote for the Garmin FR60.  I used to own the 305.  It's a bit cheaper and has the rather handy GPS function, but I enjoy the FR60's size...and the fact that it's water resistant.
2011-03-04 12:44 PM
in reply to: #3382064

Iron Donkey
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Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor
Bradbiddle - 2011-03-03 10:34 PM

I would suggest the Garmin Forerunner 305.  ...

I 2nd that.

Just beware that you have wet/damp skin, the contact area is damp, and the chest monitor is making contact well, otherwise, it may drop HR communication sometimes (I've had this happen numerous times).

2011-03-04 4:54 PM
in reply to: #3381999

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Master
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Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor
Suunto makes some good quality HRMs that can be worn as an everyday watch.  They don't have built-in GPS but do offer optional GPS, foot and bike pod accessories that will give you distance and pace.
2011-03-04 5:44 PM
in reply to: #3382334

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Expert
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Lost in the Evergreens
Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor
x2 on the Garmin FR60.  Great HRM with lots of memory.  Chest strap can be used with the 310xt when you upgrade.  I've worn out 3 of the Timex Trainer HRM's.  It was on of my favorites 3x.
2011-03-04 5:58 PM
in reply to: #3381999

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Alaska
Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor

I have both the Garmin 305 and the Timex Ironman HRM watch. I use them both often (but not at the same time).

The Garmin has nice big numbers for visibility. I like using it for trail and road running, using both the HRM, pace and distance, as well as time out. The Garmin is not recommended for swimming.

For swimming I can use the Timex when I do use it at the pool. (I tend to not use my HRM at the pool) I like using the Timex at the track, it is easy to use for timing your laps or even just keeping count and it will show your average HR and time per lap and then for overall workout. I also use the timex for biking. I have my bike computer so dont need the garmin gps.

Also, unfortunately, quite a bit of my training is indoors (long winter). The Garmin GPS does not work indoors, for either the pool, the indoor track, nor spinning on the trainer, tho the HRM part of it does.

Hope this is helpful.

Oh, one thing I did find. When I first purchased the Timex some of my training partners did also. It worked fine for me and I have used it several years but for 2 of them it was not very reliable. We determined the possible factor was they both had narrow petite ribcages. One of them got a Polar, the other got a Suunto. Something to consider if you are smaller. 



Edited by AKtri 2011-03-04 6:05 PM


2011-03-08 6:09 PM
in reply to: #3381999

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Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor
Thanks for the input everyone. 
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