General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Heart Rate Monitor?? Rss Feed  
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2012-02-18 12:55 AM

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Subject: Heart Rate Monitor??

Hi I am very new to triathlons, in fact my first one is in March (Sprint distance). I do have ambitions to take it further and hopefully one day work my way up and complete an iron distance triathlon (very long term goal).

I am currently using an iPhone app to record my runs but want a heart rate monitor. I don't have a lot of cash to spend but would love if someone could give me some advice/tips/thoughts about heart rate monitors and GPS's. Here's what i'm thinking......

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/T5K444-Timex-Global-Trainer-Heart-Rate-and-GPS-Watch-/110787178608?pt=Wristwatches&hash=item19cb6e3070#ht_1512wt_9661.

The above Timex heart rate monitor and GPS costs about $140 USD. My question.....Would it be better to save my pennies and get a GREAT one when I can afford one? or will the above Timex do the job? 

2. Or should I just get a real cheap heart rate monitor ($30 - 40) and continue to use my iPhone app (runKeeper) as the GPS until I can afford a really flash one? Or for that price, will it be rubbish?

3. Oh and is that Timex watch a good deal?

Thanks =)



2012-02-18 1:03 AM
in reply to: #4054161

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Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor??

I just checked Amazon, and that T5K444 Timex GPS watch is $129 free ship.

Perhaps you should read all the comments too..

http://www.amazon.com/Timex-Global-Trainer-Heart-Watch/dp/B003P65RVI

2012-02-18 1:11 AM
in reply to: #4054161

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Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor??
I can't speak on the Timex HRM because I am a Garmin guy... however, the HRM you get will provide you data during training and races to allow you to improve your efficiency and overall performance.  For most triathletes, myself included, the HRM is an invaluable tool.  $30 or $40 may be all it takes for a basic HRM (I just dropped $450 on one) - all the bells and whistles for someone just starting out is a personal preference.  Get one that works and learn how to use those numbers to help you train and race.  Welcome to triathlon!  
2012-02-18 8:19 PM
in reply to: #4054161

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Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor??

One thing that using a HRM has taught me is that I go to fast,  it's harder than I thought to keep my heart rate < 145 or so.  Any little hill and I'm hitting 150+  (note that I'm just starting back in running and am old  :-< ).

I thought that it would be cool to get a Polar HRM because they are supposed to work in the pool.  I bought a 80 dollar model and tried it but it was very sketchy.  It would work for one lap and then stop for the next lap, etc.   So I returned it and will use the timing clock to get a 6 second sample.  That seems to work pretty well.  (of course there aren't any metrics to log but that's a whole different issue).

 

 

2012-02-18 10:20 PM
in reply to: #4054931


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Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor??

I've always had Polar HRMs, mine started flaking out on me late last year.  I wanted to replace it with a GPS watch and ended up getting a Garmin 310XT.  I choose that model because it is more waterproof compared to the other Garmins.  For S&Gs I've tried both my old Polar and the new Garmin in the pool with similar results.  You can swim with them without any detrimental results, but they can't transmit thru the water.  I have to stand up, let it acquire the signal, then I can resume swimming.  

I still use the 310 when swimming, now I just use it to count my laps.  I tend to loose track. 

2012-02-19 1:59 AM
in reply to: #4054161

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Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor??

Buy a used Garmin Forerunner 305 on eBay.  $90-125.

Hard to go wrong with a 305.

 



2012-02-19 2:21 AM
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Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor??
brucemorgan - 2012-02-19 8:59 PM

Buy a used Garmin Forerunner 305 on eBay.  $90-125.

Hard to go wrong with a 305.

 

 

I saw it new for $115 today here

2012-02-19 6:13 AM
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Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor??

I love my Timex.  It has been a great training companion and loved having it during my IM.  If you're a runner I would go with a low end Garmin but for a triathlete I would go Timex, unless you want to spend $400 on the Garmin 910XT.

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2010/08/timex-ironman-gps-global-trainer-in.html 

Wow, $129 @ Amazon.  I think I paid closer to three when they first came out

2012-02-19 8:00 PM
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Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor??
I too found that I was consistently going too hard....the HRM is helping me stay in zone 2 with my base miles...drives me crazy as I feel like I'm going so slow sometimes but I trust that it will pay off in the long run. I found a used 310xt w the HRM on eBay for $200...great deal and I really enjoy it. Every workout is recorded in Garmin's online system called Garmin's Connect, very cool!Good luck!
2012-02-20 2:17 AM
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Subject: RE: Heart Rate Monitor??
I got my 310XT from eBay for $240 last year.  I'm sure more will pop up since the 910XT came out. 
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