Don't kill me - I have a hrm question
BY: dbw27 on 2009-03-14 8:11 PM

Hi:

Please don't kill me for having yet another hrm question. This forum seems loaded with them.

Basically, I really want a Garmin.  A lot.  But I currently cannot afford it.  I have $100.00 that I can spend on a HRM.  I just spent $100 on a much needed bike seat, so I REALLY cannot spend more than $100 on the HRM right now at this time. (And the $100 is from a gift card.)

It is also reported that a waterproof Garmin is coming out in April - so I figure I can wait to buy that one and maybe put money aside.

However, for now - I would really like some type of HRM for workouts. Everyone tells me - from the gym - to my outdoor teams - to get one to improve my workout.  

What can I get right now that would accurately track my heart rate and distance run?  It would be great if it were also water proof.  Some people I know have told me not to even buy a HRM if it isn't waterproof.  But I know the majority of everyone here uses the Garmin and I do have a Timex Ironman.  So I was thinking maybe I don't even need a waterproof one.

Anyway, any ideas on what I can get for $100 or under that can reliably track my heart rate and distance run?

Or does anyone know of a really really good Garmin sale? :-)

yours truly,

dbw27

Edited by dbw27 2009-03-14 8:12 PM

RE: Don't kill me - I have a hrm question
BY: aarondavidson on 2009-03-14 8:37 PM

Save your money or buy used. The supposed new Garmin unit will be probably $299+. You dont need GPS, look for an old Suunto unit.

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--Aaron
http://www.aarondavidson.com

RE: Don't kill me - I have a hrm question
BY: merlin2375 on 2009-03-14 8:44 PM

Look into the forerunner 50, that may right up your alley.

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Just my $.02.

RE: Don't kill me - I have a hrm question
BY: TriAya on 2009-03-15 3:56 AM

Polar makes good quality, waterproof HRMs, several for under $100 that would perfectly well serve your needs.

http://www.polar-usa.us/google.html?gclid=CNnbzJ7HpJkCFSMSagodX35-pw#cs

Whatever you decide, by all means, stay away from HRMs that take your heart rate by you having to put two fingers on the watch face. You want a continuous heart rate, not just checking it occasionally, and these are notoriously unreliable and really shouldn't be used in the water.

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Coach Y Tri Multisport
~ Ironman(R) Certified Coach, Founding Member
~ World Open Water Swimming Association Coach & Official
~ Triathlon Australia Professional Development Coach
~ American Swimming Coaches Association

RE: Don't kill me - I have a hrm question
BY: gearboy on 2009-03-15 9:49 AM

A HRM is just a tool, and not at all critical to training or racing (in my first incarnation as a triathlete I trained and raced for about 5 years without one).  Having said that, they are a great motivator and way to keep honest about your exertion.

If you live near an REI, keep an eye out for the garage sales.  I picked up a basic HRM a couple of years ago for something like $15-20 because I wanted a cheap waterproof watch, and I found one with a HRM, so it was a real bonus.  You usually have to plan to get there a few hours before they open to get the good stuff, but with prices of 50-90% off, it's a great way to stock up cheap.  My last great score was an upgraded bike repair stand for around $30.

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Embarassing my children. Just one of the many services I offer.

Just to clear the decks, I own no monkeys.

RE: Don't kill me - I have a hrm question
BY: AndrewMT on 2009-03-15 12:07 PM

Be careful buying some of the Garmins used.  I love the 305, but the biggest downside is that they don't always last very long.  My first one died after one year.  My wife's has lasted a little over a year so far and I'm on my third one.  If you buy a used unit, it may not have much life left on it. 

I have one of the basic Polar units as well, and if all you need is the HR function and not GPS, then I don't think you can go wrong with Polar.

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-Andrew

"Triathlon is a winter sport that is just contested in the summer." --newbz

"I swear by my life and my love of it that I will never live for the sake of another man, nor ask another man to live for mine." --John Galt

"What can be asserted without evidence can also be dismissed without evidence." -- Christopher Hitchens

RE: Don't kill me - I have a hrm question
BY: dbw27 on 2009-03-15 1:31 PM

Hi:

Thanks everyone for the advice.  Unfortunately I don't live near a REI. :-( That's too bad because it sounds like they have great deals.

I plan to look up the Polars.  Currently, I am leaning towards the Garmin 50.  Right now Amazon has it with the foot pod for $101.99.  Any reason not to get it?  Thanks sooo much for warning me about the used Garmins so that I do not waste money.

 You guys are great and always full of helpful suggestions!  Thanks so much for your time and energy in helping me - the novice.

Yours truly,

dbw27

RE: Don't kill me - I have a hrm question
BY: robertp1024 on 2009-03-15 3:29 PM

If you have Costco or BJs membership, they usually have a HRM. If you are just looking far basic HR info and waterproof, under $100 shouldnt be too tough.

RE: Don't kill me - I have a hrm question
BY: Socks on 2009-03-15 5:30 PM

Timex makes a nice basic HRM you can get for under $100....check out amazon.com.  It doens't give you distance although they have one that does its more expensive  IF yo have an iPod you can get the nike iPod+ thing for $30 and get a timex basic HRM for about $70 VOILA HRM and distance
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"I'm just one stomach flu away from my goal weight" Emily in The Devil Wears Pra