POLAR Heart Monitors

The Polar Company’s greatest strength is their incredible variety. With over thirty models in their line-up, Polar has specialized heart monitors for running, cycling, cross training, and team sports. The Polar Heart Monitors range in price from just a basic heart rate monitor for $70 (£50) to a high advanced, full-featured model for almost  $700 (£500)that includes a GPS tracking system, training software, and wireless connection to your laptop. For athletes on a limited budget, however, Polar offers at least half a dozen heart rate monitors for under  $150 (£100).

NIKE Heart Rate Monitor

Not surprisingly, the greatest strength of a Nike heart rate monitor is fashion. Although offering only ten models, their heart monitor watches come in a variety of hip styles and colors. Nike is one of the few companies that offer heart rate monitors specifically designed for women—smaller, slimmer, and sleeker than the big and bulky heart monitor watches usually designed for men. Nike's low-end heart monitors are about on par with the competition, offering a basic monitor for  $70 (£50). Their high-end monitors, however, don't offer as much functionality as their competitors, but are also less expensive, topping out at around  $250 (£175).

GARMIN Heart Rate Monitor

With only about five models, the Garmin Company’s heart monitor lineup does not offer a lot of variety. Garmin does, however, offer some of the best low-end heart rate monitors available. Although the least expensive Garmin heart rate monitor is still priced high than their competition—$100 (£70) compared to  $70 (£50)—they offer many more features. Even the most basic Garmin heart monitor includes speed sensors, interval training, training software, records and saves up to 100 previous workouts, synchronizes with your laptop or PC, and give you alarms when you fall out of your target heart rate zone. If you're shopping for a quality heart rate monitor on a limited budget, check out Garmin.

TIMEX Heart Rate Monitor

Despite having less than ten models available in their lineup, Timex offers good pricing and a nice steady progression of cost and features. Timex's basic, no-frills heart rate monitor retails at a low $55 (£39). At each additional price bracket, more features are available, up to a complete training program that sync through wireless connection with your laptop for $250 (£175). Seven of their ten models, however, are available for less than  $110(£80). The Timex heart rate monitor range is also very fashion conscious, offering a variety of styles and colors. While Nike's lineup favors the young athlete, however, Timex targets the middle-income, middle-class, middle-aged professional market.

SUUNTO Heart Rate Monitor

Like Polar, the Finnish company Suunto specializes in heart rate monitors. Consequently, they have over a dozen models for running, biking, swimming, and team sports. Their basic, low-end heart monitor costs slightly more than Polar's basic model, but offers more features, including a calorie counter and workout memory. From there, however, the Suunto heart rate monitor prices climb quickly, topping out at  $400(£280) for their high-end, fully featured model complete with PC/Laptop training software and customizable display screens. Unlike Polar, Suunto offers many of their heart monitor models in versions specifically designed for women. If you are a woman seeking the detail and power of a Polar heart monitor, but prefer one more comfortable and flattering to wear, try Suunto first.

OMRON Heart Rate Monitor

Omron provides a different kind of heart rate monitor. So far, all companies described above are sport & fitness oriented, producing heart rate monitors marketed mostly for young athletes. Omron, on the other hand, is a medical company producing equipment for both professional medical equipment and home use. They offer a wide range of wrist and upper-arm blood pressure monitors, electrocardiograph (ECG) sensors, step counters, and body fat analyzers. If you need a heart rate monitor, but are not planning to run for miles a day, try an Omron heart rate monitor first. This company is especially popular with senior citizens and patients suffering from high blood pressure or heart disease. Now that you know which brand specializes in what, you'll have a better idea where to start your search. We hope this will help you find the best product for you a price you can afford. Happy Hunting!

Now earlier I mentioned exercising smart. With the Polar FT1 heart rate monitor you can maintain your optimal heart rate and in this way achieve the fitness goals you’ve set out for yourself without making clueless efforts. This also allows you keep within your exercise target zone and not overdo things. I use it whether I’m at the gym, on the treadmill at home, on morning runs and even when I’m out cycling.

The face size is medium so it doesn’t look awkward or get in the way of my training but it is able to show your rate on the easy-to-read display which is easy on the eyes. The programing is also pretty simple. This model has a slimmer case and improved face. It has a chest strap and wrist receiver. And after your workout the Polar FT1 heart rate monitor displays a summary of your latest workout. It’s actually water resistant for up to 30m. I had hoped the manufactures explained what exactly that meant. Can I swim with it for 30m at a time? Run 30m in the rain before I needed to take shelter? All the same, it hasn’t given me any trouble in that regard – whatever it means.

I like that the Polar FT1 is not overloaded with features that will take your head on a spin like some other heart rate monitors, of course that all depends on personal preference. If you prefer a simple to use heart rate monitor that does its work well then the Polar FT1 is definitely for you.

The Polar FT1 is a great gift idea for a partner who needs the exercise, maybe this heart rate monitor will be the needed motivation. My friend bought one for his wife and now they take jogs together more often.

I hope that with other Polar Heart Rate Monitor Reviews you’ve read, this one has given you a fair idea of what to expect when purchasing a Polar FT1. It is a product I strongly recommend to accompany you on your exercise regime to a healthier life.

I consider myself a fitness enthusiast. And I like to monitor the progress of my fitness level. I do this by investing in heart rate monitors for my exercise regimes. I’ve purchased a few in my day but the Garmin 610 Heart Rate Monitor Watch has to be in my opinion and from experience – the most accurate heart rate monitor out there. That’s why this is my first Heart Rate Monitor Watch Review. In this Heart Rate Monitor Watch Review I’ll try to include the features that I think are worth mentioning. So read on and see how you can gauge your exercise progress with this accurate heart rate monitor.

Great Innovative Features and Functions of the Garmin 610 Heart Rate Monitor Watch

With the Garmin 610 Heart Rate Monitor Watch there are no buttons to worry about when wanting to set your watch to particular features with its Touchscreen interface. With the iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad, this technology is only fitting. To be honest the only time I’ve had a problem with the touchscreen is during marathons when the start can be crowded and with bodies jostling about you, the touch of other people can upset what you’ve set on your heart rate monitor watch. But of course, I do most of my exercise alone so I haven’t had much trouble. With the Garmin 610 Heart Rate Monitor Watch I easily toggle data fields, review my run history and adjust my settings. And when I’m away on a business trip when I’m not too familiar with my surroundings I can still take a run and return to my starting point with the GPS positioning.

More on the 610 Garmin Heart Rate Monitor

I use the Garmin 610 Heart Rate Monitor to mainly determine my time, calories and distance, but this accurate heart rate monitor can track up to six other measurements some of which are weight, body fat and body water. There are actually more features than I care to use so I usually just familiarise myself with the features I use on a regular basis. And according to the features you choose to use, you can customize the vibrations to alert you on your heart rate, distance, time etc.

I hate having to miss a run, rain or shine so I really like that the Garmin 610 can withstand the rain and those occasions where ignorant motorists run straight into a pool of water right next to me. I can even use it on a treadmill, cycling outdoors or on an elliptical machine. The Garmin 610 can also be entertaining and challenging.

Final Look

After a run I can wirelessly upload my data to Garmin Connect (where I can view my work out on a map and check out other user’s activities) with the USB stick that comes with the heart rate monitor watch. With the Virtual Racer training tool, I can even race my previous best times or challenge other activities that I’ve uploaded from the Garmin Connect site.

My two favorites are the Garmin 305 & Garmin Forerunner 405cx GPS monitors. Read on so you can determine which Garmin GPS Heart Rate Monitor suits you best.

Garmin Forerunner 305

We’ll start with the Garmin 305. This Garmin GPS Heart Rate Monitor is developed from the 301 version. Unlike the 301 version the Garmin 305 has a waterproof design. It’s still bigger than a sports watch but comfortable to wear. It has a high display resolution making the readings clear and precise. I like the simple but effective button layouts on the Garmin 305. The right side consists of the menu selection and enters buttons and the left side has the power and backlight button and also a mode button. The buttons have such good pressure response that I hardly have to press twice on a button or apply great pressure to get what I want.

What you need to know about the Garmin 305

On the underside of this Garmin heart rate monitor is a single mini-USB port. I use a USB cable or AC adapter to transfer data to my PC and I also charge the Garmin 305 in the same way. How does it help me? This Garmin GPS Heart Rate Monitor helps me track heart-rate, average heart-rate, heart rate zones, calories burned, elevation distance, heading, and grade. If I were to include additional features I wouldn’t have the space and time to tell you about the second Garmin GPS Heart Rate Monitor which is the Garmin Forerunner 405cx.

Garmin Forerunner 405

The Garmin Forerunner 405 is the epitome of any GPS training technology. In this age of instant data transfer, the Garmin 405 tracks your heart rate, distance and pace, and wirelessly sends the data to your PC for later analysis. With this wireless technology, this Garmin GPS Heart Rate Monitor allows you to share your locations, workouts and courses with other 405cx users. All you have to do is select ‘transfer’ to send your data to a nearby device.

Final Thoughts and Outlook

A very generous company in our town gave each member of my cross country running team a Garmin Forerunner 405cx. It has made the kids even more enthusiastic about training and monitoring their progress. It has also bred some very healthy competition amongst them. This Garmin GPS Heart Rate Monitor tracks your heart beats per minute and uses this data to calculate the calories you burn. It is good for athletes who want to train in a certain heart rate zone and monitor their progress. Thankfully it is not all that bulky and can be purchased with a smaller strap for smaller wrists. All in all, this Forerunner 405cx is a great exercise companion.

Polar CS500 Main Features

Polar CS500 helps you determine the daily heart rate target zones. These statistics are shown on the main display in large easy to read figures. This cycling heart monitor is simple to install on any bicycle so you can see the statistics as you bike. There is a rocker switch that toggles the display so the CS500 serves as dashboard where you can see how fast you are going. The stopwatch functions can be used on that screen as well.

Other Features

The CS500 Polar heart rate monitor is packed with great features for those wanting some serious feedbacks on their bicycle riding. The special computer can be set to begin recording your data when the wheels are turning, which many cyclist found particularly useful when racing, particularly when the start device is forgotten to be put on. The monitor comes with the menu navigation made simple by the cleverly designed two-way rocker switch. It is used by leaving your hands on the top and scrolling by using the thumbs.

When going for daily rides you can choose from a series of displays on the monitor: for time trialling, as an example, you could show the heart rate, distance that has been travelled at the same time your speed. It is quite reassuring to know your real-time data is being stored. The W.I.N.D. technology ensures interference-free transmission no matter how fast you are going. Even if you bike uphill or downhill, the altitude measurement is accurately shown so you can see how that can affect your cycling session.

Polar CS500 Extra Features

The Polar CS500 is useful even if you are not actively biking. Once your biking session is finished, you can use the controls to review your training data. You can also synchronize the information to a laptop and then upload the data on the Polar personal trainer website for easy accessibility. The training data on the cycling heart monitor can then be cleared for the next biking session.

Final Words

The Polar CS500 has a sporty design that is easy to use and can really help you manage your biking exercises a lot better.

Key Features

One of the most striking features of the all-new Polar RCX5 is its newly designed Wearlink Hybrid chest strap or the disturbance-free hybrid transmitter. The new strap introduces two interesting technologies; the in-water heart rate monitoring (swimming) and GPS functions. For a heart rate monitor that can handle multi sport profiles for specific sports training data, it adds swimming to the many sports that it supports. This time, triathletes can enjoy the beauty of training with a device that monitors every move and every sport they do.

As previously mentioned, the RCX5 offers multi sport profile options with 5 heart rate zones. This way, its user can conveniently monitor different zones for swimming, running, cycling, biking and other fitness activities. This feature would work nicely on those who deal with easy aerobic days and tougher weightlifting days. The product's ZoneOptimizer technology allows you to adjust your training based on your current physiological condition and set training heart zones. This will make every workout effective and worth it. More training tools can be enjoyed with its Polar DataLink connectivity, which allow you to access many downloadable programs that can help you train better.

Customizing Polar RCX5

Don't make any wrong impression just yet. On its own, the all-new RCX5 can do a lot more than most new heart rate monitor releases. However, runners, cyclists and triathletes may enjoy a complete training experience with the G5 GPS sensor, s3+ stride sensor and CS cadence sensor. Runners are likely to boost their training advantage with the s3+ stride sensor ability to monitor running cadence and stride length at real time. Cyclists may determine pedaling rate in real time and average time with RCX5's wireless CS cadence sensor. Triathlons may find the G5 GPS sensor handy in monitoring a wide range of outdoor sports while keeping track of their route map via compatible software or Polar web service. These accessories are designed to be aerodynamic and light to ensure stress-free heart rate monitoring and fitness and sports training.

The Good

The good thing about Polar RCX5 is its improved data transmission and heart rate monitoring features, which is useful in training for many different sports. Its GPS feature brought massive marketing advantage to this product. Unlike other GPS-enabled heart rate monitors, RCX5 is compact as the size of a cell phone battery.

The Bad

RCX5 is almost an ideal watch. However, its GPS integration function presented one point of concern. With swimming, although it can pick up about 5 kHz of heart rate under water, its G5 GPS unit is not waterproof.

Verdict

In many ways, the Polar RCX5 heart rate monitor functions as a proactive training partner that automatically covers all the planning and adjustments necessary for effective training. Its improved system of heart rate monitoring and more training zone options deliver just about what a fancy personal trainer can do in working out your weight loss, fitness or training goals.

Aesthetic differences

The main difference athletically as compared to previous models is that the watch face is smaller is easier to read as compared to previous versions, which is a bonus.

Major advantages

* Easy to use software

It comes with software (Garmin Connect), so that you can upload your history of runs. This monitor plot your runs on the Google map, give you an elevation map, and break down you runs into pace, time, distance, calories burned, and so on. This software is very easy to use with people who are uncomfortable with too much buttons to press.

* Satellite lock in is quick and easy

The Garmin Forerunner 110 locates and locks in satellites within 30 seconds, versus the relatively slow time of up to five minutes for a similar lock-in with the older versions.

* Almost instantaneous ability to get started and go

Unlike previous versions, the Garmin Forerunner 110 can be used almost out of the box. All you have to do is to charge the battery, take it outside and let it find a GPS satellite to work with, and answer a few questions for setup. After that, all you have to do is press start and commence your workouts. When you're done, just press stop. That's all you have to do. It's the quickest and easiest Garmin Forerunner to use.

* Long battery life

It also has a long battery life, and will go eight hours without recharge in training mode or up to three weeks in power save mode.

Features

The Garmin Forerunner 110 will track your average pace; current heart rate (with additional monitor added) elapsed time and distance for each run. Displayed under "history, the monitor also takes average heart rate (if applicable) and pace for the entire run ".

Disadvantages?

The major disadvantage with the Garmin Forerunner 110 is that it's quite a bit expensive (retailing for about $200), but it's so much easier to use with its software capabilities and interface that you may find it's well worth the price. The face is smaller, which makes it much easier to wear for many people.

Optional additions

You can also add an optional heart rate monitor to track calories and manage your target heart rate, if you wish.
But, overall the Garmin Forerunner 110 is well worth the extra price versus its predecessor if you want streamlined function, instantaneous GPS capability, as well as a smaller "watch face" for easier wearing.

You are allowed to create detailed workouts or you have the ability to race a "virtual partner." The Garmin 410 allows you to customize your own training screens. You have over 30 types of training data to choose from. In addition, you can download data by uploading the data onto the Garmin 410 wirelessly via Garmin's "Connect" website. The Garmin Connect website allows you to store and analyze data, such as your run summary, running course information and your route. The Garmin 410 monitors your heart rate and you can improve your overall fitness.

The Garmin Forerunner 410 is like having a personal trainer on hand. The Garmin 410 works for the PC and Mac computers. You can take advantage of the features on Garmin Connect to view the routes you travel on your map, create individual goals, view run summaries of your run, find activities and much more.

The best feature of the Garmin 410 in this Garmin 410 review is its HotFix satellite prediction mechanism. The HotFix locks satellites with sheer accuracy and quickness to ensure that when you walk out of your door that your location is locked at all times. The Garmin 410 has a GPS receiver that has a highly sensitive receiver that stays on the satellites, including tall buildings and other areas that may not give good reception. When you are not wearing the 410, you can conserve its battery life by powering it down.

Advantages of the Garmin 410

Garmin Forerunner 140 is an ideal device for serious athletes and runners.

Tons of basic and advanced features that satisfy experienced runners.

The watch has a comfortable strap that does not interfere with your training when you are sitting, sweating or running.

Disadvantages of the Garmin 410

The bezel of the 410 is hard to control when you are running.

Novice runners will be overwhelmed by the wide array of features on the Garmin 410.

Conclusion

The Garmin Forerunner 410 is an ideal device for runners that want to track their routes, create goals for their personal use, improve fitness and performance, and monitor their heart rates.

Any-Touch Technology:

Unlike some heart rate monitors, these models feature Any-Touch technology, even on the lesser-expensive models. You simply touch the stainless-steel case of the watch anywhere, and you will get accurate ECG heart readings in a matter of seconds. This means you don't need to wear a chest belt and you don't have any complicated cabling or operation to figure out! While there is a chest belt included for continuous heart rate measurements if you want continual monitoring, the average workout can be monitored quite easily with Any-Touch technology.

Easy, Basic Features:

Unlike some of the more complicated heart rate monitors, the different models of Sportline heart rate watch include basic features, which are easy to operate. The built-in stopwatch, 12 and 24-hour time settings, backlight, stopwatch and lap/view button are easily accessed and read on the large LCD display. Many athletes just want heart rate monitors that make it easy to measure intensity levels while jogging or working out, which is where these affordable and practical models deliver.

Stylish and Sporty Looks:

You don't sacrifice style or sporty-looks because each model comes with stylish designing and a sleek band. Whether you choose a grey band on the women's models, or a black band on the men's, you will look stylish, yet sporty wherever you wear this watch, even in the uni-sex models.

Intelli-Track Heart Rate Zone Display:

With the Intelli-Track heart rate zone display, you can monitor your workout progress. All you need to do is set your goals and Intelli-Track will let you follow your progress on the LCD display, which is easy to read. Whether you are in the active zone, the training zone or the endurance zone, you can use Intelli-Track to help you establish and reach your fitness goals.

How's It Rate In Customer Reviews?

Some of the best guides to purchasing practical heart rate monitors will come from those that actually use them. Based on actual user reviews, these models give accurate readings and they are comfortable to wear as a watch. The chest strap is comfortable and the watch has nice features with great looks, so you can wear it anywhere, but maybe a formal affair. The Any-Touch technology is a favorite among users, but the price is hard to beat. The only downside mentioned was that instructions aren't too detailed, but operation is simple, so there aren't many needed.

The chest strap batteries last about 300-400 hours before they need to be changed, making it one of the lower maintenance heart rate monitors. Whether new or experienced, you will find the Sportline heart rate watch easy to use and you will appreciate the practical features that are available at an affordable price!

Key Features

Before you start working on your fitness, the Suunto M4 heart rate monitor training watch allows you to determine your initial fitness level with its start-up fitness test. It offers three modes of fitness training guidance to help you improve your fitness current level, manage free training or manage your weight loss. It comes with a dual comfort belt that makes it easy to wear as you run, hike, bike and perform other forms of exercise. Based on your start-up fitness data, this fitness partner is designed to provide you with workout suggestions as well as real-time guidance while you exercise.

The real-time training advice capability of this heart rate monitor training watch allows you to customize your workouts depending on your fitness goals. Whether it is for athletic training or for weight loss, the watch can store up to 4 weeks of work out data, which make it convenient to determine your progress. Suunto M4 is also capable of calculating the calories you burn while monitoring your heart rate, giving you a nice workout summary. In addition to its timing functions, this watch is equipped with a built-in stopwatch and alarms to keep you on the straight and narrow towards your training goals.

Setting up your Suunto M4

Set-up time can take an average of five minutes. Right from the box, all you need to do is set the time and date, input your preferences like how you like your distance to be measured (miles or kilometres?) and feed your personal data (weight, height, sex, etc.). Given all those information, the watch is now ready to make estimates of your heart rate settings. Perhaps the only challenging part is picking the fitness level that you want to attain. At this point, be guided by the full manual provided by the Suunto M4 heart rate monitor training watch package.

Comparison

In general, working out or training with Suunto M4 is a breeze. Its intuitive design and placement of function buttons make it easy for you to review your performance. Also, as you complete your exercise session, you can leave its timing and heart rate monitoring functions on to take note of your heart rate and calories burned. Just like any other Suunto heart rate monitor training watch, it can wirelessly transfer data to your computer and input your training data in various online training management tools. Lastly, M4 can be your everyday watch.