Poll: Which Heart Rate Monitor Do You Use?

[lukewiens]

I have tried several different brands throughout the years and my current brand (Polar) has proven after a year to give the most odd and unreliable readings of all of them.

I plan on forking over yet again for another one of these seemingly simple devices, however I was curious of your opinions/experiences.

What have you found works best?

Do you wear it front/back/upside down?

Any issues?

Thanks.

[BrewMaster]

I am very new at this, but I like the HR monitor on my Garmin 305. I wear it like the instructions say, right over my chest bone, below my massive pecs. It seems to work well thus far, though I've only been using it for a few weeks.

[davidB]

garmin 305, and i'm still trying to find a comfortable spot for it. This weekend i adjusted it right before the race and paid for it in the end. 198bpm

[freekengo]

I just got the 705(thanks to all who bought in my garage sale thread) and the the couple of times that I have used it has proven good. No anomalies so far (fingers crossed). Love that color screen! You can really see the screen clearly even at night!

[Blue Rat]

I use the Suunto T6: http://www.suunto.com/suunto/Worlds/...=1212596257062

It's been very reliable and I like the computer interface and calculations it performs. I've also integrated the GPS Pod with it in order to keep track of distances and speeds. I can compare my heart rate, O2 consumption, resp rate, energy consumption, etc through the same training rides. It also tracks altitude which allows me to see if I was at max effort or not during the climbs. There is also a feature in the Suunto Training Manager software that allows you to plan out your fitness program.

[protijy]

Suunto T1 I love it!

[Docklobster]

I have an old supergo HRM that I use on the road bike (5 years and counting) - I don't need one on the mountain bike since I am always maxed out trying to keep up with you!! Although I would like a garmin if I had the cash...

[lukewiens]

yeah....i had the old garmin 301 and had issues with the HRM connectivity from the start. the features on that thing made it still a pretty bad @ss device. i was curious if garmin stepped up their game with consistency.

as for the suunto HRM's. those things look pretty sweet. that t6c is what i have my eye on, but man it sure aint cheap.

[Blue Rat]

Originally Posted by lukewiens

as for the suunto HRM's. those things look pretty sweet. that t6c is what i have my eye on, but man it sure aint cheap.

I've used mine consistantly for about 1-1/2 years with no hiccups in reliability. It really isn't cheap, but on the other side of the fence it also looks just like a watch and can be worn everyday. Plus aren't you the heir to the Wiens family fortune?

[northshore]

Originally Posted by Blue Rat

I use the Suunto T6:

Awesome. I've been looking for a watch like one rather than having a handle bar mounted one.

[allison]

Originally Posted by lukewiens

yeah....i had the old garmin 301 and had issues with the HRM connectivity from the start. the features on that thing made it still a pretty bad @ss device. i was curious if garmin stepped up their game with consistency.

as for the suunto HRM's. those things look pretty sweet. that t6c is what i have my eye on, but man it sure aint cheap.

I think Garmin's first few HRM were bad. I had a Forerunner and the thing never worked. I probably sunk $30 in batteries in my Forerunner and it still wouldn't work.

Justin was literally ready to run over the unit and HRM on a trip in Oct 2006, and a friend told us that REI would take anything back if we weren't satisfied with it.

So, I did some research while in Moab and found out that there was an REI in Grand Junction. Got directions. We checked in to our hotel in Fruita, drove to GJ, I took in literally the HR strap and unit and walked out with an Edge 305.

Other than interference from power poles and other strange things (mostly just on campus here at work and passing the fire station in Murrieta) every now and then I haven't looked back.

It's been flawless.

[ohyeah89]

I REALLY like my Polar F11 (It's one that you wear as a watch). Only problems in reliability happens when I don't wet the electrodes prior to strapping it on. If no water is avaliable, saliva works great (good conductivity)... I also love the fact that the strap is flexible material/soft and not that hard plastic strap oh and it codes the signal so I don't get interference from other HRM and objects.

[lukewiens]

Here is the specific link the Suunto Tseries.

http://www.suuntocampaigns.com/tseries/

It's either one of these...or maybe the forerunner 305. I prefer the wrist mount so as not to interfere with lighting systems etc.

[allison]

Originally Posted by lukewiens

I prefer the wrist mount so as not to interfere with lighting systems etc.

Or, if you'd prefer...

[northshore]

Originally Posted by allison

Or, if you'd prefer...

Is it hard to read in the sun?

[Burner]

I recently switched from the Polar 725 to the Garmin 705, for riding it's nice having the GPS info.

[hoovermd]

I actually have two:

Garmin 705 for Cycling & Skating
Polar (actually only use the chest strap) for the treadmill.

[allison]

Originally Posted by northshore

Is it hard to read in the sun?

I've never had any issues.

[Pickettt]

I use a Polar 725, because I can use their older transmitter which allows me to use hospital EKG adhesive electrodes instead of a strap.