Can anyone recommend a good and affordable heart rate monitor?

[realdog4]

I value accuracy over features.

I have an older Polar watch with a chest strap. I need to see what it will cost to send it in to replace the batteries.

I know very little about the Fitbit monitors but they seem quite popular.

Thoughts, experience or expertise is welcomed.

Take care,
Jason

 

[TimmyBoston]

Wahoo is pretty solid. Syncs up with your phone.

For accuracy, you're going to want a chest strap.

My Garmin strap that came with my Garmin 920XT is awesome bit it may be more than you want/need.

 

[dklaiman]

You don't define affordable, so I don't know your price point.

I have a polar M400 that I really like. I got a good deal on it at https://www.heartratemonitorsusa.com (I'm not affiliated with them at all). The sales people seemed knowledgeable and they were very patient with me--I kept going back and forth between a few options.

 

[realdog4]

You don't define affordable, so I don't know your price point.

I have a polar M400 that I really like. I got a good deal on it at https://www.heartratemonitorsusa.com (I'm not affiliated with them at all). The sales people seemed knowledgeable and they were very patient with me--I kept going back and forth between a few options.

I was looking at the M400 with chest strap. I was going to buy it but decided to shop around.

This unit would set me back about $275. That would be the top end of my price point. I would like; however, to see if there is something less expensive.

I appreciate the link so I can see what other brands are in the market. Right now my only experience is with Polar.

Take care,
Jason

 

[scotty51]

I have a Polar H7 (chest strap), think it was around $50 on Amazon, accurate and syncs up with a lot of apps (I use iCardio on Android). HRM comes off the chest strap so you can wash the strap or replace the battery on the monitor.

https://www.polar.com/us-en/products/accessories/H7_heart_rate_sensor

I always wear it working out for the last 2 years, it's never failed to sync up or give accurate readings. still have the original battery. I remove the HRM from the strap when done using it to prevent it from staying on and draining the battery.

Forgot to ask how you want to use a HRM, with a watch or app ? It was a one time $5 fee to be able to use it with iCardio so add that to the price. I've found it invaluable to my workouts, not only to log them but know if I'm pushing myself hard enough. I love it for doing HIIT, just ignore the time of the interval and hit the hear rate you want before backing off, rinse and repeat.

 

[realdog4]

I have a Polar H7 (chest strap), think it was around $50 on Amazon, accurate and syncs up with a lot of apps (I use iCardio on Android). HRM comes off the chest strap so you can wash the strap or replace the battery on the monitor.

https://www.polar.com/us-en/products/accessories/H7_heart_rate_sensor

I always wear it working out for the last 2 years, it's never failed to sync up or give accurate readings. still have the original battery. I remove the HRM from the strap when done using it to prevent it from staying on and draining the battery.

Forgot to ask how you want to use a HRM, with a watch or app ? It was a one time $5 fee to be able to use it with iCardio so add that to the price. I've found it invaluable to my workouts, not only to log them but know if I'm pushing myself hard enough. I love it for doing HIIT, just ignore the time of the interval and hit the hear rate you want before backing off, rinse and repeat.

I would use the monitor to view data during my workouts.

I have the ancient version of the M400 and H7. I like the idea of wearing a watch but you bring up a great point. I always workout with my phone and wireless headsets. Why not include an app? A watch; however, seems easier. I guess it would depend on an app's capabilities versus the price of a wrist/strap.

If anyone uses an app only and has read this far, what is it called? I am using an iPhone.

Take care,
Jason

 

[scotty51]

I use iCardio, free app but costs $5 to use the HRM with it. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/icardio-gps-run-walk-bike/id314841648?mt=8

Here are my last 2 workouts:
https://my.fitdigits.com/site/share/workout/46d354947c9811e685fd41cd9864e77f.html

https://my.fitdigits.com/site/share/workout/481d1b9e7c9811e69f2cebdd73eb4cf7.html

It's what I use and it's been great for me, but they're may be something better out there. I like the stats you get on the website, I only workout at home inside, so I've never used it on an outdoor run or cycle so can't comment on how it works for that. It also syncs with myfitnesspal if you use that.

 

[dklaiman]

I was looking at the M400 with chest strap. I was going to buy it but decided to shop around.

This unit would set me back about $275. That would be the top end of my price point. I would like; however, to see if there is something less expensive.

I appreciate the link so I can see what other brands are in the market. Right now my only experience is with Polar.

Take care,
Jason

My pleasure, Jason.

Right now the M400 with chest strap is $190 at the website i sent you to. I think there's a percentage off your first order. I got that instead of an app based product because I like to run outside without my phone. If I always carried my phone with me, I'd be tempted by iCardio

 

[realdog4]

If I always carried my phone with me, I'd be tempted by iCardio

I use iCardio, free app but costs $5 to use the HRM with it. https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/icardio-gps-run-walk-bike/id314841648?mt=8

Here are my last 2 workouts:
https://my.fitdigits.com/site/share/workout/46d354947c9811e685fd41cd9864e77f.html

https://my.fitdigits.com/site/share/workout/481d1b9e7c9811e69f2cebdd73eb4cf7.html

It's what I use and it's been great for me, but they're may be something better out there. I like the stats you get on the website, I only workout at home inside, so I've never used it on an outdoor run or cycle so can't comment on how it works for that. It also syncs with myfitnesspal if you use that.

Thanks to you, dklaiman and TimmyB.

I think I am going to buy the H7 and use the iCardio app. I can always purchase a compatible watch heart rate monitor at a later date. I will just buy an arm strap for the phone so I can view data or change settings.

Thanks for pointing me to the app. It seems very popular.

*** A final question, I don't mind in-app purchases, but is the cost of an upgraded iCardio app recurring or a one time thing?

Thanks for your assistance,
Jason

 

[scotty51]

It was a one time purchase when I did, that may have changed so maybe download the free app and check it to see.

 

[noahpictures]

The app is Polar Beat and it is free. That's what I use with the Polar H7 chest strap. I also own a Fitbit Blaze watch and a Timex HRM with a chest strap. The Polar is more accurate and I like the app better than the Polar watch for its ease of use. My wife has the Polar watch and HRM. The app can only be used with HRM that has Bluetooth like the H7.

 

[jovan]

I am not familiar with hr monitors but with blood pressure monitor I take to the Doctor office and ask them to verify accuracy. I wonder if the could do that with hr monitors?

 

[realdog4]

I am not familiar with hr monitors but with blood pressure monitor I take to the Doctor office and ask them to verify accuracy. I wonder if the could do that with hr monitors?

I just purchased the Polar H7 chest strap.

As far as accuracy, I will briefly share my experiences once it has been used.

I am in cardiac rehab after suffering a heart attack 6 weeks ago. This supervised program requires you to perform 40 minutes of cardio 3 days a week. It increases in intensity throughout 3 months.

When your in a session, a small EKG device is attached to you the entire time. Heart rate, oxygen levels and blood pressure are constantly measured by specialists at a main computer. They even evaluate recovery rates.

In short, I will be able to compare consumer products to genuine medical equipment monitored by professionals.

 

[nortac]

Another vote for Wahoo, works with your iPhone. I use it while cycling along with the cyclometer.

 

[nortac]

Here's an Amazon link for Wahoo: https://www.amazon.com/Wahoo-TICKR-...9283&sr=8-1&keywords=wahoo+heart+rate+monitor

 

[nortac]

And other stuff: https://www.amazon.com/Wahoo-Fitnes...011&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=Wahoo+Fitness

 

[realdog4]

And other stuff: https://www.amazon.com/Wahoo-Fitnes...011&field-lbr_brands_browse-bin=Wahoo+Fitness

Thanks for the information. I ordered the H7 online but it sold out. I am now comparing the two chest straps by scouring the internet for reviews. I may give both brands a test run and keep the most accurate.

Take care,
Jason