polar f6 heartrate watch

[Lori81295]

Last night after spin class, I noticed my polar f6 said that my maximum heart rate was 104. Could this be right? I didn't feel like I was working it that hard. Some nights it will read a maximum of 93%. If you think this is wrong, what would cause this kind of reading?

[Eden]

I'm assuming you mean 104% of max, which technically wouldn't be possible...

It uses an age based HR formula, which is basically bogus...

many, many people if not most do not conform to the 220-your age way of estimating max hr and setting zones and it would appear you are one of them - as the definition of max implies you can't exceed it without setting a new max.....

It's best to really establish your max hr and set your watch to your personal max to set your zones. It looks like your watch may not have a manual set feature, so to set it properly you may need to tell it you are 12 years old.... (or 15 or 17 or 25 - what ever it takes to match what you determine your max to be).

[andtckrtoo]

ITA with Eden that the HR formulas are a guide at best.

If you have had the HRM for a while, you may want to try switching out the batteries. As I stated in a thread below, my Polar, when it's time to change out batteries will go very high or very low (I once had a HR of 275 bpm - as I have never pushed it above 168 bpm, even at a full out sprint, I figured it was wrong )

[Eden]

If you have an un-coded model sometimes odd things will cause it to go super high too - "invisible fences", the cart anti-theft system at the grocery store, high tension power lines.....

[WindingRoad]

Did you wet the electrode before you put it on? If you don't you will get bizarre readings like that. You may need to tighten the strap too?

[Aggie_Ama]

Try setting "Own Zones" to get out of the standard HR zones based on age, although I would check the book if this adjusts the percentages. I have the F6 and did this, means that I am no longer told my hard work out range is something way low for the beats. It feels more personalized for me since using the Own Zone.

You can change the settings, I would have to pull my manual to see how but you can override the 220-age thing.

[kacie tri-ing]

I also find that if the strap is not very tight, it will give me weird readings. I tighten it more than I think I'll need.