I don't know about the Nashbar HRM, but I bought a Polar that ran around $120, I think. I just wanted something to measure heart rate and give me a few other readings. I'm not into downloading stuff onto my computer and I have a great cyclometer, so I went with the simpler version.

After dissing Polar on these boards, I have to admit that this one is a sweetie. The chest strap is flexible, so it makes contact much better. And the wristband does fit smaller wrists (like mine.)

I did a lot of research on the web, and it seemed that Polar always won, hands down.