Heart Rate Monitors?

[Miranda]

I think you would love owning a HRM... particularly if you love gadgets.

I own the Polar F6 in pink. Mine has the T31 coded strap. I'm pretty sure I just looked at the model you posted about in a sporting goods store this w/e. I was looking for a lower cost extra to keep in my gym bag for class (as a student loaner). Besides road riding & mtb, I'm certified through MDA to teach Spinning at my gym.

I have peeps ask me about calories they burned in class etc. I know my F6 Polar keeps track of that, and it is a really motivating factor. I'm not sure on the other model, but I'm thinking it does???

The only reason I didn't purchase is that I think even Walmart carries one in the $30 price range. My gym bag size has really grown with all this "class gear"--which unfortunately I don't get paid for owning. But, it's sure nice to have in teaching. Just looking for cheaper for that reason.

A couple things on monitors... they are a guide. Mine has a method you can set your "own zone" heart rate. Basically, there is a test you do to determine your personal threshhold. If you are really fit... your limits will be higher. For someone just starting exercise, the limits will be lower.

The Polar operates off the basic 220-your age= max heart rate. Take whatever percentage of work effort *times* that # for a percentage of heart rate zone. Mine has input for height, current weight, to aid in determining calories.

Also, if the Polar locks up periodically mid work out... it probably just needs cleaned and a manual reset (a Polar tech told me how to do this via E). I personally became the gym instructor tech support after figuring out why this was happening to everyone's Polars. The electrode strap can become clogged with sweat crystals and not read right. If the piece is the waterproof model, you just rinse w/clear H2O post work out. Takes care of maintenance.

Waterproofness and batteries... if you want your warranty to be good... do not change your batteries yourself. This will void the warranty. You send it off to an authorized Polar Service Center. Yea, I know it sounds like a PITA. But, it's worth it (free overall inspection included). And really the TAT was not that long. Going back to basics for PE is not such a bad thing either from time to time... keeps us more in tune w/our techy toys.

Happy Shopping !