Is it hard to adjust to a HRM?

[GLC1968]

Another thing to consider if you are just looking for a base model HRM is strap comfort. I loved my Polar (never felt the strap at all) but I know a lot of people find it uncomfortable. My Garmin strap sucks - it hurts after awhile. I also have a Timex Ironman HRM and that strap is ok but not great.

If you will ever wear your HRM for swimming, then go with Polar. They make the only ones designed to be used while in water. Timex is waterproof to prevent damage, but it won't transmit under water. The problem with the waterproof Polar is that you cannot change the battery yourself so when it runs out, you need to send it in for service. Timex (and I think Garmin) both allow you to change the battery in the strap yourself.

[Becky]

Oooo....definitely strap comfort! You won't use it if it's uncomfortable to wear.

My Suunto has one of the nicest chest straps I've tried. Occasionally, I'll find myself still wearing it a couple of hours after a workout becasue I've forgotten that it's there. My older Timex was ok, but not "forget about it" comfortable.

I don't really use the whole zone thing and alarms. I'm lazy, I guess. I roughly know where I "blow up", so i'll check the display if I feel like I'm getting close to that HR and make adjustments to my effort to keep from "self-destructing".

[OakLeaf]

Not quite sure what you mean about adjusting - but if you mean programming zones and setting alarms, I think it's a lot easier to do that when you're not in the middle of a workout. Some watches let you do it on your computer and sync it to the watch, others you have to do on the watch itself.

FWIW, a lot of people report problems with the new "premium" Garmin soft strap. I have the older "hard" strap and don't find it uncomfortable at all. I sometimes get a tiny bit of chafing under the clips on long runs, but not enough or often enough that I consider it a problem, and never on the bike. The strap I have, the battery is under one of those eighth-turn covers that you open with a coin. Not sure about the soft strap, but I believe you have to unscrew a cover to get to the battery in that one.

Whatever you go with, when it comes time to replace the battery, get a medical-grade one, they last about three times as long as the regular batteries that are supplied with the straps.


ETA: not sure why you're replacing your Sigma either - but if it's just that you can't find the manual, here's a link from their German site (in English) (thanks Google).

[lo123]

If you will ever wear your HRM for swimming, then go with Polar. They make the only ones designed to be used while in water. Timex is waterproof to prevent damage, but it won't transmit under water. The problem with the waterproof Polar is that you cannot change the battery yourself so when it runs out, you need to send it in for service. Timex (and I think Garmin) both allow you to change the battery in the strap yourself.

The Garmin 310XT with soft strap is supposed to be usable in the water.... It's waterproof for sure. Not sure about HR readings in the water. I haven't tested that. I really like the 'premium' soft strap compared to my older hard strap with the Reebok.

[Red Rock]

Thank you for all of your collective inputs here.

Oakleaf I have taken my sigma out twice to do tests runs/rides with it and it is not showing that I am even alive. I have programmed it according to directions and all, it does not even show a basic heart rate upon putting on the chest strap. According to the directions it should at least show that I am alive.

Yea, the reason behind all of this is so I totally do not over exert myself and end up back in the ER as a heart attack victim. My brain thinks one thing and my body has limits especially as I am getting older. I would rather be safer about this and still do my exercise without totally overdoing it.

I have been looking at the polars because they will still give me everything I need. Versatility on the bike and running and they are not so expensive. I was drooling at the Garmin 305 but I think a Polar F6 or F7 would do just fine.

Red Rock

[Catrin]

I have been looking at the polars because they will still give me everything I need. Versatility on the bike and running and they are not so expensive. I was drooling at the Garmin 305 but I think a Polar F6 or F7 would do just fine.

Red Rock

I have the Polar 7 and it works great. It was easy to learn how to use it, and I don't feel the fabric strap that comes with it like I thought I might.

[Red Rock]

Catrin thank you for your input.

On your chest strap, is that the one that it came with originally or could you choose which one you wanted? My brother has them and all he said was to get a strap that you can replace the battery because it is much easier that way.

Thank you for all of your help.

Red Rock

[Catrin]

Catrin thank you for your input.

On your chest strap, is that the one that it came with originally or could you choose which one you wanted? My brother has them and all he said was to get a strap that you can replace the battery because it is much easier that way.

Thank you for all of your help.

Red Rock

My strap came with the HRM.

[Red Rock]

Well my HRM Polar FT7 arrived today. It looks great. Now I have to go read intructions on the computer to make sure I understand how the thing works. Before I do that I need to get another battery for the chest strap so it will work.

Once I get it all figured out, I can run and bike with some sort of confidence that I will not blow myself up and be able to maintain myself. Yea!! That will be such a relief.

I have also been looking into kettlebells. I did not know they were such diverse pieces of equipment.

Red Rock