Mio LINK Heart Rate Wristband

[rebeccaC]

I like the idea of optical sensors and it can be an easier continuous HRM to use than a chest strap. It will probably replace the chest strap in the future for accurately tracking zones. The interactive virtual training is interesting too. I would wait for Mio software upgrades so any problems will have been addressed with the new one. Having both ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart in the new one is nice too. PLUS a woman entrepreneur started the company!!!!

I have a friend who bought the first one from the kickstarter campaign and she likes it, says it's easy to use but she also had occasional problems with using a chest strap. She has mentioned you need to find the best area to wear it. This new one seems even better in both size, functionally and is half the price of the original Alpha. Mio is licensing their optical sensor technology so there are a few other choices too and there will be even more in the near future. All that said if a chest strap HRM works well with no problems for someone then I’d stay with it until you need to replace it and then think about what you need from a HRM.

[OakLeaf]

One thing to be aware of is that optical sensors can't sense the R-R interval. So if all you're going for is BPM then it might be okay, but if you're going to use it with some of the more sophisticated algorithms for training load, recovery status, VO2 Max, etc., you still need a chest strap.

[Catrin]

I would like to see them getting away from the need for a wrist strap - it becomes problematical if you are in a sport that requires the use of forearm guards. Personally I would prefer a chest strap that could then connect with an electronic devise. There is a company that makes something like this, but they are so small they only have a very narrow range of sizes meant for A-B cup women.

Sorry for a partial hi-jack Helene, I would be curious to find out what you think of this if you get it. Wondering how adjustable it is and if it could possibly fit the ankle....hmmmm

[OakLeaf]

if it could possibly fit the ankle....hmmmm

Are there any arteries that close to the surface in the ankles?

Personally I would prefer a chest strap that could then connect with an electronic devise. There is a company that makes something like this, but they are so small

Are you sure the Polar strap wouldn't fit you? It's just a strap, not a bra. They only sell the module with the larger strap at this point, but if that's too big for you, there's an accessory small strap ($22 in black only)

[Catrin]

Are there any arteries that close to the surface in the ankles?



Are you sure the Polar strap wouldn't fit you? It's just a strap, not a bra. They only sell the module with the larger strap at this point, but if that's too big for you, there's an accessory small strap ($22 in black only)

I didn't know about this, thank you! My HRM watch is also on it's last legs, and this is certainly a less expensive replacement. Though not THAT much less, it is less, thank you again!

[Helene2013]

Catrin,
I have no plan buying this just yet. I was just curious if someone had this as I thought it was another neat gadget.

I wear my strap with the Kinetic for basement training.

On the road I rarely put it on. I know when I push enough. Trust me. hahahah But when I will go for my 135km ride in 2 weeks, I will want to wear my polar (the other one I have) as I will be pushing a lot with groups I'll meet along the way. So it will be necessary to monitor more closely than when riding with only hubby.

[OakLeaf]

this is certainly a less expensive replacement!

I have no idea what apps might be compatible or how much they might cost.

The other thing I forgot is that the Polar strap requires the latest Bluetooth (BTLE aka Bluetooth Smart), which only the latest phones have. As far as I know, all BT fitness gadgets need that, for power/battery reasons.

[Catrin]

I have no idea what apps might be compatible or how much they might cost.

The other thing I forgot is that the Polar strap requires the latest Bluetooth (BTLE aka Bluetooth Smart), which only the latest phones have. As far as I know, all BT fitness gadgets need that, for power/battery reasons.

The apps cost next to nothing, I already have two of them. I've the Samsung Galaxy Note II phone, I will check to see if it is current enough to have BTLE, it is a year old so it may not. Right now I am solving the problem by hooking my watch over the hem of my fitness capris. It works as long as I don't need to move around too much - and while KB lifting is a whole body activity, there isn't much walking around :-) The watch itself is physically beat up pretty badly however from when I just tried to wear my guards over it. Not good for my wrist OR watch. I stopped that when I started adding volume.