Anyone has tips / recommendations on heart rate monitors (watch type) and where to buy? I'm looking for a basic model to know my heart rate (duh) and calories burned, mostly to be used indoors while spinning or on the threadmill. No need to count laps, etc. Preferable if battery can be changed by regular watch dealers. Can someone also explain the pros and cons of one that uses or does not use a chest strap?

Reply from Ethan (7 Mar 2007)
Most pple will get Polar or Timex.. as they are some of the most reliable and popular ones and the ones with most after-sales support, altho I think Nike
recently came out with a watch that can do the HR monitoring.. there may be other models on the market as well.

As to which specific model.. go down to the Polar or timex stands - u can find them at various watch shops or at shopping centres. Most department stores like Isetan and Tangs with a watch section will have a booth for either Timex or Polar. The assistant can usually pass u some brochures for you to browse and compare the different models... (i threw away my brochures.. both for timex and polar.. otherwise can give u..)

you can also check out their websites:

Polar: http://www.polarelectro.com.sg/html/polar/distributors.html

Timex: http://wwp.greenwichmeantime.com/clocks-n-watches/watch/watches/timex/

Just a point to note:
Timex specialises in the Ironman series.. so it might be more than wat you need if all you need is a HR monitor and a calorie counter and distance monitor.

The thing that is strapped to your chest helps to monitor ur heart rate better... more accurate. But its not a necessity. Training by HR is a rough guide.. to
estimate training intensity. I think unless you trying to improve race timings in a multi-sport or endurace sport to your personal best, the usual watch HR
monitor is quite good enough. And I know Ironmen who train with just fairly basic HR monitors.

Hope this helps!
:)
Cheers!
Ethan

Reply from Thuan Thrinh(7 Mar 2007)
to get accurate ECG heart rate monitoring, one has to use the strap with measures your heart rate well, close to its source. I have not come across other methods but for something as important as heart rate, one should get it as accurate as possible.

wearing the strap may be a little uncomfortable in the beginning but you will get used to it...havent u seen enough tan lean hot guys wearing this bra and tight tights running around at east coast before? hahah. if the guys can do it, im sure the girls can and with more style...haha

currently in the market, there are suunto, polar, timex, nike. i would say that Polar is the market leader in heart rate equipment science and they have a good after sale service support which is very important (timex, nike and suunto do not have). should there be any glitches in your watch or you need to get your watch battery replaced, one can drop by their office in boon tat street to do that. the reason why its better for them to do it is coz the service personnel will make do a waterproofing for the watch as well. other normal watch shops might not be able to do a good job and you risk your warranty status too.

battery life for the watch will last around 1 year of high usage,...btw the strap battery is self replacable...no need to ggo to the office for a rreally entry level polar, the polar F11 (fitness range) is really quite entry with HR and calorie counter...i would recommend one to get a HRM with a calorie counter if you r the kind who likes to know how many calories are burned after a workout.

of course the higher end the watch, the more functions there r and more files it will be able to store...it all depends on the budget and your usage

rs200 is a mid range model for running and its more worthwhile to get the rs200SD which comes with the footpod to measure your speed and distance. Reason being, should you wish to get a foot pod after some time, a seperately bought footpod is going to cost more then if you already bought it in a package with the watch.

if not the RS100 will be fine...but i think it can only store one file which means you have to studiously log your data after every workout.

hope this helps

do visit http://www.polarelectro.com.sg for more info

article originally posted here >
reply from Ethan originally posted here >
reply from Thuan Thrinh originally posted here >