What’s the best do-it-all heart rate monitor?
Can you recommend a heart rate monitor? I'm looking for a do-it-all model, that a ten year old or adult can use. I want a model that constantly monitors heart rate, downloads to a computer, and doesn't cost a mint. Dave Sierra Vista, AZ
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Sure, I can recommend one. Although Im not one of those people that uses one often. I know when Im working hard and not working hard. To me, what my heart rate is at the time is somewhat academic. To be sure, there are good training programs to be had that make tracking heart rate a key component.
The FT60You dont say whether its for cycling, hiking, running, or what. A wrist-mounted one gives you the versatility to use it wherever you wish. Polars FT60 ($230) does all the standard stuff checking heart rate, high and low heart-rate alarms, time in heart zone you desire, and calories burned. You can download to a PC and check your progress over time as well. A nice unit.
Garmins FR60 offers very similar features for a slightly lower price ($200). Does all the same heat rate things, connects wirelessly to a PC or Mac, even works as an everyday watch. The Garmin includes a foot pod that measures distance traveled, which Garmin claims is 98 percent accurate.
And…Suunto‘s T4C ($219) duplicates the offerings of the other, and also has a Suunto “Coach” feature that evaluates your condition and suggests how to pick up the pace.
I dunno if that $200 range constitutes a “mint” or not. You can easily spend around $400 on a unit that includes GPS coverage (Garmin 405CX). Or, drop to $100, and lose the PC connectivity but get the basis (Polars nicely basic F4).