heart rate monitors

Jorf

Does anyone use one of these? I was up until 3 this morning looking them up on line and couldn't really make head nor tails out of which ones were good or bad, what they actually do.... or even if they are available! (The Suunto T1 site says it isn't and says it is. I guess they've upgraded it or something because it seems you can get one for about $65 somewhere.)

Would love to hear about people's experiences with monitors -- under $100.

Thanks!

achen2iron

Hi Jorf

A basic HR monitor measures your heartrate as your exercising via a wireless band you wear around your chest that "talks" to the watch piece. I got my last monitor at Sports Authority for around $60. It's a polar which is compatable with most of the gym equip. around too. The only difference between the cheaper ones and the more expensive ones is that the cheaper ones can have interference from phones, other monitors, etc. Mine will sometimes go haywire during a run but usually resolves itself after I pass by the interference area. This monitor is also annoying in that I can't see my HR and the time at the same time so I have to wear a watch too. I'm really thinking of getting a $150ish Garmin that does everything including sattelite tracking for distance, pace, etc. You can also plug it into a computer program and it will keep track of all your HR/workout info. It's a little bulky looking, but no more bulky than the two watches I have to wear. If your just interested in not going over a certain heart rate during a workout then the cheaper ones will work great. If you want to know your maximum HR, minimum HR and do splits etc on the same wrist band you'll probably have to spend $75.  Kathy