Heart Rate Monitors - 2010

[nancyj]

I am trying to figure out which Polar [due to compatibility with excercise equipment] to get.

My husband is on beta blockers after a mild heart attack and hist upper and lower levels are going to be different and we want to be able to download data from it and also see heart rate measurements as a function of time.

We have seen some sudden drops on the equipment but the doctor says...ehh the treadmill hand sensors are not that accurate [but I have not had any drops like my husband!] and my understanding is a drop can occur when the heart is not getting enough oxygen.  We want to be able to log to take to the doctor......................

Any advice?  For me, I just want zone alarms and time data .... I just want to make sure I am getting my heart beat up there long enough......

[akguy]

I use a POLAR FT60. I am quite happy with it, but I am still considering upgrading. It is rather expensive, 230 mens, for just the watch. It monitors 3 zones, does a fitness test, gives you weekly goals and tracks your progress, and it will reset your vo2 range after a test. It keeps 100 days info in the watch on your training, calories, zones, etc. If you want to upload to a computer you have to spend another 50 on a flowlink. I am considering upgrading to a more expensive model, the PolarRS800 multi-sport. I had originally upgraded from the FT40 to the FT60 because I wanted to add a GPS or foot pod later. The FT40 was fine, and cheaper if you don't want that. I then read reviews of the GPS1 that you can get with the ft60 and they weren't too good. That is why I am probably going to upgrade to the rs800 since it comes with everything, a better gps, upload capabilities and training.

The reason I want the GPS is in the summer I hike and bike and would like the watch to track my distance, elevation and calories automaticly. That is what the RS800 will do. Really expensive though. If you buy at REI, they will take back anything, anytime, if you are not happy. Join as a member first. That's why I can upgrade when I want.

[nancyj]

LOL, been with REI since 1979 when they actually WERE a COOP and paid yearly dividents.

Thanks for the suggestions.