HR Monitors... (Read 998 times)

I've used all kinds of different HRM and Speed/Distance combos before. I went with a cheap polar, and that was wasted money. I used an expensive timex, which I did not like. I bought a SUPER expensive polar (sx625??), and liked the HRM part of it, but not the speed/distance part of it. My suggestion: spend a bit extra and get the garmin 305. I know it is probably more than you want to spend, but in the end you're probably going to want all of the things that it offers. I also use it on my bike, and wish I hadn't spend the $50 or so on the bike computer that I did. I also was able to sell my polar for 140 or so, and with a 50$ rebate, the garmin was pretty cheap. Anyway, I LOVE the garmin, and would suggest it is worth pinching pennies elsewhere. Modified to add: I know you're asking about strictly HRMs, which is what I was originally in the market for. Then I wanted all the other stuff and wasted a lot of money.

The Garmin does appeal to me. I love all the "stuff" the Garmin has on it, although it's total over kill for my training level. However, training will pick up steadily from here on out and so you guys may be right in that I'll want all the other stuff later. Regarding the GPS function, I hear not too good on trails but would be nice to have when I'm exploring new routes. The Home Brew kit may have to wait.

Regarding the GPS function, I hear not too good on trails but would be nice to have when I'm exploring new routes.

I had the same concern when I was thinking about buying one. I had a 201, and it was very patchy when I was on flat trails without dense tree coverage. The 305 has not had any of these problems, and everybody who replied to my original post had similar experiences. Unfortunately, there was a $50 rebate, but I believe it expired as of 11/30. I think their overall price has dropped now though. It has definitely been worth the money to me!

I hope to find someone locally who has the new Garmin and get their take. Here in the foothills of SC, satelite links can be " iffy" - (i.e. XM radio) when on the move. So, my GPS continuity concerns are partly artificial from this. Still,the device sounds great. But, the watch/arm device looks heavy (bulky). Any comments on that? I don't intend to sound like I'm picking this thing to death...just that for this kind of cash, I really want to be sure.

the watch/arm device looks heavy (bulky).

It's definitely bigger than a normal watch and will look/feel bulky for the first few runs - but it is not heavy at all.

For what it's worth, I absolutely hate my Garmin Forerunner. I'm on my 3rd unit in 9 months. Unit #1 died during the Pikes Peak Marathon. Wouldn't power up anymore. Garmin replaced it very promptly. Unit #2 (Forerunner 205) discharged a current into my wrist during a 14 hour run and burned a hole in my arm. They replaced that one with a 305, but still has the same design flaw of the charging contacts on the back, exposed to the skin. It's only a matter of time until it goes belly up too. By then I'll be out of warranty and they'll be done with me. Batterly life on them is terrible... only about 10 hours. I have to give Garmin credit for quickly replacing them... but the reliability is awful. As soon as Polar offers a GPS that will map (the RS800 doesn't do mapping, only GPS distance, a huge oversight in my opinion) I'll buy it. My Polar S710 has been super reliable during 8 years of very hard use (500+ hours a year). From my experience, unless you must have GPS mapping, get a Polar HRM. - Chris

I have a Polar F4 HRM and have had no trouble except for the odd spike. I've had it for 1.5 years and I've used it at least 3 times a week. It would be nice to measure my pace more accurately but it doesn't really matter.