Investing in a heart rate monitor is a wise thing to do when it comes to your health. But with so many choices at hand, zeroing in on the most suitable product for your individual needs could be no less than a daunting task. This article briefs you on some of the best heart rate monitors on the market.
One important indication that may tell you about your heart’s condition is what is known as heart rate. It is a measure of the number of heartbeats per unit of time. And it is your heart rate that can notify you if your training program is at an optimum level. A heart rate monitor, as the name suggests, monitors the rate of your heart and provides feedback. In this way, you can achieve a certain level of exercise that is required to burn calories efficiently, and help you maintain a healthy weight.
Heart rate monitors come in all kinds of features and specifications which are suitable for exercises ranging from simple to intense multiple sport activities. It depends on what the user requires. Know what these machines have to offer, and reconcile their features with your requirement.
Top Rated Heart Rate Monitors On the Market
Polar FT60
The Polar FT60 has been regarded as a virtual personal trainer by many reviewers, thanks to the features the machine is built with. Apart from keeping a track of the heart rate, the Polar FT60 tracks calories burned, and offers a fitness test. The major selling points of this device include its high level of accuracy and reliability, and special features like calculating training zones based on the user’s current level of fitness, and informing the user if he/she is working too hard or needs to put in some more effort. This heart rate monitor comes with a user-replaceable battery. Also, it comes in designs suitable for both men and women, and optional GPS and foot pods. The cost price, complex set up, and extra cost for data uplink, however, are some factors of this machine which people may regard as drawbacks. However, by far, the Polar FT60 has been reviewed as the best heart rate monitor for weight loss.
Approximate Price – $128.78
ePulse Strapless Heart Rate Monitor
As the name suggests, the ePulse heart rate monitor lacks the uncomfortable setting of a chest strap. Here, the sensor which is used to detect the heart rate is built into an easy-and-comfortable-to-wear armband, instead of a chest strap. The monitor offers continuous tracking of current heart rate for all types of activities. It also calculates the calories burned in activities ranging from intense aerobic workouts to routine activities like moving around the office, etc. This device calculates the optimal heart rate exercise zones so that the user can work towards achieving maximum benefits from his/her training. The device also notifies the user of his/her selected target exercise zone with the help of a green LED. Furthermore, ePulse also features fat burn and cardio alerts in order to keep exercises on target. Some people, however, complained that they have to sweat to push the device’s waterproof buttons, and that it lacks an audio indicator.
Approximate Price – $89.95
Omron HR-100C Heart Rate Monitor
For people who are health conscious, and budget conscious too, the Omron HR-100C fits the bill. Affordable or cost-effective as you may call it, this device offers ease of use, gives a continuous reading of your heart rate, and has an in-built alarm system that tells you when you’re out of your heart rate zone. It comes with a ventilated watch band, replaceable battery, and backlight. This device may not be fancied by most women as it is not available in smaller sizes. Apart from this, the user may need to wet his skin before putting on the chest strap. Another factor which may be a major drawback of this system is its problem of picking up interference from other exercisers or gym equipment. This is because it doesn’t use a coded transmission between the chest strap and the monitor. So this may result in inconsistent heart ratings. However, given the low price, this device is quite a go with most people.
Approximate Price – $34.99
Polar CS600 Cycling Heart Rate Monitor
Although, the Polar CS600 is specially designed for cyclers, it can be utilized for other sport activities as well. This heart rate monitor, is built to latch on to the handle bars of a bicycle. The machine collects data from your training rides, and this helps in getting your workouts targeted. It features audio and visual display alarms, and a large display to help users determine their data even in the middle of a workout. You can use the Polar CS600 while working out in the rain as it is water-resistant to ten meters. Its backlight helps you carry on with your workout even in the dark. The device also measures Cycle Efficiency Index, to determine the improvement in your cycling performance. Despite drawbacks of this machine such as low durability of the monitor and complex controls for first time users, it is considered as a decent heart rate monitor for people who are into cycling.
Approximate Price – $340.96
Timex Ironman Race Trainer
This product comprises a chest strap and a wrist watch. The chest strap is designed to feed data to the wrist watch wirelessly. So this frees you from any annoying wiring. Given the device’s full and mid-sized versions, its use does not discriminate between men and women. Along with monitoring the heart rate, the Timex Ironman also keeps a track on the calories burned. Most people applauded its feature to record the history of 10 workouts, apart from its other features such as target workout zones, lap and split timers. If you should require the data of your workout in your computer, then you can do it painlessly with the help of the optional USB accessory of this device. Even in this case, the data transfer can be done wirelessly. Speaking of drawbacks, some users did not appreciate the display of the device, as it was not legible when mounted on a bicycle. Also, some people had a tough time programming the device, because of its complex setup process.
Approximate Price – $120.00
Polar FT7
This one is a relatively new product of Polar, and since its release, it has earned accolades from most men and women. Apart from measuring heart rate, the main feature of this device which shot up its sales is one that helps the user to realize if he/she is really burning off calories while working out. The feature is also smart enough to determine if the user has been able to make any general improvement in his/her overall fitness. Not to mention, most users loved the crystal clear display of this heart rate monitor. Also, since the transmitter and watch are paired together, the unit does not pick up signal from any other device. German, English, Spanish, French, Italian, Suomi, Swedish, and Portuguese are the choices that you have when you wish to set the default language of the device. Most testers recommend its accuracy, and ease of use. The chest strap of the Polar FT7 is more comfortable to wear than those of the older models. About drawbacks, the device scores low when it comes to the audibility of its alarm, and beginners might find the initial setup confusing.
Approximate Price – $75.49 – $199.99
Suunto M5
The Suunto M5 has done immensely well among most fitness freaks. The most likable features of the device are its fitness test, and its incognito look as a standard wrist watch. Although it is priced slightly higher than other heart rate monitors, it is still worth the investment. The Suunto M5 analyzes the results of the fitness test, and reconciles it with the fitness target of the user. Thereafter, it suggests a specific workout to the user for the day. It also makes the user aware of the ideal duration and intensity required for each workout. This heart rate monitor comes with a chest strap, backlit display, motivational feedback messages, alarm function, and user-replaceable battery. As an intelligent heart rate monitor the Suunto M5 is, it is also easy to use. Ignoring a couple of drawbacks such as loose chest strap, and mediocre visibility of the display in low light, this device can be safely attributed as a “virtual robo trainer”.
Approximate Price – $177.83
Other Popular Heart Rate Monitor Systems
- Garmin FR60
- Suunto t4d
- Polar FS3
- Polar F6
- Garmin Forerunner 305
- Timex Personal Trainer Heart Rate Monitor T5G971
- Mio Stride Petite
This was all for the reviews on some of the best heart rate monitors on the market. To ensure that you get the most out of your investment, research well on the specifications and features of the product you wish to purchase. This way you would know what to expect from the device depending on your training requirement and goal.
