Heart Rate Monitors: Reviews

According to reviews, the Omron HR-100C is easy to use and doesn't have a lot of fancy functions to confuse novices. The Omron is an owner favorite for its ease of use -- measuring heart rate with a chest strap and… transmitting data to the wrist-mounted display. It has a high/low heart rate alert, a time display and an alarm. Users also appreciate the user-replaceable batteries. Some complain of erratic heart rate readings, but most are satisfied considering the unit's low price.

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If you want more features than the basics, reviewers recommend the Polar F11 heart rate monitor as best for most people. Owners like the "Keeps U Fit Workout Program," which tailors exercise programs to meet personal… goals. The Polar heart rate monitor's OwnZone feature keeps users in their target heart rate, and the OwnCal tracks calories burned. The chest strap and wrist unit are said to be comfortable, but users wish there was a user-replaceable battery in the watch.

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The Garmin Forerunner 305 has an integrated GPS antenna, so unlike most heart rate monitors, it can tell how far and how fast you're going. The Garmin GPS heart rate monitor also comes with PC-based software so you can… analyze and create your workouts. It has a ten-hour rechargeable battery, sport-based heart rate profile and a “learning” function, which adjusts your heart rate zone as your fitness improves. We found better reviews for the Garmin 305 than for any other heart rate monitor. Although the wrist unit is larger because of its inclusion of the GPS antenna, almost all users find it comfortable and easy to read. The Garmin Forerunner 305 is water resistant but isn't rated for swimming.

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Although it's far more expensive than most heart rate monitors, the Suunto has some advantages for pros and semi-professionals. Because it can calculate metrics like oxygen consumption, respiratory rate, training effect… and EPOC (Excess Post-exercise Oxygen Consumption), it's a good choice for those who are closely monitoring their max VO2, a measure of athletic endurance. Although not included, accessory "pods" can be added to track speed and distance. We didn't find many reviews for the newest version, the t6c, but owners like the last iteration, the t6. The t6c adds a new chest strap and improved software.

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