Active Community: Message List - heart monitors / watches?

heart monitors / watches?

guest — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 15:50:48 GMT

But the Garmin appears to be very large. Does the size cause any inconvenience for races or training? Also, how is the software for the Garmin in regards to tracking all of your statistics? I am really looking for my own "personal trainer" or "training buddy" with whatever option I go with.

heart monitors / watches?

guest — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 15:47:15 GMT

No need for an extra GPS gadget with Garmin - it's already included in the watch. Furthermore, it tracks all your indoor AND outdoor swimming, with distance, stroke count, swim style, etc. And with the GPS included you really don't need any of the other pads or pods. The only advantage of Polar is that it measure heart rate during the swim - which I don't think is so important.

heart monitors / watches?

guest — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 15:43:19 GMT

Ok, so I looked at the Garmin 910. Here are the differences I see:

Garmin includes the altitude features, which you have to go to the next Polar model for that (RS800 I think).
All other features are the same
Garmin appears to be a hair cheaper
Garmin watch is a LOT bulkier

For anyone using the Garmin...can you answer this? Is the bulk still make this viable to use when racing? Also, does the bulk in the watch mean no external GPS sensor like the Polar has?

Thanks.

Re: heart monitors / watches?

guest — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 15:26:10 GMT

Better get the Garmin 910 - it's definitely the best product on the market.

Re: heart monitors / watches?

guest — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 12:47:28 GMT

I have been looking at getting the RCX5. However, I am completely confused on what accessories to get. Anyone know the "watch + accessories list" I should get? Here is what I think I "need". (Ignore cost...I just want to make sure I have all my bases covered)

Polar RCX5 Watch (comes with WearLink+ Hybrid Transmitter...I assume that means the fabric strap is included)
G5 GPS Sensor
S3+ Stride Sensor
Universal Bike Mount
CS Cadence Sensor W.I.N.D. (I assume I don't need the CS Speed Sensor if I get this??)

I think this covers swimming, biking, and running. I am just wondering if I really need the stride sensor if I am getting the GPS? Anyone have this watch and any of the accessories or knows about this and can provide some info? Appreciate any comments, thanks.

Re: heart monitors / watches?

guest — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 00:34:57 GMT

There is a new POLAR scheduled for this year: http://www.trijuice.com/2011/03/preview_polars_new_cutting-edge_rcx5_training_computer_watch.htm

It seems to be the best product on the market.

Gunter

Re: heart monitors / watches?

guest — Fri, 29 Apr 2011 20:50:53 GMT

I have the Suunto T4 and love the watch! One of the biggest reasons is the profile of it, very slim in comparison to others on the market. It does not have gps, so if that is an option you are looking for then it might not be a good fit for you.

Once I am done with this watch, I will probably switch to the Suunto T6D. I really like this line. I have had a Garmin and although it worked great, the profile was just too large for my wrist.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Re: heart monitors / watches?

guest — Sat, 26 Mar 2011 04:56:28 GMT

Go with a GPS watch! I have the Garmin Forerunner 405. The feature set is amazing. It comes with a heart rate monitor as well but the GPS functionality will show you your fastest speed, slowest speed, average speed (in real time) and even has a cycling mode that is pretty accurate when comparing it to my bike computer. I worked with a Polar heart rate monitor watch for awhile and while it was functional and served its purpose, the Garmin has taken my training to a whole new level. Just my $.02

Re: heart monitors / watches?

guest — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 18:46:28 GMT

If you want to look at some top notch product reviews, check out the dcrainmaker blob. Definitely helped me make a decision on my latest HRM purchase...

Re: heart monitors / watches?

guest — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 18:35:00 GMT

you can test for LT and max HR. (actually your LT and MAX HR will differ for cyclign and running so may test for each of these as well - running is more weight bearing exercise than cycling so a higher #) If i remember right LT test is a warm up then Average HR for 20 minutes of 5k pace running or a 10mile time trial. I think MAX HR is a warm up then all out hill repeats w/ the highest number being the max HR