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downloadable heart rate monitors
"Nick Burns" wrote in message om...
I have used them for many years and I get a lot of value from them. In fact, I doubt if I would use an HRM very often if I could not record the workouts. I would take a look at the software and then compare the data storage. You want to look at "sample rate" (how often the data points are recorded) and total capacity (number of individual files and hours of storage). I am biased in favor of Polar because I have always had great performance and your will find that it is the most popular brand. This is important if you wiull be exchanging the files with others. You might want to hire a coach, who will ask for your archives or you might have a buddy one say that you want to send the file to (for any number of reasons). The Polar models that use the IR link are the only models I would consider because the "Sonic Link" models all have very limited storage and you do not pay much more for the IR models. The last I heard, the Sonic Link models also got inferior software, but I also heard that will change if it hasn't already. Service and support is also excellent. Look at the 710/720 (for the bike features) or 810/820 (more memory and features but you lose the bike specific metrics) models since those are the IR models I prefer. You should also cross post with rec.bicycles.tech and consider removing *racing. I got the Suunto x6hr a few days ago and have been playing with it. It was a gift, but I've been given the go-ahead to trade it in if something else would work better. Unfortunately I don't have any other experience with heart rate monitors to compare it with. One of the features of the Suunto x6hr is that it has a pretty accurate barometric altimeter built in. This should be particularly useful for me because I intend to use if for mountaineering, in addition to running, cycling, etc. But I was just looking at this comparison chart http://www.healthchecksystems.com/polarcompare.htm and I see that the Polar S-720 also has an altimeter (and seems to be quite a bit less expensive as well). (The chart for Suunto is http://www.healthchecksystems.com/suunto_compare.htm ). The Suunto x6hr interfaces with your PC via a wire connection (included with the watch) which clips to the watch and connects to a PC serial port. Seems quick and easy. On the downside, my x6hr seems to have trouble picking up the heart signal in my car with the engine running or on the stairmaster. Due to interference no doubt, but I find this annyoing, particularly on the stairmaster. I'm not sure if a Polar would have fared any better. It seems that Suunto and Polar work together. For example the Suunto Advizor actaully uses Polar HRM technology (including a Polar-labeld transmitter). I'm not sure if the x6hr also uses this (just branded as Suunto) or whether its their own proprietary technology. I do not find the Suunto software particularly easy to use, nor is the documentation very good. But maybe it is fine, once you play with it and learn how to use it. (Just looking at the Polar web stie, I see that they have a pretty comprehensive manual for their software. The Sunnto software only has a rather simple online help function--no actual manual. |
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downloadable heart rate monitors
"One Step Beyond" wrote in message ...
I git a Polar 710 and it is the business. Mine is the cycling version and you can Infra Red your records from the monitor into the PC where it does all sorts of analysis. Cannot recommend mine highly enough. OSB How do you like the altitude feature on the 710? Do you know if it is temperature compensated? Thanks. |
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downloadable heart rate monitors
The altitude bit is the one weakness of the device in my opinion. The
temperature sensor can be wayward too at times. However, I have calibrated my Ploar against more accurate measurements in the lab and it comes out almost spot on for heart rate and distance covered. Steve "Chris Jain" wrote in message m... "One Step Beyond" wrote in message ... I git a Polar 710 and it is the business. Mine is the cycling version and you can Infra Red your records from the monitor into the PC where it does all sorts of analysis. Cannot recommend mine highly enough. OSB How do you like the altitude feature on the 710? Do you know if it is temperature compensated? Thanks. |
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downloadable heart rate monitors
The Polar altitude feature is definitely _not_ reliable. When
workout at home, the altitude chart shows that I have been descending, and end up 50-100 feet lower than where I started. My house isn't moving. On 22 Oct 2003 13:44:41 -0700, (Chris Jain) wrote: How do you like the altitude feature on the 710? Do you know if it is temperature compensated? Thanks. |
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downloadable heart rate monitors
wrote in message ... The Polar altitude feature is definitely _not_ reliable. When workout at home, the altitude chart shows that I have been descending, and end up 50-100 feet lower than where I started. My house isn't moving. Altitude measurements based on the barometric pressure will always be subject for changes in air pressure due natural metrology changes (change in weather). I have compared the altimeter in my Polar 710i with a laboratory barometer and there were no noticeable instability that could not be explained by changes in barometric pressure over a 24 hr period. These changes are typically less 50 ft during a long training pass if there are no dramatic changes in weather conditions. If you want an altimeter that is independent of weather, you better buy a big and bulky GPS if you have the bucks. Erik Lindeberg, Trondheim, Norway |
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