HRM
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HRM
Looking for a new HRM to help follow a more structured (and scientific) winter programme which might also help me identify if I'm coming down with a bug and therefore take it easy. Fancy one with distance monitoring and an altimeter but get conflicting reviews on the Garmin GPS type and the Polar S625X, anyone with experience of the Timex model or the fantastically expensive Suunto? Would also be useful if useable for those bike miles...
- JS
The Garmin 301 claims to do distance, HRM and altitude. I have the 201 and whilst great fun for distance, letting you know what speed you are running at, and downloading routes onto maps etc, have not found the altitude facility all that useful. The profiles always look odd. I have a separate HRM (Nike)that I did use a lot when I started running again but seem to use less and less now. You still need a chest strap with the 301.
There are a couple of really good threads on the Runners World site on the Garmin and genrally on HRMs
There are a couple of really good threads on the Runners World site on the Garmin and genrally on HRMs
- redkite
- green
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I have got a S610i (like A LOT of other orienteers) and I find it really good, especially for the interval set and the download facility.
If I was getting one now I would go for the S625x as you can get it for £180 off t'internet. I have read lots of good reviews about it, and it's only £20 quid more than you would pay for a 610i.
If I was getting one now I would go for the S625x as you can get it for £180 off t'internet. I have read lots of good reviews about it, and it's only £20 quid more than you would pay for a 610i.
'They couldn't hit an elephant at this dist.....' Last words of General John Sedgewick, 1864.
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Mike - orange
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- Location: Sheffield la la la
I have a Timex BodyLink system with GPS, Data Recorder and Heartrate Monitor. I find it really useful for training (not that I've seen startling improvements). It's nice to know how far, how fast and what your heart was doing at the time. The model I have doesn't show altitude which could be useful. The latest version of the BodyLink has more features including altitude.
I have used mine for running, biking, walking.
I have found that the GPS doesn't work sometimes in thick forest and if it loses contact for too long it can take a while for it to lock back on to the satellites.
I have used it at local O events and it's interesting to see how much more than the course length you actually travel but other competitors get a bit emotional when they see a lump with 'GPS' on your arm even though, to my mind, it's of no practical use during an event.
I have used mine for running, biking, walking.
I have found that the GPS doesn't work sometimes in thick forest and if it loses contact for too long it can take a while for it to lock back on to the satellites.
I have used it at local O events and it's interesting to see how much more than the course length you actually travel but other competitors get a bit emotional when they see a lump with 'GPS' on your arm even though, to my mind, it's of no practical use during an event.
- JackTheLad
- string
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- Location: Sussex
HRM
Thanks for the suggestions so far, will read the Runners world threads/reviews. Mike does your s610i have the foot pod and if so is it a fuss changing between shoes and calibrating? What about the user interfacing, how easy are you finding them to input/extract the data? Any suggestions for cheapest place to purchase http://www.heartratemonitors.co.uk seem to offer a good price and aftersales service...
RedKite - GPS's generally aren't reliable for altitude readings - barometric presure readings are far better (like a Suunto Vector etc)
RedKite - GPS's generally aren't reliable for altitude readings - barometric presure readings are far better (like a Suunto Vector etc)
- JS
No, the 610i does not have the foot pod, that's only the 625x. I have read that the foot pod is about 97% accurate even without calibrating, because it is an accelerometre (or something like that) and measures the speed and angle of your foot to get the speed / distance.
If you buy a polar watch, you automatically get a one year warranty wherever you buy it from, and if you send it back to polar for repair they guarantee to get it back to you within one week.
If you buy a polar watch, you automatically get a one year warranty wherever you buy it from, and if you send it back to polar for repair they guarantee to get it back to you within one week.
'They couldn't hit an elephant at this dist.....' Last words of General John Sedgewick, 1864.
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Mike - orange
- Posts: 121
- Joined: Fri Jan 16, 2004 4:39 pm
- Location: Sheffield la la la
From reviews I have seen, the Nike SDM with a footpod was indeed 97% or so accurate, but that was only only smooth level road. From what I understand the accuracy - even when calibrated - was far worse off-road - possibly even worse than 90% on orienteering type terrain. As the technology with the 625X is the same, I doubt the performance will be any better unfortunately.
Having said that, I have an S710 - mainly bought for the altimeter rather than the bike functionality, though I do use that too. I find the altimeter really useful, and you can graph exertion against altitude for later analysis - see http://www.geocities.com/cpmcsweeny/polar_s710_graphs.html If you primarily want an HRM Polar is definitely recommended over Garmin, as I understand the heart rate monitor functionality on those is a bit unreliable, and as mentioned before, the altitude is not as good as a barometric altimeter.
Having said that, I have an S710 - mainly bought for the altimeter rather than the bike functionality, though I do use that too. I find the altimeter really useful, and you can graph exertion against altitude for later analysis - see http://www.geocities.com/cpmcsweeny/polar_s710_graphs.html If you primarily want an HRM Polar is definitely recommended over Garmin, as I understand the heart rate monitor functionality on those is a bit unreliable, and as mentioned before, the altitude is not as good as a barometric altimeter.
- Adventure Racer
- addict
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bought a HRM yesterday. Timex. Quite basic - HR, Splits, Avg HR Peak Min. Time In Zone.
looked at the speed/distance/HR, but for the price, and what i would use it for, decided on the cheaper option.
it is compatible with the Timex Data Recorder, which from what i can work out, is an extra "box" that you wear while running, which records all your HR data, and then allows you to upload it onto a PC. Anyone used one of these? is it worth buying?
looked at the speed/distance/HR, but for the price, and what i would use it for, decided on the cheaper option.
it is compatible with the Timex Data Recorder, which from what i can work out, is an extra "box" that you wear while running, which records all your HR data, and then allows you to upload it onto a PC. Anyone used one of these? is it worth buying?
Puer tantus fio et effugam
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DesignatedDriver - diehard
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