HRM recomendations; Polar woes

DaveG · 07-19-2007

After my Polar Accurex died after 9 years of reliable service I decided to buy another Polar. The S120 I replaced it with is a major drop down in quality. In 4 months of use, two buttons have cracked off. This was while I was sitting down retrieving my workout data and not operating it roughly. Needless to say I am not going Polar again. I am looking for an HRM $100 or less that is foremost DURABLE. The only functions I care about are current HR, average HR, one set of HR zones and a watch. Perhaps the more expensive Polars are more durable but I don't want to spend $400 for a bunch of features I'll never use.

kokothemonkey · 07-19-2007

I really like the Suunto HR/altimeter for about $150. I have had it for >1 year now and I really like it. It's very simple to use and I love the altimeter data. Has all of the HR functions you mention.

El Scorcho · 07-19-2007

Garmin Edge 305. It does so much stuff you will never use all of it but it is nice to have options.
Had mine for a year and the battery finally pooped out and for the 10 days it was gone it was like I lost one of my kids.

dikai_yang · 07-19-2007

S725X!! That's a favorite. Well, actually I have the S625X (2+ years). With a speed sensor it is equal to the S725X, except it came out a lot earlier. It is still more expensive though because of the footpod for running speed. Cons, without the "WIND" thingy for transmission, HR and speed get signal spikes sometimes. Not where I live though, I am far far away from the city and power lines.

But I think the CS600 could've been an even better upgrade. However, warning to all of you who have used the S725X, you won't like the way the new CS600 works. (from reviews). But if you've never had a polar, and you have the money, CS600 is the way to go... (biggest attraction, has % grade when you climb, with the S725X/S625X, it's only available after you download the data to the PPP program (you have to manually select the portion of the hill to show the % grade)).

Becky · 07-19-2007

I love my Timex. $90, all the basic functions (chrono, heart rate zones, average, max, etc.), and I can get it serviced by any jeweler- no sending it off to the manufacturer like a Polar requires.
Search for "T5C401F5" at timex.com. I know that REI sells them too.

crumjack · 07-19-2007

Sigma PC15, $45 shipped on Ebay, replacable batteries, extremely easy to use.

b24fsb · 07-19-2007

I have that exact watch and it been working get for me for about 6 months, maybe you just got a bad one

DaveG · 07-20-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by b24fsb

I have that exact watch and it been working get for me for about 6 months, maybe you just got a bad one

My first S120 broke after two weeks. I returned it (to REI) and got another thinking it was a fluke. Same problem now, I was very gentle with the second one becuase I was afraid of breakage. To no avail

Antonio_B · 07-20-2007

I bought a Suunto T3 with a cycling package (includes a 'Bike Pod') for about 200 clams. I recommend it highly. It was a little intimidating at first but it functions very well.

ColoradoVeloDude · 07-20-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveG

After my Polar Accurex died after 9 years of reliable service I decided to buy another Polar. The S120 I replaced it with is a major drop down in quality. In 4 months of use, two buttons have cracked off. This was while I was sitting down retrieving my workout data and not operating it roughly. Needless to say I am not going Polar again. I am looking for an HRM $100 or less that is foremost DURABLE. The only functions I care about are current HR, average HR, one set of HR zones and a watch. Perhaps the more expensive Polars are more durable but I don't want to spend $400 for a bunch of features I'll never use.

I had a Polar s725 and it didn't work very well. It dropped out quite often, turning off and going away for 30 seconds up to a hour or so before coming back. In short, not reliable. I sent if off for service, but the same thing happened again after it was "fixed" and I just gave up. The Garmin is wireless and its neat to download the ride data. It is not cheap, but it hasn't let me down yet (well, except when I went on a long bike ride and didn't charge it up the night before).

aliensporebomb · 07-20-2007

I've got an S150 and the S120 was part of that same line. They're old designs and not
necessarily indicative of what they've released in the last couple of years. My S150 is
okay but the main problem with it is that it is susceptible to interference from those
stupid electronic dog fences that people buy so they can leave their dog unleashed in
their yard. So I can't entirely trust it but it still works after a few years.

allison · 07-20-2007

Third on the Garmin Edge. The HRM is great. I've never had an issue with the strap other than the battery needing to be replaced, but it lasts for a long while (and easy to replace from Radio Shack).

I've been using one for over a year after using the slightly cheaper Garmin Forerunner 301. That sucked. Returned it to REI and got the Edge instead.

I've got friends that use the Polar S720's, I think, and they seem to like them, though.

I use the Edge for tracking rides also on a somewhat local site, and for mountain biking. Not really usable for finding your way, but you can put in way points and use with Google Earth.

I've actually been wanting one of the Suunto watches without HRM, but that's just for fun cause I'm an info geek.

normalnorm · 07-21-2007

Garmin forerunner 305. I've had mine about a month now and very happy with it. It does just about anything you need. you can download your routes/info into motionbased.com(which also works with google earth)and check out others routes/info. check it out you will not be dissapointed.

andy02 · 07-21-2007

anything but polar they suck. You will get max 3 yr out of one. most <2yrs

dikai_yang · 07-21-2007

mine is 2.5 years now... still running fine...
Garmin is cool, but I've read everywhere that their calorie expenditure calculation is very inaccurate giving you almost twice of what you actually burn...
plus, polar seems to be the industry standard... if you go to any gym, the HR on any machine is 90% polar if not all...

allison · 07-23-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by dikai_yang

mine is 2.5 years now... still running fine...
Garmin is cool, but I've read everywhere that their calorie expenditure calculation is very inaccurate giving you almost twice of what you actually burn...
plus, polar seems to be the industry standard... if you go to any gym, the HR on any machine is 90% polar if not all...

I think that used to be true about Garmin's calorie counter, but they have in the past few months or so changed it up, and there's an update that addressed the issue.

tyro · 07-23-2007

I was in the same boat and ended up with a Garmin 305 cadence and heart rate. I've only used it on one ride, so I cannot testify for its durability. It is a very well thought out unit and it was really fun to come back and download the data as well as map it out on Google Earth. I really like it.

allison · 07-24-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyro

I've only used it on one ride, so I cannot testify for its durability.

Hubby and I each have one... I accidentally left mine on the bumper of our SUV after a mountain bike ride. It somehow managed to stay on there through a few city streets, down the freeway for about 8 or so miles, and flew off the bumper as we got off the freeway. Luckily a friend was behind us and noticed it. The plastic had a small scratch, but it did land in grass. Otherwise it was fine. However, I have since endo'd with it on a mountain bike ride and shattered the glass (the unit hit some sharp rocks). The unit itself I think is fine, but there's no screen. Have yet to send it in to see if the glass can be replaced.

Hubby dropped his once on concrete and it's now missing one line (small, about a pixel or so thick), but otherwise works

tyro · 07-24-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by allison

Hubby and I each have one... I accidentally left mine on the bumper of our SUV after a mountain bike ride. It somehow managed to stay on there through a few city streets, down the freeway for about 8 or so miles, and flew off the bumper as we got off the freeway. Luckily a friend was behind us and noticed it. The plastic had a small scratch, but it did land in grass. Otherwise it was fine. However, I have since endo'd with it on a mountain bike ride and shattered the glass (the unit hit some sharp rocks). The unit itself I think is fine, but there's no screen. Have yet to send it in to see if the glass can be replaced.

Hubby dropped his once on concrete and it's now missing one line (small, about a pixel or so thick), but otherwise works

Well, I think the position of the unit makes it a bit vulnerable, especially on a mountain bike. I don't think I can realistically blame Garmin for this, nor do I think it is a fault of the unit. I'll just have to be careful if I'm mountain biking with it. I'll try not to leave it on my bumper, but I have done that with other stuff before.

allison · 07-25-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by tyro

Well, I think the position of the unit makes it a bit vulnerable, especially on a mountain bike. I don't think I can realistically blame Garmin for this, nor do I think it is a fault of the unit. I'll just have to be careful if I'm mountain biking with it. I'll try not to leave it on my bumper, but I have done that with other stuff before.

I don't at all think it's Garmin's fault that I crashed and broke the screen. But, seeing as how I personally can't fix it, I'd need to send it back to them to see if if can be replaced (for a fee).

jeff262 · 07-25-2007

Despite some of the comments made here I would have to endorse Polar. I have had both the S625x (still use for running and on the MTB) and I also have the CS600 with the power option. Both perform well and have been very reliable with no issues other than the occasional RF interference issues around power lines and such with the 625x. If you download data I think that while the Garmin has more whiz bang appeal the Polar software offers more useable data, especially in the custom reports. Of course I now mostly use Cycling Peaks WKO which blows both Polar and Garmin away.

Spongedog · 07-26-2007

I did a 209 mile ride recently over about 15 hours. I was able to get about 8 hours out of it and was fortunate that I was able to stop for lunch and plug it in for 30 minutes. That got me another few hours, and then I plugged it back in for an hour while I ate some dinner. (I brought the little plug with me, and plugged it in at behind the bar at the restaurant) That made it another few hours, but it crapped out short of the end of the ride. I love the unit and it is terrific! The only downside at all is the fact that the battery simply does not go long enough and there are not many options for charging on a long ride. Perhaps a speed charger would help. I have also wondered if buying a little solar panel with a mini USB plug would help, but I have no idea if I can actually use the unit while it is charging.

I lost my first 305 after a few months when the little tab on the mount broke...off of my road bike! I have a mount on my mountain bike that has been fine for many rides, but I lost the unit when riding across a long wooden bridge. I called garmin and then sold me another 305 for 100 bucks after giving them my sob story. I have to thank Garmin for that one! I suggest checking the mount after installing putting the 305 on the bike before every ride. Also put you name and phone number on it and pray it is found by a honest person.

Lastly, send me a personal message if you are interested in a Polar 725...I have one that is practically pristine. I bought it just before the Edge came out, and I started using the 305 right away.

Mattbikeboy · 07-26-2007

I still use a Polar S510. The thing is 5 years old and still going strong -- but I'm waiting for the batteries to die (they are due). I don't like the fact that I have to send it back to Polar for servicing every couple of years though. At least they can service the watch, sell me a new transmitter and strap in one shot. I never liked the bicycle specific features and chunky mount though and am considering replacing it next time the batteries go.

I only use the calorie counter and time (honestly). I've even gone away from using my cadence unit now as well.
mbb

tyro · 07-26-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by allison

I don't at all think it's Garmin's fault that I crashed and broke the screen. But, seeing as how I personally can't fix it, I'd need to send it back to them to see if if can be replaced (for a fee).

I'm sorry! I wasn't saying that you were blaming Garmin for the breakage. I apoligize for the misunderstanding. I guess I was saying that "one" cannot blame Garmin for it breaking if it takes a tough tumble or an otb experience. Anyway, sorry if that came out the wrong way.