Comments for Watch Heart Rate Monitor http://watchheartratemonitor.com Keep up the pace Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:31:54 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 hourly 1 Comment on Suunto Motion Activated Foot POD by Killer Bicycle http://watchheartratemonitor.com/suunto-motion-activated-foot-pod/comment-page-1#comment-259 Killer Bicycle Wed, 10 Mar 2010 07:31:54 +0000 http://watchheartratemonitor.com/suunto-motion-activated-foot-pod#comment-259 No Calibration was required, it was spot on the first time I took it for a run. <br />My only complaint is the clip on device broke in one area, I can't say I didn't cause it though b/c I've gone through six pairs of shoes now (and it hasn't fallen off yet). <br />I've done some decent trail running with it and through the mud and puddles there hasn't been any lack in its performance. <br />Great way to keep track of your speed and distance, just don't forget to enable your watch to record it. Rating: 4 / 5 No Calibration was required, it was spot on the first time I took it for a run.

My only complaint is the clip on device broke in one area, I can’t say I didn’t cause it though b/c I’ve gone through six pairs of shoes now (and it hasn’t fallen off yet).

I’ve done some decent trail running with it and through the mud and puddles there hasn’t been any lack in its performance.

Great way to keep track of your speed and distance, just don’t forget to enable your watch to record it.
Rating: 4 / 5

]]> Comment on Suunto Motion Activated Foot POD by Emrys E. Maier http://watchheartratemonitor.com/suunto-motion-activated-foot-pod/comment-page-1#comment-258 Emrys E. Maier Wed, 10 Mar 2010 04:39:40 +0000 http://watchheartratemonitor.com/suunto-motion-activated-foot-pod#comment-258 I really like the foot pod. I'm in the Air Force and run quite often to keep myself in shape, and I have always found it hard to gauge my speed... usually I have to use lap times, but by the time I make a lap, I'm either already getting worn out because I ran too fast or I realize I'm going too slow and I have to really push on the next 5 laps to make up for it. With the Suunto T3 + this foot pod, I can easily watch my speed and adjust throughout my run. I have found that the foot pod is a little bit off - about .01 mile per 1/4 mile, but I have easily adapted to that. <br /> <br />I also find it really nice to be able to run anywhere I want and know the exact distance I went. Super nice. <br /> <br />I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who runs. Rating: 5 / 5 I really like the foot pod. I’m in the Air Force and run quite often to keep myself in shape, and I have always found it hard to gauge my speed… usually I have to use lap times, but by the time I make a lap, I’m either already getting worn out because I ran too fast or I realize I’m going too slow and I have to really push on the next 5 laps to make up for it. With the Suunto T3 + this foot pod, I can easily watch my speed and adjust throughout my run. I have found that the foot pod is a little bit off – about .01 mile per 1/4 mile, but I have easily adapted to that.

I also find it really nice to be able to run anywhere I want and know the exact distance I went. Super nice.

I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who runs.
Rating: 5 / 5

]]> Comment on Suunto Motion Activated Foot POD by Rafael N. Miranda http://watchheartratemonitor.com/suunto-motion-activated-foot-pod/comment-page-1#comment-257 Rafael N. Miranda Wed, 10 Mar 2010 02:37:00 +0000 http://watchheartratemonitor.com/suunto-motion-activated-foot-pod#comment-257 I used twice and it worked perfectly! The price is OK. This product is perfect for trainning in places where you don't know the distances. <br />I recommend. <br />Rafael Rating: 4 / 5 I used twice and it worked perfectly! The price is OK. This product is perfect for trainning in places where you don’t know the distances.

I recommend.

Rafael
Rating: 4 / 5

]]> Comment on Suunto Motion Activated Foot POD by J. Eldred http://watchheartratemonitor.com/suunto-motion-activated-foot-pod/comment-page-1#comment-256 J. Eldred Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:59:45 +0000 http://watchheartratemonitor.com/suunto-motion-activated-foot-pod#comment-256 I bought the footpod to use with my T6C for Ultra-Marathon training. With just over 100 miles on it I have had no issues with the function of this device. Once calibrated it is very accurate (many comparison runs wearing it and my Garmin 301, both measure very close), and works better than my Garmin 301 when running wooded trails where the GPS can't get a clear look at the sky. No issues in the rain or when crossing creeks, and the device itself it hardly noticeable when on your shoe. <br /> <br />The only problem I have with it is it is very difficult to detach from the base plate when you want to move it to another pair of shoes. Maybe I am doing it wrong, but I can't seem to find "the right way" and I have a tough go everytime I want to move it from my trail shoes to my road shoes. On a positive note, I have no fear whatsoever of losing it... Rating: 4 / 5 I bought the footpod to use with my T6C for Ultra-Marathon training. With just over 100 miles on it I have had no issues with the function of this device. Once calibrated it is very accurate (many comparison runs wearing it and my Garmin 301, both measure very close), and works better than my Garmin 301 when running wooded trails where the GPS can’t get a clear look at the sky. No issues in the rain or when crossing creeks, and the device itself it hardly noticeable when on your shoe.

The only problem I have with it is it is very difficult to detach from the base plate when you want to move it to another pair of shoes. Maybe I am doing it wrong, but I can’t seem to find “the right way” and I have a tough go everytime I want to move it from my trail shoes to my road shoes. On a positive note, I have no fear whatsoever of losing it…
Rating: 4 / 5

]]> Comment on Suunto Motion Activated Foot POD by Mitch http://watchheartratemonitor.com/suunto-motion-activated-foot-pod/comment-page-1#comment-255 Mitch Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:35:11 +0000 http://watchheartratemonitor.com/suunto-motion-activated-foot-pod#comment-255 First, I purchased the Suunto GPS and found it to be a pain to use. It involved waiting for 5 to 10 minutes to recieve a GPS satellite connection. I often run trails, and the GPS would loose connection and leave me feeling lost in the woods. I "bit the bullet" and purchased the foot pod to be more convenient. It is definetly more convenient and has worked well indoors and out. The accuracy is questionable at times and often does not match the treadmill or my Garmin GPS, but it is in the ballpark. I would buy this rather than the GPS if I had it to do over. Rating: 3 / 5 First, I purchased the Suunto GPS and found it to be a pain to use. It involved waiting for 5 to 10 minutes to recieve a GPS satellite connection. I often run trails, and the GPS would loose connection and leave me feeling lost in the woods. I “bit the bullet” and purchased the foot pod to be more convenient. It is definetly more convenient and has worked well indoors and out. The accuracy is questionable at times and often does not match the treadmill or my Garmin GPS, but it is in the ballpark. I would buy this rather than the GPS if I had it to do over.
Rating: 3 / 5

]]> Comment on Polar FA20 Men’s Activity Computer Watch by Ericka H. Otterson http://watchheartratemonitor.com/polar-fa20-mens-activity-computer-watch/comment-page-1#comment-254 Ericka H. Otterson Tue, 09 Mar 2010 01:37:05 +0000 http://watchheartratemonitor.com/polar-fa20-mens-activity-computer-watch#comment-254 The Polar FA20 Activity Computer Watch tracks daily activity and measures that activity for health benefits. The product logs regular activity and can be set to measure a specific workout. Additional accessories may be purchased but I haven't found that to be necessary. Rating: 5 / 5 The Polar FA20 Activity Computer Watch tracks daily activity and measures that activity for health benefits. The product logs regular activity and can be set to measure a specific workout. Additional accessories may be purchased but I haven’t found that to be necessary.
Rating: 5 / 5

]]> Comment on Polar FA20 Men’s Activity Computer Watch by Seattleite http://watchheartratemonitor.com/polar-fa20-mens-activity-computer-watch/comment-page-1#comment-253 Seattleite Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:52:44 +0000 http://watchheartratemonitor.com/polar-fa20-mens-activity-computer-watch#comment-253 it's really hard to see the numbers/letters in anything other than direct light on its face. When working in my office with bright sunlight thru 3 windows, I have to bring my wrist closer and rotate the watch until it catches the light just right. Jewelers I've talked to say that a watch with a black/dark background is usually harder to read than one with a white or grey face, but they've never seen one this dark. Polar customer service has offered to exchange or refund, so that part is good, but the watch is not very useful to me, even tho it does record my workouts fairly accurately. Rating: 2 / 5 it’s really hard to see the numbers/letters in anything other than direct light on its face. When working in my office with bright sunlight thru 3 windows, I have to bring my wrist closer and rotate the watch until it catches the light just right. Jewelers I’ve talked to say that a watch with a black/dark background is usually harder to read than one with a white or grey face, but they’ve never seen one this dark. Polar customer service has offered to exchange or refund, so that part is good, but the watch is not very useful to me, even tho it does record my workouts fairly accurately.
Rating: 2 / 5

]]> Comment on Polar FA20 Men’s Activity Computer Watch by Javier C. Cardoso http://watchheartratemonitor.com/polar-fa20-mens-activity-computer-watch/comment-page-1#comment-252 Javier C. Cardoso Mon, 08 Mar 2010 22:48:46 +0000 http://watchheartratemonitor.com/polar-fa20-mens-activity-computer-watch#comment-252 for starters like me was impressive, really easy to use and the link to the computer is indispensable, you need it if you want to take advantage of the polar.com site.Not for daily use in the gym, but is really good for outdoor walking or running. Rating: 5 / 5 for starters like me was impressive, really easy to use and the link to the computer is indispensable, you need it if you want to take advantage of the polar.com site.Not for daily use in the gym, but is really good for outdoor walking or running.
Rating: 5 / 5

]]> Comment on Polar FA20 Men’s Activity Computer Watch by J. Mijares http://watchheartratemonitor.com/polar-fa20-mens-activity-computer-watch/comment-page-1#comment-251 J. Mijares Mon, 08 Mar 2010 21:31:14 +0000 http://watchheartratemonitor.com/polar-fa20-mens-activity-computer-watch#comment-251 Okay, so I've been using this for over a month now and feel it's now time to review it. <br /> <br />What I like about it: <br />1) It's a nice watch which also has a nice feel to it, not like my Polar S725X Pro Team Tour de France Edition Heart Rate Monitor Watch with Free Cadence Sensor which is huge and bulky. <br />2) The watch is intentionally not sensitive to movements. I've discovered that I need to be walking for at least 20 seconds before it even registers that I'm walking. I think this is a smart thing because if you're at work and you get up and go to the printer or to the restroom (which for me is less than 50 feet away) then that's really not considered sustained walking. Also, you have to be walking for at least one full minute before the watch will even log it as one minute of walking. <br />3) This watch is very conservative with the calories. The calorie count is less than when I use my heart rate monitor. I rank this as a plus because often we don't burn as many calories as we think while walking based on our intensity, etc. <br />4) This watch tracks walking and jogging fairly well. It knew when I was doing both. <br /> <br />What I don't like about it: <br />1) Referencing the sensitivity of the watch, I've also noticed that when I come to a complete stop, the watch still thinks I'm walking and will show the walking animation for about 20 seconds. I think the 20 seconds is the key to its sensitivity. The watch is sensitive enough to realize when I stand up though. <br />2) When I have it track a specific activity, like walking, the miles displayed are very inaccurate. It consistently came in at 0.2 miles less than what my actual miles covered. I don't think that's a good thing at all, especially if you need to walk a certain distance every day. What I don't understand is why Polar doesn't let you adjust the length of your stride, which is what you can do with its other watches that work with the footpods. <br />3) Price! This is a really expensive watch! $100+ for basically what amounts to a fancy pedometer. <br /> <br />I'll continue using mine because I think that benefits definitely outweigh the cost, but I'd recommend waiting until the price drops down to something more reasonable. I paid way too much for mine so I'm going to get as much use out of it as possible. Rating: 3 / 5 Okay, so I’ve been using this for over a month now and feel it’s now time to review it.

What I like about it:

1) It’s a nice watch which also has a nice feel to it, not like my Polar S725X Pro Team Tour de France Edition Heart Rate Monitor Watch with Free Cadence Sensor which is huge and bulky.

2) The watch is intentionally not sensitive to movements. I’ve discovered that I need to be walking for at least 20 seconds before it even registers that I’m walking. I think this is a smart thing because if you’re at work and you get up and go to the printer or to the restroom (which for me is less than 50 feet away) then that’s really not considered sustained walking. Also, you have to be walking for at least one full minute before the watch will even log it as one minute of walking.

3) This watch is very conservative with the calories. The calorie count is less than when I use my heart rate monitor. I rank this as a plus because often we don’t burn as many calories as we think while walking based on our intensity, etc.

4) This watch tracks walking and jogging fairly well. It knew when I was doing both.

What I don’t like about it:

1) Referencing the sensitivity of the watch, I’ve also noticed that when I come to a complete stop, the watch still thinks I’m walking and will show the walking animation for about 20 seconds. I think the 20 seconds is the key to its sensitivity. The watch is sensitive enough to realize when I stand up though.

2) When I have it track a specific activity, like walking, the miles displayed are very inaccurate. It consistently came in at 0.2 miles less than what my actual miles covered. I don’t think that’s a good thing at all, especially if you need to walk a certain distance every day. What I don’t understand is why Polar doesn’t let you adjust the length of your stride, which is what you can do with its other watches that work with the footpods.

3) Price! This is a really expensive watch! $100+ for basically what amounts to a fancy pedometer.

I’ll continue using mine because I think that benefits definitely outweigh the cost, but I’d recommend waiting until the price drops down to something more reasonable. I paid way too much for mine so I’m going to get as much use out of it as possible.
Rating: 3 / 5

]]> Comment on Polar T31 Coded Transmitter and Belt Set by A. Kamenick http://watchheartratemonitor.com/polar-t31-coded-transmitter-and-belt-set/comment-page-1#comment-249 A. Kamenick Mon, 01 Mar 2010 05:45:58 +0000 http://watchheartratemonitor.com/polar-t31-coded-transmitter-and-belt-set#comment-249 I purchased this telemetry strap to use while working out at the gym. Almost all the cardio machines at my gym have Polar receivers and can display my heart rate from this transmitter without having to hold on to the physical sensors. This may not seem like a big win, but it's much more comfortable to walk on a treadmill or use an elliptical machine without having to hold on to heart rate sensors. <br /> <br />Using the strap is easy: you just wrap it around your chest, connect the loose end of the strap to the sensor and moisten the contacts. There is no on/off button so you don't have to worry about anything except for putting it on. It is fairly comfortable to wear, and I don't really notice when it is on. The whole thing is made out of plastic and the strap is elastic. The build quality is excellent and it is completely waterproof. <br /> <br />The strap is 'coded' which means that you don't have to worry about interference from other people wearing straps around the gym. This works with the polar wrist-watches, but I have found that the 'coding' doesn't work with the Life Fitness treadmills/elliptical machines or the Precor elliptical machines at my gym. Your mileage may vary, but if the person next to me on the machine is also wearing a telemetry strap, the machine will get confused and vary wildly in its reading. Sometimes it will display my heart rate, and others it will display the person next to me. This is more a problem of the proximity of the machines. If the other person is one machine away, there is no problem with interference. I haven't found this to be a big deal, if I need to I just move one machine over. <br /> <br />Pros: <br />+ Fully waterproof <br />+ Excellent build quality <br />+ Comfortable <br />+ Accurate <br /> <br />Cons: <br />- Interference with other transmitters nearby in gym (this is a problem with the receiver on the equipment, not the strap). <br /> <br />Bottom Line: Excellent strap to use with a watch. If you are using in a gym with a receiver on a machine, be prepared to deal with some interference if there is another transmitter within 5-10 feet. <br /> <br /> Rating: 4 / 5 I purchased this telemetry strap to use while working out at the gym. Almost all the cardio machines at my gym have Polar receivers and can display my heart rate from this transmitter without having to hold on to the physical sensors. This may not seem like a big win, but it’s much more comfortable to walk on a treadmill or use an elliptical machine without having to hold on to heart rate sensors.

Using the strap is easy: you just wrap it around your chest, connect the loose end of the strap to the sensor and moisten the contacts. There is no on/off button so you don’t have to worry about anything except for putting it on. It is fairly comfortable to wear, and I don’t really notice when it is on. The whole thing is made out of plastic and the strap is elastic. The build quality is excellent and it is completely waterproof.

The strap is ‘coded’ which means that you don’t have to worry about interference from other people wearing straps around the gym. This works with the polar wrist-watches, but I have found that the ‘coding’ doesn’t work with the Life Fitness treadmills/elliptical machines or the Precor elliptical machines at my gym. Your mileage may vary, but if the person next to me on the machine is also wearing a telemetry strap, the machine will get confused and vary wildly in its reading. Sometimes it will display my heart rate, and others it will display the person next to me. This is more a problem of the proximity of the machines. If the other person is one machine away, there is no problem with interference. I haven’t found this to be a big deal, if I need to I just move one machine over.

Pros:

+ Fully waterproof

+ Excellent build quality

+ Comfortable

+ Accurate

Cons:

- Interference with other transmitters nearby in gym (this is a problem with the receiver on the equipment, not the strap).

Bottom Line: Excellent strap to use with a watch. If you are using in a gym with a receiver on a machine, be prepared to deal with some interference if there is another transmitter within 5-10 feet.

Rating: 4 / 5

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