Training & Nutrition - Heart Monitors -seeking to buy

I was wondeirng what are some peoples opinions about which heart montior to purchase. I am going to try an attempt the Lance Armstrong 7-week program and see how it works out for me. But I require a heart monitor.

I know I am asking that has been asked before, but with time new products come out and old products are found not to be as good as thought.

Thanks ahead of time,
drake

I use a Timex Heart Rate Monitor. Overall, I'm pretty satisfied, but it wouldn't take much to get me to switch brands.

Likes: it seems to be very accurate, it's pretty cheap, it has a computer interface that allows easy logging of exercise, and it has user replaceable batteries.

Dislikes: the watch doesn't have some of the fancier functions that other monitors have, and the strap isn't strong enough. I've broken two already. Luckily they were covered under warranty.

You can't go wrong with a Polar - great prices on eBay. Virtually everyone I ride with uses a Polar with the exception of my girlfriend who has one built in to her Cateye computer.

Polar CS200CAD, about $130.00 on ebay and a great unit. Tracks AVE HR, MAX hr, and time below, in, or above zone.

Within the Polar line of monitors, which of the monitors make the most sense for the moderate level rider? I don't want all the bells and whistles, just a basic monitor which will help me train.


jman

Within the Polar line of monitors, which of the monitors make the most sense for the moderate level rider? I don't want all the bells and whistles, just a basic monitor which will help me train.


jman

I use the 520 which is a couple of levels down from top of the line, but does everything, and does it well. It will also double as your bicycle computer. Always plenty available on eBay.

Within the Polar line of monitors, which of the monitors make the most sense for the moderate level rider? I don't want all the bells and whistles, just a basic monitor which will help me train.jman

I have an M61 which I like. Its probably not the one I would have gotten but it was actually a gift to my wife and I inherited it when she got a S725X (that is all the bells and whistles). The ONE thing I would say is to look at the 'S' models as they are intended for more active people and calculate the "fitness level" and calorie expenditure differently. The 'M' models count only over 100bpm as excercise but the 'S' models start at 90.

edit: We were looking at the S725 but got the S625X instead

umd what about the CS models?

umd what about the CS models?

My understanding is that those are bike computer style; i.e. mounts on the bike not on the wrist. Depends on what you want I guess.

I am really just considering a really basic HRM. Trying to keep this as simple as possible. Am considering the Polar F6. Possibly the FS2. I don't need or want the data link and storage etc. Anyone have any thoughts on the basic units?


jman