General Cycling Discussion - Timex or Polar HRM?

I am looking at the Timex Ironman 30-Lap HRM and the Polar F6 HRM, both similarly priced at REI (around $100). (I got a gift certificate at REI for Xmas). Both seem to have similar features. I want something that works reliably, of course, but the large, easy-to-read digits and the ability to change your own batteries of the Timex makes that look pretty good. OTOH, I've heard Polar is the way to go for accuracy and reliability.

If anyone could offer feedback from personal experience on either of these two HRM/watches I would appreciate hearing from you.

Thanks!

Boatman

I have the Polar F6, also bought at REI. It is a year old and I have used it on the bike in conjunction with a Cateye wireless computer that does not have HRM. No problems with interference between the two units. I also use the F6 at the gym for non bike workouts. The Polar transmitters will work with the equipment that has a HRM built in... the advantage being that you don't have to grip the sensors on the gym apparatus. At my gym the Polar works with Precor elliptical trainers, Matrix treadmills and True recumbent bikes. After a year of being used 3-5 times a week, the batteries are still working. If I lost the Polar F6, I would not hesitate to replace it with another. I am not familiar with the Timex.

One thing to bear in mind is that REI guarantees satisfaction or money back.

I would say polar only because Polar dominates the market in gym equipment and accessories. You never know when that will come in handy.

Any problem with the chest strap picking up the heart signals? I have a hairy chest!

Good points you and Dogbait made about the gym. I'm going to check my gym out today and see if the equipment is "Polar ready."

Boatman

Any problem with the chest strap picking up the heart signals? I have a hairy chest!

I don't have any problems. I rub some water on the back of the transmitter before I start and the sweat does the rest. If you do have problems it may show up as a random, isolated high reading in the 200-250 range. There is a GEL (http://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?category=94&subcategory=1055&brand=&sku=13100&storetype=&estoreid=&pagename=Shop%20by%20Subcat%3A%20Heart%20Rate%20Accessories) on the market that is supposed to work for folks who have trouble with transmitter contact.

I would hesitate prior to buying a Timex HRM. This is not necessarily the case with yours, but the split function on mine is useless. It does not remember any of the splits, and you can't recall them either. But for some reason it has several alarm clock functions, which are really useless for an "athlete's" watch.