Electronics, Lighting, & Gadgets - HR Monitor opinions please

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MAK
03-30-08, 02:33 PM
I posted this in another forum without much response but now realize that this forum is the proper place.

I've decided to get a HR monitor. For the most part they all do the heart rate information but then each seems to provide different varying functions. The most featured seems to be a Sette 28 which probably has much more than I'd need. I kind of like Sette's rubber attachment that lets you put the watch part on the handlebar.

What should one look for?

Any brands one should avoid? Is there a clearly best brand?

Is a monitor that has a cycling specific feature advantageous?

Thank you. I really appreciate any input.

genel
04-03-08, 01:17 PM
I've owned two, and Ascent, and Sports Instruments Fit 3.

The Ascent was very fragile, and finally the buttons just popped out. It was quite confusing to use. I never could operate it without refering to the manual. The strap didn't work unless skin was damp. It would lose the signal frequently.

Currently I'm on the third year with a Sports Instruments Fit3. This is a basic unit, but still has more features then I use.

Pros: Quite easy to use, and has stood up to all the abuse I've given it. The strap works well. No lubrication needed.

Cons: You can't change the battery in the watch unit. You have to send it in yearly to california. The battery was dead when I got it, so it required a shipment to CA right off the bat. You can change the battery in the strap yourself. There are two spots on my rides where it loses a signal. These are locations of strong AM RF noise. But I understand this is not uncommon with other brands.
Twebs46
04-03-08, 01:51 PM
I just went through this process and ended up buying the Sigma Onyx Easy :

http://www.sigmasport.com/en/produkte/pulscomputer/onyx/onyx_easy/?punkt=features

I wanted a basic HRM, not a cycling computer. I had just bought the Garmin 605 rather than the 705 because HRM was the only added feature that would have warranted the 705 for me and the increase in cost was $189 for the higher end model. The Sigma cost $54. It's a very nice unit that is easy to use and seems to work quite well. The battery is also replaceable without sending it in.

Hope that helps.

Tom