Training & Nutrition - Polar S-Series HRM

I've finally decided to buy a heart rate monitor, and I've narrowed it down to either the Polar S-210 or the S-410. They're the exact same thing, except the 410 had computer download capability (and it's a different color, but that's really not concerning me).

Has anyone used either of these monitors? I'm specifically interested in info about the 410's download program. It is worth it, or could I do the same thing by punching numbers into an Excel spreadsheet? Is there a program to manipulate or analyse the data, or does it just record it?

The $20 difference in the price isn't that big of a deal, so I might as well get the 410 if it's a good thing. I'd just rather not spend the money if it's something I'd never use.

Thanks.

I have the 210 and I love it. I just enter all the data into another program that I have which is easy enough and then all my workout data is together. I don't know what kind of program comes with the 410 to download to but the one I use call Crosstrak keeps track of just about anything you can imagine.

Where I am there is a lot more than a $20.00 differecne between the 210 and 410. It is more like $120.00 difference.

Oh boy... what a can of worms... :)

I have the S510, which is the S410 with bike functions. The data download is kind of interesting, if you're into that kind of thing [and I am]. It allows you to track workouts and review them later. Among the graphs that the software gives you are things that look like this:

http://gonzo.concordia.ca/friedman/hrm1.jpg

I use this feature a lot, and I find that it does help me plan and review my training. Having said that, the software is very limited. Unfortunately, it is the only software currently available for the Polar S series monitors.

Having said that, it is something of an improvement over entering data in a spreadsheet because, unless you note your HR every thirty seconds on a notepad, you won't have the data to enter in a spreadsheet for the whole profile of every workout. So... for $2, go for the S410. If you don't end up using the PC interface, you'll still only be out a twenty.

Lightboy, I was thinking about the S-210 too. Did you get it? The difference is only $30 between the 210 & 410 here, but I really don't think I need the download function. I'm only a beginner and I'm just looking for a HRM that I won't grow out of in a year or two.

My only concern about it is that my wrist is extremely small....how big is the HRM?

Does anyone know a store that sells them? I want to try one one before I buy.

It seems like no one's carrying them in stock nowadays.

I've been using an S-210 for about 2 months, now. Price was the main reason I didn't go for download capability. (At the time, Performance had the S-210 for $160 as a team performance special. And, since there's a store in town, it saved the $5 or so S&H.)

I expect my experience with the 210 would also apply to the higher models with common features. I've had no problems with the unit, other than learning all the functions. Button functionality is overloaded 16 ways to Sunday... press a button and it does one thing, press and hold 1 sec, it does something else, etc. etc. In my opinion, the Max HR function is a little dubious, since some power lines cause interference. I seriously doubt my actual Max HR is 242, but after one ride that is what was reported. I've recently come to suspect that problem may be exacerbated by not wearing the xmitter belt tight enough, but don't have enough rides since tightening to sufficiently prove the theory.

When you become familiar with all the functionality, you can find a way to do almost everything you want. Until then, be prepared to be frustrated when you fail to hold a button long enough, or forget the exact sequence of presses, and loose information you were hoping to maintain.

Regarding size, the unit is pretty big... but the band will cinch down probably to a 4 or 5 inch diameter. Which brings me to another gripe, the S-210 doesn't come with a h-bar mount, so figure another $10-$15 for that, although it isn't absolutely necessary (wear it on your wrist with the face on the same side as your palm). If you have one of the older h-bar mounts (like me), they're not quite big enough, so the unit doesn't mount snugly. They've come out with a new one for the newer model units, but I haven't gotten one.

Thx for you opinion...anyone else?