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What is everyone's favorite HRM?

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Road Cycling “It is by riding a bicycle that you learn the contours of a country best, since you have to sweat up the hills and coast down them. Thus you remember them as they actually are, while in a motor car only a high hill impresses you, and you have no such accurate remembrance of country you have driven through as you gain by riding a bicycle.” -- Ernest Hemingway

What is everyone's favorite HRM?

Old 03-06-06, 05:24 PM
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I am looking at polar:
S625X
S725X
S810i
other?

I don't really need to cycling computer functions as i like my cycling computer, but my current HRM is crap and I want something very complete and accurate from a HR perspective to train with... what do you use, how do you like it...
Thanks,
~Z

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Old 03-06-06, 05:26 PM
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I would say go with the Polar F6 or F11 if you don't need cycling functions. Even the Polar M32 isn't half bad, and reasonably priced.

*Edit* I have the F11, and it has lots of neato features, some of which if I ever get motivated enough to sit down and read the manual, I'll learn how to use. I bought the M32 for the girlfriend, who will be using it once she starts spin classes.
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Old 03-06-06, 05:34 PM
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Need cycling computer or not? I like it integrated. Polar 720i or 725.
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Old 03-06-06, 05:35 PM
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for cycling: garmin edge 305! the polar s720i is my second choice (it has auto start/stop that the 725 doesn't have)

for my other workouts i have to say the polar f11... very cool HRM!
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Old 03-06-06, 05:38 PM
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Any preferences for the HRMs with downloadable data?
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Old 03-06-06, 05:40 PM
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The Garmin Edge is a nice piece of equipment....minus the fact the batteries seem to die way too fast from what I've read.
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Old 03-06-06, 05:49 PM
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am really interested in the HR, max HR, avg HR, Zones, VO2, CAL, then alti, temp. Downloadable data would be a nice to have. I have a good cycling computer so don't need speed, cadence, etc, although i wouldn't avoid those features if they come with the one that has the other features that I definately want.
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Old 03-07-06, 07:31 AM
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I have the S625X from Polar. I happen to also use the cycling functions in addition to the running functions. I love it. Being able to download data to the computer is fantastic if you are into that sort of thing.
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Old 03-07-06, 08:06 AM
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I have the S725x and I am very happy with it. I don't get to use it much anymore though since I picked up the powertap.

If you are considering purchasing a Polar check out Jomashop.com. I bought mine from there and it has been perfect. They are the cheapest place I have found polar products so far. They have the S-725x for $231.
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Old 03-07-06, 08:24 AM
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I am just smitten with my Garmin Edge 305 and if you were looking for a HRM with cycling function I would suggest that...much better than my Polar in terms of drop outs and bad readings due to power lines. Plus all the other functions just rock...great way to drop $300 and have it actually be worth the money.
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Old 03-07-06, 11:05 AM
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Thanks guys, based on the feedback so far I am considering getting the S725X (with my team discount, it is about $200). Any other thoughts before i pull the trigger?
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Old 03-07-06, 11:24 AM
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FWIW Timex IronMan HRMs. FM transmitter so no interference with Polars or power lines. Handy review and recovery feature.
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Old 03-07-06, 05:11 PM
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If you want to spend the money the Ciclosport HAC4 has about anything you'd want.
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Old 03-07-06, 06:17 PM
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Originally Posted by NJWheelBuilder
I have the S625X from Polar. I happen to also use the cycling functions in addition to the running functions. I love it. Being able to download data to the computer is fantastic if you are into that sort of thing.
I have the S725X and I like the fact that I can integrate my cycling data and my running data together with the addition of the foot pod sensor.
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Old 03-07-06, 09:04 PM
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CicloSport HAC4+ baby...
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Old 03-07-06, 09:10 PM
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I have the 725, and I love all the nerdy capabilities of it. However, I have been thinking about buying a Powertap because I want to know my power while training. The Polar power option does not like a great system. However, as a HRM it is truly wonderful. I love its ability to download the data onto my computer, and is actually the main reason I bought it.
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Old 03-07-06, 09:20 PM
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Garmin Edge 305

I test drove the Polar 720i before buying the Edge, which was a great HRM, but the display and usability of the Edge beat it hands down for me.
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Old 02-18-07, 11:15 PM
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Have been using the Polar 720i for several years now. Wanted to see what all the rave was about the Garmin 305 so I made the big investment and have been using for a few months now and not quite sure yet. Advantages of the Polar: brighter display and I like the software much better than the Garmin. I even downloaded the advanced software package. Close to Polar, but no cigar. Advantages of Garmin: GPS (if your into that), variety of display (including grade), can use on trainer, lighted display for night rides, minimal recording errors.
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Old 02-19-07, 12:02 AM
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A Vote for the 725. I have had one for just about 2 years and no issues.
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Old 02-19-07, 12:03 AM
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i use the Polar F6, and have no reason to try anything else at the moment, since it does everything i need. i was on a tight budget, and i don't need as many features as some of the other riders that post here, so for me it's fine. if price is no object, and you need more features, you may want to look at some other recommendations...
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Old 02-19-07, 12:08 AM
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sorry to go off-topic, but are you guys using the wearlink strap, or the regular plastic one? I have the plastic one and it keeps slipping off - especially when I havent sweated yet
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Old 02-19-07, 12:18 AM
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From my perspective, the coolest thing about my 720i is that the software shows me total time-in-zone for a ride or for a week. My biggest training problem had been overtraining, from simply not realizing how much time I was spending in the upper reaches. No more. Be sure to get the interface. If you're experimenting with cadence, a cadence sensor is nice, too. And, the cumulative altimeter might help explain why your legs are so trashed.
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Old 02-19-07, 02:04 AM
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The Garmin Edge 305 has much better HRM reception than the Polar. With the Garmin, you just put it on and it works. With the Polar, you've got to wet it, and then it maybe picks up, and then it drops.

It makes a lot of sense to have the HRM integrated with the cycle computer. For one it is lighter than a combination.
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Old 02-19-07, 02:20 AM
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I have the S725X and have been very happy with it. I've also added on the power kit, which has been working quite well.
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