Activity/Heart rate monitor (fitbit etc)

[DisFam95]

I've been wanting to invest in some kind of heart rate monitor and I've seen a lot of these fit bit and similar band type things. I made a list of the ones I can find and have been looking at reviews and comments on youtube etc. Anyone here have experience with what they like or don't; like if you have one of these.

One I've ruled out:

Nike Plus (don't sell anymore - probably in prep for iwatch "coming soon")
Jawbone Up24: no HR monitor
Misfit Shine: didn't like the style
Basis Band: too bulky

Ones I'm deciding on:

Garmin Vivo:
Fitbit Flex: doesn't have a display - is this an issue
Polar Loop:
Withing:

any experience with these?? Am I missing one? I don't really want one of those watches w/ the chest strap.

I want to monitor my workouts to make sure I'm working hard enough. The sleep stuff that some of these do are cool but not essential.

Thanks!!

 

[DisFam95]

Maybe these bands aren't for me. Been watching a lot of review videos and there's one from "T3 - The Gadget Experts" and it's their Polar review that the guy really talks about if you need a visual of how active you really are (or are not) than the bands are good.

But if you are active and working out then maybe you need the watch style. If you want to monitor details from your workouts these bands don't really give you all the details. None of these bands give HR excepts if you pair them with a chest strap monitor - did not know that. Actually I think the Withing may have the HR actually on it.

hmm.. now I'm more confused

 

[nerderella]

I've been wanting to invest in some kind of heart rate monitor and I've seen a lot of these fit bit and similar band type things. I made a list of the ones I can find and have been looking at reviews and comments on youtube etc. Anyone here have experience with what they like or don't; like if you have one of these.

One I've ruled out:

Nike Plus (don't sell anymore - probably in prep for iwatch "coming soon")
Jawbone Up24: no HR monitor
Misfit Shine: didn't like the style
Basis Band: too bulky

Ones I'm deciding on:

Garmin Vivo:
Fitbit Flex: doesn't have a display - is this an issue
Polar Loop:
Withing:

any experience with these?? Am I missing one? I don't really want one of those watches w/ the chest strap.

I want to monitor my workouts to make sure I'm working hard enough. The sleep stuff that some of these do are cool but not essential.

Thanks!!

Fitbit currently does not have the ability to act as a HRM, and I don't think there's even integration with existing HRMs yet as you have to add that information manually onto your site. If you're looking for an activity tracker, I LOVE my fitbit, but it won't work for you if you want something to measure your heart rate.

I don't have any personal experiences with the others, but they're also classified as activity trackers and not heart rate monitors. The Garmin Vivofit and Polar Loop does track HR, but both do so with a chest strap that is optional and not included. I think Withings Pulse O2 does track heart rate, but I'm not sure if it's a finger monitor or chest strap. I haven't done much research on this one.

In my own search for those without a chest strap, I've arrived at the Mio Link and Garmin Forerunner. I haven't taken the plunge due to the cost of the Garmin (I don't need another watch, so it would be just for workouts) and the newness of the Mio.

 

[GrandAdmiralStrife]

I'm using my wife's Timex Digital HRM, I have no idea which model it is, it's 3-4 years old so it may not even be available anymore, but I think it was about $60. In fact, looking at their website, they have a TIMEX Ironman HRM for $60. It has the strap that goes across your chest, and wirelessly sends it to the watch.