Need a cheap and effective heart rate monitor

[M302_Imola]

I have been doing a lot of early morning cardio (jogging/walking throughout my neighborhood) and would like to purchase a HR monitor to keep me in check. What do you guys suggest for a cheap and effective HR monitor? I was looking at a few on ebay and I think I am leaning toward one of the watches that does not use a chest strap, are these decent? I think I have read before that the brand Polar was pretty good. Thanks for your insight!

[run_n_fool]

As far as I know, all good HRMs use a chest strap.

Polar is the leader in the HRM world, but they are not the only reputable brand out there and you are paying in part for the name.

[D7M]

yep, the HR monitor watches are fine.

I'd spend the extra money and get the digital ones for like $100

[Phate]

why not just use your fingers and count pulse for 15s, then multiply by 4, works for me

[M302_Imola]

why not just use your fingers and count pulse for 15s, then multiply by 4, works for me

tough to do while you are walking/jogging at a descent pace...call me uncordinated, lol!

[M302_Imola]

I have been reading up a little bit more on HRM's and most say that the more precise one's have the chest strap, but I have read reviews on the HRM pulse watches that say they are pretty accurate too. Has anyone used both of these and can elaborate a little more?

[british bulldog 1]

u dont need one bro. waste of money

[M302_Imola]

u dont need one bro. waste of money

So, how do you track you heart rate then? If I do my cardio at home and have no way of tracking my heart rate to make sure I am in the fat burning zone then my cardio session is pretty much a waste.

[Phate]

So, how do you track you heart rate then? If I do my cardio at home and have no way of tracking my heart rate to make sure I am in the fat burning zone then my cardio session is pretty much a waste.

why not just use your fingers and count pulse for 15s, then multiply by 4, works for me

[M302_Imola]

why not just use your fingers and count pulse for 15s, then multiply by 4, works for me

Was my first answer not good enough?

[SuperLift]

check your pulse! its free

[M302_Imola]

check your pulse! its free

Brilliant...I would have never thought of that!

[Phate]

Was my first answer not good enough?

my bad, didn't see that

[M302_Imola]

my bad, didn't see that

it's all good Phate!

Well I ended up purchasing a Polar FS1 HR monitor off of ebay for $30, so I am eager to get it and put it to work.

[Phate]

it's all good Phate!

Well I ended up purchasing a Polar FS1 HR monitor off of ebay for $30, so I am eager to get it and put it to work.

cool bro, hope it works well