|
There's a wide range of Polar heart rate monitors to choose from. And
if you've done any research chances are you've seen the wide range in
prices too... even for the same model.
Polar lead the industry in wireless heart rate monitors. They are the
choice of professional athletes and most commercial gyms. Polar heart
rate monitors all come with a 2 year warranty so all in all they are
a pretty safe choice.
Unless you're a sports coach (or you work for Polar) it's easy to get
confused by all the different models and their bells and whistles. Some
Polars heart rate monitors can measure more vital signs than your local
Accident and Emergency department! For most recreational runners and
cyclists, a basic unit is more than adequate.
Let's examine some of Polar's latest units and who they're designed
for. We'll also cover price differences and if there's any savings to
made by shopping online...
Polar heart rate monitors are categorized into three series. Here's
a brief overview of each one:
A Series
This entry-level series simplifies heart rate monitoring for the beginner
and is designed for easy integration into everyday exercise.
M Series
Designed for the more dedicated exerciser. Polar heart rate monitors
from this series will have features like OwnIndex, OwnCal and OwnZone.
S Series
These Polar heart rate monitors will provide feedback such as predicted
V02 max and nutrition expenditure along with training conditions like
temperature and altitude. You can link some of these monitors to your
PC so you can visually analyze your performance data.
The A Series
A1
Polar Heart Rate Monitor
Recommended. If you simply want to measure your heart rate during a
run, cycle or at the gym then this Polar heart rate monitor will do
that and nothing else. It looks a bit cheap but that's because it is
cheap! Prices range from $50 to $60 depending where you shop so if you're
on a budget this is a great choice.
A3 Polar Heart Rate Monitor
At $30 more than the A1 you'd expect quite a bit more for your money.
Well if you think you'll have difficulty remembering what heart rate
zone to exercise in then you can store it in this unit. If you just
want a basic monitor then save $30 and stick to the A1 model
A5
Polar Heart Rate Monitor
The A5 offers some additional and valuable features to the other models
in this series. It allows you to calculate the number of calories burned
during your workout and your BMI (body mass index). It also has an excellent
walking fitness test facility on which you can base your routine. You
can also use this Polar heart rate monitor as a watch. You can buy the
A5 online for under $100.
The M Series
M21/M22
Polar Heart Rate Monitors
Now we're into the M series the features start to add up and so does
the price. The M21 and M22 are identical except for their color! It's
designed for exercisers trying to manage their weight with features
based around calorie expenditure. It looks more expensive than the A5
but essentially it's the same. Save yourself $40 and go for the A5 unit.
M51/M52
Polar Heart Rate Monitors
Recommended. Again the M51 and M52 monitors are the same except for
color. It's only slightly more expensive than the M21 and M22 but offers
far more useful features. One feature includes a fitness test based
on heart rate variability, age, height, weight, sex and activity. You
can also store two profiles so it's ideal if someone else is going to
use it when you're not. If you can afford the $170 or so this is the
best monitor for "non-serious" athletes.
The S Series
Polar
S 210 Heart Rate Monitor
At $200 this is the lowest priced Polar heart rate monitor in the S
series. The S 210 will estimate your VO2max and energy expenditure.
You can set 3 target zones and up to 6 profiles for different workouts.
It's not the best looking Polar but then if it's style you're after
save up for a Rolex.
Polar
S 410 Rate Monitor
For an extra $30 over the S 210, the S 410 Polar heart rate monitor
allows you to download data to your PC. The other features are essentially
the same so the decision comes down to whether you want the ability
to link your monitor to your PC or not. If you do and it's important
for you to keep a training log consider the S 610 below. It's more expensive
but the IR option makes for quicker downloading.
Polar
S 510 Rate Monitor
If you're a Triathlete, the S 510 Polar heart rate monitor has all the
features of the S 410 plus wireless cycling functions to measure your
speed and distance on the bike. A larger screen face makes for easy
handlebar viewing and if you own two bikes you can conveniently set
two wheel sizes to memory. You can also download data to your PC.
Polar
S 610 Heart Rate Monitor
Recommended. Just about the most powerful Polar heart rate monitor available.
What this unit can't do you don't need. At $280 it's aimed at professional
and serious amateur athletes. It measures your VO2max, calorie expenditure,
and average heart rate recovery amongst other things. If you want to
record and analyze your training data on a PC, you can download in seconds
via an IR interface. Be warned though, it costs an extra $40 so you
might want to wait for that sponsorship deal!
Polar
S 710 Heart Rate Monitor
The ultimate Polar heart rate monitor for cyclists. At $310 it's aimed
at professional and serious amateur cyclists. It measures your VO2max,
calorie expenditure, and average heart rate recovery amongst other things.
If you want to record and analyze your training data on a PC, you can
download in seconds via an IR interface (extra $40). If you can afford
it and race to a standard that can justify the cost, buy it.
To sum up, decide which one of the Polar heart rate monitors has only
the features you absolutely. Even most serious athletes don't need anything
more sophisticated than the S 210 model.
I'd be willing to bet most people get seduced into buying a Polar heart
rate monitor that is far more sophisticated than they need. I know I
did!
Copyright © 2003 exercise-equipment-reviews.net. All rights reserved. |
