Heart Rate Monitors?
Well kids, my birthday is quickly approaching. My family has asked me a few times what I want for my birthday. At first I wanted a Garmin. But the more I thought about it the more I realized that I probably wouldn’t use all the options of a Garmin because I don’t really run outside at this point.
I’ve been looking around some blogs and found polar heart rate monitors. I know literally nothing about heart rate monitors but I thought this would be a good place to start. I’m in between two options at this point.
*ALL PHOTOS AND INFORMATION CREDITED TO POLAR*
Polar FT7:
Polar FT60
Price: FT7: $119.00 FT60 $219.00 (129.00 on Amazon… how is that possible!?)
So that’s a $100 difference in price between them. Is the FT60 worth $100 more?
Body Measurement Features:
The FT7 is on the left, and FT60 on the right.
I feel like the automatic age-based target zone thing wouldn’t be a huge deal for me. The HR based target zones with visual and audible alarm might be something nice to have. Also I think that the fitness test would be a good way to me to measure myself other than pounds like usual. I’m not sure what exactly the Polar OwnZone is. But I do sort of like the reviews I’ve read about the training program….
but are these things I really NEED?
Data Transfer:
There are no differences in data transfer between these two watches. They both are compatible with Mac and PC via Polar FlowLink, and also compatible with polarpersonaltrainer.com via polar FlowLink. Apparently there is a $55 charge to use the website to load your data.
Sensor Features:
The FT 60 offers the ability to record distance training and total, as well as speed/pace– current, average and Max.
Recording Features:
The main difference in these sections is the number of files that it can hold. The FT60 can hold 100 with summaries, where as the FT7 can only hold 99 with summaries. Not sure why there’s only one workout difference, but yeah.
S1 Footpod Features:
The FT60 offers the ability to use a footpod feature– which would be nice for running. I don’t see a specific footpad that is compatible with either watch for biking which I love to do in the summer.
I guess the ultimate question is: Do I really need all that the FT 60 offers? Is it worth the $100 extra? Should this be what I ask for?
I’m lost guys. I love the FT60 but I’m thinking it might be too expensive and might be way overkill for what I really need. But when I think about it, if I’m going to ask for a heart rate monitor to use– I want to think long term and I want to make sure the watch lasts me a long time.
I asked my mom which one she thought. Her response: “I don’t think you’ll actually wear it” Real positive.
