It took me a week of reading to decide which HRM watch to try.After a few days I narrowed the brand down to Polar, but then there're about 30 models from them to choose from.My intended use:I don't run outdoors much so I don't need a GPS.I do cardio and weights in a home gym and have been writing everything down to keep track of progress, weight loss, etc.
I wasn't sure if I would use the extra bells and whistles beyond a Polar F6 but I was intrigued with the higher end models' ability to test your resting fitness, plan a workout régime, monitor your progress, record weight loss, revise the plan and repeat while recording this all to the web.
So, I narrowed it down to the F55, the FT60 and the FT80.Well, the FT80 is getting horrible reviews due to dark screen, unreliable software, and other basic `version 1' problems.The F55 seemed perfect for someone who lifts weights in their workout routine as I do so I researched further in that direction.The problem is that it only has 17 types of lifting sequences (e.g. Curl, Squat, etc.) and I agree with other reviewers that with those few, I probably wouldn't be able to take advantage of that feature (e.g. when I do a bicep workout I do about eight different types of lifting to prevent muscle memory.And, I really didn't like the way the F55 looks.A minor point but if you're spending $200 on something you wear, you at least want it to look good.
Then I started reading about the FT60 but there are very few reviews from actual users, and I always read reviews before I purchase anything these days.But it looked like it would give me what I wanted, and I like the looks much more than the F55.So I got it yesterday and used it for the first time today.I have a 42 inch chest and the band fits fine (some reviewers were saying some of these bands don't fit larger chests).In about 5 minutes I was able to enter my demographics, test my resting fitness, set a goal (maximum fitness) and begin a workout.
The screen is very easy to read, easy to change the readout while working out, and really made a difference in my ability to stay in a good cardio zone.The watch creates three zones for you (60-70%, 70-80%, 80-90% of Max Heart Rate) based on your fitness test, demographics, etc.Then it tells you how many hours per week you need to be in each of those zone to achieve your goal (maximum fitness, improve fitness or weight loss).These are all graphed on the watch so you can see where you stand for that workout or for the week.It's a great idea and really keeps you motivated to achieve your goal.Also, if you're interested in tracking weight loss, the watch asks you weekly to enter your weight and it tracks that for you graphically as well.It also takes the weight change into account when planning your next week's workout goals.
I haven't synced it up to the web (still waiting for my usb/irda dongle) so I can't comment about the site, but I wonder if it's really needed because the watch is pretty easy to use to review your workout history.That said, I'd still like to have it on the web for historical analysis.
Bottomline, if you're new to HRMs like me and are not sure if you need all these features (the F6 is about $150 cheaper!) I would take a serious look at this watch.And, if you are in the same boat as me (cardio, weights, variable routines that change so I don't get bored) I think this watch is the best way to go.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Polar FT60 Heart Rate Monitor
Product Description:
Now you can train as you want and reach your fitness targets with the FT60's personalized training program. It sets new targets by adapting to your personal training habits.
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