I'm talking about the ones with calories counts, pulse rate, etc.

Do you have one? Do you think they are accurate?

Wanted to get some opinions before I drop 100 bucks on a good one.

5/20/2009 3:32:00 AM

i just use an Omron HR-100c, bought it for $30 off amazon....all it does it tell me my HR, stopwatch, time & alarm. I really only use it for the time and HR features, I don't think I'd believe a watch that could tell me the kcal burned via my HR output, dunno though, might be interesting if it were accurate but I've heard from other people they're accurate within 500 cals....I could guesstimate how many kcals I burn within that range.

I do enjoy it though and can't have a good workout without one now, I find it really keeps me on track and helps me set the pace throughout the workout. It does slide down my chest from time to time, especially if I go jogging for long durations, the sweat will cause it to fall and I'm constantly readjusting it like a bra. I bought my GF a Polar FS4 for v-day and she loves it. It was $75 and does show kcal burned but she never uses it. It does have a pretty cool audible indicator for when you're running that'll bitch at you for slacking if you believe in the whole "staying in the zone" hype

I know one of the personal trainers at the gym uses one that will record everything and you're able to log it on a computer. He's only said good things about it, couldn't tell you the model though, did say it was $100 too...that's about all I know.

Hope this helps

5/20/2009 6:00:19 AM

i have a polar f6 and love it. it tracks heart rate and calories burnt. i'd say the calorie burn is relatively accurate. typically 1 mile run = 100 calories and my f6 tracks pretty close to that. you can customize the settings by putting in your birthday, sex, weight and v02 max so that helps with accuracy.

mine is waterproof too which is nice to go straight from a run into a swim and not have to take off my heart rate monitor. but i will admit, i think the water affects the transmission because i feel like my heart is beating faster than the indicator says. either way, i find it motivating

5/20/2009 11:23:58 AM