I am looking to buy a reliable HRM with certain features for $100 or less. I have read all the reviews and am left feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. A friend recommended the polar S150 or the A5, but the reviews here make me apprehensive.

Can someone please suggest a model with the following features:

-at least 3 target zones
-interval timer
-backlight
-coded chest strap transmitter
-user replaceable batteries
-standard watch functions
-audible alarm for out of target zone

thanks mucho
rick

I can recommend the S150 as well, but it has no coded transmitter (although it supports it), and no backlight. The replaceable batteries would also be an issue, however my understanding is they can be changed you just might lose the weight tight seal (I could be wrong).

The coded transmitter would be nice, I had originally wanted one. I found the price jump was a little too much for something that I probably would never need. From what I have seen, the non-coded is only good for about 3 feet, so I can't see there being much cross talk (again, no experience).

If you go up to the S210, you would have all those features but that is outside your price range most likely. Also, if you want to save some cash go with the S120 which is the same, just no bike features.

I got the Sports Instruments Pro 9 a couple of months ago and really like it. Don't know about the coded transmitter however. I use it for commuting/training, have had it in the snow, 18 deg F, rain, keeps on tickin!

Really like that it breaks the workout into 5 zones. I got it at Glory Cycles, about $110

http://www.glorycycles.com/spinecgpro9h.html

I am looking to buy a reliable HRM with certain features for $100 or less. I have read all the reviews and am left feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. A friend recommended the polar S150 or the A5, but the reviews here make me apprehensive.

Can someone please suggest a model with the following features:

-at least 3 target zones
-interval timer
-backlight
-coded chest strap transmitter
-user replaceable batteries
-standard watch functions
-audible alarm for out of target zone

thanks mucho
rick


The Timex Ironman series of HRMs meet most of your criteria. I think they use an FM signal or something, but I'm not sure how good they are. I just bought a Sigma Sport PC14 for $50 and am pretty pleased with it. I really like the % of max feature, but it only has one target zone.

Dean

I have the following HRM and am very pleased. Check it out, I think it has all the options you want?. It might not carry the Polar name, but works very well for $40

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/12769-210_SETQR3-2-Accessories-27-Computers/Heart-Rate-/Sette-Quasar-Wireless-Heart-Rate-Monitor.htm

I have the Sette also and love it, I use it all the time and is very easy to figure out, I use it everyday at the gym and today for x-country skiing, Works great even through multiple layers of clothing.

I am looking to buy a reliable HRM with certain features for $100 or less. I have read all the reviews and am left feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. A friend recommended the polar S150 or the A5, but the reviews here make me apprehensive.

Can someone please suggest a model with the following features:

-at least 3 target zones
-interval timer
-backlight
-coded chest strap transmitter
-user replaceable batteries
-standard watch functions
-audible alarm for out of target zone

thanks mucho
rick

I've used a Polar A5 this year with good results. It has an execise file function which records time, ave HR, Kcal used. My only wish is that the file function included peak HR. Otherwise great unit in its price class.
BTW- It pays to shop around whatever HR unit you decide on.

I am looking to buy a reliable HRM with certain features for $100 or less. I have read all the reviews and am left feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. A friend recommended the polar S150 or the A5, but the reviews here make me apprehensive.

Can someone please suggest a model with the following features:

-at least 3 target zones
-interval timer
-backlight
-coded chest strap transmitter
-user replaceable batteries
-standard watch functions
-audible alarm for out of target zone

thanks mucho
rick

These all have what you're looking for, and they are a great value on sale:

http://www.nashbar.com/results.cfm?brand=5159&init=y

I have the ECG 5 and liked it so much that I got my wife the ECG 5L (just a smaller watch, same HRM).

These all have what you're looking for, and they are a great value on sale:

http://www.nashbar.com/results.cfm?brand=5159&init=y

I have the ECG 5 and liked it so much that I got my wife the ECG 5L (just a smaller watch, same HRM).

does the ECG-5 give you the option of programming more than one workout? can i do interval training with the ECG-5??

thanks for the info
rick

does the ECG-5 give you the option of programming more than one workout? can i do interval training with the ECG-5??

thanks for the info
rick

The ECG 5 has a "lap timer," which can segment your workout into up to 99 "laps." Obviously it's meant for runners on a track, but you can punch the lap time button and create distinct segments (like intervals) in your workout each with it's own recorded time and average HR. At the end of the workout you can recall each segment, plus it gives you time above, time in, and time below zone plus overall ave. HR.

Thanks for all your replies. I was close to buying each of the suggested models (sette, polar etc), but ended up going with a sports instruments ecg pro 9. i ordered it from glory cycles, thanks to hrcon, and should get it by wed.

can't wait

thanks again
rick

Thanks for all your replies. I was close to buying each of the suggested models (sette, polar etc), but ended up going with a sports instruments ecg pro 9. i ordered it from glory cycles, thanks to hrcon, and should get it by wed.

can't wait

thanks again
rick

Post back up after you've had a chance to use it, let us know what you think of it.

Tommy

I am looking to buy a reliable HRM with certain features for $100 or less. I have read all the reviews and am left feeling overwhelmed and uncertain. A friend recommended the polar S150 or the A5, but the reviews here make me apprehensive.

Can someone please suggest a model with the following features:

-at least 3 target zones
-interval timer
-backlight
-coded chest strap transmitter
-user replaceable batteries
-standard watch functions
-audible alarm for out of target zone

thanks mucho
rick

Sigma PC-14,PC-1300,PC-1600 all have these features except coded transmitter and sigmas are cheap.

i have been using the ecg pro 9 for about 2 weeks now. its the first hrm that i have owned so i having nothing to compare to. so far it seems to work well for my needs. it picks up my hr immediately and there have been no interruptions or interference. i assume it has been fairly accurate as there have been no bizarre readings. it has taken a while to get used to all the features, but i am beginning to make more use of the options. i have begun using the interval training features with good success. i'm happy so far.