If you carefully monitor your he alth, want to lose weight or just go in for sports, then the segment of heart rate monitors (trackers) is probably familiar and interesting to you. The first devices of this kind appeared in the distant 80s. They were quite massive and performed only one function - they measured the heart rate.
Today's gadgets have gone a long way in technical terms and can offer a lot of interesting things that greatly increase the effectiveness of training. The modern market of sports devices offers a wide range of models that differ from each other not only in price, but also in functionality, size and other characteristics.
What are heart rate monitors?
Almost all sports trackers can be divided into two types - wrist and chest. Both varieties have their pros and cons. Let's start with the most important parameter - measurement accuracy.
Independent experts in this field unanimously declare that the models,fixed on the torso, much more accurate than all the others. Judging by the reviews of wrist heart rate monitors without a chest strap, they lose to analogues by an average of 10-15%.
But the torso models are somewhat limited in scope. For use in fitness rooms, they are not suitable, and especially for weightlifting. Yes, and swimmers experience discomfort from a pressing belt when it is necessary to work hard with the chest while inhaling and exhaling.
But when it comes to cycling, running and other similar disciplines, then even the best arm heart rate monitor without a chest strap will only give approximate data. The fact is that a belt attached to the torso is less prone to vibrations than arms or legs. Hence the more accurate figures.
In our article, we will just consider models with a mount on the torso. So, we bring to your attention an overview of heart rate monitors with a chest sensor. Our list includes the most popular devices, distinguished by their efficiency and a considerable number of positive reviews from consumers.
Wahoo Fitness Tickr X
This is a multifunctional model for both amateur and professional athletes. The digital chest heart rate monitor counts repetitions during workouts and captures some of the characteristics of the exercises: vertical oscillation of the body, speed, distance, ground contact time, etc.
The device offers highly accurate heart rate readings and an overall comfortableconstruction. This is a great heart rate monitor with a chest strap for running and cycling. Judging by the reviews, the model reveals itself to the fullest when working with a special Wahoo Fitness branded application. Even the cadence here can be calculated with high accuracy, not to mention the more familiar cycling parameters.
Any "smart" gadgets like a smartphone or a watch can be used as a data receiver. The heart rate monitor with a chest sensor works via ANT+ protocols and bluetooth. The device itself has a built-in memory, where up to 16 hours of related information can be stored.
Features of the model
But even without auxiliary gadgets, the device proved to be excellent. Either LEDs (red with blue) or vibration are used as feedback. Users in their reviews of the Fitness Tickr X sports heart rate monitor with a chest sensor also noted that the model is distinguished not only by its efficient operation and high ergonomic performance, but also by its extremely high quality assembly. Yes, and the presence of IPX7 protection is a significant plus.
Model benefits:
- Measurement accuracy;
- water resistant;
- support for a wide range of sports apps;
- availability of ANT+ and bluetooth modules;
- high ergonomic performance;
- decent battery life (up to six months);
- clear and understandable user feedback.
Flaws:
- the device itself shows only heart rate, and for the rest you need "smart" gadgets with installed applications;
- Model not suitable for prolonged underwater use.
Garmin Hrm Tri
The model is designed specifically for triathletes and has related functionality. A heart rate monitor with a chest strap feels equally good on the torso of cyclists and runners, as well as swimmers. The device fully opens, working in tandem with the "smart" watch of the same brand.
The tracker transmits real-time heart rate data via the ANT+ wireless protocol. The only thing worth clarifying is that for swimmers, the procedure for interacting with the watch is somewhat different than for land athletes. When in water, the chest heart rate sensor stores up to 20 hours of heart rate information. And only after the user leaves the pool, transfers them to the paired gadget. The fact is that ANT+ signals do not pass through the water column.
Judging by the reviews, the Garmin Hrm Tri is an excellent heart rate monitor with a chest strap for running. In addition to the usual indicators, the model tracks the frequency of steps, vertical oscillation of the body, contact time with the surface and other dynamics.
Features of the model
Also worth noting is the extensive Garmin Web Community, where you can store your data, share it with friends, schedule workouts, view graphs, maps, and more. There are also more familiar statistics: steps, calories burned, sleep time, etc.
Based on user reviews, universalThe Garmin Hrm Tri chest strap heart rate monitor is a great option for athletes in just about every field. The device is accurate, convenient, nice and well-assembled. The only fly in the ointment is far from a democratic price tag.
Model benefits:
- high accuracy heart rate measurement;
- versatility/practicality;
- quality build;
- comfortable design;
- compatible with almost all smart watches that support the ANT+ protocol;
- reliable water protection (50 meters to dive);
- cute appearance.
Flaws:
- no bluetooth protocol;
- price tag is high for the average domestic consumer.
Suunto Smart Belt
This chest strap heart rate monitor features a small size, easy-to-wear design, and performance in almost any environment. As in the case of Garmin, the model fully reveals itself in tandem with Suunto brand smartwatches.
The device transmits information via Bluetooth wireless protocol and can work with both iOS and Android devices. The heart rate monitor does not display any data due to the lack of a display, but it stores a sufficiently large amount of information for its subsequent transfer to a mobile device.
You can work with the device using special software. If it's a Suunto branded watch, then you don't need to install anything. The heart rate monitor collects data not only about heart rate, but also about otherinformation: steps taken, vertical oscillation of the body, calories burned, etc.
Features of the model
Judging by the feedback from users, it is best to use the brand's proprietary application - MovesCount. The utility allows you to keep logs, collect statistics and offers a detailed analysis of your sports activities. All parameters are easily configured, and remote control of the device takes place literally in one click.
It is also worth noting the good protective characteristics of the heart rate monitor. The body of the model is able to withstand a pressure of 3 atmospheres, which is equivalent to diving to a depth of 30 meters. Users have no complaints about the build quality. The design does not play, does not creak and looks solid.
Model benefits:
- high accuracy heart rate measurement;
- excellent ergonomic performance;
- good protective performance;
- works with almost all sports apps;
- attractive appearance;
- perfect price/quality balance.
Flaws:
- sometimes the device "thinks" for a few seconds;
- belt loses elasticity over time.
Sigma PC 15.11
Sigma heart rate monitor with a chest strap enjoys good popularity among domestic consumers. It is noteworthy that here we have a complete set of a belt with a device and a wristwatch. So you won't have to bother with synchronization on smartphones.
The device displays medium, normal andmaximum heart rate and displays all the information on the watch screen in real time. If some parameters have been exceeded, the sensor gives sound, light or vibration signals to choose from.
The device can also count target zones, laps, jumps, training time and calories burned. Naturally, in addition to sports performance, the watch also works for its intended purpose - a stopwatch and a date.
Features of the model
Judging by the feedback from users, the watch, as well as the belt with the sensor, have good ergonomic performance. Pleased with the assembly. Both accessories look monolithic and solid: nothing crunches, does not play and does not creak. In addition, the watch has a smart backlight that does not dazzle in the dark and is evenly distributed around the entire perimeter.
There is also water protection, but it cannot be called reliable. With the kit, you can run in the rain and take a dip in the bath, but you shouldn’t swim in the pool, and even more so you can’t dive to a solid depth. In general, users are satisfied with the solution from Sigma and consider it the best option for beginner athletes.
Benefits of a heart rate monitor:
- accurate heart rate readings of various types;
- branded watch included;
- advanced and clear notification system;
- full of features;
- multiplatform ("Android"/iOS);
- high level of gadget ergonomics;
- good build quality;
- adequate price tag.
Flaws:
- poor water protection;
- sensor housing made of plastic quicklywears off and loses its presentability.
Polar H10
The model also enjoys good popularity among domestic athletes and consumers leading a he althy lifestyle. The heart rate monitor does not have a digital screen, so it reveals all its capabilities when paired with some kind of "smart" gadget - a watch or a phone. The built-in memory of the device stores up to 65 hours of information and throws it off at the first synchronization, making room for a new one.
If you run or pedal with your mobile gadget, then all data is displayed in real time. The model is compatible with almost all popular sports applications. In addition, the Polar brand is engaged in the production of sports equipment, and the heart rate monitor is synchronized with it without any problems.
The device works on the bluetooth wireless protocol and is multiplatform. Judging by user reviews, the model perfectly synergizes with both the Android and iOS platforms. Unlike the gadgets described above, this one does not count steps, does not track sleep and other activity. But the problem is solved by buying branded Polar watches. Such a tandem can offer an extensive list of possibilities.
Features of the model
Users also have no questions about the build quality and wearing comfort. The model sits comfortably on the torso and does not rub the skin. The elastic strap allows you to do breathing exercises without visible constraints. The case looks monolithic. About squeaks, backlash, crunching and other shortcomings, users in their reviews do notmention.
Also pleased with the protective characteristics of the gadget. The model is not only resistant to physical impact, but also has a good water resistance. With it, you can safely visit the pool and dive to a depth of 30 meters.
Model benefits:
- acceptable heart rate accuracy;
- quality build;
- good ergonomic performance;
- water resistant;
- possibility of pairing with GoPro cameras;
- support for a large list of sports apps.
Flaws:
- almost all the useful functionality in the branded application is paid;
- Some users found the belt too wide.
