HRM - Polar vs Garmin

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2010-02-02 6:27 AM

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Subject: HRM - Polar vs Garmin
I paged through as much as I could but couldn't really see this answer...I am sure I overlooked a thread.
Key (add on type) features I would like - Cadence, Calories, Distance, and possibly software/logging.
I am doing tailspins trying to marry a model to what I need.

Many thanks in advance..

2010-02-02 6:56 AM
in reply to: #2649178

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Subject: RE: HRM - Polar vs Garmin
Cadence for cycling or running?
2010-02-02 6:57 AM
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Subject: RE: HRM - Polar vs Garmin
sorry both
2010-02-02 7:02 AM
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Subject: RE: HRM - Polar vs Garmin
theonly way to get cadence with garmin is with the foot pod which costs around 50-100 dollars and can be used with 305 and 310 xt i believe
2010-02-02 10:44 AM
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Subject: RE: HRM - Polar vs Garmin
mbrenneman - 2010-02-02 7:57 AM sorry both


You can get cadence on both the bike and the run.

For the bike, you'll need the wireless speed/cadence sensor, which cost about $40 via Amazon.  This works both indoors and outdoors, and works with all of the Garmin fitness devices (FR60/305/405/310XT, Edge 500/605/705, to name a few...).

For the run, you'll need the foot pod, which is darn expensive - about $90.  Now, if you really do some sluething out there there are a couple of places which occasionally have the older $40 footpod in stock, though it's bigger (by a lot) - but it works just fine.  It's just really hard to find in stock, sometimes folks put them on eBay.  Regardless of which footpod you use, they work with all of the Garmin fitness running watches (FR60/305/405/310XT, plus some older ones...).

I put a ton of details around using these accessories in my 'Training Indoors with your Garmin' post just last week actually.  Though, what I wrote above is basically the jist of it...
2010-02-02 5:53 PM
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Subject: RE: HRM - Polar vs Garmin
Polar RS800CX PTE edition with a S3 stride sensor would be complete and a cheaper way versus a RS800CX SD/Run and then add on WIND Speed and Cad sensors

2010-02-02 6:05 PM
in reply to: #2649875

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Subject: RE: HRM - Polar vs Garmin
dcrainmaker - 2010-02-02 10:44 AM

mbrenneman - 2010-02-02 7:57 AM sorry both


You can get cadence on both the bike and the run.

For the bike, you'll need the wireless speed/cadence sensor, which cost about $40 via Amazon.  This works both indoors and outdoors, and works with all of the Garmin fitness devices (FR60/305/405/310XT, Edge 500/605/705, to name a few...).

For the run, you'll need the foot pod, which is darn expensive - about $90.  Now, if you really do some sluething out there there are a couple of places which occasionally have the older $40 footpod in stock, though it's bigger (by a lot) - but it works just fine.  It's just really hard to find in stock, sometimes folks put them on eBay.  Regardless of which footpod you use, they work with all of the Garmin fitness running watches (FR60/305/405/310XT, plus some older ones...).

I put a ton of details around using these accessories in my 'Training Indoors with your Garmin' post just last week actually.  Though, what I wrote above is basically the jist of it...



That is nice info! I didn't realize the expense in this. I might need to trim down my wish list.
2010-02-02 6:14 PM
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Subject: RE: HRM - Polar vs Garmin
I have the 405 and isn't worth the price. Its very accurate but if you're a profuse sweater (sweating a lot not the the article of clothing) or out in the rain, the bevel ring goes crazy and has reset on me a number of times. I only use it for runs so I can't comment on the accuracy of the cadence sensor. Hope this helped
2010-02-02 6:48 PM
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Subject: RE: HRM - Polar vs Garmin
I have the RS800CX with the footpod and bike speed sensor.  Overall, I've been extremely happy with it and I've used it for a number of Tris.  I don't need GPS mapping, but the next time I have $150 burning a hole in my pocket, I'll probably buy the G3 GPS pod.

My only gripe with the RS800CX is that it doesn't automatically switch sensors when I transition from the bike to the run.  It only takes a few push buttons, but it would be nice to not have to do that.  I believe the 310XT and the Suunto T6C will automatically switch sensors.

I've never owned or used a Garmin but I'm impressed with the 310XT. One other feature that I like about the Garmin is that it is ANT+ compatible.  If I ever get a powermeter, I can use the 310XT for everything.  The Polar won't work with a Powertap, and I don't think I'd invest in Polar's power meter.

Ray
2010-02-02 8:24 PM
in reply to: #2649178

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Subject: RE: HRM - Polar vs Garmin
I kicked around a few models that are being thrown around - I was hoping to stay under 200, or around 200 bucks.
Like I said earlier, I think I need to trim down the wish list on the options. I have my eye on a tri for august, my first one (sprint), but maybe any suggestions on a good HRM to get me started should be my question.
Been running and biking for sometime but want to make an attempt at a tri.

Thanks for the help - been lurking on this site for years.
2010-02-02 8:25 PM
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Subject: RE: HRM - Polar vs Garmin
i bought the fr50 with foot pod for $69.99 on amazon, great deal.  but since then i have replaced it with the 310xt, i tend to always run outside so it covers pretty much everything i need.

gives me my mile / min pace in real time, hr, distance, time.  everything sufficient to train properly.  i have used garmin since getting into triathlons and couldn't be happier, i still find the fr50 an excellent watch.  but for $230 the 310 was too hard to pass up.

2010-02-02 9:59 PM
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Subject: RE: HRM - Polar vs Garmin
trix - 2010-02-02 8:25 PM

i bought the fr50 with foot pod for $69.99 on amazon, great deal.  but since then i have replaced it with the 310xt, i tend to always run outside so it covers pretty much everything i need.

gives me my mile / min pace in real time, hr, distance, time.  everything sufficient to train properly.  i have used garmin since getting into triathlons and couldn't be happier, i still find the fr50 an excellent watch.  but for $230 the 310 was too hard to pass up.


Where did you find a 310xt for 230?

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