Tuesday, September 9, 2008

Polar RS100 Heart Rate Monitor and Stopwatch

Polar RS100 Heart Rate Monitor and Stopwatch

HRM that actually works!

I had tried a timex hrm before this and it didnt even come close in accuracy. Even though the RS100 is a bit more than some of the timex models its well worth the money. It is accurate and simple enough to use. I would actually reccomend this one over the RS200 since that model seems to have more problems. The only gripe I had was the T31 chest strap which always felt like it was slipping down while I ran. Although my dog has recently destroyed the T31 transmitter and I am looking forward to getting the Wearlink chest strap which looks to be an improvement over the contemporary design. Apparently my dog didnt like the T31 either....

Decent Product, Decent Value

Purchased as a replacement HRM, The unit does what its intended to do and it does it well. The quirks of changing face information or retrieving data takes a while to learn and get used to. The push-button sequencing doesn't always seem intuitive, but - the good news is - its easy to learn. I don't use my HRM as a watch except as a convenience after working out, so that feature is fairly useless to me, anyway. One simple improvement would be a strap thats a notch or two bigger - I have to wear my unit at the end notch making it somewhat more difficult to fasten and unfasten. Given the quirks and a design you have to grow into, its a decent product and a fair value.

Excellent running watch and heart monitor!

There's a reason Polar sits on top of the heart-rate monitor heap, and that's because they do it better than anyone else. This watch/monitor has received accolades for years from runners, all well-deserved. It worked straight out of the box, the manual was clearly written, and I have been happily sweating and putting this monitor through its paces as I train for my next half marathon.

LOVE THIS HRM!

I recently purchased this Heart rate monitor less then a week ago..took me a day to get all the functions down and I wore it for the first time yesterday while working out.. I have wanted one for a LONG time and while working out yesterday I saw I burned 400 calories running 2 miles and another 400 during my Weight lifting class "body pump" which lasts and hour...I was so suprised I cant wait to wear it again and try to burn more and more...5 stars from me!

Just what I needed !!

I have had some another HR watches, but nothing like this, this is just great, I've been using is since the very first day, no problems so far, easy setup, ease to navegate thru all features. I use it most in my spinning class, also while I'm running and sometimes when I play outdoor soccer, it gives you an idea of your workout. Haven't try in the pool, I'm just afraid stop working, but I'll give a try once the summer comes :). If you are planing to buy a HR Monitor watch, this is one of the best options, Timex are good, but compare with the price this is much better. Sunnto watches are nice, but to small for me, and a little bit more expensive. I love my "chaparrita".



Keyword : bike

Monday, September 8, 2008

Polar FS1 Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Dark Blue)

Polar FS1 Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Dark Blue)

Works Perfectly!

I bought this model well over a year ago. I use it 5-6 times a week during my walks outside and indoors on the treadmill and on my stair-climber. I wanted to make sure I am working in the zone -- not too high and not too low. For me, this has been an absolutely perfect device. I wanted the watch feature (not just a heat monitor) and this model does both. It has other features I don't use as I keep it simple, yet it is still simple to use. The chest strap stays in place and is very comfortable. You can adjust it so that is fits your body. Would purchase again. I paid $70 at a local sports equipment store. You can find them cheaper on amazon and ebay.

Simple easy to use

I purchased this to monitor my HR for optimum results while jogging. It took about 5 minutes to set up and learn to use, and now I just put it on and it gives me what I need - no hassles or fumbling with buttons while I run. After using it for about 2 months I have found that some more features would be nice, like lap or split times, but that's no big deal. For the price this monitor is a great value, but now I have taken up bike riding and also need a bike computer :-) Time to do some more shopping.

Cheap Plastic

This product works just fine, but if you bump the cheap plastic face against a wall, tree, etc it scratches and ruins the watch!

Good HRM - slightly small face and stiff band

I use it for timing a workout and average heart rate. During a workout it displays whether you are under, at, or over your target heart zone. The HRM has hd no problem in picking up the heart rate signal and displaying the heart rate. It comes with a coded transmitter which is worn around the chest. At times the initial setup menus were a little confusing since there is only one button which is used to configure the watch. It took me a couple of tries to figure out how to turn off the beep each time it would pick up the heart signal. The instructions are not clear on this point. I also find the watch face slightly small for a male wrist. Polar likely had to choose a unisex size for the face. The band is a little stiff - and if you have a large wrist, you might find the band tight. Otherwise, a good, fairly stratight forward HRM.

POLAR HEART RATE MONITOR FS1

A good starter HRM. I liked that only one button is needed to access and change all the settings. However, if you want the convenience of having your HR shown as a percentage, or need a backlight because you exercise outdoors in the evenings, or track calories burned, or a unique code to prevent "crosstalk" with other HRM users close by, or be able to link to the Polar website, then this is not for you. Choose the FS2 or FS3. BOTTOMLINE: Before deciding on which HRM model to buy, define what your requirements are and check if the model you are choosing has these features.



Keyword : bike

Sunday, September 7, 2008

Garmin Handlebar Mounting Unit for GPS 60 Series

Garmin Handlebar Mounting Unit for GPS 60 Series

Holds GPS securely. Won't fit well on large diameter handlebars

First, mounting was tricky as the unit will not fit larger diameter handlebars very well at all. I did not end up with the position of the GPS that I wanted, but it's close enough. As for securely mounting the GPS? I've riden several hundred miles since installing it without incident. This includes a 17 MPH body slam (@#!$ wet railroad tracks!) that left me looking at my front wheel with sky in the background (pain starts here)but the GPS still securely in it's mount. I can see from the construction of the mount that there are weak areas that may be a problem down the road. Also, getting GPS in and out of the mount with one hand is a trick. All told, a good value.

Ok product

Nice original Garmin product. The rubber spacers that came with the unit are useless, the 2mm is too thin and the 5mm is too thick, leaving me with a unit that will not stay in place on my ATV. Once I improvise, I fear that my results in the field will be the same as already reported... needing extra reinforcememt to keep it in place.

Excellent mount for Mountain Bike

This mount works great to utilize our GPS units while mountain biking. Mount stays steady and holds GPS great. Great mount for the price.

Garmin GPS 60CS Handlebar Mount

I have purchased 5 of these items and they break after 5-6 months of street riding. I'm glad I had the fore thought of using the GPS strap to secure the unit to my handlebar or the GPS would have bounced on the concrete street. I really enjoy the GPS unit and the handlebar mount is a great idea --- I only wish it would not break for no reason!

Motorcycle GPS holder.

I've used my GPS while on my cycle, and it's really quite a dangerous challenge. Try to hold the GPS and steer, shift, brake, turn...all with one hand. This holder, which I just received, looks like the answer to a real need. It will attach my GPS to the handlebar where I can see it as I ride, and allow me to remove it with a press of a button. The base of the holder stays on the bike, and is so small as to not even be noticed by passers-by.



Keyword : bikes

Garmin 010-10889-00 Forerunner 305/205 Quick Release Kit

Garmin 010-10889-00 Forerunner 305/205 Quick Release Kit

Write band & bike mount work well

I prefer the wrist band in the quick release kit over the wrist band that came with the FR 305--given the bulkiness of the 305, the wrist band that comes with it is a bit awkward. Its a good design that held the FR 305 in place for a number of rides & runs.

An essential accessory

For anyone who both runs and bikes, this kit is essential to make the most of the Garmin 305. Add the cadence kit and you have a terrific bike and run electronic trainer for very reasonable money. Kit assembles in a few minutes and seems well-engineered to hold up to many swaps from wrist to handlebar (which is a MUCH better place for viewing while on the bike. I can't imagine any complaints arising unless the user fails to apprehend how to use it!

Q-R wrist strap OK but hard on 305 attachment points

Quick Release kit is OK but if you're back and forth between a bike and your wrist a lot I fear the plastic on the Forerunner may wear prematurely due to high torque loads when removing the unit from the plastic cradle.

Simple but it works

I bought 2. One for my road bike and one for my mt. bike. They are easy to install and you can set the angle on the handle bars for viewing to fit your needs. I am very happy with the mount.

Great Accesory to Forerunner 305

This definitely makes wearing and changing over the Forerunner 305 so much nicer and easier. Personally I hate putting on plastic watch bands on for numerous reasons but one of them is that my skin starts breaking out when I start sweating...which obviously occurs every time I would wear this. Very easy to use...everyone should get this!



Keyword : bikes