GPS Heart Rate Monitor Recommendations?

Skartar

Skartar

Barefooters
Sep 25, 2013
15
12
3
#1
Hi there,

Can anyone recommend a GPS enabled HRM for running?

I currently use a (non-GPS) Polar RS300x to keep an eye on my heart rate while I'm running and also log/share my miles with a GPS app on my phone. The problem is that I'm getting near the point where my barefoot runs are lasting longer than my phone battery! I'd like to use one gadget - a sports watch - to log my miles, routes and heart rate etc. I'd be grateful of any recommendations please.

Thanks.
 
#2
I've got the Polar RCX 5 which works very well. I had a tough time putting the GPS pod in the supplied arm-sleeve so now I just put it in the pocket of my shorts.

Alternatively you could just buy their G1 sensor and set it up to sync with your current device!

Congratulations on the lengthening runs!
 
#3
way to start another brawl new guy. ;) there are other threads about this and everyone is partial to theirs. i own a garmin 405cx. it works good and is small.

i just found out polar does what i want. puts my hr on a computer display in real time. i have a polar watch now i just have to buy the hardware to make that happen. it doesn't have gps so i'm going to be buying something new in the future.
 
#5
Don't worry it won't start a brawl, the people on this forum are too nice. :)

I use a Suunto Ambit, these are probably more popular in Europe than the US where I get the impression most people use Garmin. I'm happy with mine, it's just about compact enough to wear as an everyday watch, and you can stretch the battery life out to 50hrs if you're doing ultras etc. The only slight negative for me is Suunto don't support automatic uploading to Strava, but you can export activities (one at a time) and manually import them afterwards. Though this is not a problem if you don't use Strava.

Oh, also you need to have access to an internet connected PC/Mac to change a lot of the settings and customise screens, as it's all done online on the Movescount site then synced to the watch. It's never been an issue for me, but some people without easy internet access or their own PC have complained about that.

I like mine though. :)
 
#6
Thank you Vampire - I'll check it out! I'm just back from my longest barefoot run yet (15k) and my phone battery gave up on me. I like the sound of a whopping 50 hour battery. Thanks for the recommendation.
 
#7
Hi Skartar,
If the choice comes down to either Polar or Garmin:
Polar is more exact on heart rate than Garmin.
Garmin is more exact on GPS than Polar.
Most Polar models have an external GPS to be worn separately, which means you can use the watch also as everyday watch. (The latest Polar model though has the GPS also integrated into the watch)
With Garmin, the GPS is inside the watch, which means the battery needs to be reloaded after more or less hours (depending on the model). The more expensive the model, the longer the battery loading will last (at least in theory :D). So in general no wearing as an everyday watch - you wouldn't want to weaken the battery.
I seems that some people carry a solar recharging unit on their long runs (=ultra training) for their GPS watch. I don't know how well that works - but perhaps that could also be an option for your phone?
 
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#9
Skartar said:
Hello Hobbit, thanks for the information. I hadn't thought of a solar recharging unit - that's a really good idea, thanks!
Click to expand...
The Polar you already own already has the software to work with a GPS - you just need to buy the G1 pod!

That watch's battery life you already know (1 year +) and the GPS unit will need re-charging after about 20 hours.
 
#10
Vampire said:
Don't worry it won't start a brawl, the people on this forum are too nice. :)

I use a Suunto Ambit, these are probably more popular in Europe than the US where I get the impression most people use Garmin. I'm happy with mine, it's just about compact enough to wear as an everyday watch, and you can stretch the battery life out to 50hrs if you're doing ultras etc. The only slight negative for me is Suunto don't support automatic uploading to Strava, but you can export activities (one at a time) and manually import them afterwards. Though this is not a problem if you don't use Strava.

Oh, also you need to have access to an internet connected PC/Mac to change a lot of the settings and customise screens, as it's all done online on the Movescount site then synced to the watch. It's never been an issue for me, but some people without easy internet access or their own PC have complained about that.

I like mine though. :)
Click to expand...

You've got all the fancy gadgets Vampire.;) I was just looking into the Suunto for more battery life. That or the Garmin Fenix. Or I could just buy another cheap GPS and start one when the other runs out.
 
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