Polar Hrm -- M32 Or A5

[[old] GeorgeD]

I am looking at purchasing a HRM and a bit of research (and budget) led me to either of these two. <br><br>Any coments would be welcome ... or alternatives. I am looking at it primarily to keep me in training zones to ensure 'honest' effort and also to prevent potential overtraining.<br><br>- Tks George

[[old] Canoeist]

I bought the cheapest one that Concept offered. If I ever got the wrist watch part, I lost it long ago. All that is needed is the transmitter belt and the Concept pick up that goes under the sliding seat. The set up has worked great for me.<br><br>Cheers,<br><br>Paul Flack

[[old] Godfried]

See <a href='http://www.polarheart.co.nz/html/produc ... inder.html' target='_blank'>Polar</a>.<br><br>The M31/M32 ( equal inside ) like the M61(/M62) I own has the new chest-belt with user-replacable battery and is more flexible than the belt of the A5.<br><br>It is also coded, so it should not interfere with other Polar-users.<br><br>This belt also triggers the heart-rate-kit on the PM2 ( if installed ).

[[old] drkcgoh]

For rowing, actually the transmitter belt is all that matters because of the data you can collect either on the PM3 or RowPro. The new Wearlink belt with replaceable batteries scores above the old stiff belt, but it costs more because it is coded (It is now available as a separate purchase without the watch). But if you want to do fitness testing & enjoy those extra tests that Polar offers, then the M62 has more to offer than the M31. <br>I have been a long time Polar use since the early days of the Pacer, & have used all download models from the Sport Tester, the Accurex, the S810, & now the S625x. The more sohpisticated the model, the more time you spend fiddling wiht buttons & calling up helpdesk. So buy a basic model with the minimum features you need, and get on with the exercise.<br>KC63.

[[old] Mark Keating]

<!--QuoteBegin-drkcgoh+Oct 2 2004, 09:26 PM--></div><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td class='genmed'><span class='genmed'><b>QUOTE</b></span> (drkcgoh @ Oct 2 2004, 09:26 PM)</td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->The more sohpisticated the model, the more time you spend fiddling wiht buttons & calling up helpdesk. So buy a basic model with the minimum features you need, and get on with the exercise.<br>KC63.<!--QuoteEnd--> </td></tr></table><br>I agree completely. I am only familiar with the model I own, the A5, and it has suited my needs fine. As of yet, I see no need for any additional features.<br>

[[old] Xeno]

I like the A5 too. It is interesting to compare the calorie count of the watch and the ergometer. If you are using a heart rate monitor you should read on the internet about the Lactate Pro. If you want to train your aerobic capacity with maximum efficiency, you need to know your Target Heart Rate. Polar has a graph that gives you the information where to keep your heart rate during training. For general fitness it is good, but if you want to get to your personal best....you need to lactate test.<br>Good job to all for being such motivated indoor rowers. <br><a href='http://www.gorow.com/coach_newsletter.htm' target='_blank'>http://www.gorow.com/coach_newsletter.htm</a>

[[old] Niall]

Sorry to rock the boat, so to speak, but I use a Timex Bodylink setup. I 've got the watch, the chest strap and data recorder. I'm able to download the heart rate data to my PC through a USB cable.<br>I'm not familiar with the other products mentioned in this thread so don't know whether they perform the same function but that's what I use!

[[old] brucedarby]

I bought the M61 because of the additional features and that I can use it for other types of aerobic exercises. What I discovered is that the chest strap and transmitter is all that I use. I now use the M61 to give me the time and date. <br><br>Bruce Darby<br>