Suggestion for a stopwatch with HR monitor

Charper732
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Charper732
Edited Date/Time 8/29/2017 2:00pm
Anyone using a wrist watch while riding? I'm on the hunt for a "budget" watch that has a heart rate monitor on it that I can also use as a stopwatch. I've seen the FitBit but the surge cost upwards of $150.
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motosicko
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motosicko 11/20/2015 8:47pm
11/20/2015 8:47pm Edited Date/Time 11/20/2015 8:50pm
I'm using the Polar M400 . Very cool GPS watch / heart rate monitor. Tracks top, average speeds, elevations, calories burned, high and average heart rate, and more. Has an app. So you can pair it up to I-phone and laptop and see satellite maps of rides and record entries to your diary. Very enlightening to see how slow average speeds on MX tracks actually are, and where on the tracks that your heart rate spikes. Use it for mountain biking too. Not super cheap but worth it IMO.
TallonT911
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TallonT911 11/20/2015 9:56pm
11/20/2015 9:56pm Edited Date/Time 11/20/2015 9:59pm


I just got mine in the mail today. Comes with the hr chest band plus they are a motoish brand.

Edit: just noticed it doesn't say the name or model haha it's the Rockwell GameFace HRM.
The real deal 2014 11/21/2015 8:30am
11/21/2015 8:30am Edited Date/Time 11/21/2015 8:33am
Cool option


It's only $100. Put it on, download the app on your phone and work out. It tracks everything
JeepnMike
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JeepnMike 11/22/2015 8:37am
11/22/2015 8:37am
motosicko wrote:
I'm using the Polar M400 . Very cool GPS watch / heart rate monitor. Tracks top, average speeds, elevations, calories burned, high and average heart rate...
I'm using the Polar M400 . Very cool GPS watch / heart rate monitor. Tracks top, average speeds, elevations, calories burned, high and average heart rate, and more. Has an app. So you can pair it up to I-phone and laptop and see satellite maps of rides and record entries to your diary. Very enlightening to see how slow average speeds on MX tracks actually are, and where on the tracks that your heart rate spikes. Use it for mountain biking too. Not super cheap but worth it IMO.
I am in the same boat as motosicko. Think hard about what you MIGHT want to do with one in addition to HR Monitor and timer. A lot of them have GPS built in, Bluetooth for phone connectivity, calorie counters, etc. The Polar mentioned above just about does it all, and not horribly expensive. I am a runner so my most important feature when selecting a watch was the GPS functions, but I ended up with a Garmin VivoActive for $225 at Runners World:



It has a lot of the same features as the Polar which I almost bought (trendy brand for MX guys too). One thing I liked, it works for biking, swimming, treadmill, just about everything. The reason I bought Garmin was because they have their own Satellite. You have added reliability, and the time to find a GPS signal is significantly reduced which can be a pain.

Anyway, open your eyes wide to other features you might use, and realize you can get a really cool and durable smart GPS watch and not have to spend $500.

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Charper732
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Charper732 11/26/2015 11:39am
11/26/2015 11:39am
motosicko wrote:
I'm using the Polar M400 . Very cool GPS watch / heart rate monitor. Tracks top, average speeds, elevations, calories burned, high and average heart rate...
I'm using the Polar M400 . Very cool GPS watch / heart rate monitor. Tracks top, average speeds, elevations, calories burned, high and average heart rate, and more. Has an app. So you can pair it up to I-phone and laptop and see satellite maps of rides and record entries to your diary. Very enlightening to see how slow average speeds on MX tracks actually are, and where on the tracks that your heart rate spikes. Use it for mountain biking too. Not super cheap but worth it IMO.
how does this watch feel when you wear it? the face looks a bit big but how is the weight?
motosicko
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motosicko 11/26/2015 8:47pm
11/26/2015 8:47pm
Charper732 wrote:
how does this watch feel when you wear it? the face looks a bit big but how is the weight?
I got the Polar bar mount and run it on the bars. I have worn it on my wrist at times, and it isn't a problem at all. Fairly compact slim watch, not as big as you think. I'll try and get some photos posted.
motosicko
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motosicko 11/27/2015 11:00am
11/27/2015 11:00am




kaptkaos
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kaptkaos 11/30/2015 8:52am
11/30/2015 8:52am
I use my Garmin Edge 500 from my mountainbike. They make a wristband for it, and several bar mounts. It tracks everything, distance, speed, elevation, duration, HR and calories. It also lays out your ride on a map for review.You can set it to use the GPS to time your laps so every time you pass start/finish it marks a lap. I have been eyeing those Vivofit watches to see if they do everything my Edge 500 does, I would get one.
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huck2flat 12/21/2015 10:35am
12/21/2015 10:35am
TallonT911 wrote:
[img]https://p.vitalmx.com/photos/forums/2015/11/20/111981/s1200_image.jpg[/img] I just got mine in the mail today. Comes with the hr chest band plus they are a motoish brand. Edit: just noticed it doesn't...


I just got mine in the mail today. Comes with the hr chest band plus they are a motoish brand.

Edit: just noticed it doesn't say the name or model haha it's the Rockwell GameFace HRM.
How do you like it? Also, does this track max/average HR as well as laps and lap times?
Thanks
#76
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#76 12/21/2015 11:03am
12/21/2015 11:03am
I have also been looking into this too, will be keeping an eye on this thread!. Also JeepnMike makes a good point about what you might also need in the future as you progress, as I didn't think of using GPS for lap times etc. Good advise.
Charper732
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Charper732 12/21/2015 1:21pm
12/21/2015 1:21pm
#76 wrote:
I have also been looking into this too, will be keeping an eye on this thread!. Also JeepnMike makes a good point about what you might...
I have also been looking into this too, will be keeping an eye on this thread!. Also JeepnMike makes a good point about what you might also need in the future as you progress, as I didn't think of using GPS for lap times etc. Good advise.
I've been reading reviews on the different watches and it seems that unless you get a high end version of one of these watches, the GPS isn't very accurate.
#76
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#76 12/21/2015 2:12pm
12/21/2015 2:12pm
Hi Charper732, I can imagine that's right, so on a budget that may not be the best one to go for?, I read again your first post and are you wanting a watch with the rate monitor built in, so no chest strap needed?, I didn't like the idea of a chest strap myself, shame as the Polar M400 has one I think, as would the Garmin 500?.

swtwtwtw
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swtwtwtw 12/21/2015 2:19pm
12/21/2015 2:19pm Edited Date/Time 12/21/2015 6:32pm
I use an old garmin 305 running, riding, cycling. does laptimes at the track and I can go on line and see my line selection for each lap. I think the updated one is the 310 at about 149 bucks.
hbdesigns913
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hbdesigns913 12/21/2015 2:36pm
12/21/2015 2:36pm
If you want a heart rate monitor and stopwatch go for the polar rcx3. I have used it for a few years now and love it. You can get add ons such as the stride sensor for running. Very slim watch. I use it for Mx, mtb and a lot of running. You download all your data to the polar website and can view everything in a graph form.
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Preston412 12/21/2015 3:42pm
12/21/2015 3:42pm Edited Date/Time 12/21/2015 3:47pm
http://www.heartratemonitorsusa.com/pages/heramo

They have the Polar M400 GPS HRM on sale for $137.98 normally $229.95

some of the best prices I have seen on the internet. just about every HR watch to choose from.

my overall pick is Polar, great working product and price is affordable
TheGetFresh 12/21/2015 7:43pm
12/21/2015 7:43pm
Get used to a chest strap. The wrist ones are inaccurate. Most of them lose measurements when the unit gets jostled and use the software to fill in the blanks. If you're on a budget, you can try local bike stores and see if they've got any older models that didn't sell and they'll usually cut you a deal. I got a polar that came with a bike speedo and a hr strap for well under $100 this way and that thing lasted much longer than it should of.
Charper732
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Charper732 12/22/2015 6:58am
12/22/2015 6:58am
Preston412 wrote:
http://www.heartratemonitorsusa.com/pages/heramo They have the Polar M400 GPS HRM on sale for $137.98 normally $229.95 some of the best prices I have seen on the internet. just...
http://www.heartratemonitorsusa.com/pages/heramo

They have the Polar M400 GPS HRM on sale for $137.98 normally $229.95

some of the best prices I have seen on the internet. just about every HR watch to choose from.

my overall pick is Polar, great working product and price is affordable
That's a damn good find right there!

137 is a really good deal considering that comes with the chest strrap
DrSweden
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DrSweden 12/22/2015 9:19am
12/22/2015 9:19am
Look for forerunner on ebay, so many good versions, I had 305, now 610. New to refurbished for $50-$100. Older 405 works as well. just seek after GPS, forerunner. I'm pretty sure u can get an amazing watch for $60 including shipping to your door. Good thing is they create lap times without pressing the button each lap. And u can get so much data it's crazy.

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mimafia
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mimafia 12/22/2015 10:07am
12/22/2015 10:07am
Like some others mentioned, it's my understanding that the heart rate watches are not really geared for hard core exercise. More for checking your resting heart rate. Unless technology has improved in the last 6 months or so.

When I was researching these I had it narrowed down to the Polar FT7 w/chest strap. Pretty inexpensive but great reviews.
Charper732
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Charper732 12/28/2015 12:36pm
12/28/2015 12:36pm
motosicko wrote:
I'm using the Polar M400 . Very cool GPS watch / heart rate monitor. Tracks top, average speeds, elevations, calories burned, high and average heart rate...
I'm using the Polar M400 . Very cool GPS watch / heart rate monitor. Tracks top, average speeds, elevations, calories burned, high and average heart rate, and more. Has an app. So you can pair it up to I-phone and laptop and see satellite maps of rides and record entries to your diary. Very enlightening to see how slow average speeds on MX tracks actually are, and where on the tracks that your heart rate spikes. Use it for mountain biking too. Not super cheap but worth it IMO.
JeepnMike wrote:
I am in the same boat as motosicko. Think hard about what you MIGHT want to do with one in addition to HR Monitor and timer...
I am in the same boat as motosicko. Think hard about what you MIGHT want to do with one in addition to HR Monitor and timer. A lot of them have GPS built in, Bluetooth for phone connectivity, calorie counters, etc. The Polar mentioned above just about does it all, and not horribly expensive. I am a runner so my most important feature when selecting a watch was the GPS functions, but I ended up with a Garmin VivoActive for $225 at Runners World:



It has a lot of the same features as the Polar which I almost bought (trendy brand for MX guys too). One thing I liked, it works for biking, swimming, treadmill, just about everything. The reason I bought Garmin was because they have their own Satellite. You have added reliability, and the time to find a GPS signal is significantly reduced which can be a pain.

Anyway, open your eyes wide to other features you might use, and realize you can get a really cool and durable smart GPS watch and not have to spend $500.
I ended up buying the vivoactive. Are there any particular apps you use for moto? I'm trying to find one that would click off the lap timer for me each lap, if possible.
olds cool
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olds cool 12/28/2015 9:10pm
12/28/2015 9:10pm
Charper732 wrote:
Anyone using a wrist watch while riding? I'm on the hunt for a "budget" watch that has a heart rate monitor on it that I can...
Anyone using a wrist watch while riding? I'm on the hunt for a "budget" watch that has a heart rate monitor on it that I can also use as a stopwatch. I've seen the FitBit but the surge cost upwards of $150.
Curious if anyone has any experience with the FitBit Surge because I got one as a gift for Christmas. I was sort of leaning towards the Vivoactive like you bought but my wife got me the FitBit. I don't want to hurt her feelings but I want whichever one is more user friendly and applicable for moto use. I am sure either are capable for general fitness/training type applications.
Charper732
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Charper732 12/30/2015 4:10am
12/30/2015 4:10am Edited Date/Time 12/30/2015 4:11am
Charper732 wrote:
Anyone using a wrist watch while riding? I'm on the hunt for a "budget" watch that has a heart rate monitor on it that I can...
Anyone using a wrist watch while riding? I'm on the hunt for a "budget" watch that has a heart rate monitor on it that I can also use as a stopwatch. I've seen the FitBit but the surge cost upwards of $150.
olds cool wrote:
Curious if anyone has any experience with the FitBit Surge because I got one as a gift for Christmas. I was sort of leaning towards the...
Curious if anyone has any experience with the FitBit Surge because I got one as a gift for Christmas. I was sort of leaning towards the Vivoactive like you bought but my wife got me the FitBit. I don't want to hurt her feelings but I want whichever one is more user friendly and applicable for moto use. I am sure either are capable for general fitness/training type applications.
I don't have any experience with the surge, but when I was reading reviews I remember comming across one where the person said they thought the functionality of the surge didnt justify the high price. They returned it and got the active and said they were happy.

In my couple of days with the active, I like it but I have yet to ride with it...The smartwatch part of it is a hell of a lot more useful than i thought it would be.

There are watch apps but I still have no idea how the GPS will help with tracing a track map as it only traces maps for roads...for the app i found anyway.

Hopefully someone else can chime in
Deetsmx
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Deetsmx 12/30/2015 7:10am
12/30/2015 7:10am
motosicko wrote:
I'm using the Polar M400 . Very cool GPS watch / heart rate monitor. Tracks top, average speeds, elevations, calories burned, high and average heart rate...
I'm using the Polar M400 . Very cool GPS watch / heart rate monitor. Tracks top, average speeds, elevations, calories burned, high and average heart rate, and more. Has an app. So you can pair it up to I-phone and laptop and see satellite maps of rides and record entries to your diary. Very enlightening to see how slow average speeds on MX tracks actually are, and where on the tracks that your heart rate spikes. Use it for mountain biking too. Not super cheap but worth it IMO.
I just got this watch. Do you have to have your phone on you to see the maps of where you ride or can you just wear the watch and download the data after? I used it for running but it only gave me times, distance, and heart rates. It didn't load up a map when I synced it to the app on my phone.
DMG
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DMG 12/30/2015 7:14am
12/30/2015 7:14am
I use to tape a cheap watch to my crossbar pad and set the timer at 45 minutes. I really dont see the need for all the extra crap, youre either working or youre not, you dont need a hundredfidy dollar watch to tell you that.
C_Class_Hero 12/30/2015 7:32pm
12/30/2015 7:32pm
motosicko wrote:
I'm using the Polar M400 . Very cool GPS watch / heart rate monitor. Tracks top, average speeds, elevations, calories burned, high and average heart rate...
I'm using the Polar M400 . Very cool GPS watch / heart rate monitor. Tracks top, average speeds, elevations, calories burned, high and average heart rate, and more. Has an app. So you can pair it up to I-phone and laptop and see satellite maps of rides and record entries to your diary. Very enlightening to see how slow average speeds on MX tracks actually are, and where on the tracks that your heart rate spikes. Use it for mountain biking too. Not super cheap but worth it IMO.
Deetsmx wrote:
I just got this watch. Do you have to have your phone on you to see the maps of where you ride or can you just...
I just got this watch. Do you have to have your phone on you to see the maps of where you ride or can you just wear the watch and download the data after? I used it for running but it only gave me times, distance, and heart rates. It didn't load up a map when I synced it to the app on my phone.
I got the M400 for christmas, so I don't have a lot of time with it yet, but before you can get the GPS function working to record your routes, you need to go into the Sport Profiles and turn on the GPS function for each profile you want to use it for. Once done, then you'll have the routes recorded when you upload your data to FlowSync. The GPS does takes a little bit of time to locate and lock on a satellite before it is actually working, but once you see the GPS % at 100, you're good to go.
huck2flat
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huck2flat 1/2/2016 6:24pm
1/2/2016 6:24pm
Does anybody have experience with the Garmin Forerunner 15 GPS watch? If so, how accurate is the gps for recording lap times?
Charper732
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Charper732 1/2/2016 7:02pm
1/2/2016 7:02pm
huck2flat wrote:
Does anybody have experience with the Garmin Forerunner 15 GPS watch? If so, how accurate is the gps for recording lap times?
I saw in a post somewhere that on older firmware version allowed you to pin a GPS location and it would trip a lap timer each time you went by. Apparently the newer watches don't allow for that.
51xc
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51xc 1/2/2016 8:56pm
1/2/2016 8:56pm
suunto ambit 3 peak or sport version. suunto traverse will do as well if you are willing to pay more for better looks. they are made in finland and high quality products.
moto4321
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moto4321 1/3/2016 11:13pm
1/3/2016 11:13pm
If anybody is interested i have a new unused Rockwell Game Face HRM that i would be willing to sell for a good price.. Its grey/lake blue. I got it for Christmas but i could use the money for something different. I'd like to get $80 for it. I think that's very resonable considering retail is $130. Dm me if you're interested.
Thanks!
huck2flat
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huck2flat 1/4/2016 2:18am
1/4/2016 2:18am Edited Date/Time 1/4/2016 10:57pm
DrSweden wrote:
Look for forerunner on ebay, so many good versions, I had 305, now 610. New to refurbished for $50-$100. Older 405 works as well. just seek...
Look for forerunner on ebay, so many good versions, I had 305, now 610. New to refurbished for $50-$100. Older 405 works as well. just seek after GPS, forerunner. I'm pretty sure u can get an amazing watch for $60 including shipping to your door. Good thing is they create lap times without pressing the button each lap. And u can get so much data it's crazy.
didnt realize this post went through, sorry for quoting twice.

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