Best Heart rate monitor for motocross

cjw526
Profile picture for user cjw526
Posts
18
Joined
12/15/2016
Location
AU
cjw526
Hi Everyone,

I am after a really good heart rate monitor for motocross, although I cannot afford the $700+ ones at the moment, so which ones are the best for my budget and what I need it for (preferably Garmin or Polar)

I want to know which platform is best tailored to doing continuous laps and having a good look at the data (time, speed, HR, GPS and all the good stuff to look at afterwards and can look at all the important things for a mx racer

Thanks Guys!
|
mattman631
Profile picture for user mattman631
Posts
330
Joined
12/16/2015
Location
Mcalester, OK, USA
mattman631 12/15/2016 7:55am
12/15/2016 7:55am
I use my Apple Watch and an app called MotiFIT. It does not do lap times, or at least not that I know of, but I already had the apple watch and the app was like 4.99

This was my heart rate riding Sunday



tcallahan707
Profile picture for user tcallahan707
Posts
1824
Joined
4/5/2016
Location
Morrison, CO, USA
tcallahan707 12/15/2016 8:02am
12/15/2016 8:02am
LitPro is easily the best choice. I use a bluetooth Polar HR strap with it.

I used to use a Garmin Forerunner 310XT which was solid. Allowed me to mark a position so every time I came around, it tracked the lap.
peelout
Profile picture for user peelout
Posts
18423
Joined
1/6/2011
Location
Ogden, UT, USA
peelout 12/15/2016 8:51am
12/15/2016 8:51am
i use a Polar A360 and love it. heart rate seems to be dead on. no GPS though and that's a deal breaker for a lot of people, but my battery lasts about 8 days before having to charge.

the Garmin Vivoactiv HR+ is probably right up your alley
Fat Fingers
Profile picture for user Fat Fingers
Posts
857
Joined
7/18/2009
Location
Auckland, NZ
Fat Fingers 12/15/2016 8:57am
12/15/2016 8:57am
Apple Watch alone is not accurate enough but if you pair it to a polar h7 Bluetooth monitor which is reasonably cheap, it gives really good results.

The Shop

See All »
kiwifan
Profile picture for user kiwifan
Posts
9855
Joined
10/31/2009
Location
USA
kiwifan 12/15/2016 11:02am
12/15/2016 11:02am Edited Date/Time 12/15/2016 1:53pm
Garmin Fenix 3 HR works great for me Smile
cjw526
Profile picture for user cjw526
Posts
18
Joined
12/15/2016
Location
AU
cjw526 12/15/2016 11:02am
12/15/2016 11:02am
What would you guys recommend out of the following that will do most of the things I listed above

1. Garmin Forerunner 235
2. Garmin Vivoactive HR
3. Garmin Vivoactive (chest strap bundle)
peelout
Profile picture for user peelout
Posts
18423
Joined
1/6/2011
Location
Ogden, UT, USA
peelout 12/15/2016 12:15pm
12/15/2016 12:15pm
cjw526 wrote:
What would you guys recommend out of the following that will do most of the things I listed above 1. Garmin Forerunner 235 2. Garmin Vivoactive...
What would you guys recommend out of the following that will do most of the things I listed above

1. Garmin Forerunner 235
2. Garmin Vivoactive HR
3. Garmin Vivoactive (chest strap bundle)
2. Garmin Vivoactive HR+
Mx746
Profile picture for user Mx746
Posts
531
Joined
11/30/2010
Location
Marietta, GA, USA
Mx746 12/15/2016 12:36pm
12/15/2016 12:36pm
ChuckC wrote:
I like the Scosche Rhythm+. It is the most accurate heart monitor that isn't a chest strap and it works with most mobile apps and fitness...
I like the Scosche Rhythm+. It is the most accurate heart monitor that isn't a chest strap and it works with most mobile apps and fitness watches. Check it out - http://www.scosche.com/rhythm-plus-heart-rate-monitor-armband
Could you compare to a chest strap for accuracy? I like the idea but wonder if it would stay in place on the arm for mx use.
cjw526
Profile picture for user cjw526
Posts
18
Joined
12/15/2016
Location
AU
cjw526 12/15/2016 12:45pm
12/15/2016 12:45pm
Is the Garmin FR 630 any good, just want the best watch with the best features but not overly expensive aswell.

I'm thinking

Garmin FR 630, Vivoactive HR+ or any other options would be good
cjw526
Profile picture for user cjw526
Posts
18
Joined
12/15/2016
Location
AU
cjw526 12/15/2016 1:34pm
12/15/2016 1:34pm
tcallahan707 wrote:
LitPro is easily the best choice. I use a bluetooth Polar HR strap with it. I used to use a Garmin Forerunner 310XT which was solid...
LitPro is easily the best choice. I use a bluetooth Polar HR strap with it.

I used to use a Garmin Forerunner 310XT which was solid. Allowed me to mark a position so every time I came around, it tracked the lap.
If I was to get the Litpro would I need a chest strap to go with it, or what would be the best watch.

- Garmin Vivoactive HR+
- Garmin Forerunner 630/235
- Polar M400

?
theinternetkid 12/15/2016 3:17pm
12/15/2016 3:17pm
I use the Tom Tom Multisport watch for cycling and moto. It uses a chest strap for heart rate and you can also get the cadence thing for bicycles. It's been pretty good for tracking my activities. Here is my limited review, keep in mind it's the one and only device like this I've ever used, so no comparison to others.

Pros:
- It's $200 (this included the heart rate but not the cadence sensor)
- The TomTom "MySports" app can be linked directly to Strava
- Regular software updates
- It's light (not noticeable on the wrist during moto)

Cons:
- It's $200
- It needs to be charged about twice a week (depending on use of course)
- It displays total time and total distance in the top corners, other than that you have to scroll for info. This is a PITA when using it as a cycling computer, because you can't have heart rate and speed on screen at the same time.
cjw526
Profile picture for user cjw526
Posts
18
Joined
12/15/2016
Location
AU
cjw526 12/15/2016 3:22pm
12/15/2016 3:22pm
Ok thanks for that if you could choose any TomTom would you recommend that one ?
theinternetkid 12/15/2016 3:52pm
12/15/2016 3:52pm
cjw526 wrote:
Ok thanks for that if you could choose any TomTom would you recommend that one ?
I bought mine a few years ago and I haven't used any other types so I really couldn't answer that question. That being said I bet you could find a good deal on some of the older models right now. Here's a screen shot of the My Sports app from a moto this past summer.



Jeremy200
Profile picture for user Jeremy200
Posts
250
Joined
8/11/2011
Location
NZ
Jeremy200 12/15/2016 9:32pm
12/15/2016 9:32pm
cjw526 wrote:
What would you guys recommend out of the following that will do most of the things I listed above 1. Garmin Forerunner 235 2. Garmin Vivoactive...
What would you guys recommend out of the following that will do most of the things I listed above

1. Garmin Forerunner 235
2. Garmin Vivoactive HR
3. Garmin Vivoactive (chest strap bundle)
i've got the 235. i use it for running. it works great for that but i have read that the hrm isn't great for sport with serious arm movement. ive had no problems running. the gps is very accurate and the app is very good. i read that the older 225 has a more accurate hrm but it doesn't have the smart watch features.

Pit Row

See All »
colonel
Profile picture for user colonel
Posts
422
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
La Massana, AD
colonel 12/16/2016 2:29am
12/16/2016 2:29am
Just something to remember that when reading your HR - especially max during riding it is always elevated. this will be due to the magnetic field of the bike that spikes the value.
cjw526
Profile picture for user cjw526
Posts
18
Joined
12/15/2016
Location
AU
cjw526 12/16/2016 2:36am
12/16/2016 2:36am
colonel wrote:
Just something to remember that when reading your HR - especially max during riding it is always elevated. this will be due to the magnetic field...
Just something to remember that when reading your HR - especially max during riding it is always elevated. this will be due to the magnetic field of the bike that spikes the value.
Ok thanks, which of the products below would you recommend.

LitPro MX Hardware = $450
https://www.litprolive.com/product/LITPro

Garmin Vivoactive HR = $220
http://www.clevertraining.com/garmin-vivoactive-hr-gps-smartwatch

Garmin Forerunner 620 = $280
http://www.clevertraining.com/garmin-forerunner-630-touchscreen-gps-run…

Garmin Fenix 3 HR = $374/412
https://www.clevertraining.com/garmin-fenix-3-multisport-training-watch

colonel
Profile picture for user colonel
Posts
422
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
La Massana, AD
colonel 12/16/2016 2:43am
12/16/2016 2:43am
Value for money I would go with either Garmin Forerunner or Fenix. the Vivo is shit in all respect what you want and the litpro is massive money.
colonel
Profile picture for user colonel
Posts
422
Joined
4/1/2008
Location
La Massana, AD
colonel 12/16/2016 2:43am
12/16/2016 2:43am
cjw526 wrote:
Ok thanks, which of the products below would you recommend. LitPro MX Hardware = $450 https://www.litprolive.com/product/LITPro Garmin Vivoactive HR = $220 http://www.clevertraining.com/garmin-vivoactive-hr-gps-smartwatch Garmin Forerunner 620 =...
Ok thanks, which of the products below would you recommend.

LitPro MX Hardware = $450
https://www.litprolive.com/product/LITPro

Garmin Vivoactive HR = $220
http://www.clevertraining.com/garmin-vivoactive-hr-gps-smartwatch

Garmin Forerunner 620 = $280
http://www.clevertraining.com/garmin-forerunner-630-touchscreen-gps-run…

Garmin Fenix 3 HR = $374/412
https://www.clevertraining.com/garmin-fenix-3-multisport-training-watch

Value for money I would go with either Garmin Forerunner or Fenix. the Vivo is crap in all respect what you want and the litpro is massive money.
cjw526
Profile picture for user cjw526
Posts
18
Joined
12/15/2016
Location
AU
cjw526 12/16/2016 4:37am
12/16/2016 4:37am
Do u think the Forerunner 620 or Fenix 3, what is better and has the following and having a good look at the data (time, speed, HR, GPS and all the good stuff to look at afterwards and can look at all the important things for a mx racer)
Preston412
Profile picture for user Preston412
Posts
995
Joined
10/5/2012
Location
Saint Augustine, FL, USA
Fantasy
628th
Preston412 12/16/2016 8:07am
12/16/2016 8:07am
No mention of Polar, I paid $129 for my A300 and it is great, easy to clean, over a week of use before charging, it stores history with duration, hi low HR, time in and out of zone. Polar app is user friendly. M400 has GPS and it can be purchased for under $200 at times. HR monitors are inaccurate because too much movement, chest strap is the way to go and some watches offer both. Garmin Vivoactive is good, I have one as well but I like the Polar better for riding.
opyguy
Profile picture for user opyguy
Posts
589
Joined
8/22/2016
Location
Boston, MA, USA
opyguy 12/16/2016 8:17am
12/16/2016 8:17am
garmin 220 w/cheststrap
monitors pace per mile
avg HR
Max HR
has GPS, you can download to your PC and monitor each separate lap.
tcallahan707
Profile picture for user tcallahan707
Posts
1824
Joined
4/5/2016
Location
Morrison, CO, USA
tcallahan707 12/16/2016 8:55am
12/16/2016 8:55am
tcallahan707 wrote:
LitPro is easily the best choice. I use a bluetooth Polar HR strap with it. I used to use a Garmin Forerunner 310XT which was solid...
LitPro is easily the best choice. I use a bluetooth Polar HR strap with it.

I used to use a Garmin Forerunner 310XT which was solid. Allowed me to mark a position so every time I came around, it tracked the lap.
cjw526 wrote:
If I was to get the Litpro would I need a chest strap to go with it, or what would be the best watch. - Garmin...
If I was to get the Litpro would I need a chest strap to go with it, or what would be the best watch.

- Garmin Vivoactive HR+
- Garmin Forerunner 630/235
- Polar M400

?
Yes, I use the Polar H7 HR strap for my Litpro. If you are looking for on the bike HR, lap times, and more analytics, you can't beat the LitPro.

The Vivo is a great everyday watch but it's not gonna give you lap times and I've noticed the HR is off when I am on a spin bike.

I used the Forerunner 310XT for on and off the bike and it was solid. Not sure what the newer models are like.
rob27ma
Profile picture for user rob27ma
Posts
150
Joined
9/23/2014
Location
Williamstown, MA, USA
rob27ma 12/16/2016 9:50am
12/16/2016 9:50am
I just picked up a new Garmin 235 to replace my older Garmin + chest strap and so far it has been great. I almost purchased the Garmin Vivoactive, but really liked the look of the 235 better.

I don't think you can go wrong with most of the Garmin HR products.
rob27ma
Profile picture for user rob27ma
Posts
150
Joined
9/23/2014
Location
Williamstown, MA, USA
rob27ma 12/16/2016 9:53am
12/16/2016 9:53am
mattman631 wrote:
I use my Apple Watch and an app called MotiFIT. It does not do lap times, or at least not that I know of, but I...
I use my Apple Watch and an app called MotiFIT. It does not do lap times, or at least not that I know of, but I already had the apple watch and the app was like 4.99

This was my heart rate riding Sunday



Just download the MotoFit app, can't wait to try it out.

Post a reply to: Best Heart rate monitor for motocross