Heart Rate Monitors
These watches include features that allow you to monitor your heart rate. They do not have GPS functionality, and tend to be more affordable than GPS watches.
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Top Picks
How we choose: The best heart rate monitors highlighted here were selected based on 45 reviews of 10 products. Our top picks are those that are readily-available in the United States and have received the highest overall ratings from reviewers.
How we test: Trailspace is powered entirely by our community of readers. The reviews posted here reflect the real-world experiences of outdoor enthusiasts just like you.
If you've used a heart rate monitor that you think should be listed here, please share your experience.
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Suunto X6M
Suunto X6M Black Collection review.For the purpose of this review I will be using the Suunto Core as a reference since most are familiar with it. Let me say, I love my "All Black Core" and I am not trying to belittle it. It is what it is. The Suunto X6M Black Collection has the superior build quality of the Observer with the features of the Core. It uses a dot matrix display that is THE clearest I have ever seen. The font is more rounded than the block type of the Core. It also has sub screens or "shortcuts" on the bottom of each display that can be used to display other information much like the Core.
Read more: Suunto X6M review (1)
Polar AXN500
5 batteries and 3 straps ago, from Asia to the North America and it's still serving me like it did when I first got it - not to mention the original transmitter - whew! I've used this in the tropics backpacking from beaches to 9K+ ft peaks, running, swimming, work, parties ... and the great thing is it helped me monitor, record and improve my fitness. I wish Polar will come up with a second/third generation of AXNs and also replacements for the wrist strap "plates" (those 2 black plastic plates under the strap each secured by 2 screws).
Read more: Polar AXN500 reviews (3)
Polar Equine Wrist Band
The Polar wrist band accessory for the Polar CS 400 and CS 600 heart rate monitor is great way to use you monitor when you are training on a stationary bike at the gym. The monitor clips into the wrist band the same way it clips onto the holder attached to your bike. You can take it with you to the gym or on a hike it makes your monitor more useful.
Reasons to Buy
- Wide wrist band
- Easy to buckle
- Secure
Reasons to Avoid
- A little hard to attach monitor
The Polar wrist band accessory makes your Polar CS400 or CS 600 more useful by allowing you to use it when doing any other activity other than bicycling. The strap is fully adjustable and has a large, easy to use buckle. It's a little difficult to get the monitor to snap in, but once it's in you know it's not going to pop out easily. You may want to wear a wrist band under the strap to help absorb sweat. The accessory is reasonably priced, well built, and easy to use. I have had it for a couple of weeks and use it at the gym when working out on the stationary bike or treadmill.
Read more: Polar Equine Wrist Band review (1)
Polar AXN700
This is an extremely useful bit of gear. I bought the AXN 700 several years ago as I was doing lots of hiking at altitude, and I liked the fact that it would give me both a way to measure my exertion (through heart rate) as well as my progress (through the altimeter). As you would expect from a Polar heart rate monitor, the heart rate and training functions work solidly. The altimeter works reasonably well, about as well as my old Suunto Vector. The compass is iffy at best but these things often are.
Read more: Polar AXN700 reviews (2)
More Reviews of Heart Rate Monitors
Trailspace reviewers have shared 45 reviews of 10 different heart rate monitors.
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Other Types of Watches
Find more watches reviewed in these related categories:
GPS Watches
Compass Watches
Altimeter Watches
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