What About That Polar Chest Transmitter Strap?

We are often asked about wearing the chest transmitter strap and whether there are heart rate monitors without a strap. We thought that you would be interested in some comments found in CoolRunning.com. The chest strap is a short wave transmitter that sends short wave signals to the receiver (watch) worn on your wrist. A Polar heart rate monitor shows your heart rate. If you wear a monitor without a chest transmitter, it is a pulse meter and shows your pulse, which is far less accurate and reliable, since you have to stop to take it.

Author	Topic:   Heart rate monitor?
joecarolod Cool Runner	posted Aug-28-2005 06:35 PM             I am considering using a heart rate monitor based on a recommendation by my doctor to not overdo it. I would prefer to get one that does not have a chest strap. Are HRM's without a chest strap accurate? Can anyone recommend one?
goal2run Cool Runner	posted Aug-28-2005 10:06 PM             I have both. I prefer the HRM with the chest strap, it is a continuous read-out, all I have to do is glance at my wrist. With the Mio I have to place my fingers on 2 little buttons and wait for a read-out,, hard to do while running. I don't even notice the chest strap, it's really not a problem.
gooddogs Cool Runner	posted Aug-28-2005 10:16 PM             I just got one two weeks ago. It has a chest strap and I honestly am not bothered by it one bit. I thought I would be. I don't know much about the strapless ones, but have heard they are not as accurate.
oceantrainer Member	posted Aug-29-2005 06:40 PM                The chest strap is easy to get used to. It may take a few runs, but then you 'won't leave home without it'. As far as I know the chest strap is a reliable EKG quality pulse. The finger ones are a finger capillary readout which can read huge errors. Plus, you pretty much need to stop to get a reading; there is to much artifact on the run. Hope this 2 cents helps. Steve

How to Choose the Right Transmitter Size

All Polar heart rate monitors are shipped with a size medium transmitter and belt set

Polar T31 or T31 Coded Transmitter Strap

T31 and T31 Coded Medium is 25" to 54" and fits anyone 120 pounds to 190 pounds
T31 and T31 Coded Large is 27" to 63" and fits anyone over 190 pounds
T31 and T31 Coded Small is 23" to 47" and fits anyone under 120 pounds

Polar WearLink Transmitter Strap

WearLink M- XL is 27’’- 60’’ and fits anyone 120 pounds to 190 pounds
WearLink XXL is 33’’- ’’ and fits anyone 190 pounds or more
WearLink XS -S is 21"- 38" and fits anyone under 120 pounds

Polar OwnCode

Prevents cross-talk from other heart rate monitors

As more and more people use heart rate monitors today, preventing cross talk from other devices in group situations at the gym or when jogging with a friend becomes essential. The unique coded technology blocks unwanted signals from other heart rate monitors, ensuring disturbance-free transmission of your heart rate data.