do lidl/aldi still sell a basic heart rate monitor/

ceoexec2

as above. does anyone know if lidl/aldi still sell them and whether they are as accurate as the other brands such as polar etc. if so which stores have them in stock.

im aware that polar have a model for 40-50euro but if anyone knows if there are any other options could they let me know. thanks

TommyKnocker

Hi There

AFAIK these outlets sell Heart Rate Monitors (HRM's) periodically. It is not something that they have all the time. So you will need to keep an eye out on their respective promotional material to see when they are next available.

If you need one straight away, then Argos have some from around €30 up to over €100. See http://www.argos.ie/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Search?storeId=30001&catalogId=1500001801&langId=-1&searchTerms=Heart+Rate+Monitor&Submit=GO+%3E

I know that Elvery's in Suffolk St and the sports department in Arnotts also have some, but I don' have prices for these outlets.


Best Regards,

M

ceoexec2

thanks. do you happen to know if the target ones are accurate and reliable

TommyKnocker

Hi There

Not really sure about the Target model, but I cannot see them being any less accurate than the Lidl/Aldi versions.

I have not used a HRM in some time as I have a Plantar issue so can't run but when I did I used a Polar model and found it really good and had no problems with it. It also worked with a large amount of Gym equipment, so you could get your output on the threadmills etc in most gyms.

The down side with a Polar model is that the batteries in both the wrist unit and chest unit cannot be changed by the user. Both items must be sent back to Polar UK to have the battereies replaced.


Best Regards,

M

ceoexec2

ive been using a basic polar for some time and the batteries are finally starting to fail.

i actually want to get a polar s725 for triathlon training next year which costs around 250euro but currently i just need a basic unit for indoor bike training.

im trying to keep the cost down but am a bit concerned about the quality of the discount store models

getfit

I bought Lidl/aldi HRMs in the past and they were brutal. I'm a big lidl/aldi fan and buy a lot of stuff from both, but the truth is their monitors were very disappointing.

They tended to freeze on a HR and not budge from that number for ages. Another day you could be starting a run at a slow pace and the monitor could show your rate at the high 190's - which I would never reach no matter how fast I ran! Then, minutes later it would go from 198 to 119 in one drop - not possible...

I decided to just pay the money for a basic Polar model and it hasn't given me a moments problem. The Lidl/Aldi monitor cost €20 where the Polar was €60 or €70, but the Polar was worth the extra cash.

arybvtcw0eolkf

B-Builder wrote: »

The down side with a Polar model is that the batteries in both the wrist unit and chest unit cannot be changed by the user. Both items must be sent back to Polar UK to have the battereies replaced.

This was one of the main reason's I chose the Cardiosport GT2.



Although I seem to remember someone saying in this forum that the new Polar's batteries can be changed locally now, however I'm not so sure and for the price charged its certainly something to consider seriously as when you've become used to training with a HRM you'll be lost without it.

brianthebard

Do you use the hrm for your weight training as well as cardio makikomi? I know you wrote a good post before about the benefits of using one.

OP I think there are heart rate monitors in aldi this week for a tenner as part of their 'celebration' of ten years in Ireland. I have no idea if they are any good or not though. I saw them in the pamphlet they have but can't see them on the website.

arybvtcw0eolkf

brianthebard wrote: »

Do you use the hrm for your weight training as well as cardio makikomi? I know you wrote a good post before about the benefits of using one.

Yes, all the time.

You'd be surprised at the difference in HR is between the different lifts, for instance - everyone bangs on about the squat and largely the information posted is correct, but its not until you compare your HR when squating to (without exception) to any other lift that you can appricate how hard your heart is working.

I also time my rest periods between sets to my heart rate and not the clock, or instinct as I used to do.

IMO the benefits of training with a HRM far, far exceeds whatever price you pay for it, it is singularly the most important and beneficial piece of equipment I've purchased for training.

flywheel

B-Builder wrote: »

The down side with a Polar model is that the batteries in both the wrist unit and chest unit cannot be changed by the user. Both items must be sent back to Polar UK to have the battereies replaced.

The Polar WearLink 31 coded transmitter strap you can change the battery, it's the most comfortable strap I've used (made of material) and is easily wash / dry it out, you can buy it seperately or it comes with several of their models now...



You're right about the watch battery... you send it over to the UK and they fit a new battery and do a mini-service on it (water resistance test, functionality test and contact adjustment) which should keep it ticking over... Polar Battery Replacement Info

flywheel

Izaiah Muscular Jibe wrote: »

IMO the benefits of training with a HRM far, far exceeds whatever price you pay for it, it is singularly the most important and beneficial piece of equipment I've purchased for training.

what method(s) do you use for determining your max Heart Rate?

arybvtcw0eolkf

DubFit wrote: »

what method(s) do you use for determining your max Heart Rate?

Are you asking me personally or in general?.

Reason I ask is that its been debated here before and different people agree on different methods.

Personally for me subtracting my age from 220 seem's to give the most accurate - I'm measuring the accuracy from what various pieces of equipment have given me also.

arybvtcw0eolkf

DubFit wrote: »

You're right about the watch battery... you send it over to the UK and they fit a new battery and do a mini-service on it (water resistance test, functionality test and contact adjustment) which should keep it ticking over... Polar Battery Replacement Info

Its a pity thats still the case because its the only downside to the Polar as far as I can see.

Like I've said before, once you become used to training with the HRM its very hard to do without it, I'd hate to have to send my watch off for a replacement battery.

If it was the case that I'd a polar, I'd be damned sure to have a cheaper replacement watch for when the Polar goes away for a battery replacement.

Roper

I used the Lidl one for about 2 years with no problem. No data connection, no record keeping, just the bog standard heart rate on your wrist. For €20 you can't go wrong and the €50 Polars don't really do all that much more. If you want extra functionality you have to move upwards in price. So I'd say if you want a do-the-job model, spend €20. If you want data and feedback, go spend some money.

arybvtcw0eolkf

Roper wrote: »

I used the Lidl one for about 2 years with no problem. No data connection, no record keeping, just the bog standard heart rate on your wrist. For €20 you can't go wrong and the €50 Polars don't really do all that much more. If you want extra functionality you have to move upwards in price. So I'd say if you want a do-the-job model, spend €20. If you want data and feedback, go spend some money.

+1

Can't fault this post.