POLAR FT7 Heart Rate Monitor

I tried the Garmin Forerunner 15, it was just too much work to get the basics....heart rate, time, calories. Plus, the one I bought never wanted to sync up correctly. So back to the re recreational equipment store....I don't want to waste a bunch of time with it. Plus, I'm not a runner and don't need that aspect.So the Polar FT7....this is the HRM for me, hands down. With about 30 secs of set up entering your personal details, it's ready to go. And guess what? You push a button and it all starts working, giving you exactly the info you want! And very easy to follow, very intuitive to navigate. The instruction sheet....super simple to follow vs. the BOOK Garmin sends you. Come on...if it isn't intuitive....I don't want it.I simply wanted my heart rate, calories burned. It offers up your avg and max, as well as time spent in day burning range and time spent in fitness range. Really, I can't ask for more, nor do I care about more.If you just need the core details, this is the one.Fit and function.....superb. The wrist band is quality and has more adjustments for fit than the population would ever need. Not the case with Garmin's large, which was almost too small for me and that is typically not the situation for me. The watch is easy to read. Certainly wouldn't be bothered to wear it as my watch going somewhere. Buttons are a little sharp on the fingers, but not a big deal. The chest strap has plenty of adjustment and seemed very comfortable to me. Also sync'd up easy and provided accurate rates. Side note: I read a test of numerous HRMs and this FT7 was the most accurate when comparing to an EKG monitor. I would concur.Zero complaints.

I absolutely LOVE this Heart Rate Monitor!! A bit of background: MANY Years ago, I began with the Polar FT1, & that served me Well, & I continue to consider the FT1 a Great HRM. About 3 years ago, I decided to "Upgrade" to the FT7 (which still works, Btw); Then recently, I just wanted to make sure my FT7 is in great condition, so I bought this 2nd FT7.If any of you are "on the fence" about using an HRM, I Very Much Encourage you to take the plunge. First of all, it will encourage you to work out, & to work out at the most effective intensity; Secondly, it will make your workouts EASIER!:: MOST people tend to drive themselves a lot Harder in their workouts than is beneficial (I Still do that!), & for this, an HRM lets you RELAX--knowing that your workout intensity remains in the ZONE that has the Greatest Fitness Benefit -- exactly for YOU.Polar's FT7 has been around a LONG time, which is why that company attempts to steer you to one of their more recent devices. I disagree with that because, in my opinion, the FT7 was the high-water mark of Polar's development, and until they come out with something dazzling, why try to improve upon Excellence? (Plus, it would only cost you more--with questionable benefit).I will close for now with 4 Brief Tips: •As you can see by the other reviews, limited battery-life is a primary complaint that people have about Heart Rate Monitors. I recommend that you attach the transmitter _JUST_ Before your workout; Then when you're done, DETACH the transmitter from the elastic strap & Dry the transmitter thoroughly with a paper towel -- A wet transmitter Continues to use the battery; •Secondly, Polar has made the 2 batteries on the FT7 replaceable for good reason!: Be prepared to replace them so your FT7 will provide a long, productive life; •Thirdly, for most people, the transmitter's signal works Fine when there's a damp contact with your skin; but seein's how I always tend to maximize everything, I like to increase the wetness of the contact by adding the inexpensive  Spectra 360 Electrode Gel - Parker Laboratories - 8.5 oz Tube - (Pack of 3)  "Spectra Gel." •And 4thly, As Noted in other comments, the FT7's Strap can inconveniently unhook at times. Here's an Easy Solution:: I just added a few stitches--attaching the ends, & now I put it on over my head; Works _Perfectly_! :) {Just restitch if it eventually loosens a bit.}My main workouts consist of just starting to jog on whatever street I happen to find myself ... but note also that if you are wearing the FT7 transmitter at a gym, the machines there will automatically & accurately display your heart rate! Totally Cool!Well, that's all I can think of at the moment; I'll add an update if I think of one.If you have a question or comment, please leave it in the comments section & I will be happy to respond! Cheers! Chuck

This is a very good, fairly basic Monitor. It is easy to set up, easy to use and easy to maneuver through all fields. There are monitors on the market that will do many more things, but for a high quality reasonable priced unit it works very well. You will track heart rate, workout time, time in fat burn heart rate, time in fitness heart rate, calories burned, maximum heart rate in session and average heart rate in session. It will keep files for comparison and weekly totals that are very easy to access and review. it's a pretty simple unit that works well. The strap is not uncomfortable at all. While training you can raise your wrist to the sensor and you can see the watch time. What I like is the longevity of the battery life and the fact the batteries can be changed very easily (very common batteries as well). You can swim with it also. I accidently ran the chest strap (without the sensor) through the washing machine and it didn't hurt it. Don't do that, just rinse it like the instructions tell you too.If you want all the bells and whistles you may not like it. If you are looking for a unit as I just described then this is perfect.I feel it does what almost anyone looking for a good basic rugged Monitor will do.It makes training at and maintaining your goal heart rate very easy. Display is very good and can be set to show heart rate alone big enough to see without glasses, a plus when swimming.I feel it does everything I will want for quite a while.

Gostei do produto. Monitor cardiaco excelente.

Does the job

Do not buy this product as within 2 months of buying the product it stopped displaying the heart rate. The product has one year warranty. I contacted amazon and since 4 weeks I am following up with this issue. So Amazon has a policy that after 30 days of buying the product the seller is no longer responsible for replace/refund or repair. You have to contact the manufacturer, in this case the manufacturer is not answering the phone. And Amazon has no clue or policy in place when a products is under warranty and has stopped working. I wish I had bought the product from Croma who are very efficient in customer service. Moral of the story do not buy electronic products online.

The unit works well, watch looks very nice and easy to read. Occasionally the heart rate monitor cannot pick up signal but not very often.

I Lover my ft7. I really like knowing my fat burn and fitness burn...Knowing how many calories I burned always motivates me. I also like seeing my heart rate while doing my dvd workouts, cycling, and playing my favorite racket sport. Most of all, I love swimming laps with it. As long as the softstrap is snug it keeps track of everyything perfectly. Has not failed me ever. It doesn't count laps but there are other devices for that and there are problems with many of those devices so I have read. I don't mind keeping track of my laps. I think this is a great activity tracking watch.