How to Compare Polar Heart Rate Monitors

Polar is the leading manufacturer of heart rate training monitors. A number of different monitors are available through Polar that have different styles and functions.

Watch Function

• A variety of watch styles are available from Polar.

  The basic purpose of a Polar heart rate monitor watch is to give a constant reading of a person's heart rate. Each monitor will do this, however, Polar has monitors available that will also record your workouts, calculate calories burned, contain body measurement features, give you your target heart range and report your average heart rate for your workout. Each monitor is different so it's important to consider what you need the monitor for and to purchase a Polar monitor that fits your criteria.

Transmitter Function

• Each Polar monitor comes with a transmitter band that you wear around your chest. This transmitter is what is used to actually pick up the heart rate. Two different transmitters are available: Coded and non-coded. Coded means that if you work out at the gym your transmitter will not interact with someone else's, causing inaccurate readings on your watch. That transmitter has its own specific code that will only work with your watch. Non-coded is fine if you will be working out alone in your neighborhood or at home and no one else will be around you with a Polar heart rate monitor. Different sizes of transmitter bands are also available at the time of purchase.

Price

• Prices of Polar monitors can vary depending on what features you choose.

  The price of a Polar heart rate monitor can vary drastically. The more features you desire for your monitor, the higher the cost. A basic RS100 model can cost around $125 for both the watch and transmitter, but if you're a fitness buff who wants all the features you can buy, you might spend up to $300 on the set. It's important to consider what features you definitely need and decide upon a reasonable unit.