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Cappy
Excelent
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Joined: 16 May 2002
Posts: 27368
Location: Spreadsheetylvania
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 Posted: 01/29/04 - 10:25 Post subject: Product Review: Impulse Strapless Heart Rate Monitor
As some of you may know, I am unable to use to a Heart Rate Monitor with the chest strap due to interference with my defibrillator. Its also very important for me to keep an eye on my HR while I am exercising too. I hadn't been using any device to monitor my heart rates while exercising since I had the defibrillator implanted in August. jrjo found the Impulse strapless HRM that does not use a strap. It has two metal buttons above and below the face of the watch that you place your thumb and forefinger on to get a reading. The watch needs to be worn on either wrist to acquire reading.
To take a reading you put your finger and thumb on the metal buttons and in about 3-5 seconds you will get a reading. It will record up to 20 different readings. The only draw back to this method is that you have to place your finger and thumb on the watch to get a reading, unlike the traditional HRM that gives constant readings
It has a stopwatch, countdown timer, dual time, alarm, and a pacing feature, as well. Its not all that bigger than a standard Timex Ironman watch, and is about the same size and weight.
Suggested Retail is $99.00, I got mine for $79.99 with free shipping. $79.99 seems to be the going price with the searches that I have done in comparison shopping
I used it this morning while I was riding on the trainer and I took five readings, (one at the beginning, and at 5 minute intervals thereafter) all were well within the range that I wanted to be, with room to spare. Like I said earlier, you have to place your fingers on the watch for a reading, which I found a little inconvienent, and I will probably only use this watch while riding inside, I will need to test it out in the warmer weather.
So far I am very happy with it. I am glad I was able to find a HRM sans the strap. The lack of a constant monitoring feature is a bit of a drag, but I knew that before I purchased.
For the price, you are getting a good value, as well as a fully functional watch. I recommend to those who are new to HRM training, or anyone interested in a HRM, but on a limited budget.
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..looks like you'll have to get some aero-bars now for the bicycle, that would make for an easy reach.
