Heart rate monitor options?

[cwspen]

I will be buying a model D shortly. I'm trying to decide which monitor to get.

I'd like to be able to use the heart rate monitor while running as well.

Am I better to get a PM3, with the $75 add-on HRM, buying a watch to use with it while running.

Buy a PM3, with a whole separate HRM solution.

I don't think the added cost of the PM4 makes sense for me.

[gregsmith01748]

I can't speak for the other options, but I am very happy with the Polar receiver on the PM3. I purchased the chest strap and a watch for running from polar. I use it with the watch on an erg I use at the gym with has a PM2, I use it with the receiver on my erg at home.

It is really useful to have the HR data integrated with the split data from the PM. When I row at the gym, all I really know is the average and max HR for the session. If I'm doing intervals, it is way better to do them on my home machine with the receiver. It's one less thing to think about when I am gasping for breath after I finish a really hard 1000m piece.

I can't speak for the PM4 with Suunto, or the garmin options.

[Carl Watts]

Using the Polar option here. The main disadvantage is the short range of about 6 feet between the transmitter and reciever. The Wearlink belt needs to be REALLY wet before you put it on, however it is very comfortable compared to the old hard plastic chest straps. Other than that no problem.

You can of course just purchase a PM4 and then purchase a separate Suunto watch and you have a similar solution for running as well. The advantage of this system is longer range and the receiver in the PM4 is set-up to match the unique code of the belt.

The PM4 has a rechargable battery in it and more memory for future upgrades as well as the wireless racing with other Ergs that have PM4's. You would have to weigh up if spending the extra is worth it for you.

Recently I got a Model D but stayed with the PM3 as I already had a spare genuine Polar receiver for it. The current consumption on the PM3 is now so low the Alkaline batteries will last for years on standby and as it's plugged into my PC USB port it uses no batteries while I'm rowing so the rechargable battery is not required, hence there were no advantages in going to a PM4 in my case.

[Citroen]

I don't think the added cost of the PM4 makes sense for me.

The added cost of the PM4 includes some "future proofing". The PM4A has a faster processor and more flash memory for firmware. C2 have already stated that the PM3 won't get new features added with firmware updates (although the PM3A did get the variable rest intervals stuff). The PM4/PM4A support for ANT HR belts is a good feature (and more reliable than the Polar receiver dongle (which is an additional cost).

I'd choose a PM4 every time.

[carlb]

I will be buying a model D shortly. I'm trying to decide which monitor to get.
I'd like to be able to use the heart rate monitor while running as well.
Am I better to get a PM3, with the $75 add-on HRM, buying a watch to use with it while running.
Buy a PM3, with a whole separate HRM solution.
I don't think the added cost of the PM4 makes sense for me.

I have a Model D rower with PM3 and the $25 polar module. I also have a SkiErg with PM4 plus got the $25 polar module. I use the HR stuff most workouts.

The cheapest solution is to buy the PM3 plus $25 module. Then buy any polar compatible watch+belt (most use Polar interface). I would not buy Polar, I think they are expensive and limit features unless you pay big $. I've had the Sigma Sport PC-15 HRM for 3 years, it's about $65 on Amazon. I use it on Rower, Bike, Treadmill and I think it's great. Chest strap picks up well for me, watch records good data (Avg,Max,Cal,time in 3 Zones).

The hassle with the C2 polar solution is that you have this external wire and black square stuck under your machine (I stuck mine between feet and it works). See instructions to see wiring http://www.concept2.com/us/support/manu ... nstall.pdf

So if you are going to move the C2 around a lot, or break it in half to store, then that can get in the way and you have to be careful. Has not been an issue for me.

I got the PM4 on the SkiErg because it is the future, the PM3 is dead. Soon PM4 will communicate workout data to ANT watches so you'll see HR data with rowing pace,watts,spm,etc. The included Garmin belt works well for me at picking up HR. I do not have an ANT watch so I only get the basic HR data off the PM4. I don't see any ANT watches that I really like yet (not looked too hard) so I'll probably do some SkiErg work with the Sigma PC-15. For now I use the ANT belt and I'm happy to get HR and know I'm working hard enough.

I would suggest buy the PM4 (because its the futue) plus get the $25 polar module so you can go any way you want. You'll have an ANT belt you can use, plus the option to use almost any HRM watch. The ANT watches C2 sells include a belt so you end up with 2. Their price is fine but I could not find one I wanted. Wish they sold PM4 w/o belt for less.

[cwspen]

Well, I'm still back-and-forth on PM3 Vs. PM4.

On the one hand, PM3 + $75 HRM add-on + $50-ish watch & HRM for running, cycling, etc.

Or, PM4 + $50-ish watch & HRM for running, cycling, etc.

Is there any easy way to find ANT compatible watches? Other than going through the individual specifications of each watch on a website?

I'm just an average guy looking to improve overall health and fitness, so I really only need the basics.

I will not be taking the rower apart or moving it more often than once every six months. It will be in my basement.

I understand the PM3 is EOL and the PM4 is the "way of the future." Having said that, for an average joe, is there anything the PM3 really lacks?

[cwspen]

OK, well I'm anxious to have it waiting for me when I get home from work (gone for 2 weeks) so I just went ahead and ordered the PM4.

Thanks for all the excellent replies everyone!

[sander]

I recently treated myself to a Garmin forerunner 110 and it's an excellent toy for data freak like me for on the water rowing, hiking, cycling and running.

Still erging on a model C with a PM2+heart rate adapter+polar band but thinking of upgrading in a year or so. Would the Garmin work with the PM4?

[Citroen]

I recently treated myself to a Garmin forerunner 110 and it's an excellent toy for data freak like me for on the water rowing, hiking, cycling and running. ...Would the Garmin work with the PM4?

Looks like the Garmin 110 is an ANT based HR system, so the HR strap for it should work with the PM4 (nothing extra needed).