Polar Ft1 Heart Rate Monitor

I have brief cardiac arrhythmia episodes once or twice every three months but can't feel it when my heart rate speeds up to 200 beats per minute, or higher, without some type of heart rate measurement device. By wearing my Polar FT1 while I'm awake, even though I might not know it when my heart rate sky-rockets, my Polar FT1 catches it and keeps track of it. It keeps a record of my average heart rate and maximum heart rate each day and allows me to enter that data into a file on my laptop computer which shows both the numerical data and a 2-D bar graph of that data to show my cardiologist at my check-ups. The Polar FT1's data matches the same data gathered by the EKG machine in my doctor's office and in my hospital's fitness center, where I work out, so its accuracy is exceptional. The Polar FT1 is easy to put on each day, easy to operate (I just put it on when I'm dressing, turn it on when I'm dressed, turn it off and take it off when I get ready for bed, gather that day's average heart rate and maximum heart rate, and key it into my laptop computer's file for that date), and it is comfortable to wear all day. With Amazon.com's great price, which is lower than Polar's price or the prices offered by some of the other on-line retailers who sell these great devices, I can afford to gather this much needed data economically, The built-in batteries in the Polar FT1's transmitter unit and the wristwatch-like receiver/recording unit last for approximately one year of waking-hours-use the way I use them. The wristwatch functions of the receiver/recording unit are helpful and easy to use. Most people assume it is just my digital wristwatch and never know it is performing a very helpful and necessary function for me and my cardiac health. The Polar FT1 also performs exceptionally well with my cardiac fitness program by allowing me to constantly monitor my heart rate while I'm exercising and warning me if my heart rate gets too high while I'm exercising (or if it gets too low while I'm resting or relaxing). It does a lot for me and my cardiac health for not a lot of money. Thanks Polar and Amazon.com!!

My goal was to get a low cost monitor that works with most gym equipment but also has a watch to monitor heart rate when walking or biking. The more up-to-date optical and bluetooth versions won't work with the majority of gym equipment that is still out there. Only the newest equipment has bluetooth capability. So, this chest monitor and watch fit my needs perfectly. The chest monitor fits perfectly and doesn't slip down at all. Just be sure to pre-wet the back of the monitor (per instructions) to get the best connectivity and results. I haven't had any "connection lost" issues so far. Also be aware the battery will go dead at some time (months? years?) and there is no way besides some extreme DIY to change it out, so you'll have to buy another strap at that time (around $40). They claim battery life of around 5 years. Let's hope so.. The watch is fine but the strap is pretty cheap. I wish they had put a bit more attention into it. Its not very flexible and just barely fits my wrist, which isn't large for a guy. The one-button design is fine, but not very intuitive, so you have to get used to how it works. As far as I know, the battery is replaceable for the watch. Overall, I am pleased and it seems to accurately monitor heart rate both on the watch and on machines I have tried, all for a budget price.

I wanted a heart monitor because I have exercise induced tachycardia and wanted to keep my pulse below a certain limit during biking and walking sessions. When I first put the device on, in my home, it appeared to function properly for several hrs. , its number agreeing with the pulse I measured in the traditional way. After about a half hr. biking, the display stopped flashing, and a number nowhere near my pulse was steadily displayed. Resetting back to EXE produced about the same results. A number, non blinking, would appear on the screen, and would not be anywhere near my pulse. This number would occasionally change, sometimes to one fairly close to my pulse, but most of the time, it was way off. I tried several sessions and got pretty much the same results. Returning the monitor was easily done, but I was surprised the item was listed as used in the return info. I thought I had ordered a new one.I purchased the exact same model from another company but through Amazon, and made sure it was described as "new". I didn't get a different model because all I want the device to do is to tell me my heart rate and do not need any other functions. The second polar FT1 did just about the same thing as the first, except it was easier to reset in the EXE mode. It also would stop flashing, and display a number that was not my heart rate. I sent it back (again easily done) and am still looking for a heart monitor. I have a fairly irregular heart beat, perhaps is me.