Polar H7 Bluetooth 4.0 Heart Rate Sensor Set

For my exercise needs, this is way better than getting a Polar watch.I had a Polar watch for many years, until I lost it. It was expensive and I was reluctant to replace it. So, I then tried Garmin and some other cheaper varieties. They told my HR, but I had always liked the different programmes in the Polar. The heart health tests and so forth.I really didn't want to spend money on another Polar watch. The ones with the features were expensive and I hate the look of sports watches. I wouldn't wear it apart from exercising and it's just not my style. That said, I came across this product and it suits my needs 100%.The app is easy to use and it has all the features on the watch that I like. It connects to a polar website, which is less cool than it sounds. I don't use that very much (at all).Never mind that, the app is fully functional and occasionally updated. You can buy a few extra features on the app, which is an annoying concept, but it's only 12 pounds or so for all of them combined. These features allow for different pre-set regiments. I bought them all to try them, but I don't really use them apart from this real-time cardio v fat burning timer. I don't think you get that if you don't do the in-app purchase.It runs well without any extra costs and it does what it says it does. It keeps track of your HR.It seems to respond to my changes much quicker than the FitBit HR. It also broadcasts the rate to supported exercise machines. It's a strong broadcast as well, because when I'm on the elliptical the surrounding machines display my rate as well.That brings the question as to how would two in the same room perform? Would they get confused? The answer to that is no. I tried this with someone else and their H7 sensor. Mine was broadcasting to the surrounding machines, but the moment they got on a machine next to me, the machine displayed their rate and mine displayed mine. So, no problem if you've an exercise partner with the same kit.

POLAR WATCH & ANALOGUE USE: The Polar H7 sensor allows me to sync to my Polar watch and record my information on the analogue system. I go to the Polar website and easily download my workout info and it stores it all there allowing me to look at the basic stats. It also syncs with many gym tread machines, such as Technogym and sends your heart rate info there.BLUETOOTH USE - The added feature (that i got it for) is it has a Bluetooth sensor which also allows me to sync it to my iphone and record data onto the Polar app (free to download). The latter gives a very basic breakdown of your stats immediately and no need to go home and download the information. (time, date, dur of exercise, calories burned, average heart rate and highest heart rate. It also shows heart rate on a graph for the duration of your activity) Still very a good level of info.Polar wants you to buy upgrades in the app to get more detailed breakdowns - 4 upgrades all at £1.99-2.50 each.1. set specific training targets2. see the effect of your workout in real time3. measure your fitness in 5 minutes4. see how your running performance is developing)But the entry level information the free app offers is more than enough to begin with.FIT & FEELA very nice, comfortable and adjustable strap for all sizes. Easily put on and taken off. Easy to wash and maintain.Note - The H6 version is Bluetooth only, syncs with the iphone app and doesn't have the analogue capability. So if you have a Polar watch, you won't be able to use it with the H6.

I bought this to replace my Zephyr HxM and I chose this model for 3 reasons.Firstly it's Polar, which is a long standing brand with a reputation for making top of the range heart rate monitors.Secondly, it supports Bluetooth 4.0. For those who don't know Bluetooth 4.0 is the low power version of Bluetooth, this means the heart rate monitor will go much longer on a single battery than a standard Bluetooth heart rate monitor. More importantly (for me anyway) it also means it is less of a drain on your phone battery while you are working out - important for those long runs when every battery % counts!Finally rather than being rechargeable this uses a single CR2025 button type battery. My previous heart rate monitor came with a proprietary charging lead which I could never find when I needed it, with this one I can swap the battery out in seconds. No charging connectors and a sealed battery compartment means this is also waterproof so you can use it while swimming, assuming you have a waterproof phone.An added bonus which I wasn't aware of when I ordered mine is that it also supports "gym link" so if your gym has compatible cardio equipment then all the machines will display your heart rate without you having to grip the handles on the machine. Tried it at my gym and it works like magic, you start running/peddling/cross training or whatever and your heart rate is detected in a couple of seconds. You don't have to set it up or anything.Battery life is good, I always unclip one side of the unit from the belt when I'm not using it and I've been on the original battery for months with regular use.Accuracy seems to be spot on with no spurious readings or drop outs during your workout. Comparing workouts I've done using this one and using my old Zephyr this one is much more reliable.Overall very happy, would buy again.Two screenshots attached. One shows the consistent readings from the Polar, the other shows the drop outs I used to get with my old heart rate monitor.