Both Garmin and Polar have been in healthy competition for quite some time now in the heart rate monitor market. Though the Polar Company have had an upper hand over all its rivals, Garmin have fast become a force to be reckoned with. Polar have been around since the first EKG monitor came out in 1977. By the early 90′s, they had people running for their products. Garmin on the other hand were originally in the GPS market but have focused their resources to this industry and it has paid off. This year alone, they are releasing two new heart rate monitors, the Garmin FR60 and 310XT. The following is a short review on the Garmin 310 and the FT80 Polar Heart Watch.
Garmin 310XT
The first water-proof GPS heart monitor which one can wear while swimming is this Garmin monitor. You can expect this model to set the new standards for heart rate monitoring devices. It accurately shows training as well as heart rate data on its wide display screen. Another positive aspect to this heart monitor is that it can also monitor running and cycling data. Triathletes need to have vital statistics and data in order to improve their performance. This is the ideal tool! It will also handily attach itself to the bicycle’s handlebar.
Polar FT80 Overview
The FT80 Polar Heart Watch is a stunning piece of technology. Its revolutionary designs set it above most other competitors. The FT80 is definitely no ordinary heart rate monitor with innovative features such as the inbuilt training computer. This helps the user get the maximum efficiency out of their workouts ensuring no time and energy is wasted. It has target zones to monitor heart rate in averages and has Polars’ unique OwnZone and ZonePointer features. These ensure that you stay within the limits of your workouts. In some ways, it is a safety measure.
Downside
The downside to both the Garmin 310 and the FT80 Polar Heart Watch is price. They both carry quite a price tag. The other problem that may get to users is size. Both the heart monitors look like over sized watches. However, these are not design flaws.
Overall Assessment
In general, both models, the Garmin 310 and Polar FT80, include all the features that will satisfy your needs. For indoor training the FT80 Polar Heart Watch is ideal, and the 310XT provides stunning performance outdoors. Both Garmin and Polar monitors offer exceptional strength, quality and durability.