Sports watch with heart rate monitor. Fitness bracelets with pedometer Women's fitness watches with heart rate monitor
In this article, we choose a sports watch with a heart rate monitor. They have become indispensable companions for athletes and supporters of a healthy lifestyle. The main purpose of the accessory is to record heart rate during training (but sophisticated models also have a number of additional options). Externally, the heart rate monitor looks like a large watch that contains 2-3 (sometimes as many as 4!) types of displayed data.
Additionally, all kinds of sensors can be included with the “watch” (sellers can give buyers bicycle cadence sensors, distance sensors, GPS and others - it depends on the specific configuration).
Why do you need a sports watch with a heart rate monitor?
A heart rate monitor is essential to help you know your heart rate during physical activity. And this will give you the opportunity:
- Choose the right workout pace;
- Find the ideal time for breaks;
- Calculate the duration of breaks and understand what rest time ideally restores your strength.
All watches are programmed to determine your MHR (maximum heart rate) by subtracting your age from 220.
Example. If you are 20 years old, then your maximum heart rate is: 220 - 20 = 200 beats per minute. This indicator is taken as the main one (100%). Next, all numbers are calculated from it (as a percentage).
There are hundreds of manufacturers that supply sports watches to the market. Among them you have probably seen:
- Polar;
- Suunto;
- Oregon;
- CardioSport;
- Sanitas;
- Beurer;
- Sigma SPORT and others.
Each manufacturer has its own line of heart rate monitors. The most famous models for amateurs:
- Suunto M2 Lime. Heart rate monitor with pedometer, clock and alarm functions. There is a chest strap and an analog data transfer sensor. Cost about 5000 rubles;
- Beurer PM15 - this model of a sports heart rate monitor is not equipped with a belt, and heart rate data is determined by touching the touch panel with your finger. Cost 2500 rubles;
- Sigma RC 15.11;
- Beurer PM25 and others.
Professionals choose more expensive products equipped with the following functionality:
- Polar FT80WD+FlowLink;
- Polar RS800CX Bike New;
- Polar CS200cad N.
A small overview of models of hand-held heart rate monitors - click on.
Currently, there is a wide variety of devices that allow you to monitor the condition of a person’s heart. These include fitness bracelets, sports watches, and simply chest straps with a wireless sensor for transmitting information to a phone or tablet. All their functionality can be systematically divided into 13 important points, which we will consider below.
Working hours
The more bells and whistles, the more power-hungry the watch. Without GPS, heart rate monitors use about the same amount of power as a wristwatch. The presence of a GPS sensor accelerates energy consumption (after 7-25 hours of use, recharging will be required).
Mounting method and sensor type
The heart rate sensor can be in the form of a chest strap, which is attached at a minimum distance from the heart.
To understand the principle of operation, let’s highlight the chest strap as the basis that collects information. After which the received information can be transmitted via Bluetooth to:
- Sports wristwatch that directly displays heart rate from a chest sensor;
- A smartphone or tablet that processes information using applications.
Each method has its pros and cons; the watch is convenient due to its compactness and mobility, since it is constantly on the wrist and the athlete can see his pulse at any time. Displaying on a phone does not have such mobility, but you can save results, track a graph of heart rate changes, and much more.
We indicated popular watch models at the beginning of the article, but here are “belt + phone” devices:
1. Samsung EI-HH10NN costs 1950 rubles, works only with Samsung phones.
2. Polar H7 hybrid belt, suitable for any modern smartphones with Bluetooth support, as well as branded Polar watches.
belt Polar H7
An example of how the sensor works with a chest strap:
Touchpad
The pulse is determined by touching a special sensor on the outside of the watch with your finger. This type of heart rate monitor is suitable for amateurs who do not need to track their pulse in real time, but just need to know their heart rate at a certain time.
The efficiency of work is lower, the results are often “off”. But the low cost makes such watches attractive for those who play sports at an amateur level.
Popular representatives: Beurer PM15, Beurer PM18 (model with pedometer).
Sports bracelets with internal sensor
In essence, these are watches, although they are called bracelets. The main difference from the variations described above is that the watch receives heart rate data from a sensor located on the inside of the bracelet. That is, they do not have a chest strap and you do not need to put your finger on the watch.
Fitness bracelet Fitbit Charge HR
Available with or without displays. The main task of a fitness bracelet is to transmit information to a smartphone, where heart rate, pedometer, calorie consumption, etc. metrics are calculated in a special application.
The cost of sports bracelets with a heart rate monitor is higher than a simple watch with a chest sensor, and starts from 10 thousand rubles. For example, the Fitbit Charge HR model costs 11,000 rubles, the popular Polar Loop bracelet costs 10,900 rubles, Samsung Gear S costs 17,360 rubles.
Attention! The cost of heart rate monitor watches varies greatly. The simplest models can be found for 1,500 rubles. The price tag for serious and powerful ones “starts” at 15,000 rubles. The more expensive the model, the more additional functions it has.
The minimum required capabilities are an indication of the training time and a pulse bar. By the way, the pulse line makes the watch popular not only among athletes. The device is necessary for those who suffer from arrhythmia and other diseases of the cardiovascular system.
Pedometer
This feature is often added to watches with a heart rate monitor. It does not have a particular impact on the price, so this item should be considered from the point of view of expediency. If you constantly walk or run, then it makes sense to choose a watch with a pedometer to calculate the distance, number of steps taken, etc.
Additional functions of heart rate monitors
1. Communication with computer
A useful option that will allow you not to manually transfer training information to your diary. This way you save time on entering data. It’s very easy and simple, because everything will be automatic. You just need to install the official program on your computer, connect a heart rate monitor to it and download all the information on the history of your training.
It is possible to log into your personal account on the manufacturer’s website. This will allow you to show data on physical activity to your coach, family and friends.
2. Recording training history
The heart rate monitor remembers the history of your activities: the intensity of the exercises, the time they were performed, heart rate, pulse and other parameters. This is convenient for those who keep a fitness diary, and the hassle of filling out the data is several times less.
For those who work “from time to time” and often throw the diary on the shelf, this option is of no use.
3. Keep track of calories burned
The technique calculates the number of calories burned based on the intensity of the pulse. Of course, this only gives approximate results, so the importance of the option is questionable. It can be used as a kind of “reference point” for further tracking of calorie consumption.
The watch cannot know exactly how much energy a person has spent, because this indicator is influenced by many factors: weight, metabolic rate, ratio of muscles and fat in the body. But, having measured the calorie consumption during the first workout, next time you will be able to know exactly how much you worked out, because the calculation will be based on the same indicators as the first time. And by comparing the results and knowing for sure that the calculation always follows the same formula, you will be able to calculate individual training programs.
4. Lap time and average heart rate
For athletes who train in intervals. This option helps you record how your results change from one section to another. The function can be found even in inexpensive models. But few people use it (due to its specificity).
5. Definition of the “fat burning zone”
The option allows you to understand the actions that will bring the maximum benefit from your workout (the so-called “fat burning zone”). A simple and cheap heart rate monitor will calculate 3 zones. Professional and expensive will “find” up to 5.
Attention! The “fat burning zone” is just an approximate indicator that is calculated by the machine based on certain data. Therefore, do not treat it as a panacea for all ills.
You can calculate this zone yourself. Karvonen's formula will help you (it is what is included in most algorithms). At the same time, you'll stretch your brain a little.
Below is a table with an approximate heart rate, maintaining which will have a beneficial effect on a person’s overall health:
| Maximum heart rate | ||
|
Age |
Beats per minute |
Beats per minute |
| 20 | 100–170 | 200 |
| 25 | 98–166 | 195 |
| 30 | 95–162 | 190 |
| 35 | 93–157 | 185 |
| 40 | 90–153 | 180 |
| 45 | 88–149 | 175 |
| 50 | 85–145 | 170 |
| 55 | 83–140 | 165 |
| 60 | 80–136 | 160 |
| 65 | 78–132 | 155 |
| 70 | 75–128 | 150 |
6. The presence of a sound signal about a change in pulse
This option is ideal for those whose heart rate constantly jumps. As soon as the heart rate rises above the set norm, the device emits a warning “squeak” (or vibrates).
ATTENTION! Another function may be useful for those who are used to feeling sorry for themselves during training. If you slow down the pace of your workouts or start to get lazy, your pulse will “report” this to the heart rate monitor, and it will immediately let you know with a sound signal.
7. Fitness test
It is unlikely that this function will be useful to professionals who know their load, sequence and pace of exercises. It is intended for those who yesterday were lying on the couch, and today made a bold decision to plunge headlong into a healthy lifestyle.
The heart rate monitor invites you to undergo a short test (like in famous fitness centers). After analyzing the results, the device “produces” an exercise program suitable for your level of training.
Attention! You cannot “overload” the body with sudden kilometers of running and lifting weights of 20 kg. The increase in load should be gradual. A fitness test will show you which one exactly.
8. The same GPS
A sports watch with GPS function is truly something worth recommending. Without this option, it is impossible to imagine morning jogging, cycling, race walking or other active sports where you need to move around the area. Thanks to built-in sensors, the system will notify you:
- About the number of kilometers traveled;
- About the average speed of movement;
- About the specifics of the climb and other characteristics.
Slope and elevation information is only available on devices with a barometric altimeter. But you shouldn’t take them as truth: during training, the equipment will show you data that is 2-3 times inflated. When you connect to your computer, the system will polish up the information and give you the correct information.
GPS is only available on watches that work directly with a phone or save data to a computer. On simple heart rate monitor models that are designed to work only with watches, you will not find such a function.
9. Ability to create “your own workouts” + change workouts
Another “professional” option that athletes need to reach the next height. It allows you to set the pace and features of the workout, speed up or slow down from a given pace. The technology will tell you when it's time to speed up or slow down.
Another option for the “advanced” is changing the workout. Suitable for those who manage to ski, run and swim to their heart's content in one lesson.
10. Screen customization
Another option for everyone. Individual settings allow you to refine the data you need during training (up to 12 parameters). Thanks to them, you can control your body's signals.
The question is whether it is worth paying more for such a “pleasure”: the additional customization function will automatically “heighten” the cost.
Finally, a small table describing the main manufacturers.
Other brands are less known to customers, so there is no point in presenting them. But most of the “dark horses” are created for those who deny innovation and advocate conservatism in every detail.
A smart watch with a heart rate monitor provides the user with the ability to control the frequency of contraction of the heart muscle, which is necessary for complete confidence in a correct and safe workout. Externally, the accessory looks like an ordinary wristwatch, the case of which is made of metal or plastic, and the strap with adjustable length is made of silicone, polyurethane or leather. Smart watches with a heart rate monitor have a display with sapphire or mineral glass that is scratch-resistant.
Why do you need to measure your pulse?
Pulse is the main indicator of physical activity. A smart sports watch with a heart rate monitor makes it clear when you can increase the load and when it should be reduced so as not to harm the body. Knowing your resting heart rate and its maximum value, you can determine the range of the cardio zone in which you can achieve good results.
How do smartwatches with heart rate monitor work?
A watch with a heart rate monitor should be worn tightly on your wrist to avoid distorting the measurement results. The device has a built-in optical sensor that records the filling of blood vessels at the moment the heart contracts and can count the number of beats.
Additional functions
Buying a smart watch with a heart rate monitor means purchasing a multifunctional device. This gadget allows you to receive notifications about incoming and missed calls, social network messages and emails. Many models have a built-in calendar, as well as a calorie counter and mood indicator, atmospheric pressure sensor, accelerometer, gyroscope and geomagnetic compass. Some are equipped with a sleep monitoring option.
Where to buy a smart watch with a heart rate monitor?
A wide range of such accessories at an affordable price is presented in the catalog of the Eldorado online store. Delivery is carried out in Moscow and in the regions. You can place an online order on the website at any time of the day.
A fitness bracelet with a pedometer is a compact device with which you can easily and quickly count the number of steps taken. The body of the accessory is made of aluminum (or other metal) or plastic, and the strap, the length of which can be adjusted, is made of rubber, silicone, plastic or leather. Smart bracelets with a pedometer are compatible with mobile devices that run on the Android, IOS and Windows Phone platforms.
As a rule, on the front side of fitness bracelets equipped with a pedometer, there is an AMOLED, OLED, E-ink display, which displays information about the measurements taken. In addition to the number of steps taken, the gadget can also calculate the number of calories burned during physical activity, determine the phase of sleep, which is necessary to improve its quality, and set a smart alarm clock. Many models are additionally equipped with a gyroscope, heart rate monitor, thermometer and atmospheric pressure sensor.
Pairing with a mobile device is carried out via a built-in Bluetooth module. Thanks to it, the bracelet can send the user notifications about incoming and missed calls, messages received via email and social network chats, as well as SMS.
Where to buy a fitness bracelet with a pedometer?
A large selection of fitness bracelets with a pedometer, made in different designs and colors, is presented in the catalog of the Eldorado online store. We offer favorable prices for gadgets, as well as delivery and pickup in Moscow and other cities of Russia.
Leading a healthy lifestyle is a plan for every Monday and a promise that millions make to themselves before going to bed on Sunday. And in the morning, after the first one, with muscle pain, lethargy and apathetic fatigue, this decision takes the opposite turn. There is nothing good in this way of life and there is neither desire nor need to lead it when it is so painful and unpleasant.
But the whole point is in the incorrect organization of sports training. Selecting the intensity of the load and setting the right pace so that the activity brings not only benefit, but also pleasure - tasks that must be approached with the utmost seriousness. In a world where digital technologies are deeply rooted in every sphere, sports are no exception. We bring to your attention a review of men's and women's sports watches with a heart rate monitor, stopwatch, blood pressure monitor and pedometer.
What are sports accessories for?
During training, it is impossible to objectively assess the state of the body.. Fatigue, increased heart rate and, as a result, problems with blood pressure and general fatigue cause health problems. In this regard, it is recommended to play sports using special devices that are designed to monitor the state of the body during training.
Sports watches - a new product in the world of gadgets - perform all these functions. A heart rate monitor, pedometer and blood pressure monitor, which are built into such an accessory, effectively and accurately track all vital signs and inform its owner about it. Such a device allows you to:
- Set the right workout pace;
- Determine the optimal time for rest and its intervals;
- Calculate the duration of rest, which will completely restore strength.
The use of a heart rate monitor is to determine the level of vibrations in the walls of blood vessels, which is individual for each person.
It is he who determines the moment when it is better to stop all physical activity.
The pedometer helps to track and control the amount of distance traveled and create an individual load schedule, gradually increasing the mileage.
It is a confirmed fact that Every day to maintain vigor and health you need to take 11,000 steps. If the goal is to lose excess weight, then this figure should be increased to 13,000 - 16,000 per day.
And finally, a tonometer is a device for measuring blood pressure.
The sensor in the watch will measure the pressure in the largest artery in the body - the aorta, which is located closest to the heart and brain. In case of excessive physical activity, this indicator determines the critical point when the activity should be stopped urgently in order to prevent the occurrence of a stroke or heart attack.
Criteria for choosing a sports watch
The range of sports accessories is so large that it is extremely difficult to decide on a device that will suit each individual lifestyle. When choosing a sports watch, consider the following features:
- Operating time - the more functions they perform, the more energy they spend, which means they require frequent and long-term recharging;
- Synchronization - the ability to connect to mobile platforms and operating systems;
- The notification method is a sound signal that warns of the approaching critical point. It is better if the watch is equipped with a notification via vibration;
- Accuracy of displayed data;
- Waterproof;
- Impact resistance;
- Design.
The functionality of sports watches is not limited to devices that measure steps, pulse and blood pressure. If you wish, you can purchase a watch that will record your workout history, keep track of calories burned, determine your “fat burning zone,” as well as conduct a fitness test and determine your own training program based on your level of physical fitness. It is worth remembering that a watch is only a mechanism, and the indicators it produces are purely mathematical calculations based on numerical data.
Sports watch manufacturers
Among the huge number of manufacturers, the following have earned a reputation for quality and functionality:
Polar is a Finnish manufacturer that has been on the market for 30 years. The watches of this company are distinguished by their relatively high cost and wide range of functions. The initial cost of such watches is 130 USD.
Casio- versatility and innovation are the distinctive qualities of the brand's watches. It was this company that pioneered the production of sports watches with a pedometer. The cost varies from 100 USD. up to 450 USD
Вeurer- German manufacturer of sports watches. Depending on your financial capabilities, you can purchase both the budget version PM18, which costs about 100 USD, and the more expensive and functional PM200, the price of which is 500 USD.
Suunto is a Finnish manufacturer whose sports watches are distinguished by their versatility and quality. One of the most expensive in its segment and the purchase will cost 200 USD.
Torneo is a Chinese company that produces very high-quality sports products at an affordable price. Sports watches with a basic set of functions are priced at 125 USD.
Video review of Suunto sports watches:
The choice of a sports watch with a heart rate monitor, pedometer and blood pressure monitor should be based on the range of additional functionality. After all, sometimes basic functions are enough, and frills will only increase the cost without adding an ounce of usefulness.
Basic rules of use
In order for a sports watch to correctly display the necessary data, you must adhere to the rules and operating instructions. Individual recommendations have been developed for each model, but there are also common ones for all.
Blood pressure is calculated by the sensor based on a baseline value that is entered manually. This data must be regularly updated and entered with special care, because this will reduce the error of readings to a minimum.
Basic indicators are those that include data at rest and after physical activity. Please note that you need to perform the exercises that are listed in the instructions. When setting up a pedometer, the necessary parameters will be the average step length, body weight and age.
The principle of operation of a sports watch is to supply impulses through the back cover, so it is important that it fits snugly.
The hand must be left, only in this case you can expect reliable data.
Of course, you shouldn't expect a sports watch to perform magic when you put it in your pocket or wear it over a thick sleeve.
Smart watch with heart rate monitor Not uncommon in 2017, almost every smartwatch manufacturer has taken care of a heart rate sensor in their device. This is not surprising; the function is really necessary, and sometimes even critically important, especially for athletes and for people with heart disease. Athletes have a unique opportunity to regulate their training, adjusting to the appropriate heart rate zone depending on the training goal.
Such a huge assortment of smart watches with a heart rate monitor on the market makes the buyer at a loss in choosing, for this, to ease the pain of choice, we have made the TOP 7 smart sports watches with a heart rate sensor.
Herzband Elegance
Editor's rating: 
Average price – $70
Estimated life time: 5 days
Herzband is a brand that is confidently gaining popularity in the CIS, it has gained fame for its ability to measure pressure, or rather, calculate it based on heart rate readings. These are the best at the moment.
Design. They have a classic design, a round dial with a mechanical button on the right, a leather strap complements the classic ambiance.
Functionality and characteristics. The display is monochrome and has a fairly low brightness reserve. The controls are convenient, they can be turned on by turning the wrist, but there is no voice control. Receive notifications from all messenger applications. Tracks all physical activity, like any other fitness tracker. They have a fairly low brightness reserve; in sunny weather it will be difficult to make out anything.
Our editorial testing has shown that The watch's heart rate monitor works properly.
Advantages:
- pressure measurement;
- stylish design
- low price
Flaws:
- low display brightness reserve
- no GPS
Verdict: A good option for those who are looking for a budget option for a smartwatch with a heart rate monitor that has a classic design and the functionality of a fitness tracker.
Editor's rating:
Average price – $200
Estimated life time: 25 days
Design and interface.Withings Steel HR has a truly “Swiss” watch design; it is only revealed by a small OLED display, which is designed to show all the watch’s notifications. Using a mechanical button, it switches between Withings Steel HR screens, where you can view your heart rate, steps and calories.
Functionality and characteristics. The main advantage of the watch is its record life time, which is 25 days in active mode, an incredible result for a modern smartwatch. To achieve such results, sacrifices had to be made, and this sacrifice was the display, which received a very small size. But it is worth noting that it copes with all its functions perfectly. Due to the bright backlight, all information is clearly perceived even on a small display.
Another interesting feature is the high water protection, which is 5 ATM. This allows the watch to be submerged to a depth of 50 meters. The watch is equipped with a soft silicone strap, which will allow you to dive with the watch in the pool and at sea.
The “brains” of the device are not too far behind the design and amaze with their functionality. So, they can independently determine what type of physical activity you are currently doing (paired with a connected smartphone), determine the stages of sleep, but without a smart alarm clock.
The operation of the heart rate monitor in the watch quite accurate, but during intense training the data is distorted.
Advantages:
- record life time
- stylish design
- high degree of protection against water
Flaws:
- inconvenient controls
- no GPS
- inconvenient charging
- The heart rate monitor does not cope with intense workouts
Verdict: An excellent option for a smartwatch with a heart rate monitor and pedometer for those who appreciate classic style and do not like to charge gadgets.
Editor's rating:
Average price – $150
Estimated life time: 11 days
Xiaomi AmazFit Pace is the first smartwatch from the famous Chinese brand, which went on sale quite recently, at the beginning of 2017. They have already gained a lot of fans around the world due to their stylish design and fitness tracker capabilities. In this review, we are interested in precisely these capabilities and, in particular, the operation of the heart rate monitor.
Functionality and characteristics. Xiaomi AmazFit is not just a smart watch with a heart rate monitor, it is also a good GPS-tracker, capable of tracking your movements. This combination of functionality should be appreciated by lovers of jogging in the fresh air. It should be noted here that when GPS is turned on, battery life is reduced from 5 days to one day, and in domestic use the manufacturer promises work up to 11 days, which is a very impressive indicator with such a display.
Another interesting feature of the watch is the presence of memory - 4 GB, where you can store music that you can listen to using a wireless headset.
Among other things, the watch has standard functions for tracking sleep, steps, and calories burned. There is no smart alarm clock, there is only a regular vibration alarm clock. Heart rate monitor operation I was very pleased; a series of comparative tests with chest heart rate monitors did not reveal any serious errors.
Design and interface. Xiaomi AmazFit Pace boasts a rich display where you can easily view basic data; the brightness is adjusted automatically due to the built-in sensor. At the same time, the display has a number of control disadvantages. First, the gadget does not support voice control, and second, to activate the display you need to press the small mechanical button in the upper right corner.
Like any smartwatch, Xiaomi AmazFit Pace can receive notifications from applications. Unfortunately, this area has not been fully developed. Thus, the “Reply” and “View conversation” functions do not function. The interface is presented only in English or Chinese.
Advantages:
- Availability of GPS
- high quality display
- long life time
Flaws:
- inconvenient display activation
- flawed notification software
- no support for Russian language
Verdict: An excellent option for those who prefer a sporty design and do a lot of outdoor activities.
Average price – $375
Estimated shelf life: up to 4 days
Design and interface. The watch was released in two design options, which are noticeably different, but at the same time quite similar. Samsung Gear S3 Frontier is a brutal version, similar to what we see on the covers of magazines with harsh models. The Samsung Gear S3 Classic is a timeless classic design, smaller than its larger sibling and not as shock and shock resistant, while the Frontier version is MIL-810G protected.
One of the main features and the main control feature of this watch is the “bezel”, this is a rotating ring around the watch, with the help of which gadgets are controlled. This solution turned out to be very successful and simplified interaction with the device by an order of magnitude.
The watch uses a standard strap that can be easily unfastened and replaced with yours. The body is made of high quality 316L steel.
Display with the SUPER AMOLED matrix there are no complaints, all data is readable without any problems in any lighting.
Functionality and characteristics. The watch runs on its own Tizen platform, which is noticeably more convenient than Android Wear. There are fewer applications here, but they are quite enough for everyday use.
Like any fitness tracker, the watch can track steps, calories, and sleep. Interesting features include determining the lifting height, as well as the ability to compete with friends in the number of steps. To evaluate all the fitness capabilities of the watch, you need to use the S Health application, which is only available for the Galaxy series from Samsung. Such exclusivity is an undoubted disadvantage of the gadget.
The watch has GPS and Glonass, which can remember your route. Separately, I would like to note that there is a version with LTE, which will allow you to call directly from the watch without a smartphone. A pleasant advantage of the gadget is its long operating time, taking into account the huge number of functions that require battery energy.
The third generation of guiaras has noticeably improved heart rate measurements, which is why the watch is included in our TOP. The heart rate monitor works correctly even during intense movement.
Advantages:
- display
- Availability of Wi-Fi and GPS
- convenient control
- MIL-810G protection in Frontier version
Flaws:
- Samsung's proprietary fitness app is only available for the Galaxy series
Verdict: An ideal option for everyday use at work, in the gym, on vacation, if you also have a Galaxy smartphone from Samsung.
Average price – $350
Estimated shelf life: up to 2 days
Polar is the 2nd company from this TOP, which came not from the world of technology, but from the world of sports watches. And this fact significantly influenced the Polar M600 model in terms of functionality.
Design and interface. The design of the watch is sporty and futuristic, the case is made of plastic, there are metal inserts on the sides, and the strap is made of silicone. The design is very much for everyone’s taste and will not appeal to everyone, plus the device is already quite bulky.
The main control is via the touch screen, there are also two mechanical buttons, on the left there is a “Stop” or “Back” button, below the display there is a button responsible for starting the workout.
Display juicy and bright, but in direct sunlight it is difficult to read data.
Functionality and characteristics. The watch is based on Android Wear, which means that more than 4,000 applications for various purposes will be available to the owner. Fitness capabilities are implemented through Google Fit and a special Polar Flow service, which records all the information about the training performed, and you can also schedule them there. The service is very good and will appeal to many athletes.
Runners and cyclists will appreciate the presence of a full-fledged GPS. Another nice feature of the gadget is that it is waterproof and can be submerged up to 10 meters, which is more than enough for a swimming pool.
Due to the 6-LED sensor, the heart rate monitor can compete in accuracy with chest-mounted heart rate meters. During testing, the heart rate monitor did not cause any complaints.
One of the unpleasant features is the short lifespan of the gadget, only 8 hours in training mode and 2 days in normal mode with Android, but with iPhone will only work for a day.
Advantages:
- Availability of Wi-Fi and GPS
- proprietary software for sports activities
Flaws:
- design for everyone
- short period of life
Verdict: A good option for professional athletes who need the most functional smartwatch.
Apple Watch Series 2
Average price – $400
Estimated life time: one day
It’s not for nothing that watches from the legendary brand are included in most reviews of smart watches and fitness trackers. Apple Watch Series 2, as a watch with a heart rate monitor, also did not disappoint.
Design and interface. The design is quite futuristic and not everyone will like it, but at the same time many will find it very attractive. It is presented in the shape of a rectangle with rounded corners. There are two control buttons on the right side. The number of varieties of straps is amazing in variety; the case itself is presented in the main material options: aluminum, steel, and ceramics. The updated version now has quick access to the necessary applications via a button, which makes control quite convenient.
Display juicy and bright, all data can be read without any problems in any weather. There is an automatic brightness adjustment sensor, the operation of which can be adjusted in the settings.
Functionality and characteristics. Apple Watch Series 2 is a true multifunctional machine among smartwatches, which can do almost everything that a modern smartwatch can provide. Briefly by functions:
- Ability to answer calls and receive messages;
- Tracking the physical activity of the wearer;
- Supports many additional applications from the App Store;
- Measuring calories burned, steps taken, heart rate
- Recording the route traveled using GPS
- Internet access via Wi-Fi
The watch boasts not only the usual Bluetooth and GPS modules, but also a Wi-Fi module that allows you to access the Internet directly from the gadget. The gadget is waterproof, it can be used in the pool, and even a separate functionality has been created for this purpose that tracks strokes.
All the perfection of the watch is killed by its lifetime, which is one day, which is an anti-record for this top, and it’s difficult to find smart watches in 2017 who live so little.
The app for measuring heart rate is very primitive and is suitable only for lovers of an active lifestyle, but not for professionals. But it is worth noting that The heart rate monitor works flawlessly. Moreover, an independent scientific study conducted at Stanford showed the error of the heart rate monitor on an exercise bike is only 2%, which is comparable to the electrocardiogram data; for walking, the figure was slightly higher than 2.5%.
Advantages:
- wide selection of applications
- Availability of GPS and Wi-Fi module
- juicy display
Flaws:
- very short period of life
- high price
Verdict: An excellent option for those iPhone owners who require the widest range of capabilities from a smartwatch.
Estimated life time: 9 days in watch mode, 11 hours in training mode with GPS
The ForeRunner series of watches is designed for running, as clearly evidenced by the name of the same name. The Garmin ForeRunner 235 is one of the best value for money running heart rate watches on the market. This model is suitable for both professionals and amateur runners who need much more than the functionality of a regular fitness tracker, but at the same time need a watch for everyday use.
Design and interface. The design of the ForeRunner 235 is made in a sporty style and they will not match a formal suit to emphasize the status of the wearer. But they will fit perfectly into any other wardrobe and not just sports ones.
Display quite large and bright, all notifications and data can be read without any problems, even in the sunniest weather. Control is carried out by 5 mechanical buttons, which is quite convenient in rainy weather. The entire interface is intuitive and does not require much time to understand. Russian language is supported.
Functionality and characteristics. The watch is equipped with GPS and the GLONASS system, which made it possible to introduce a wide range of capabilities; in addition to the classic data on steps, calories and sleep, it offers a number of other options. As they run, they can show an estimated finish time based on their current momentum. They will evaluate the training effect of the lesson. They will predict your best result based on the data already received. They will give recommendations for post-workout rest. Supports cycling training.
Also, many will find it useful to assess VO2 max to assess the effectiveness of the training process in athletics.
Additional amenities include smart notifications and music control on your smartphone. This is also the only smartwatch with a heart rate monitor suitable for this review.
Heart rate monitor operation does not cause any complaints even with intensive training. It is possible to track heart rate zones.
Advantages:
- Availability of GPS/Glonass
- Windows Phone support
- advanced features for running training
Flaws:
- not suitable for a formal suit
- lack of app store and internal memory
Verdict: An excellent option for those who are engaged in professional running training.
