What To Look For
Display is key, second only to available functions, in a heart rate monitor watch. You want high visibility to check your readings as you move. Look for good contrast between the background and display, large numbers and function buttons. For the watch, needed features include a high and low heart rate setting, an alarm to indicate when you leave the target zone and a time in zone function. The chest strap needs good contact points to obtain an accurate reading. The Predator contains them all. Additional features might include options that meet personal needs--such as stopwatch, time mode, 24-hour clock, calorie counter or lap counter.
Common Pitfalls
Heart rate monitor watches are an item you grow into. As your fitness level increases, you will have greater need for monitoring features you might have ignored in the beginning. The less expensive Freestyle model has fewer features than the Predator. Those features are worth the extra few dollars, even to beginners. Freestyle was a predecessor to Sports Instruments. Locating a used Freestyle product is extremely difficult. Repair or replacement parts might be impossible because of the company changing ownership and lack of product availability.
Where To Buy
Freestyle heart rate monitor watches are scarce. Amazon.com has a limited availability. Edgewear.com carries the unisex Predator model. SierraTradingPost.com carries a stripped-down, inexpensive combination heart rate monitor and watch by Freestyle. EBay also has very few offerings but has access to many inventories, which improves your chances of finding one. Many websites claim to carry Freestyle products but often only have Freestyle watches (not monitors) or advertise the product but do not carry it.
Cost
Freestyle monitors range in price from $60 to $75. The women's Predator and unisex models are the most commonly found choices. Shipping costs can be high; expect to pay at least 10 percent of the purchase price. Buy from an authorized dealer and a full manufacturer's warranty should be included.
Insider Tips
The unisex Predator has all of the basics needed in a good heart rate monitor and a few extras. The chronograph and water resistant construction make it useful for triathlon training and cross training. If you want to move into a Sports Instruments product, the ECG models have progressively improved, with the ECG 3 and 4 considered suitable for the needs of most athletes, and ECG 5 containing more in-depth memory functions.
