POLAR FT4 Heart Rate Monitor

Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Silver / Black) Cheap But Reliable Fitness TrackerThis is one of the least expensive heart rate monitors that Polar offers. It comes in several colors. Silver/Black is $60. The green version, my personal favorite, is only $49. For what it can do, that is an outstanding price. That is why I purchased it. Well, that and because I don’t care about being fashionable. For example, I would never spend $285 on the trendy, new Apple Smart Watch. Even the Fitbit Blaze would set me back $149. For a fraction of the price, the Polar FT4 accomplishes everything I need in a fitness tracker. Let’s talk about the watch itself, which Polar refers to as the “FT4 Training Computer.” First of all, it gives me an accurate reading of my heart rate and calories burned. Second of all, it tells me when I am in the "fat burning zone." It will beep to tell me when I am slacking off. It beeps when I am working out too hard. Finally, it keeps track of the workout details of my last 10 workouts. I can check out the duration of a particular workout, the amount of calories I burned and how long I stayed in the fat burning zone. Now let’s get into the chest strap, which Polar refers to as the “WearLink Transmitter.” At first, it kind of felt like I was wearing a brassiere. Also, it was tricky getting the clasp on because I have short arms. Then I realized it was easier to put it on backwards (so I can work on the clasp while it’s on my chest) and then simply pull it around to the correct side. Once I got used to it, it was easy and didn’t get in the way of my workout. I have been using the Polar FT4 for two years. I use the FT4 about four times a week and I only just changed the batteries. It was not hard. Polar recommends that you send the FT4 Training Computer and WearLink Transmitter to an authorized Polar Service Center to have new batteries installed, but for me, that’s too much work. Besides, changing the batteries is a breeze. The watch requires a CR 1632 battery. The chest strap requires a CR 2025 battery. You can buy these batteries from your local Walgreens or 7-Eleven.A Single DownsideOkay, there is one thing the Polar FT4 cannot do, which is count your steps. That is an easy fix though. Just pick yourself up an inexpensive but reliable pedometer with a a 3D tri-axis sensor. The one I picked up is the Ozeri 4x3motion Pocket Pedometer. It costs $15.95 and it is the most accurate pedometer I have ever used. It also records up to a week of workouts.The Bottom LineIf you are like me, a cheapskate on a budget, this is the fitness tracker for you. The Polar FT4 is $49. I paired it with a cheap pedometer, which cost $15.95. So my total investment was only $64.95. For me, that is a reasonable amount of money and it feels good knowing every penny of that is an investment toward my health. I use the Polar FT4 while I am on the treadmill. I even wear it while I am doing step aerobics. I even wear it when I’m lifting weights. Being able to measure my heart rate while exercising is a real game changer for me. Now I’m more focused on my workout and I have a better understanding of what I need to do to burn off more calories. I have already convinced my family and friends to get an FT4. Note: I am the only cheapskate in the family. But let me make one thing clear: I may be a proud cheapskate, but trust me, this is no cheap product.

I purchased the Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor Watch about a year ago after doing a lot of research on the countless fitness trackers out there on the market, and I rely heavily on Amazon reviews. I typically do not write reviews myself, but I have been so happy with this purchase I was compelled to share my support for this as well.The ratings and reviews on this monitor are spot on. When I was looking for a fitness tracker I was taking a few things into consideration: truly reliable heart rate monitoring (running & lifting weights), calorie tracker, workout timer, and price. I was not concerned about a step counter, sleep tracker, and or a fancy app tracker to go along with it. Don't get me wrong, those Fitbit watches are slick, but I personally didn't really need all of that. Plus, I didn't want a fitness watch to wear all day; I prefer to wear my other daily watches. Last thing about Fitbit, while they do have a good track record of accurate heart rate monitoring while walking/running, I've read that their watches do not track heart rate as well when doing strength training/lifting, which was personally a deal breaker for me.My goal was to monitor my daily calorie intake to lose weight, so I paired this watch which tracks calories burned during workouts and the free Under Armour calorie counter app which tells you exactly how many calories are in the food/meals you eat. They worked amazing together. To date, I'm down 23 lbs. and I seriously don't think I could have done it without this watch. It is so simple to use, and it provides instant gratification at the end of the workout to know exactly how many calories you've burned. One thing I've always struggled with while running/working out was the guessing game of how many calories I burned, did I really push myself as hard as I could, and constantly looking at the clock on the wall to figure out my rest time. This watch takes care of all of that.The workout timer is also amazing because I like to do a lot of circuit training, so whenever I am done with a lift, I know exactly how much time I have to rest until the next set. Such a simple concept for a fitness watch, but Polar just makes it so easy, it’s amazing. No issues with batteries, malfunctioning, or anything like that either.I could go on, but in all, I couldn't be happier with this purchase. If you are looking for an easy to use, reliable, and functional heart rate monitor, then I can tell you this is it. Awesome job Polar, I think you've made a lifelong customer because of it. Good luck everyone!

I purchased this as a refurbished unit, for $57.99, saving almost $100.00. I have never used anything like this, and decided to buy it after ordering an Assault Airbike. The owners manual was missing, but I found it online so it was easy to program it. What I initially thought was all I needed was the watch part, kind of like a Fitbit. I looked a little more thoroughly and found the chest strap and transmitter that was included in the box is necessary. The watch is a receiver. Well, ok then! So, I got on my airbike with my chest strap/watch on thinking I’d look at the watch to see my pulse, when I looked down at my airbike console..bam, it was instantly pairing with it! I didn’t have to do anything. I had read they work together, but I had no idea I didn’t have to Bluetooth it or anything...super cool!. So for that alone, I recommend this pulse reader. Now I have to start working out..😬

I think the product is great, my issue is with the seller.DON'T order from this seller. Seller listed this watch and chest strop as new, they are used..On the watch, the door to replace the batteries has lots of scratch marks, and grooves.Batteries were already inserted. It came pre-programmed with some else’s personal information, training files, and workout files. The face of the watch has a crack.I’m very disappointed, I paid for a new watch and chest strap what I got was used.

this monitor is a bit fiddly till yousus it out I set it up with no problems but it is the start and getting back to the time I found awkward However having said that don't be put off as it is a great gadgit and i am getting used to it , the face is soft and I have scratched it somehow. It is accarat as far as I can tell and the strap is very ajustable I have not tried the light in the dark but it does not seem very bright it is nice on the heart rate reading and easy to read,Iinterestingly if the monitor is held close to the battery whilst in sports mode it will show the time for a short period

This is a good basic watch because it's not overly complex or burdened with more features than can usefully be used. However, I haven't been able to find a way of getting the screen to show two basic features on the same screen: my heart rate and the time I have been exercising. This requires scrolling through the menu system. More seriously, if you have sensitive skin you may find the polyamide / polyurethane nylon lining on the transmitter strap a skin irritant as I have. This hasn't been a problem with the previous T-31 strap used by Polar. Fortunately, Polar have agreed to swap the straps over so well done to them.

Easy to set up and use. The little buttons on the side are really hard compared to my last Polar monitor and I found my fingers got quite sore when holding them down to update the time etc. Luckily you only have to do that the once so it won't be an issue. Also found they dig in my wrist a bit when I'm working out depending on position of hand/wrist. Sure I'll get used to it.

Worked for the first couple of weeks, then it started to miss read heart beats, even having the strap tight as possible, it still doesn't pick up properly..disappointing. Takes longer to get it to work (somewhat) than doing my workout.Don't understand how it's getting such high reviews, wonder if they still feel the same as they did when they wrote them, or whether it has stopped for them too..hmmm

Tremendous bit of kit. Polar are the best and the FT4 at £40 is a bargain that will do everything you want as a regular athlete. Comes with battery in the Watch and Strap and is ready to use 10 minutes after it arrives. Watch out for the strapless watches, you may have to hold your finger on the sensor to get your heartrate which is impractical while you're running and doesn't give you a complete and accurate summary of your Calorie burn. The FT4 works out your BMI, takes account of your age and gender and gives you safe zone for your workout. IE keep between 108 and 145 and tells you if you're Hi or Lo. Easy to change batteries. Good Luck. Good Choice.