Hands up any runner who has ever gone out for a workout and not looked at his or her heart rate. We're sure this is a variable that most of us pay close attention to, since it is, after all, an internal indicator of training load. Although technology has come a long way these days, recording your heart rate using a chest strap is the safest way to measure it. That's why we at RUNNEA have thought of offering you a choice of the best chest heart rate monitors 2022.
Within the wide range of heart rate monitors on the market, it is important to look at the features of each watch, such as functionality, weight, autonomy and, of course, price. Nowadays it is common for almost all models to have the option of measuring the pulse by means of a sensor located on the wrist. But it is also true that the more movement there is, the more inaccurate this measurement is. The same is true in conditions of heavy perspiration or if the watch is not worn properly. As long as wearing a chest strap is not uncomfortable or causes any problems, it will be the most reliable choice.
Best heart rate monitors compatible with chest strap 2022
Polar Pacer Pro
The main argument in favor of the Polar Pacer Pro is that it is one of the most competitive running watches on the market today. Its lighter and sleeker design is obvious, but what you can't see of this device is also worth taking into account with its high-speed processor. In this way, it is able to provide the runner with the most advanced training functions with the clear objective of improving their running efficiency, and therefore also their sports performance. One of the main novelties of this Polar Pacer Pro is the integrated antenna, of new construction, which allows the GPS signal to be more accurate.
- Dimensions: 45 x 45 x 115 mm
- Weight: 41 gr
- Autonomy: 100h economy mode / 35h GPS mode
- RRP: 299€.
Polar Grit X Pro
The Polar Grit X Pro comes with specific functions to help the outdoor athlete in each of his adventures, emphasizing safety features, the most accurate data to improve performance, and even those that favor the recovery process. It is a sports watch that combines quality, resistance and premium materials. The first thing to highlight about this Polar Grit X Pro is its ultra-long lasting autonomy with a polymer battery. It is also worth noting that as a good outdoor device that is, it has a military ruggedness. This model incorporates OHR Polar Precision Prime technology, the ultimate in optical heart rate measurement.
- Dimensions: 47 x 47 x 13 mm
- Weight: 79 gr
- Autonomy: 100h economy mode / 40h GPS mode
- RRP: 499€.
Garmin Fenix 7
The Garmin Fenix 7 lands on the market with the best features of the top of the range GPS Heart Rate Monitors & Sports Watches of the American brand for the practice of outdoor sports with an innovative design. The first point that stands out with respect to its previous version is the inclusion of the touch screen, although its greatest strength is based on a great autonomy of the battery. It performs exhaustive monitoring of health and physical activity, without forgetting the entire catalog of advanced performance metrics with running dynamics, VO2 max, trail running adjustment, as well as recovery control, among others. It also takes into account training intensity and factors such as stress, daily activity and sleep. In addition, these metrics and statistics are adjusted for both altitude parameters and heat acclimatization.
- Dimensions: 47 x 47 x 145 mm
- Weight: 73 gr
- Autonomy: 18 days normal use/ 57h GPS only/ 40h combined GPS mode
- RRP: 699€.
Garmin Forerunner 955
The new Garmin Forerunner 955 is the GPS sports watch that every runner and / or triathlete expects to improve performance as a multisport athlete. It comes with improvements in terms of enjoying a longer battery life, as well as a lighter, more adaptable and more intuitive design with its touch screen and its complementary quick access buttons. It includes high performance features to squeeze the most out of your training sessions: heart rate variability (HRV) status, morning report, training bias function, running widget, power and running dynamics, VO2 max, recovery time, PacePro, training capacity, and even the running forecast. Don't forget the ability to track and plan your routes with the integrated, full-color topo maps, with specific functions such as ClimbPro, turn-by-turn navigation, round-trip routes or also the safety and tracking functions.
- Dimensions: 465 x 465 x 14,4 mm
- Weight: 53 gr
- Autonomy: 15 days normal use/ 80h Ultratrac GPS mode/ 42h GPS and music mode
- RRP: 549€.
Suunto 9 Baro
The Suunto 9 Baro is a GPS watch perfect for all types of outdoor sports for those athletes looking for maximum reliability and accuracy. It is designed primarily for long distance sports but that does not mean that it can not be compatible with other types of modalities. It incorporates up to 80 sport modes and includes its wrist heart rate measurement system developed by Valencell. The watch comes with full GPS route navigation, sunrise and sunset times, storm alarm among many other functionalities. Premium materials and construction complete this high performance watch designed and manufactured in Finland. Stainless steel buttons and bezel, sapphire crystal glass and a solid case combine with a durable soft silicone strap that fits comfortably.
- Dimensions: 50 x 50 x 16.8 mm
- Weight: 81 gr
- Autonomy: 25h performance mode / 120h ultra mode
- RRP: 479
Suunto 5 Peak
The Suunto 5 Peak ak is a multisport watch that has it all: it's lightweight for training and lets you explore new realities. It will also give you comprehensive tracking before, during and after sport, and this top-of-the-line device is great value for money. It is now 40% lighter and has an increased battery life. This model incorporates 3D heat maps that will allow you to move away from the masses and know in advance the type of terrain you will face. If you're clueless, you won't want to miss the "breadcrumbs" feature, which will quickly show you the way back.
- Dimensions: 43 x 43 x 129 mm
- Weight: 39 gr
- Autonomy: 10 days normal use/ 100h GPS training mode
- RRP: 299€.
Vertix 2Coros
The Coros Vertix 2 is one of the most complete and best performing models on the market. It lands full of new features to offer, even if possible, a better version than its predecessor. Manufactured with premium materials, it has a 16% higher screen resolution and a doubled battery life. It offers, among its functionalities, exhaustive control of training and physical performance, topographic maps, music playback... and much more! By the way, do you have an Insta360 camera? Now you can control what you take from the Vertix 2, a real blast!
- Dimensions: 503 x 503 x 157 mm
- Weight: 89 gr
- Battery life: 60 days normal use / 100h GPS training mode
- RRP: 699€.
Fitbit Sense
The Fitbit Sense is anadvanced health smartwatch. Thanks to its sensors and tools for stress management, heart health analysis, SpO2, skin temperature monitoring, etc., this one can help you know exactly at all times the state of your health. As for its design, we are sure that this smartwatch has everything to win you over, with its stainless steel dial, AMOLED display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 tempered glass and an innovative set of biosensors.
- Dimensions: 40,48 x 40,48 x 12,35 mm
- Weight: 459 gr
- Autonomy: 6 days normal use
- RRP: 329€.
