Heartrate monitor - which one?

[IronVictory]

I'm looking for a heartrate monitor. Which one do you suggest?

[Allyson]

I bought a Garmin 305S and have really enjoyed it. Admittedly, I don't use it to it's full potential (mapping courses, etc), but I appreciate being able to download my workouts onto my computer and to be able to see average HR, max HR, times in zones...that sort of thing. The only drawback, and this one really frosts my buns, is that it erases data spontaniously!  Having said that, i have contacted Garmin and they have been quite helpful in tryting to help me find my "lost" data.
It was about $350, which seems like a bit when compared to some other HR monitors, but I would purchase this one again in the future.
Hope that helps!
Ally

[IronVictory]

I'm wondering though, if the battery would last through a full IM?

[Andrew]

The battery life on my Garmin has been less than satisfying, especially when in GPS mode. Fun to play with, to see pacing etc., and maybe better if using a foot pod, rather than GPS for speed data etc.

For the money, Polar still takes the cake as far as HR monitors go. They have a few units that work with bike cadence/speed, and also have a running pod attachment that works well. On top of that they have a number of great features to help guide recovery...RLX, Own Zone, Fit Test. We use these with the High Performance Team, and with athletes who are willing to take some extra time for self-monitoring. The top end Polar is the one we would recommend RS800CX, if money is no object. If you are looking for something simple, just for HR, you can pick up a cheap Polar for just over $100.