Prevention HR-180PV/MF-180PV Chest Belt-Free Heart Rate Monitor
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Product Reviews of Prevention HR-180PV/MF-180PV Chest Belt-Free Heart Rate Monitor
Product Review: First of all, you have to ask yourself...
Summary: 2 Stars
What do you really need this for? If you are doing any real exercise, it gets in the way. The band also gets sweaty and dirty. I think the actual unit is made up of plastic. I don't recommend submersing it under water, by accident (or on purpose). Learning what button to push for a desired function is cumbersome. Placing that all aside, it does look kinda cool. A lot of folks inquire about its purpose (most ask if I am all right because the thing on my wrist/finger must mean something is wrong).
The cuff that wraps around your finger can be a little uncomfortable if worn for long periods of time. The flashing light diode (inside the finger cuff) used to monitor pulse tended to irritate my skin after extended wear (and I have pretty thick skin).
From my perspective, this is more of a novelty item versus functionality and durability. For those who seriously want to monitor their pulse, get a decent chest belt version instead.
Product Review: Good with some quirks
Summary: 4 Stars
I was very excited about getting this off of Amazon's Lightning deals. Great price and I don't have to wear those uncomfortable straps. I am "blessed" and they can get quite uncomfortable when you are moving around a lot.
The Good:
1.) For aerobics, it is great! It is very consistent and only periodically quits monitoring. A quick push of the button, it starts right up.
2.) LOVE the calorie counter. Helps me push myself more.
3.) Aside from the velcro (and that is more of an operator error), it is comfortable. Definitely more comfortable than the chest strap types. It also seems as accurate (again, as long as you aren't gripping anything).
4.) Once you figure out how to use the watch, it is packed full of features.
- Calorie counter
- In zone timer
- In/out zone alarm
- an additional sensor on the front of the watch where you just put your finger on it.
- I know there is more, but these are the ones that I find EXTREMELY useful and expect all/most HRM to have.
... but there were a few irritating things about it:
1.) Keep the manual handy for a while. The menus are not very intuitive. Also, tinker around with it for a while before you try it out at the gym. I got EXTREMELY annoyed when I couldn't get the calories to clear out. Once I checked it out in the manual, it was extremely easy (with the monitor on, you hit the "backlight" button. Doesn't make sense to me.
2.) Since it is on your hand, it is very unreliable (at times) when you have to grip anything like weights or the bars on an elliptical or treadmill. I have had it sit at 70 BPM for several minutes when the equipment said it was around 150. I reset this monitor and it finally agreed with the equipment monitor (within 5 BPM or so).
3.) Be careful when you put it on to have all the velcro attached. I almost always have to adjust it once after I start working out because the velcro on the top starts rubbing my skin.
4.) Like some other reviewers have stated, sometimes the monitor just stops. I have noticed, however, that this mainly happens when I am gripping something. It does happen when I am doing simple aerobics but only once or twice in an hour time frame. I suggest turning on the alarm that notifies you when your heart rate drops below a certain level and periodically checking it to make sure it is working.
5.) It cannot be hooked up to the computer and it doesn't have an add-on to have data transfered to the computer. Most of them don't have this, but I have been spoiled by my Timex Chest HRM that has this.
6.) Really can't use this as a watch alone. You could, but it would look dorky. Something I didn't think about until I got it. I was a little disappointed, but not too much. Of course it does have a watch on it, but I would never use it just as a watch.
Conclusion:
Even though I have more negatives listed than positives, I definitely recommend this, but probably not at its list price. I don't regret for a second getting it, especially since I have been working out at home using my wii and My Fitness Coach (which I HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend for anybody interested in a good aerobic "game". Not fun, but it kicks your hiney). It has helped me push myself when I think I can't go further, but also, it seems to give me permission to slow down when feel like I am going to hard (and my heart rate is 180+). If you HATE the chest straps, definitely consider this one. It seems very accurate for "non-gripping" exercises, and is comfortable.
Product Review: Great for Interval Training
Summary: 4 Stars
I have a Mark of Fitness that finally died after three years and am looking to replace it. I found that monitor almost essential for interval training a la Dr. Sears. You can get your pulse into the target range, sustain it for the required time, then go back to walking as your pulse slows down. When you first start, it is hard to get your pulse to come down fast enough, but over time you can. I took my BP from 145-150/90-100 down to 110-120/60-70.Product Review: I think it's great!
Summary: 5 Stars
I had this same watch under the name of Mark of Fitness for several years. I replaced it with this one several months ago when the little hole in the finger strap got enlarged and it was difficult to keep the pulse accurate. This one seems even better....maybe a later model? I've learned a few things over the years. (I use it on an exercise bicyle and for aeobics walking.) 1. Give it time to warm up....being certain the circle is a circle. 2. If the pulse isn't accurate, move the strap around the finger a bit as I think it is sensitive to things like freckles. Once you've found a good spot, remember it. 3. Don't hold anything in the hand with the watch on it. If you must, keep it away from the pressure point on the finger. It's best if you just keep your hand with the watch on it loose at your side except when taking a read. Don't make a fist of your hand. 4. When you're finished, unhook the wristband first and, then, slide the section on your finger slowly off leaving it in a strapped mode. Then, next time, just slide it back on. All of this might sound like it's too sensitive, but it really isn't......it just purrs along once you've figured out where to place it. I tried a couple of strap watches and this is much easier for me to use.Product Review: Inaccurate at times
Summary: 3 Stars
It fits well, but my problem is the inaccuracy. You can eventually get it to sit and work properly, track your HR, but at times it will also randomly shut off and stop tracking. This can be a frustration.