Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Pro's: Does what it is intended: Provides HR data (Max, average for any given workout session), Battery change can be done at home.
Con's: Strap Uncomfortable, Limited post-workout Feedback/Data, Expensive, not compatible with any other Apple device aside from Nano line, 5th Gen and up.
I was excited to purchase this not long after it was offered, about 7+ months ago. I wanted to replace the HRM system I was using prior to the Nike+ strap, which was a C6 Nike Triax watch heart monitor combo. I really liked the watch system, but wanted to go with a technology minimalist approach. This would give me distance through the Nike+ shoe sensor pod and now, my cardiovascular performance in one place. The Nike+ strap set up was really quite easy and my iPod Nano 5th generation was able to link to the HRM in a few seconds. The instructions are straight forward, but not sure you really need them to set it up. I secured the strap directly to my chest (recommended to get good connection) when it began to pick up my heart rate. When I first began my run, it felt fairly comfortable. This changed a few minutes into it where at some of the seams, especially those where the strap joins the heart rate monitor, started digging into my sides. In fact, my Nike C6 Triax strap feels far superior to the Polar strap in which the connecting apparatus is more seamless, therefore better IMHO. To get around this annoyance, I had to tuck my shirt under those portions which helped, but did not leave me satisfied. Not to the point that I am discouraged to use it, however. Keep in mind I am a fairly big guy at 6ft, 195lbs, rather athletic build. Body type and size likely play into the 'wear regions.'
During the run, you can view your current heart rate at any given time on the Ipod. Similarly, pushing the middle button will return your current BPM rate by the spoken feedback. At the end of the workout, you can view your average heart rate for your workout. After syncing up your workout with Nike+ when you plug your iPod into iTunes, you can see your maximum heart rate and the point when you hit it (i.e. 168BPM @ .98 miles, 8:43 into the run) at your Nike+ dashboard online. However, these features are really quite weak and I am disappointed with the capabilities in light of other cardiovascular measurement devices on the market. My C6 Triax Watch offers more post workout data than what is available on the Nano, a downer given the superior processing capability of the Nano vs. a digital watch. For example, I can create customized heart rates zones with alarm if I go above or below the target zone, I can see how much time spent in each heart rate zone, complete with graphical displays of my heart rate during my workout with my Triax C6 digital watch. Unfortunately, these features are not included with this Nike+ Ipod Nano system. I know some individuals embrace the targeted heart zone approach to their training program (moderate intensity vs. high intensity e.g.). If this fits your regimen, this monitor and nano will not work for you. Regrettably, Nike and Apple really skimped on features.
Bottom line, this heart strap does give you the basic cardiovascular feedback to bring more to your running regime, whether it is recreational or competitive. It is, however, feature anemic, and comes at a relatively high price tag considering you already bought a nano and require a running sensor taboot. Good luck!
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Polar Wearlink Nike+ Transmitter BeltPolar introduces their Polar WearLink+ compatible with Nike+ devices! The Polar WearLink+ transmitter Nike+ is a dual-frequency fabric transmitter that provides heart-rate information to the Nike+ system, most Polar training computers and most cardio equipment.Works with Nike+ SportBand and 5th generation iPod nano Coded signal ensures link between Nike+ device and heart rate signal Uses Polar's traditional 5 kHz and Nike+ compatible transmission technology, so you can use it with the Nike+ system and a compatible Polar training computer at the same time The soft textile chest strap seamlessly adapts to your body shape, bringing full freedom of movement to your training. Machine-washable textile strap Water-resistant connector User replaceable battery What's in the box? - Polar Wearlink+ heart rate transmitter and Strap for Nike+ - User manual
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