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Jun 19, 2007 07:48 PM
©
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Thu - December 15, 2005
GPS units with Heart Rate Monitor for Outdoor Training
For most of my paddling, biking or skating
training I am taking two of my electronic gadgets: Garmin Etrex Vista GPS and
Polar heart rate monitor. It is not that I train so seriously, but they play
important motivational role. As a scientist I like to plot everything and I
would love to plot my heart rate data together with a GPS track. Certainly, a
GPS units with heart rate monitor and the capability to download all data to a
computer and analyze them would be really cool for my virtual
racing.
About a year ago, Garmin released such a device, the Forerunner 301. I was looking at any available reviews, e.g., at amazon.com. Together with enthusiastic opinions, there were some critical ones. I wouldn't consider critics of the GPS unit too seriously, since nobody actually compared Forerunner to any other GPS unit. However, there were also some complaints about the heart rate monitor (unreliable, uncomfortable). Nevertheless, the Forerunner 301 which also includes training software looks quite interesting. The unit is a little bit too bulky to wear it on a wrist, so runners put it rather on an arm.
There are two simpler models of the Forerunner, 101 and 201, but they do not include the heart rate monitor. The 101 is using AAA batteries while two other models come with rechargeable lithium batteries lasting about 14 hours. It means that the Forerunner 301 is good for training, but not really suitable for long distance paddling races like Texas Water Safari or Colorado River 100 Race.
In the end of November, Garmin announced a new model, Forerunner 305, to be released sometime in 2006. Unlike its predecessors, the 305 looks much more like a real watch than a shrunken GPS handlheld glued to a wristband.
As a paddler, I would prefer a little bit larger unit. So, I am watching with interest, a new Garmin Edge 305 designed for cyclists. This unit has some interesting training features, a larger and easier to read monitor, and wireless speed/pedaling cadence sensor. I was curious if that cadence sensor could be used to record paddling stroke rate. I used to paddle with a speedometer made by Speedtech (if I correctly recall) equipped with a stroke rate sensor, however, the wire didn't last long.
I've got a negative response from Garmin technical support concerning the cadence sensor: "Unfortunately the way the sensor is designed, it is permanently mounted on the frame and it records the number of times the crank passes. I don't think that type of cadence recording would be adaptable for paddling recording." I don't think that they know much about cranking the paddle.
In addition to Garmin products, there is Timex Bodylink with similar functions. It includes a separate GPS units which is only splashproof, but not waterproof as the watch and heart rate monitor. I haven't seen reviews of the Timex GPS.
Well, some control buttons on my old Etrex Vista are getting somewhat sticky, but the device is still working after several swims and many hours and days of paddling with rain and splashes.
About a year ago, Garmin released such a device, the Forerunner 301. I was looking at any available reviews, e.g., at amazon.com. Together with enthusiastic opinions, there were some critical ones. I wouldn't consider critics of the GPS unit too seriously, since nobody actually compared Forerunner to any other GPS unit. However, there were also some complaints about the heart rate monitor (unreliable, uncomfortable). Nevertheless, the Forerunner 301 which also includes training software looks quite interesting. The unit is a little bit too bulky to wear it on a wrist, so runners put it rather on an arm.
There are two simpler models of the Forerunner, 101 and 201, but they do not include the heart rate monitor. The 101 is using AAA batteries while two other models come with rechargeable lithium batteries lasting about 14 hours. It means that the Forerunner 301 is good for training, but not really suitable for long distance paddling races like Texas Water Safari or Colorado River 100 Race.
In the end of November, Garmin announced a new model, Forerunner 305, to be released sometime in 2006. Unlike its predecessors, the 305 looks much more like a real watch than a shrunken GPS handlheld glued to a wristband.
As a paddler, I would prefer a little bit larger unit. So, I am watching with interest, a new Garmin Edge 305 designed for cyclists. This unit has some interesting training features, a larger and easier to read monitor, and wireless speed/pedaling cadence sensor. I was curious if that cadence sensor could be used to record paddling stroke rate. I used to paddle with a speedometer made by Speedtech (if I correctly recall) equipped with a stroke rate sensor, however, the wire didn't last long.
I've got a negative response from Garmin technical support concerning the cadence sensor: "Unfortunately the way the sensor is designed, it is permanently mounted on the frame and it records the number of times the crank passes. I don't think that type of cadence recording would be adaptable for paddling recording." I don't think that they know much about cranking the paddle.
In addition to Garmin products, there is Timex Bodylink with similar functions. It includes a separate GPS units which is only splashproof, but not waterproof as the watch and heart rate monitor. I haven't seen reviews of the Timex GPS.
Well, some control buttons on my old Etrex Vista are getting somewhat sticky, but the device is still working after several swims and many hours and days of paddling with rain and splashes.