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From: ijk@hropus.UUCP (Ihor J. Kinal)
Newsgroups: net.consumers
Subject: Re: Info Wanted on Pulse Rate Gizmos
Message-ID: <188@hropus.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 2-Jan-86 13:26:26 EST
Article-I.D.: hropus.188
Posted: Thu Jan  2 13:26:26 1986
Date-Received: Fri, 3-Jan-86 02:04:55 EST
References: <594@ttidcb.UUCP>, <674@kitty.UUCP>
Organization: Bell Labs, Holmdel, NJ
Lines: 52

I've had several pulse rate meters - my best advice is to try the
item out first (at least stationary, and preferably during the activity
for which you intend to use if for), and make sure you can return it 
if it's not suitable.

The wrist watch  type specifically recommends that you stop activity
when attempting to use it; since I like to use one when jogging to
make sure I'm at the proper training effect level (but not exceeding it),
I like to take my pulse every 5 minutes or so.  Not practical with this
device.

The little pulse meter that fits on your finger also carries a built
in stop-watch, with switching from modes fairly easy (unless your
wearing gloves, but that's true for many of these gizmos).  It has
an instantaneous mode and an averaging mode; it seemed a fairly good
buy; lasted a few years with a moderate amount of abuse, and is
probably the BEST BUY (as someone else has recommended).

Another nifty little device that I had for a while was shaped like
a batton, with electrodes (rings) on each end - you had to grasp
both sides to get a reading, but it responded very quickly (with
error rates being way off on occasion).  It used to have led readouts,
which was nice at night, but tended to wash out in sunlight.  Alas,
I once tripped and it's no longer functional.  I haven't
seen these advertised much lately, so I'm not sure if they're
still available.  I think the cost (last time I looked) was
about $200.  I believe the LED display has been replaced by LCD
(better for daytime,worse for night time), and was manufactured
by a company in Toronto..  Nifty device, but useless if you're
into rowing, or something where you don't want your hands thus burdened.

Another device I've seen has two electrodes (limited use, since the paste
on them wears off).  These would be great, except that I have a hairy
chest, and electrodes refuse to stick well. Plus replacing the electrodes
seemed to be a potentially expensive operation.

The ear lobe device seems like it may be a good compromise, since
it good be worn in all weather circumstances and would keep your
hands free.  But I haven't tried one yet.

Another device I've seen on the market was "The Coach" - this
had a belt, and on the belt were electrodes (I believe, it's been
a while).  If I remember correctly, it had lots of smarts and info
(i.e, different sounds if you went below your training level or
exceeded your max level).  Perhaps top of the line, with a price
tag to match.  Probably only worth it for the serious competitor
or those recovering from a heart condition.

Hope this helps.

Ihor Kinal
houxm!hropus!ijk