ridecamp@endurance.net: [endurance] HRM -- belt type

[endurance] HRM -- belt type

Kathy Myers (kmyers@collagen.com)
23 Apr 1996 09:38:55 U

I got an Easy-rate HRM for Christmas and love it. It's very
easy to put on and take off. I didn't need to add a breast
collar to my riding equipment. It has worked quite well for
me. That said, I have been known to loose signal going down
hill. Suggestions have been to put the receiver "on the horse"
and not on my left wrist and that I'm not putting it on quite
correctly yet. Most importantly, I have signal when I need
it. At vet checks (I have used it in 1 competition... it was
telling me my horse was more stressed than normal... his hr was
just a little bit high... we were pulled at lunch for a heal
bruise) I got signal just fine. I don't use any gel, but I
do use my water bottle. If I needed to, I held the transmitter
up against the horse while I was on the ground. Definately
much easier than trying to fool with a stethascope and pacing
beast. The rates have been acurate except if Magnum dryed
off and we were walking. Then a squirt with the waterbottle
"fixed" the reading. I got in line when the reading dropped
below 64 ("passing recovery" for that ride) and we p&r'd
through at 56 at all stops so it was telling me the right
information... my horse was "down".

I stood in line in front of a veteran rider at the ride. He asked
how I liked my monitor. I explained it was my first one and I
didn't have anything to compare it to. He said he'd just replaced
his older "wire" model with the new belt one and he likes it
much better. Said he hasn't had any trouble at all with the
readings. My experience has been to put it on, make sure it's
tight and in the right position and then LEAVE IT THERE.

You can get one that has both the simple belt version and wire
electrode attachments... with a fancy "james bond" watch receiver
and all kinds of bells and whistles. It might be the best of
both worlds. Also comes with the "human belt" for those of you
out there with healthriders or running shoes.

I have to wonder about heartrates at 200 or above. I have
*never* gotten a correct reading anywhere near that high. I'd
expect to see rates of 200 at the race track, but not on an
endurance trail. What gives?

:) - kat
and Magnum the TB ex-racer in Palo Alto, CA
Love it! Easy to use... HRM's are a great training tool if you
listen to what they are telling you...