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Disadvantages

• Sometimes, too much data collected by these gadgets can confuse rather than guide you when training. Some people quit training before long because they feel intimidated by all these details. If this is the case and you are just starting out with a monitor, you should go with a simple model without a ton of features.




• A triathlon pulse beat monitor is an investment and not cheap. However if you look at it in comparison to some of the other training equipment you have to buy, like your bike and its accessories, then a monitor is not all that expensive.

Things to Look for When Shopping

One of the things that you need to consider when buying a monitor for triathlons is its efficiency. Some low quality monitors come with straps that may not be accurate. Keep in mind that many require electrode gel to get a proper reading. As a thumb rule, read monitor reviews to see how other users rate the product before buying.

Special Features

Look for special features in each monitor that you may need to use. Look out for functions like calorie counting so if your goal is to lose weight you’ll know how many calories you’re burning. Check to see if the monitor can be used with a treadmill. Many treadmills support the display of heart rate details when you’re training indoors.

Additional features that you may look for include GPS function, data comparison in multi sports and the ability to download your data to your computer or a training website for further analysis. These additional features may not be essential, but they are great to have. You can read more about selecting a monitor by reading my article on Features to Consider Before You Buy A Heart Rate Monitor.

Cost

Most good triathlon watches will range in price from $200 – $400 and up depending on the monitor’s features and brand name. You need to know what you want, and avoid paying for features that you will never use. Most often, a simple cost effective model will do fine when the only information you need is your pulse rate.

Usable In The Water

This is the key feature for triathlon monitors. If you can’t use the monitor in the water, then it’s not really for triathletes. Most watches are waterproof however the problem lies in the transfer of data from the chest strap to the wrist watch. Under water the signal gets distorted so you don’t get an accurate recording of your heart rate on the wrist receiver. Some monitors have an attachment that you can hook onto the chest strap that eliminates the need for wireless data transfer through the water, whereas others may have a signal booster. These are perfect for recording your heart rate data while swimming.

Long Battery Life

Triathlons can go on a long time and your training can go on even longer. Whether you’re training for a sprint distance (750 meter swim, 20 kilometer bike, 5 km run) or a full Ironman (3.86 km swim, 180 km bike, 26.2 run) you are going to need a lot of battery power. Before you buy check the battery life on rechargeable monitors. Look for something that will last for 12 hours plus on a full charge.

User Friendliness

A good triathlon heart monitor should provide comfort and ease of use. Several features combine to make this possible. The chest strap should fit you comfortably, not too tight and not too loose. Also the wrist unit should fit your wrist properly. Some older units, especially the early GPS models, looked like you strapped a wall clock to your wrist. Newer models feature the latest micro-technology are much smaller and look more like hyped up sports watches.

Display Size and Readability

A bold display is very important. Ensure that your monitor is easily readable from any angle, as well as in different light settings. The last thing you want to do during your training is have to squint to take the monitor’s reading. A backlight is also good to have as you may be training early in the morning or late at night in the dark.

Button Size

Most people overlook this; however, larger buttons do make the monitor easier to operate. This is more significant if you are actively using various functions and features of the device during your training and switching back and forth between screens of data. It’s also helpful to have large buttons when you are out training in the cold and using gloves.

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