Polar AXN 300:
One of the AXN-series Heart Rate
Monitors reviewed by Joel McNamara.
[ Photo: Amazon.com ]

Joel McNamara wrote in yesterday to point out an excellent review of Polar AXN-series heart rate montors that he wrote. The review includes a number of photos of the three AXN watches (numbered 300, 500, and 700), feature comparisons, and an explanation of the differences between the Polar WearLink and T-31 chest straps.

Joel is the author of several books related to GPS devices and computer espionage, including Geocaching for Dummies, GPS for Dummies, and Secrets of Computer Espionage: Tactics & Countermeasures. He's working on a book about heart rate monitors.

I'm particularly interested in his thoughts on the Polar WearLink. He says:

The AXN 700 comes with the WearLink chest strap, which in my opinion is one of the biggest breakthroughs in HRM technology in a long time. Unlike the common hard plastic electrode HRM chest straps, the WearLink has the electrodes woven into soft fabric. The WearLink is more comfortable, fits better, and offers better conductivity since moisture doesn't dry out as quickly as on a typical plastic electrode strap (key features during dry, cold days or if you don't sweat very much). The other killer feature is you can replace the battery by yourself.

I'm in the market for a new chest strap since I apparently lost my T-31 at a recent hockey game that I officiated.