I bought this HRM to replace a Polar model, which was my second Polar. I have been disappointed in the Polar products due to the fact you need to buy a new chest strap with some of the earlier models (non replaceable batteries), and even the one with the replaceable battery in the chest strap stopped worked after on battery change. I've seen this complaint on other reviews of Polars.
I took advantage of the introduction of the Beurer models of HRM's to the states with the low price on Amazon, hoping to get a good product at a reasonable price. I did succeed at that, the Beurer PM 45 has great features for the price I paid (<$50). It has average HR, max HR, fit test, calories burned, lap tracking, and HR zones. The set up was pretty simple, except it puts the choice for units (British or Metric) later in the set up stages, so you have to guess at your weight in kg unless you go back.
I've used it for over a week on a daily basis, no problems so far. I am using another chest strap from another HR monitor right now since I think the battery in the Beurer is dead, I'll see later if that's true. It uses an Analog signal, so it's a little behind the times. That means if you are working out on a HR enabled machine, near other machines, you'll get interference, or your HR will show up in others' displays. Kind of embarrassing when the person next to you is barely breaking a sweat and your maxing out at 170 bpm during a sprint. (Update: I've had interference on my Beurer HRM recently, it jumps back and forth. I'm going to use this HRM for times I'm not near anybody to avoid the interference. Otherwise I can not really use it.)
I like the fact you can change the strap to another color. Mine showed up with a white strap, with a blue strap included. Both colors wouldn't have been my choice. A neutral gray or black would have been good to include for men since both colors are too fashionable. I don't match my outfits to my watch bands. What's nice about the band though is that you can take the HRM out of the band to do a battery change in the future.
If you don't need a HRM with online capabilities, that has good features for a lower price, go with the Beurer PM 45.Get more detail about Beurer PM 45 Heart Rate Monitor Watch.
