The Omron HR-100C Heart Rate Monitor Overview - Good and Bad Features

The Omron HR-100C Heart Rate Monitor remains one of the most popular heart rate monitors for many reasons. Now that you’ve spend the time collecting cash to purchase it your shiny new fitness toy should come with the following components:

• Receiver Wrist Monitor
• Receiver Mounting Bracket
• Transmitter
• Transmitter Strap
• 2 Lithium CR2032 Batteries
• Instruction Manual
• Storage Case

Assuming that you have already ensure that all the components are available, the Omron HR-100C heart rate monitor is an entry level model to measure you heart rate which means it really doesn’t come with other more advanced features like downloadable fitness data or personal fitness program.

What you will find with this Omron model is the ability to:

1. Set the time, date, alarm which is basically a normal watch function.
2. Set the heart rate limit which basically tells you if you are exercising within your training zone.
3. Alarm option for low and high heart rates.
4. Use the Stopwatch features.
5. Use the transmitter to measure your heart rate while the receiver wrist monitor picks up your heart rate and gives a reading.
6. Be water resistant up to 30m.

So now let's look at the good and bad features for this model.

1. Ease of Use

Being the cheapest, you might think that you only get what you pay. While that is true to a certain extent, the Omron HR-100C monitor does not fall short on its features. It is not as sophisticated as its higher end siblings but it does deliver on all its features. It is easy to use. There are about 5 buttons to fiddle with to make full use of this model. Everything from the alarm, stopwatch, time and date can be easily configured for your personal use. Directions for setup is also very easy.

It is also easy to interpret the readings on this model. The alarm feature indicates if you are exercising below or way beyond your training zones. In addition to that, the heart rate limit also keeps your training regime within your training zones. Readings are also accurate enough to make the most from your training.

2. Good Size and Comfort

One of the things that I like about this heart rate monitor is the size. It is not too big and it gives me all the features I need. It also doesn’t make you feel like you are wearing a huge piece of gadget which would make me really self-conscious. Also having something heavy and clunky isn’t as convenient and comfortable as a model of this size.

3. Chest Strap

For a model of this price, the chest strap is like a bonus. The chest strap works as a transmitter which transmits heart rate readings to your watch (receiver). You can opt to use this while running, while you swim or just about any activity as you please. The readings are pretty accurate as well. The one thing I must note is that the contacts have to be good. The manufacturer recommends that the conductive pads should be moistened with water or conductive gel.

4. Battery Change

Some heart rate monitors would require you to send them back to the manufacturer just to change the battery, which is a real pain. So, there goes your watch for about 2 weeks to a month. Well, you don’t have to worry about that for the Omron HR-100C heart rate monitor. You can personally change the batteries yourself!

Being priced relatively cheap compared to other models, there are certain features like calorie count, personalized training program, energy expenditure tracking, recovery heart rate, GPS features, etc that are not present. I do advise if you are into a product that does the basic things, the Omron HR-100C works perfectly.

Before investing in the Omron HR-100, you must know why you are getting one. Is it just to monitor your heart rate or are you looking into optimizing your workout sessions? Overall, this model is a fantastic buy at a very affordable price. In short this is the model that is great value for money and for those looking to just monitor their heart rate.

Here are other recommended sports watches that can be used as an alternative to the Omron HR-100C Heart rate monitor. Check it out below...