Review on 💓 Polar FT7 Heart Rate Monitor with Power Systems, Exercise Training Watch in Black/Silver (92018) by Kimberly Peterson

Background: I bought the FT7 when I owned the FT4 for many years, problems started. I love the FT4 and just wanted to replace it, but the Revain is now $183. I don't want or need all the fancy stuff available with modern HRMs - just heart rate, calories burned, and average BPM. While FT7 has a lot of modern stuff, it has simple elements that I wanted to make easily accessible. I use a T31 chest strap on my FT4. Elegant design, easy to put on and take off. I do aqua aerobics so waterproofness is key! The FT4/T31 combo worked for years so I was disappointed when my FT4 started having problems. After reading the reviews and description of the FT7 I bought it. The chest strap is useless in the water. FT7 does not track heart rate, otherwise it will fluctuate from 162 to 87 beats per minute in a matter of seconds. Even after wearing the T31 for years, the FT7 chest strap was simply uncomfortable. In order to be able to read it, the tape has to fit very tightly. In the water I ended up removing the strap because I was playing with it too much to find the right position to measure my heart rate. I don't know if there is enough space for water between the transmitter and the wristband to prevent the transmitter from picking up my heart rate. But for my purposes this strap is useless. Fortunately, FT7 and T31 are compatible. Also, after ordering the FT7, a battery indicator appeared on my FT4. Maybe that was always the problem. I replaced the battery in the FT4 and am planning to wear both a few times to see if I want to keep or return the FT7. I want Polar (and others) to understand that some people don't need all the bells and whistles that many HRMS have. Sometimes simplicity is better. Also, the FT4 I bought for $65 in 2013 is now $183. Strange! Update 12/06/18 - After wearing both the new FT7 and my old FT4 for a few training sessions, I decided to bring back the FT7 and its horrible chest strap/transmitter. For others having issues with the chest strap/transmitter that comes with the FT7, I recommend purchasing the T31 strap. You can get better results - at least less frustrations.