Like my Fitbit obsession, I’ve had a heart rate monitor obsession in the past. I got out of the habit of using the HRM. I was excited when the nice folks from BeetsBlu offered me a wireless bluetooth heart rate monitor to take for a spin. The Beets Blu Wireless Bluetooth Smart 4.0 Heart Rate Monitor is compatible with smart phones – Apple (4S, 5, 5S, 5C, 6, 6 plus), Samsung Galaxy (S4, S5) and Nexus (4, 5, 7). It comes with a soft chest strap that is adjustable.
The features:
- Slim, lightweight sensor device with an adjustable strap.
- Delivers an accurate heart rate readout thanks to ECG-based technology.
- Syncs with iOS phones (iPhone 5, 4S) and selected Android devices via Bluetooth.
- Consumes low energy; a small firmware battery should last more than a year.
- Works with all popular apps like Endomondo, Runkeeper, Map My Run, etc. (See full list HERE.)
- Links to Bluetooth compatible treadmills and other workout machines.
How well does it work? I found the strap to be very comfortable and the device got the signal right away. In fact, it was the easiest time I have had getting a heart rate monitoring device set up and running. That said, it took me a while to figure out compatible apps that I have and want to use. I downloaded the Beets Blu app to test the strap and that was fine. I had a user fail with Strava because I did not set it allow HRM/Bluetooth so it did not pick up the signal. I found that the Strava with HRM drained my phone somewhat faster than an average run. Truth be told, I don’t use Strava much when I run unless I am out of town and need the GPS.
This HRM is great for someone who uses his phone to track or uses treadmills or gym equipment with Bluetooth. So basically – a nice, lightweight, easy to wear (no chafing) HRM that is perfect for people who use smart phone apps to track mileage and pace (and want to track heart rate.) It is currently on sale on Amazon for $39.99 and gets solid reviews.
The nice folks at Beets Blu offered me a PagerTag, too and I am going to give it away. Awesome idea for the person in your life who has everything, but can’t find it! At $19.95 on Amazon, it is a great stocking stuffer or accompaniment to a new wallet or cell phone. It can save you a lot of time and anxiety! It is managed with a free app on iOS or Android.
PagerTag is a cool and simple device that uses a low frequency Bluetooth signal to:
- Help you to keep track of your valuables (keys, wallets, suitcase, laptop bag, backpack – whatever is tagged with PagerTag)
- Detect the proximity of lost or forgotten items
- Alert you when your item shifts outside of a connection range (about 15 feet/5 meters)
- Can be used as Android Trusted Device for automatic screen unlock (Android 5.0 or later required)
Want to win the PagerTag? Please use the Rafflecopter below to enter. The winner must be a US resident, 18 years of age or older and the offer is void where prohibited. The giveaway runs through December 23rd and the winner will be selected and notified by December 26th.
Please note: I was provided with these devices at no cost in exchange for an honest review. I was otherwise not compensated for this post. All opinions are my own.