Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Silver / Black)Cheap But Reliable Fitness TrackerThis is one of the least expensive heart rate monitors that Polar offers. It comes in several colors. Silver/Black is $60. The green version, my personal favorite, is only $49. For what it can do, that is an outstanding price. That is why I purchased it. Well, that and because I don’t care about being fashionable. For example, I would never spend $285 on the trendy, new Apple Smart Watch. Even the Fitbit Blaze would set me back $149. For a fraction of the price, the Polar FT4 accomplishes everything I need in a fitness tracker. Let’s talk about the watch itself, which Polar refers to as the “FT4 Training Computer.” First of all, it gives me an accurate reading of my heart rate and calories burned. Second of all, it tells me when I am in the "fat burning zone." It will beep to tell me when I am slacking off. It beeps when I am working out too hard. Finally, it keeps track of the workout details of my last 10 workouts. I can check out the duration of a particular workout, the amount of calories I burned and how long I stayed in the fat burning zone. Now let’s get into the chest strap, which Polar refers to as the “WearLink Transmitter.” At first, it kind of felt like I was wearing a brassiere. Also, it was tricky getting the clasp on because I have short arms. Then I realized it was easier to put it on backwards (so I can work on the clasp while it’s on my chest) and then simply pull it around to the correct side. Once I got used to it, it was easy and didn’t get in the way of my workout. I have been using the Polar FT4 for two years. I use the FT4 about four times a week and I only just changed the batteries. It was not hard. Polar recommends that you send the FT4 Training Computer and WearLink Transmitter to an authorized Polar Service Center to have new batteries installed, but for me, that’s too much work. Besides, changing the batteries is a breeze. The watch requires a CR 1632 battery. The chest strap requires a CR 2025 battery. You can buy these batteries from your local Walgreens or 7-Eleven.A Single DownsideOkay, there is one thing the Polar FT4 cannot do, which is count your steps. That is an easy fix though. Just pick yourself up an inexpensive but reliable pedometer with a a 3D tri-axis sensor. The one I picked up is the Ozeri 4x3motion Pocket Pedometer. It costs $15.95 and it is the most accurate pedometer I have ever used. It also records up to a week of workouts.The Bottom LineIf you are like me, a cheapskate on a budget, this is the fitness tracker for you. The Polar FT4 is $49. I paired it with a cheap pedometer, which cost $15.95. So my total investment was only $64.95. For me, that is a reasonable amount of money and it feels good knowing every penny of that is an investment toward my health. I use the Polar FT4 while I am on the treadmill. I even wear it while I am doing step aerobics. I even wear it when I’m lifting weights. Being able to measure my heart rate while exercising is a real game changer for me. Now I’m more focused on my workout and I have a better understanding of what I need to do to burn off more calories. I have already convinced my family and friends to get an FT4. Note: I am the only cheapskate in the family. But let me make one thing clear: I may be a proud cheapskate, but trust me, this is no cheap product.