This beefy number is an all-round adventure watch, including a barometer, altimeter and compass, as well as a heart rate monitor. As a result, it doesn't have as many training functions as some of the others, but it's easy to use and remarkably clear despite having so many items packed onto the display. For runners it could be a bit too heavy and the buttons are fiddly, but for outdoor action men it is definitely worth saving up the pennies for.

The distinctive angled shape actually makes the screen harder to read, but this is still the sportiest looking HRM out of the bunch. It's also very easy to use, with clearly labelled buttons and a rather nifty graphical display so you can check out the peaks and troughs of your training. The way the pulse rate updates is a bit erratic, which doesn't help you when you want to train within a particular heart rate zone, but we can forgive that for being so user-friendly.

If you have a degree in electronic engineering then you might be able to understand the instruction manual for this watch/HRM. By the time we'd figured out the so-called 'short instructions' the gym was closing and they'd started sweeping up. That said, the Ciclosport is solidly built, with a big clear display and more functions than you will ever use (or ever learn how to use). Shame it's just so incomprehensible.

We like to keep things simple at Men's Fitness, so this heart rate monitor suits us fine. Quick and easy instructions let you get off and running straight away - although you may find you have to slow down to read the display, which could do with being clearer. Other gripes include the tinny feel and the time it takes to switch between modes, but a good range of features means that this is still a useful training device at a decent price.

Polar is a specialist in heart rate monitors, and it shows. This will sort out every part of your training schedule except for when to wash your socks. It's the only one that is PC-compatible, so you can devise your own training sessions and then upload them onto your monitor. We also liked the big red button - push it and it starts the timer and heart rate monitor; no faffing around with complicated set-ups. The S710 is also very good for cyclists and this model comes with special bike attachments. Are there any downsides? Yes, it looks a bit clunky so you're unlikely to wear it for anything other than training.