Garmin HR monitor straps useless?
Just venting a bit but if anyone has a secret to get them to work correctly please let me know.
I'm on at least my 6th Garmin HR strap , several of the old ones and several of the new softstrap type... They have all done the same thing, work fine at first, then they start recording very erratic HR for the first 5-10min and then settle down for remainder of the workout, and then finally they become unreliable throughout the work out. My current strap is a couple weeks old and already unreliable for the first 10minutes. I use pace and power for training and never have HR displayed , and I hardly every race with HR on but its still annoying. Will be my last Garmin strap.
The Polar one I use with Computrainer/Trainerroad bike workouts is rock solid!
Comments
I agree Polar is the best among the HR straps I've used, but since it's not ANT +, it gets relagated to the closet. The erratic readings for the first 5-10 minutes may be due to insufficient contact. If there is not enough NaCl containing moisture between the skin and the strap, the readings may come out falsely high, like 1.5 times actual. I've always solved that by just wettng my fingers and moistening the critical contact points on the strap when I put it on. Either sweat, or the stuff they sell for that specific purpose also work.
I gave up on Garmin straps a while ago primarily due to discomfort. Switched to using a Timex strap and I think it's bomb-proof: consistent, reliable, no chafing, easy to change the battery. BOOM!
That is interesting since the Cycleops strap is made by Garmin, only rebranded with the Cycleops logo in it. I got one also when I bought my powertap and got an additional, identical one when I bought my 310XT. I've always used the 'cycleops' one, since I had that one first and thought I'll just use it until it dies... now been using it for 4 years and it has never ever let me down.
I wonder if it is something you do that interferes wiht the reading? I know people have reported interference with clothing (like when wearing a loose jersey over a HR monitor without base layer).
http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2012/12/annual-public-service-announcement-how-to-fix-heart-rate-strap-dropoutsspikes.html
Mine is moody, but works most of the time and I don't use it enough to find it frustrating.
I'm sweating by the time I get out the door for a workout, so no need to lick it.
Dear Matt Aaronson,
Thank you for contacting Garmin International.
I would be happy to help you today. When you see this issue, it is usually because the salt from the evaporated sweat is in the band. This needs to be cleaned out. Please follow this cleaning instructions below. We recommend rinsing out the band after every workout, but washing it after every 5-7 workouts.
What is the recommended method to care for my Garmin Premium Heart Rate Monitor?
The Garmin Premium Heart Rate Monitor (Soft Strap) is much like any soft fabric. In order to be at its best performance, it must be cleaned. The method of cleaning is determined by the markings on your strap (located on the strap next to the left hand skin contact patch):
Machine Washing (image with a filled bucket with 40 degrees in the middle):
For soft straps with a machine washing instructions, follow the recommended cleaning and care criteria for the heart rate monitor:
• Remove module and fasten the clasp before washing
• Place the soft strap heart rate monitors in the washing machine with a regular load of laundry
• Placing the strap into a washing bag or protective bag is highly recommended to prevent the strap from getting tangled
• Run the washing machine on normal cycle with cold or warm water (40ºC/104ºF Max.)
• Use only a small amount of mild detergents, without color fasteners, softener or bleach
• Wash at least every 7 uses
• Never place the accessory in a drying machine
• Store strap lying flat or hanging
• Avoid bending or rolling strap tightly
• Keep out of sun for long periods of time
• Do not allow chemicals (including sunscreen, bleach, ammonia, mosquito repellent) to contact the heart rate monitor
Hand Washing (image with a filled bucket with a hand entering the top):
For soft straps with a hand washing instructions, follow the recommended cleaning and care criteria for the heart rate monitor:
• Remove module before washing
• Hand wash both the hard and soft strap heart rate monitors in cold water
• Use only a tiny amount of mild detergents, such as dishwashing liquid. Using a substantial amount of detergent may cause damage to the strap itself
• Hand wash at least every 7 uses
• Never clean the accessory using a washing or drying machine
• Store strap lying down or hanging
• Avoid bending or rolling strap tightly
• Keep out of sun for long periods of time
• Do not allow chemicals (including sunscreen, bleach, ammonia, mosquito repellent) to contact the heart rate monitor
Be aware that not washing on a consistent basis can cause sweat and salt to build up on the strap. An increased build up of either can decrease the ability for the strap to report correct data.
Please let me know if you need any further assistance.
With Best Regards,
Oliver De.
Product Support Specialist
Outdoor/Fitness Team
Garmin International
913-397-8200
800-800-1020
913-440-8280 (fax) Att: Oliver De., Associate #5899
www.garmin.com
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