Accurate HR measurement with a Garmin??

Bob Irwin

The HR measurement capabilities of my garmin devices is horrible.  I have a forerunner 310xt, an edge 500, and the soft HR strap.  I've tried everything I can think of, and it still usually measures very high.  My guess is that it's the strap since I get the same readings on both devices if I have them both on a ride.  I have afib, so a relatively accurate HR is important to me.  Anyone try another ant+ HR strap that has worked well?  Or maybe ideas on how to get the garmin to work?  Thanks

tim cronk

I had a Garmin HR rant thread recently. I have gone thru about 6 of them. They always work initially , then go erratic at the beginning, and seem to get progressively worse. The POLAR strap I use on my CT is rock solid every single time I use it.

BUT...... I think I solved my issues.... I used to just wet the back of the contacts prior to use (that is when I had all my problems) NOW I use a softstrap and I wet the entire strap, I also wet my entire chest , install on my body , dry up, and go to work. It has been working for at least a month with no issues using this method.

They also sell a contact lotion that some recommend. I just figure I dont have enough water in my skin for a good contact.

Good Luck

jsumara

DCRainmaker wrote a section on HR monitor / Strap issues. Check it out here:
http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2010/04/troubleshooting-your-heart-rate.html

It mostly has to do with a poor body connection

[Deleted User]

I started using the conductivity gel that is recommended on the dcrainmaker site and have had no problems since. The tube was about $5 and should last a lifetime since I need so little of it.

Pat Koss

All of the above helps. I also have found that periodically hand washing the strap (as in the instructions) helps also.

jaleslie

I have had the same experience (bad connection, erratic readings) with the newer "soft strap"....aka...."crap strap".  I have the older Garmin strap (solid peice of plastic across the chest) which works perfectly.  I just use the older one.  

Dawsonhinds

Im having the same trouble. just got an email from Garmin. see below. basically. tuff sh** buy a new strap 

Dear Dawson Hinds,

 

Thank you for contacting Garmin Europe.

 

Unfortunately, if this is the case, then it would appear that the monitor would need to be replaced. If this is still within warranty, then if you can please provide me with a copy of the proof of purchase and your full contact details, then I can arrange for a replacement to be shipped out to you. Regrettably, as we are unable to book accessories in, if out of warranty, then the only option would be to purchase a replacement, which can be found at https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=10996

for the regular monitor or https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=15490

for the premium version.

 

If there is anything else I can help you with then please let me know.

Alternatively you can search for a solution here: http://www.garmin.co.uk/support

 

Kind regards,

 

Carl Browning

 

Garmin Europe

Bob Irwin

Thanks everyone. I'll try the gel (that's one thing I haven't tried yet), and see if that works. Since it's ant+, I was wondering if another brand of HR strap might work better.

jaleslie

A buddy of mine has a Garmin 500/510.  He had same problems with the Garmin "soft strap", so just uses another brand that he had from a prior computer (I think it's Polar?). 

Bob Irwin

Just read DCRainmaker's thoughts on the subject. He suggests using a Polar Wearlink strap. Apparently it will accept the Gamin transmitter. Since I've had Polar products for years with not problems, I think I'll give that a try. It's have the price of Garmin strap - an added bonus.

jbogdan

I see this, and other, complaints about Garmin. I'm done, and looking for a suitable alternative. I have a relatively new 310XT, which costs about $500 w/all the accessories a triathlete will need (e.g., foot pod, cadence meter, quick release kit)...unless you count the value of your time chatting w/Garmin support, doing a "master reset" every few weeks, and then re-configuring the unit to your preferences...AGAIN. First unit had a bad GPS (acknowledged problem by Garmin). Second unit kept "un-pairing" w/my computer, requiring a master reset (another acknowledged problem). Third unit now also "un-pairing" and going back today. When the new one comes, I'm selling it on eBay and looking for a replacement brand. Recommendations??

Bob Irwin

If anyone is interested - I went out and bought the polar wearlink strap, and it works great - and is more comfortable

Al Truscott

Posted By Joe Bogdan on 27 Mar 2013 09:34 AM


I see this, and other, complaints about Garmin. I'm done, and looking for a suitable alternative. I have a relatively new 310XT, which costs about $500 w/all the accessories a triathlete will need (e.g., foot pod, cadence meter, quick release kit)...unless you count the value of your time chatting w/Garmin support, doing a "master reset" every few weeks, and then re-configuring the unit to your preferences...AGAIN. First unit had a bad GPS (acknowledged problem by Garmin). Second unit kept "un-pairing" w/my computer, requiring a master reset (another acknowledged problem). Third unit now also "un-pairing" and going back today. When the new one comes, I'm selling it on eBay and looking for a replacement brand. Recommendations??

@ Joe - I and my family (wife, 2 adult kids) have 4 Garmin 305 Forerunners, starting in 2005. I've had two replaced as batteries wore down, essentially getting a new (refurbished) replacement for $75. None of the six 305's has ever given us trouble. Of course, it lacks the following, compared to the 310: 10 vs 20 hour battery life, can't use in the water, no power readings, not ANT+ compatible. But for $150-180, it has been a superb and rock solid way to monitor the important metrics I need when running, and is a good back-up bike computer if needed. HR strap pairing with compatible brands has never been a problem. Although I've not used the new floppy Garmin strap, their previous model, with a little spit under the contacts, always works for me.

Having said all that, I just got a new 310 XT when the price dropped below $200 last week. No HR strap or extra mounting units included. I'm hoping that being a late rather than early adopter will be to my advantage here.