HRM strap

dinyull

Been having a few problems with a Polar HRM strap. The readings plummet whenever I'm putting in an effort - for eg, when I start an interval on the turbo or when on a climb the HR reading will drop like a stone from say 150 to the 90's. It never drops out completely, always gives a reading even though it's bobbins.

I tried the HRM unit with my old strap and it worked fine so I'm pretty sure it's the Polar strap. Also replaced the battery. I've had it for approx 9 months, it looks like new, been washed recently and I always dampen it before use.

Any ideas or similar problems?

Lookyhere

Dinyull wrote:

Been having a few problems with a Polar HRM strap. The readings plummet whenever I'm putting in an effort - for eg, when I start an interval on the turbo or when on a climb the HR reading will drop like a stone from say 150 to the 90's. It never drops out completely, always gives a reading even though it's bobbins.

I tried the HRM unit with my old strap and it worked fine so I'm pretty sure it's the Polar strap. Also replaced the battery. I've had it for approx 9 months, it looks like new, been washed recently and I always dampen it before use.

Any ideas or similar problems?

yep all these straps seem to be very particular to sweat damage, i use a Polar strap with a garmin unit, wash every time and soak in water after every 5 or 6 rides, Polar, for me, last a lot longer than Garmin Premiums and a lot cheaper.

Once they start playing up, its replacement time, you ve proved yours has gone.

dinyull

Really??? So you'd recommend a Polar strap as they last longer than Garmin, yet my Polar stap is caput after 9 months?

I should add, the strap "looks" as good as the day it was delivered. No obvious signs of corrosion and the rubber contacts points are perfect. Having had a quick check on TrainerRoad it can only have been used 40 times and it's been playing up for a while now so in reality it's only been used for 6/7 of those 9 months.

In contrast the Bryton strap I used before looked like it had been to both world wars and was working perfectly until one of the button poppers came off this morning.

sungod

the old garmin hrm1b lasts for ages, my original was 5+ years when i lost it, got another

robbo2011

+1 from me for the old garmin strap.

gaz047

Old garmin strap for me too. Outlasted the later versions by miles and cheaper!!

sebbyp

what make is the actual HRM unit that attaches to the stap?
The garmin unit doesnt clip on to the polar straps very well/ at all, unless you trim the rubber back on attachment nipples first.
only heard of garmin straps failing due to sweat/salt damage. Id go with another polar

voodooman

I think you've been a bit unlucky with a polar strap. I've got both the old styles and new style straps and both still fine. The old one I've had for years (10?) and still going strong, though use with a newer Bluetooth transmitter. It's been through countless 40C washes as well.

dinyull

sebbyp wrote:

what make is the actual HRM unit that attaches to the stap?
The garmin unit doesnt clip on to the polar straps very well/ at all, unless you trim the rubber back on attachment nipples first.
only heard of garmin straps failing due to sweat/salt damage. Id go with another polar

It's a Bryton unit and I also had to trim back the rubber on the poppers.

Lookyhere

Dinyull wrote:

Really??? So you'd recommend a Polar strap as they last longer than Garmin, yet my Polar stap is caput after 9 months? .

well, yours is, mine isnt! my Polar strap is 2 years old and still going strong, rinsed after every ride.... maybe you ve not looked after yours?
Polar straps are also cheap but as said, does need a slight trim to fit a Garmin hr unit.

the older more solid plastic straps, not being able to absorb the sweat, last longer still.

Man Of Lard

Weird - no trimming required here to use a Garmin HRM3 or HRM-RUN on a Polar strap. The fabric part of the strap is a consumable item - mine looks like it has been in a war zone after 21 months of use but still working just fine. Rinsed (in the shower) after each activity, washed with the gear (in non bio detergent) every Sunday.

Only have a Polar strap because the premium Garmin fabric part died after 6 months use in the same régime - Polar one was a tenner, Garmin was £30 (fabric part only)

Websta24

Ive got both a Polar strap and a Garmin Strap. Neither have really ever played up. However, there are numerous postings about them failing within a year. So, what about the warranty for these products? Surely if the straps are failing then it is a warranty issue and either company should replace under the 12 months guarantee.

I appreciate you cannot return such an item for hygiene reasons, but this is nothing to do with hygiene, it is to do with a product that is faulty!

Has anyone tried to claim a repair/replacement for a faulty strap?

Websta24

On another point, i tried to fit my Garmin unit to a polar strap and it doesn't fit! The poppers won't seem to click in properly, am i doing something wrong?

mamba80

Websta24 wrote:

On another point, i tried to fit my Garmin unit to a polar strap and it doesn't fit! The poppers won't seem to click in properly, am i doing something wrong?

you need to trim the plastic shroud around the metal popper.

a few years back, claimed via CRC for a Polar strap that failed, Polar said i hadnt washed (which i hadnt) but still honoured warranty, they cheap, return postage would eat up half the value

dinyull

Websta24 wrote:

On another point, i tried to fit my Garmin unit to a polar strap and it doesn't fit! The poppers won't seem to click in properly, am i doing something wrong?

To get other non Polar HRM's to work you have to cut back the rubber on the poppers - this is why most can't be returned.

Websta24

ahhhh i see! I'll have a butchers and keep in mind if the Garmin strap starts playing up