run dynamics confusion

i currently have a fenix 3 w/ hrm run band, shoe pod, and tempe. I'm looking into a newer 5x/5xplus. I'm confused as to what is needed w/ the new system to capture the same data that i'm used to getting w/ my current system. Do i still need the hrm band? Will i need the new run dynamic pod?

I also do some swim training, and a sprint tri once a year, will the wrist hrm system adequetly record heart rate?

0 AllanOlesen67 over 6 years ago

You will probably not be satisfied with the wrist HRM for sports. So you will probably end up using a chest strap HRM anyway.

The other items, the shoe pod and the Tempe, will still be as necessary on the newer watches as they were on the F3. Nothing changed there.

0 tmk2 over 6 years ago

The F5 has a built-in optical HRM sensor, so you can get HR data without a strap, however the optical's accuracy is controversial.
For running dynamics you'll need either the HRM-Run, HRM-Tri or the RD pod.
For swimming, the optical HR sensor won't work. You'll need either the HRM-Tri or HRM-Swim.

0 lakaw over 6 years ago

As the others have mentioned, if you want accurate HR data, always go with a chest strap. I currently use an HRM-Tri for running (and biking) with the older run pod, I get all the run dynamics. I use an HRM-Swim for pool swimming and the Soft Strap for weight training.

0 jlgranth over 6 years ago

You can use those same sensors with the Fenix 5X / Fenix 5X Plus and get the same running dynamics data you're getting now with your Fenix 3.

I used to use a Tempe sensor, but I found that the internal temperature sensor on the Fenix 5 Plus was closely matching what the Tempe sensor reported.

I don't own the foot pod, so I'm not entirely sure what it brings to the table. The Fenix 5 and Fenix 5 Plus series both utilize the accelerometer to estimate running distance if the GPS is lost or turned off. That distance, I believe, is based upon what the watch learned from your running during GPS tracked runs. I rarely run on a treadmill, but the few times I have the watch distance nearly matched the treadmill distance.

For running, I wanted to ditch the chest strap so I bought the RD Pod and rely on the wrist OHM. I have personally had good results with the OHM...not perfect, but good.

One other detail... I bought my Fenix 5 Plus watch from Clever Training and signed up for their VIP program. I earned enough VIP points from the watch purchase to get the RD Pod for free.