Old vs new HRM-RUN heart rate

The HRM-RUN has always had the extra metrics, this is the difference between the HRM and the HRM-RUN.

I do not believe there are any differences in metrics between the different generations of HRM-RUN. I have an original HRM-RUN and am still using it with my fenix 3, although i am on my 3rd strap.

To get advanced dynamic metrics (stride length, balance, vertical oscillation), you have to check on the pod you can remove from the strap.
If you see a runner painted in white on the front of the pod, the advanced metrics are included.

There are different types of chest strap HRM, each can handle different metrics and added features?

Heart rate monitors older than the HRM-RUN (black module that can be popped off the strap and doesn't have a little white running figure on it) give you heart rate and R-R data only.

HRM-RUN units give you running dynamics as well. The first HRM-RUN units are black modules that can be popped off the strap and have a little white running figure on them. They originally supported only 1st gen running dynamics, but can be updated in firmware by your watch to give them 2nd gen. Newer ones are permanently attached to the strap and have a big red plastic surround.

There are also HRM-SWIM and HRM-TRI units, which have a big blue plastic surround and blue and black straps respectively. They both support recording data while swimming, which the other units don't. HRM-TRI does running dynamics, HRM-SWIM doesn't.

The red HRM-RUN units are supposed to be very comfortable and chafe much less than older units.

CALLE pandora

For reference.

Gen 1 dynamics: cadence, ground contact time, vertical oscillation
(Eg 610 can recieve gen 1 data dynamics but not gen 2)

Gen 2 dynamics: ground contact balance, stride lenght and gen 1 dynamics.

All models do hr and r-r which will give you : calories burned (watch can use MET if no hr is detected, but it is so-so), stress score, recovery time.


Only HR and R-R. No dynamics. Pod detaches, can replace strap only.


Hr, R-R, Gen 1 and Gen 2 dynamics
Pod detaches, strap can be replaced.


HR, R-R, Gen 1 and Gen 2 dynamics.
Sender/"pod" can not be replaced...expensive to replace.


HR, R-R, Gen 1 & Gen 2 dynamics.
Bonus: has memory so you can swim or start a run/bike/gym/boxing/whatever workout (watch close to you) then train without watch (workout running on watch) and return to watch post workout (hr data syncs after this)
Pod/sender can not be detached so expensive to replace

I didnt know there are different version of strap on HRM.

Mine is just the black one with no running figure. Its the "Garmin Premium Heart Rate Monitor (Soft Strap)". I got it for $21 last year. This only measure the heart rate I believe?

What does the advance metrics do?

See post #3 above.

The advance metrics don't do anything except give you more data. It's up to you whether you are able to interpret or use the data for your training.

All I want is the calories burn to be as accurate as possible. I dont know if HR is factor in on this.

I like to know my HR zone, avg hr n my max. I think basic is all I need.

All I want is the calories burn to be as accurate as possible. I dont know if HR is factor in on this.

I like to know my HR zone, avg hr n my max. I think basic is all I need.

You are correct. The base model is ok for you.
Calories are based on Hr but F3, F3hr and (I assume) the f5 series can and will use MET https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolic_equivalent if no HR is detected.

You are correct. The base model is ok for you.
Calories are based on Hr but F3, F3hr and (I assume) the f5 series can and will use MET https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metabolic_equivalent if no HR is detected.

So, sorry to make you repeat yourself. Just to be clear, the soft-strap no-running man (base model) Garmin HRM can gather R-R data? So, I'd be able to use that one with a Fenix 3/5 to get a Stress Score?