Another ride, another strange HR

Searched around but didn't find much on the subject. Has anybody else seen this with their setup yet? I'm running my 5X paired to my HRM Run HR strap and several times now (not every time, which is confusing) I'll get comically high heart rate readings, often early in the ride. I wet the strap the same way each time as well as put it on the exact same way/time frame every ride/run. Seeing as I know myself pretty well, I'd estimate that during these odd periods of bad data the rate is showing an average of 85-90 bpm higher than it should. Routinely over 205-210.. since I didn't go into cardiac arrest I'm sure that isn't factual.

I'd insert a screenshot if it would let me.. always says the file size is too big. The garmin connect activity is:https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1807027123

0 mcalista over 8 years ago

Searched around but didn't find much on the subject. Has anybody else seen this with their setup yet? I'm running my 5X paired to my HRM Run HR strap and several times now (not every time, which is confusing) I'll get comically high heart rate readings, often early in the ride. I wet the strap the same way each time as well as put it on the exact same way/time frame every ride/run. Seeing as I know myself pretty well, I'd estimate that during these odd periods of bad data the rate is showing an average of 85-90 bpm higher than it should. Routinely over 205-210.. since I didn't go into cardiac arrest I'm sure that isn't factual.

I'd insert a screenshot if it would let me.. always says the file size is too big. The garmin connect activity is:https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/1807027123

This is a well known problem with HR straps, particularly early in a workout and has nothing to do with the watch. The problem is due to either poor electrical contact between belt and skin, and/or the buildup of static electricity in the technical fabrics of running shirts/cycling jerseys leading to the HR sensor picking up stray electrical signals. As you continue your workout, the buildup of sweat allows better electrical contact, and the problem normally disappears.

It's generally easily solved by thoroughly moistening the contact pads on the strap (and sometimes your skin as well) before your workout. In cold and/or low humidity conditions, some people also spray their shirt with anti-static spray.

0 bglover11 over 8 years ago

This is a well known problem with HR straps, particularly early in a workout and has nothing to do with the watch. The problem is due to either poor electrical contact between belt and skin, and/or the buildup of static electricity in the technical fabrics of running shirts/cycling jerseys leading to the HR sensor picking up stray electrical signals. As you continue your workout, the buildup of sweat allows better electrical contact, and the problem normally disappears.

It's generally easily solved by thoroughly moistening the contact pads on the strap (and sometimes your skin as well) before your workout. In cold and/or low humidity conditions, some people also spray their shirt with anti-static spray.

Ya I've been running/riding using this same strap across 3 different watches now for over 2 years with zero problems until it got to my 5x. Perhaps it's just a coincidence and needs replacing.. I wash it regularly.