First time poster, few questions and thgoughts

Former Member over 7 years ago

Coming from a Samsung Gear line of devices (have them all, I thought the S3 would be the ultimate Sports tracker) I'm obviously amazed generally speaking.

I bought the Fenix 5 Sapphire with the Scosche RHYTHM+ Heart Rate Monitor, my main goal was to get as accurate readings as possibly available to track calories in/out (I use MyFitnessPal calorie counter and love the integration). I work out 5-7 times a week, 30-40 minutes cardio on the treadmill/indoor training bike and do a full routine of strength training.

My biggest disappointment (only real one so far) is how inaccurate the HR monitor is, I literally have to use the Scosche even for a treadmill run, my problem is that the readings are way too high, often 30-50 BPS off, the sad part is that my Samsung Gear S3 does a better job, how is this possible? Is there a way to calibrate the HR monitor? I'm running software version 6.0 and hope this is fixable in the near future.

As far as Strenght training, I'm using the set/rep built in the watch and liking it a ton (I have to do minor edits here and there after the workout) but I somehow think the overall calorie calculations are way off... I'm burning <20 calories in an intense bench press... that doesn't sound right does it? (4 sets x 10 reps).

I downloaded and installed additional data fields but not sure how to enable these, widgets seem to work fine, but If I have a new HR display data field, shouldn't the new one replace the old one automatically? I know I'm doing something wrong here.

My other big complaint is the Bluetooth connection to my smartphone... this thing literally needs repairing every few hours, do I have a defective BT radio? Is there a workaround? My device just simply looses connectivity with my phone randomly and only real way to get it back working is to do the re-pairing process over and over.

Other than that, I'm very happy with my purchase, I have so many great things to talk about but figures you guys already know it better than I do :)

Thanks for the help!

0 Andy275 over 7 years ago

My biggest disappointment (only real one so far) is how inaccurate the HR monitor is, I literally have to use the Scosche even for a treadmill run, my problem is that the readings are way too high, often 30-50 BPS off, the sad part is that my Samsung Gear S3 does a better job, how is this possible? Is there a way to calibrate the HR monitor? I'm running software version 6.0 and hope this is fixable in the near future.

That is a general complaint. It seems to vary from person to person. Mine is quite accurate. Do make sure you follow instructions (i.e., where it tight and high, about a finger's width above the wrist bone). It can also be affected by light leaking in. That being said, if I want 100% accuracy, I put on an HR strap.

My other big complaint is the Bluetooth connection to my smartphone... this thing literally needs repairing every few hours, do I have a defective BT radio? Is there a workaround? My device just simply looses connectivity with my phone randomly and only real way to get it back working is to do the re-pairing process over and over.

That does sound defective. Dose it do that with any other device (e.g., ipad)? Otherwise it should stay connected.

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

That does sound defective. Dose it do that with any other device (e.g., ipad)? Otherwise it should stay connected.

I haven't tried with a second device but just googling seems I'm not alone....I'll call support next week if I do have this issue with a second device, great idea.

Also when you say "wear above the wrist bone'' Is this right next to the hand or on the arm? I could be wearing this thing wrong, I've always snug my watch right over the wrist bone, closer to the hand not the arm.. make sense?

0 mcalista over 7 years ago

OHR sensors work by measuring the color of light reflected back from the skin and underlying veins. Accurate measurement means it has to be sealed against outside light getting in. This is best done by putting it on the fleshy part of the wrist, away from the wrist bone, and ensuring the band is snug to prevent bounce. This is typically slightly further away from the wrist than most people normally wear a watch. Too close to the wrist bones means gaps can open between skin and sensor.

High HR readings typically indicate the watch is locking onto your cadence (light is entering the sensor in a rythmic way, which can fool the sensor), so it is definitely worth experimenting with watch placement and fit. I find my F5 is pretty accurate with HR, but I do have to have it 1 notch tighter for running than I do for the 24/7 monitoring for the rest of the day.

The large battery size means the F5 is slightly heavier than many other wrist devices (eg. your Samsung), and can be more prone to bounce while running unless the band is snugged down.

The Sosche is typically worn on the upper arm, which has a larger blood supply and less exagerated movements while running, and tends to avoid some of the problems some people have with wrist based measurement

As for data fields, I think they tend to just get added. You need to edit or delete the existing fields if you intend to replace the stock fields with customized ones. I know I spent a while playing with different fields until I found what worked for me.

0 Andy275 over 7 years ago

Also when you say "wear above the wrist bone'' Is this right next to the hand or on the arm? I could be wearing this thing wrong, I've always snug my watch right over the wrist bone, closer to the hand not the arm.. make sense?

As mcalista said, over the fleshy part, more up the forearm.

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

That made a difference, at least my HR doesn't spike up to the 110's when going up and down the stairs... Just going to have to get used to wearing the watch like that... i been wearing it on the wrist for well over 30 years. :)

0 Andy275 over 7 years ago

Yep. Not especially comfortable. But I don't need HR all the time so I only do it when I want a reading or during activities (unless I opt for the strap).

0 Igor over 7 years ago

Xenecus, I have the same issues - HR during strength training is extremely inaccurate. Sometimes after bench press f5 shows 46 bpm. Seldom ( with previous software version ) it was more close to reality, f5 was in the position described by Andy275. As to the bluetooth - comparing to Samsung Gear S2 it's very weak (same is wifi), so it works only in close distance. I think this could also be the reason of the HR monitor problem. Garmin made everything to have max economy of power, so maybe HR problem same as bluetooth and wifi weakness are due to power saving. Please advise how accurate is Scosche RHYTHM+ for strength training ?

0 Former Member over 7 years ago

As far as strength training goes, the HR accuracy is going to be impacted by any exercise where you have to tense up your arm/wrist. I typically wear a chest strap for strength training (HR isn't the best indicator of calorie burn for strength training, but some numbers are better than no numbers at all!)

0 Andy275 over 7 years ago

Agreed. It is fine in between sets, but for upper body reps, it moves around too much.

0 1-Ghost over 7 years ago

As far as Strenght training, I'm using the set/rep built in the watch and liking it a ton (I have to do minor edits here and there after the workout) but I somehow think the overall calorie calculations are way off... I'm burning <20 calories in an intense bench press... that doesn't sound right does it? (4 sets x 10 reps).

I always use chest strap for strength training. It's almost impossible for the OHR on any device to give you an accurate reading due to the intense flexing of the wrist when gripping the bar. I have small wrists but large forearms that make it either uncomfortably tight or too far forward. I prefer to keep it comfortable and chest strap for accuracy. I also have to take the watch off for some cable exercises so that watch face doesn't get hit by the cable attachment (think wood chop). Hope that helps.