Premium Heart Monitor Issues and Info on HRM-run/tri

Former Member over 6 years ago

I've had a premium HRM for 18 months and the last 6 months it has been causing redness and blistering just in the centre of the chest below the actual unit. This is the second time this has happened, I had my last one replaced at around this age. Just wanting to know if anyone else has experienced this? It was hurting after a 5km run. I'd hate to know what it would be like after 10km!

Considering I have had the same problem twice now I don't think I will get the same type of strap. Does anyone have this problem with the HRM-run? How long is the average lifespan of the HRM-run as the battery isn't replaceable? (although I've never got to having to change the battery in my premium strap before this happens)

And last question, is it worth getting the tri version if you occasionally swim but mostly in swimming pools? May or may not do a triathlon in the future!

Thanks!

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

Yep. I get it. And the best cure I found was a fabric sticking plaster over the area. After 43k still had a red mark but that’s all :) I have the original hrm run

0 TrippyZ over 6 years ago

Have you been washing it?

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

I wash it as instructed (remove the unit and wash the strap in the washing machine) probably once a week/ fortnight depending on wear. I've also noticed that the connection points (on the unit not strap) look like they have started eroding as well. I've contacted Garmin Australia as they replaced my last one when it did this so I'm wondering if it's an issue with this line. I'll see what they say this time.

I'm thinking it might be time to try a different product as I have a constant sore/ blister these days and I'm only running 1-2 times a week! I could try a bandaid (but with the summer heat I'm not sure it will stay on!) though I do feel that a product should not do this as it ages (never happens when it's newer).

Happy for further suggestions or information on whether the same issue exists with the new run/t version

0 Former Member over 6 years ago

How long is the average lifespan of the HRM-run as the battery isn't replaceable?

The sensor doesn't come off the strap, but the battery is still replaceable on the HRM-Run, Tri or Swim.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=9qDzMJQaFrs

0 mcbadger over 6 years ago

I find that the HRM-RUN new version where the sensor is permanently fixed to the strap is the most comfortable strap I've ever worn; I can run a half marathon in it with no discomfort, where the removable-sensor types would have had me literally bleeding long before that (I used micropore tape to stop that, not really needed under 3 hours or so with the new one). Strongly recommended, though I disapprove of the non-replaceable strap.
As TMK17 says, the battery is replaceable.

0 mcalista over 6 years ago

Try DCRainmaker's post on this issue. https://www.dcrainmaker.com/2012/08/how-to-fix-heart-rate-strap-chaffing.html

Generally you can replace the fabric strap for a fraction of the price of the entire HRM (ebay can be a source for cheaper straps), and retain the HRM sensor unit. 12-18 months seems to be a common lifespan for the fabric straps themselves.

0 JSRUNNER_ over 6 years ago

MissLisaJ sounds like you have the HRM with the removable unit (as you mention removing the unit to wash. Note that the battery is replaceable as one of the other posters above says. I've had mine about 3 years now and it is still working well. At the moment I have a cheap replacement strap on it as I can't bring myself to pay Garmin's price for a replacement and it seems to work well. I omy occasionally get chafing from the strap and then usually where it curves round at the edge of my chest - not in the middle under the sensor. You also mention corrosion on the connector "poppers" do you wash the unit as well ? I tend to come in from a run and dump my watch and HRM in the batch whilst i run the bath and get out of my gear. I have had no corrosion on any of the Garmin HRM units that pop off. If your blistering is underneath the unit you could use bodyglide or vaseline in the centre point that might help. Bodyglide of something similar is probably best as there is less chance of it degrading the strap.