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Do I need the Run Dynamic Pod with the F6X?

James Chung
over 3 years ago

Hi! Is the accelerometer on F6X good enough for run cadence, etc. or do I need the HRM-Pro or the the Run Dynamic Pod? Thanks.

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    You don’t need it but you will likely get better data form a HRM-Pro or RD pod.

  • +1 over 3 years ago

    You don't need it unless you are excited to collect Garmin "Running Dynamics". The HRM-Run, HRM-Tri, HRM-Pro, and RD-Pod add Running Dynamics beyond cadence and average stride length.

    You get these graphs added:

    • Stride Length
    • Vertical Ratio
    • Vertical Oscillation
    • Ground Contact Time Balance (left/right balance)
    • Ground Contact Time
    • Power w/ a ConnectIQ data field

    Garmin says it collects Cadence but that graph is there always but I suspect that some watches do not capture cadence without an external sensor.

    Most of these are directly measuring the same thing. Stride length is derived from pace and cadence for example, so why is an accessory required?

    If you have any heart rate monitor, you get functioning Respiration Rate graphs as opposed to a silly unchanging graph.

    For reference Stryd collects the following into separate ConnectIQ fields *not* the Garmin ANT+ native fields:

    • "Power"
    • Cadence
    • Ground Time
    • Vertical Oscillation
    • "Form Power"
    • Leg Spring Stiffness

    Some of these metrics are essentially proportional to pace or derived from each other. Like ground contact time goes down proportional to pace. Vertical oscillation, too. Stride length is distance / cadence. Balance is kind of interesting but in practice you cannot actually influence it consciously. If you are injured asymmetrically then you balance will pick it up but then you generally also can feel that you are not symmetrical. This metric might have some utility in monitoring recovery from injury.

    Generally speaking, I have never figured out what you are supposed to do with any of these things. Garmin and nobody else that I'm aware of give you advice for making training interventions from running dynamics.

    There are theories of how to use Power for training but the problem is these pods are not really measuring power. 

    I'm not convinced that any of it is an improvement over a reliable HRM chest strap and using heart rate -based training. 

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    If you like cool graphs and colors and dots and things in your post-workout details on Garmin Mobile Connect then yes you'll like it. If you don't need or want those add'l stats and info (as already stated) then no you won't have any use for it.

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    I have an RD-Pod, but honestly, I don't use it for anything other than to look at L/R balance, which I still don't DO anything with. I guess it's nice to have the data. 

    What are you going to do with "vertical ratio" or "vertical oscillation?"

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to James Chung

    Like others said.  The HRM-Pro provides interesting data.  You really only need to use is once to see that you don't have a perfect stride, then what?  I've looked at the data once in detail.  Save your money and get an HRM-Dual for decent HR data and call it a day.

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 3 years ago

    A pod or HR monitor with running dynamics isn't necessary, but some of the metrics can be beneficial.  I run with a Stryd and the HRM-Tri and get some duplicate metrics.  I use a Stryd for a couple of reasons.  One, I'm sold on training with power over pace or heart rate.  Running power is in it's infancy and some say it's a gimmick.  To each his own.  Secondly, I also find pace (when I am interested in it) and distance is better with a pod.  Again, some disagree.  Most of the metrics you get from running dynamics are nice to have, but as other's have said, now what do I do with them?  I found value with GCT Balance.  I noticed my right side was getting out of whack.  A year later I was getting that knee scoped for a torn meniscus and cartilage build up that I don't even recall when or how I injured myself.  I now do more single leg exercises with that leg and I use the metric to see my improvements.  So, there are benefits to using running dynamics or a pod, but it all comes down to user preference.  Do some online research on the topic and then weigh what's important to you and then make your decision.  Here's a link I found on Stryd's website.  It's Stryd biased, but it explains a lot of the metrics found with other pods and straps with running dynamics.

    docs.google.com/.../pub

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to Former Member

    Thanks Former Member!   All the replies were helpful.

    I am going to use the HRM-Pro since I got it for free.   I plan to use it for SPM at first (keep it above 180 SPM).   I hear 180+ indirectly helps with running form and injury prevention.   

    I'll see if HRM-Pro's data, such as GCT, can help me be healthier and happier running.  Cheers.

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to James Chung

    HRM-Pro should be an accurate HRM until the integrated strap fails. (I have seen several HRM-Tri and HRM-Run integrated straps die with less than a year of daily use.) The key to getting good use out of it IMO is calculating your zones. I don’t think Garmin estimates them very well with any of its schemes. I like the Joe Friel method that Training Peaks recommends  

    The fenix 6 will give you cadence with or without an HRM with running dynamics or an RD pod.