Does a HRM-Tri last > 2 years?

Former Member
Former Member

My HRM-Run (replaceable pod) broke. I tried a no-brand ANT+ chest HR sensor on the same strap, but it was cr*p (dropouts, peaks, stuck HR, lots of outliers).

I also have a HRM-Tri that works as well as the HRM-Run, but I am hesitant to start using it daily. In the past another couple of HRM-Tris lasted only a year (approx. 8 hours of use per week, and cared for exactly as the manual specified). The old Tris smelled strongly (like rubber) right out of the box, the newer one doesn't. Are today's HRM-Tris better? I'd appreciate comments from anyone who has uses theirs very frequently for over two years. Thanks!

  • My HRM Tri(s) lasted about 9–11months and after battery replacements there would be issues. I followed Garmin Support process.

    after 3 failed straps, they gave me a HRM Pro. The battery lasted 14 months at about 6-8 hours a week.

    I think spec was 12 months HRM Pro and 8 months for Tri. I just replaced Pro battery after 14 months and  no issues today’s run.

    I suggest Pro is a better deal than Tri and you can access Bluetooth and ANT+ connection 

  • My HRM-Tri that I've had since Oct 2019 is still going strong, but I have had to change the battery numerous times and actually use a little super glue when one of the contact pads started to separate from the strap. Still works fine, and the HR readings are accurate as far as I'm able to test them (compared to my HRM-Swim which is only a couple months old, they seem to show the same readings).

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 3 years ago in reply to RedSocks157

    Thank you guys! Good to know that a peeling pad can be glued back too. And as neither of you mention a peculiar odor from Pro or Tri, I'm quite confident that the material of the pads is different from the older ones (2015/16).

  • HRMTri, 4 years old, used almost every day for 1,5-2 hours. Water washed after each use. Battery life approx 6months. Slightly destroyed after all that time but still works well. Have replacement in the box for almost year but there is still no need for it.

    HRMTri Current State

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 3 years ago in reply to tomulli

    That is astonishing, 'slightly' destroyed. :-) Shows looks aren't important!

    I have my Tri in daily use now. 

    So the answer to my question is; yes, HRM-Tris can last more than 2 years.

  • Hi @9085083,

    mine works, howeve is also smelling like rubber or something. Been advised to wash after each and every activity despite the label recommnends otherwise. Battery 6-8 months, however not a daily use. I tried to wash with normal cloth, went dead, open the battery case and found that water got in Innocent. Neverthless had dried it, replaced battery and luckily it worked. one screw (out of 4) cannot be properly tightened anymore, as metal casing with thread is in plastic case and that somehow broke despite being very careful with the screws. I did not swim with this being in that condition, however washing under stream of tap water so far no harm. I have had for three yrs, starting now the 4th so looks ok-ish. Bought in sale on Amazon. I'd go with HRM Pro, which is to be found cheaper (again on Amazon), Pro is BLE/ANT as well as it has more functions than Tri...

  • My record with ALL of these is that after a couple of years they fail in odd ways and corrupt your data for a bit before you notice it.  When you DO notice it replace the strap.  It's not the battery either; I go through two or three batteries and I'm good with O-ring sealed things and know how to care for them when you have to open them up -- its just the nature of the beast.  I don't play with the aftermarket ones, only Garmins, and this has been consistent all the way back to the Garmin HRM straps with the replaceable strap.

  • They need to replace the back that uses screws with a twist on cap.

  • Have replacement in the box for almost year but there is still no need for it.

    HRMTri Current State

    That looks brand new Slight smile

  • Former Member
    0 Former Member over 3 years ago

    It should last more than two years if taken care of properly.  I use mine nearly daily (5-7 hrs a week running, cycling, swimming, etc.) and I bought it in the fall of 2017.  The only thing I've had to do was replace the battery.  I rinse it off with water after every use and hang dry.  Once a week I'll put it in a bowl of luke warm water with a drop or two of dish soap, sloosh it around, rinse and dry. I don't wring out the strap, just drip dry.  The battery compartment is still water tight, no fraying or stretching of the strap and it still works perfectly.