Does HR accuracy vary depending on watch version (s, standard and x)

I’ve heard I’ve read mixed reviews about heart rate accuracy on the Fenix 7. Wondered if anyone has tested different sizes and compared the accuracy on these with a chest strap? I’m thinking to go for the small size version as is it will fit my wrist (6.75 inch) better and therefore improve accuracy.

Top Replies

the5krunner over 3 years ago +3 suggested

yes it will and does vary between models. one factor that causes that difference is the weight of the watch. thus 7s should be better than the heaviest 7x option as it will move less (other things equal…
Former Member over 3 years ago +2

This time I chose a smaller clock so that the heart rate sensor would be accurate, and it is

Walking

Polar H-10

Garmin WHR
6928399 over 3 years ago +1

I only compared a 7s against my polar OH1 worn on the upper end of my lower arm, very light and thin skin, no hair. Thus basically what optical sensors need. Both were effectively the same. Of course there…

All Replies

0 Former Member over 3 years ago

This time I chose a smaller clock so that the heart rate sensor would be accurate, and it is

Walking

Polar H-10

Garmin WHR

0 8636198 over 3 years ago in reply to Former Member

Credo che la differenza la faccia il polso...un fenix 7x su un polso piccolo tendera' comunque a essere meno stabile e fermo rispetto ad un fenix 7s!!

Con un polso piccolo credo sia meglio orientarsi su orologi con cassa piccola

0 KrapfenKringel over 3 years ago in reply to Former Member

You do know that the sensor changed? So unless you are comparing 7x vs 7s this conclusion is not correct.

0 Former Member over 3 years ago in reply to KrapfenKringel

My friend complains about the accuracy of the Fenix 7x heart rate monitor and I had enough of a poor Fenix 6x i heart rate sensor.

The accuracy of the Fenix7 Solar heart rate sensor is perfect for me

0 Former Member over 3 years ago in reply to 8636198

That's right, yes

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

The sensor is probably all good, the size of a watch probably matters the most

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

Quanto misura il tuo polso?

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

20 cm

0 6928399 over 3 years ago

I only compared a 7s against my polar OH1 worn on the upper end of my lower arm, very light and thin skin, no hair. Thus basically what optical sensors need. Both were effectively the same. Of course there's no knowing whether the OH-1 works properly. But for me both are consistent.

0 the5krunner over 3 years ago

yes it will and does vary between models. one factor that causes that difference is the weight of the watch. thus 7s should be better than the heaviest 7x option as it will move less (other things equal)

but it's not so simple. other very important factors that conspire against oHR accuracy are unique to your physiology, exactly how you wear the watch, what sports you are doing and the environmental conditions.

in a nutshell: you can't infer the level of accuracy you will receive based on another person;'s excellent or rubbish experience. Almost to the point where it's not even worth considering what others say, other than to understand what you might be doing wrong

eg I know EXACTLY how to wear and use watches with oHR but my physiology and some of my runs just mean I often get bad results from just about every vendor. Hopefully you will be more lucky...there's a good chance you will be !