Two different threshold numbers - Garmin and Trainingpeaks. Which one is correct?

Today afer my running session Garmin showed me a new threshold - 162
At the same time Trainingpeaks (I share the data between these two platforms) also showed me a new number but a bit higher - 166

Do you have any ideas why they are so different?

I wonder now which one is 'more correct'...

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  • Given they are close to each other and assuming you trust both the FirstBeat algorithm being used in your watch and the TrainingPeaks algorithm giving you their perception, your best answer is likely between both numbers.

    Hiring a local gym professional personal trainer with a degree in Sports Medicine and Health Sciences and is highly experienced in training and helping people reach goals, is always the #1 answer. Your watch is a tool to provide you with a good idea of where you are at.

    Garmin Technology

  • Do you have the same HR Max on both platforms?

    In my experience, the Garmin auto-detection is not that great. I leave it on and ignore it unless the workout is a threshold-class workout (at least 10-15mn in the "previous" threshold zone). And even then, I take it as a prompt to do a new threshold test.

    The built-in threshold test has been more accurate for me (for biking or running), and typically match exactly what Training Peaks and WKO5 are telling me, with eerie  value matching.

    Based on that, I would err towards picking the Trainingpeaks number.