Related
This discussion has been locked.
You can no longer post new replies to this discussion. If you have a question you can start a new discussion

Which Garmin watch to combine with HRM pro?

Charlotte S
over 3 years ago

I just got a HRM-pro to replace my old non-smart watch and strap, but I find it hard to pick a (inexpensive) watch to go with it. I thought I could just use the strap with the Garmin app in my iPhone, but realized it doesn’t display HR in real time. I’m not planning to wear it 24/7, mainly in the gym for running intervals on the threadmill, HIIT training and strength training. So I don’t need a fancy expensive runner watch. I’ve been looking at vivoactive, Venu and Forerunner, any advice? Thanks!

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    If you just want heart rate, then any watch that supports external sensors will work, although honestly in that case the HRM-Pro is a terrible overkill. And if you want all the other features, like running dynamics and offline heart rate recording, then you need one of the top-of-the-line watches, like the 945 or F6/F7.

    Oh, and of course you can try to find another app (non-garmin) that would work on your phone and would show live heart rate data. There are at least several of them I think.

  • 0 over 3 years ago

    The HRM-Pro is Garmin's high end HRM.  It will obviously measure your heart rate, but it also includes Running Dynamics features (link) and HR data collection during a workout independently of a watch.  Unfortunately, to use those features you'll have to pair it with a higher end Garmin watch (link).  If you just want to record your HR during a workout, any of the watch lines you mentioned in your post will work.  

    However, if you choose a watch that's not capable of using all of the HRM-Pro features, then a cheaper strap like the HRM-Dual might be a better choice (save a bit of cash).

    You will also want to consider the list of activity types are native to a watch type.  Browse through the activity lists under specs for each watch on the Garmin site.   

  • 0 over 3 years ago in reply to tmk2

    Thanks for the replies, I think the HRM-pro is indeed going to be overkill for me, so I’m gonna return it. And just get an entry level sports watch like the FR-45. If I’m not happy with the way it monitors heart rate during intervals I can always get an HRM-dual to go with it.