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HRM-Dual worse than Fenix 8 wrist optical HR?

net1994
1 month ago

This.  On my F8 I have the 'Source Switching' enabled so the watch records the most reliable measurement from the optical wrist HR sensor or the strap.  But the issue I found this morning was that in general, the strap was worse than the wrist sensor HR.  It was very, very cold this morning but I did lick all 4 contact pads on the HRM before putting it on about 5 minutes before the run.  Then perhaps 1/3rd of the way into the run, I began to sweat.  In any event, can anyone think of why the strap would be worse?  Or maybe the optical wrist HR sensor is over estimating true heart rhythm? 

  • 0 1 month ago

    Licking the contact pads does not work nearly as well as thorougly soaking the strap. Esp. important when it is very cold and/or it takes a while before you start to sweat.

  • 0 1 month ago

    The difference here is negligible especially considering the differing methods of obtain the data. One is directly measuring the electrical activity of the heart, the other calculating a heart rate from a reflected light source.

    You'l never get 100% match. Minimise differences by thoroughly soaking the strap, not just moistening it and, if possible, warm up a little to get the blood flowing before starting for the OHR.

  • 0 1 month ago in reply to Dr Phil

    Last run (in 20 degrees) I soaked it completely 5 min before the run. Still way off.  I did get some EKG gel and will try that.  If still issues, I'll exchange it for a new one.  Or maybe just move on as I don't NEED a strap.  It was just a 'nice to have' kind of thing.

  • 0 1 month ago in reply to net1994

    FYI from Garmin:

    • “Garmin does not recommend using electrode gel.“

  • 0 1 month ago in reply to net1994

    Well, in my experience it is not about soaking the strap. It does not help, if the fabric of the strap is wet, but the electrodes are not.
    The point is, to have a film of moisture between the laminated electrodes and your skin.

    Personally, I do pour some water over that electrodes AND also moisture my skin on the chest (and this is in my opinion the important part), then I put the strap on and start exercise a few minutes later. Never had problems with the readings.