I've had an FR 220 for eleven years. It came with a soft strap HRM. But, I've had bad luck with the durability of the soft strap. This is the actual strap, not the electronics module. After the third failure, I bought a new Garmin heart rate monitor with the traditional, old-style strap. By contrast, it, so far, has lasted seven years.
Even though my current HRM transmitter is still working, I'm looking for another transmitter. This is because none of the cardio equipment at the fitness center I use is compatible with ANT+. Most machines are compatible with Bluetooth; some are compatible with 5 kHz / GymLink. I'm interested in using equipment features that use heart rate monitoring such as fitness tests, or heart rate controlled workouts.
I find the only chest strap transmitters that have two or all three protocols are soft strap. But, given my experience with soft strap durability, I am reluctant to buy another.
I do understand that the soft straps wear out and are replaceable. But, replacing the strap every 9 to 12 months or so is an extra expense. Soft straps are the most comfortable, but I don't have a problem with comfort of traditional straps.
By the way, I hope to keep my FR 220 another ten years.
