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How good is the built-in HRM for intense activities and cycling?

fishyweb
4 days ago

I've been using Garmin devices for tracking running and cycling for a couple of decades. I've always paired with an Ant+ HRM chest strap as, even with my current running device (Fenix 5+) the wrist HRM is totally incapable of accurate results during intense running or any cycling activities (this is a well-known shortcoming). I'm tempted to upgrade to a FR965 and am wondering whether its built-in HRM addresses this shortcoming, or whether I will still need to use a chest strap. Can anyone share experience that would answer this? 

  • 0 1 day ago

    Sometimes it's good.

    Sometimes it's lousy.

    Highly dependent on individual and conditions (rough roads cycling, temperature, fit, skin)

    All optical sensors are slow to respond to short intervals.

    it can absolutely not be trusted for my wrist.  I always use an external HR sensor.  Optical arm band for steady state runs and a chest strap for intervals.

  • 0 1 day ago

    It's pretty good if you:

    - strengthen the band on your arm

    - don't do things that change the HR very quickly (like, HIIT or short, quick run intervals)