FR 645 and HRM Swim

Why have a swim option on a watch that tracks HR but not support all the available HR options?

Your 645 tracks HR. It also has a swim app with limited metrics. It does not track HR while swimming regardless of the strap you use. Garmin decided to allow this for the FR935 and higher end watches. You can request this feature and it may be added in a future update.

Your 645 tracks HR. It also has a swim app with limited metrics. It does not track HR while swimming regardless of the strap you use. Garmin decided to allow this for the FR935 and higher end watches. You can request this feature and it may be added in a future update.

I understand. I recently returned to the pool after back surgery, and I wanted to keep track of my training efforts. I purchased the HRM-Swim assuming it would work for me, and last night learned it isn't supported. I sent a feature request through the Garmin website. I find it odd that an earlier FR supports the HRM-Swim, but the 645M doesn't. Wouldn't you think that as each new watch is introduced, they would incorporate the technology and features of the earlier model? That's been my experience with Garmin up until now.

I started off with one of the earliest Forerunners around 2002, and each one has gotten even better. I've never had to say, well the old watch did this or that. I just assumed we would be building on past models.

I find it odd that an earlier FR supports the HRM-Swim, but the 645M doesn't.

Here's the confusion. The use of the HRM-Tri, etc were added to some older devices such as the FR235, but it didn't include HR with the swim app. Nor was an OWS app added. People were using the "other" app for swimming with these straps and then editing the activity. They were updated to the same usage ability you now have with your 645.

RustysTbone it’s only the TRI watches, afaik. That’s one of the features they reserved so you’ll buy the more expensive watch.

Another thing that confuses some is the term "multisport" which Garmin has the 645 listed. Some confuse multisport with triathlon. Multisport just means more than one sport such as a biathlon. I agree, it would be great if the 645 supported this, but at this time it doesn't and one can only request the feature and hope it's added.

Do any of the Forerunners support the downloadable data while swimming? or is this option only available with TRI watches?

Just the FR935.

Just the FR935.

Please correct me if I'm wrong, but FR735XT and FR920XT should support downloadable HR data after swimming, too. Any (current) Garmin watch marketed as a TRI watch should.

To see the whole list, go to Garmin's HRM-SWIM specs page and click on Compatible Devices. (Note the conspicuous absence of 230, 235 and 630.)

Sorry I can't post a link, the forum just won't let me. Not even as text. Maybe because the garmin link has the word B U Y in it?

EDIT: Here's a shortened link. Hopefully it won't get this post modded:
https://bit.ly/2Wtsrc0

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Note to mods: I had to try to post this five times because the forums won't let me link to garmin's own site. Fun!

That may be, but I was only listing watches still in production. I thought the 735 and 920 were discontinued? I'm probably wrong. Lol

Eh, 735XT is still available new from Amazon and Garmin. 920XT may be discontinued tho, as there's no buy button on garmin dot com. People still buy 230/235, which are older than 735, I think.

Anyway, either way, you can get great deals on those watches. I love my 935 (now that most of the issues have been fixed) but I think it's pretty overpriced.