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Do I really need a foot pod anymore?

I have always used a foot pod even with GPS because it's been my understanding that if I lose GPS signal (I'm in the woods a lot) the foot pod will take over for distance until I get the signal back. Maybe I have that wrong but that's what I've been using it for. That, and cadence because I'm trying to increase my cadence.

But I am now using the new RD Pod which gives me cadence and I don't think I lose GPS much if at all with this new watch even on the woodsy trail. Is there any benefit to using the foot pod also? I've never really understood exactly which sensor some of my data is coming from. I don't even think I need the foot pod on the treadmill anymore because what the watch learns about my footsteps from running with GPS should give me distance data. Is that correct? This all gets pretty confusing to me.

0 rexblitz230 over 7 years ago

I have a problem. I purchased the Garmin 935 and the Garmin foot pod. I tried to pair the Garmin foot pod with the Garmin 935. I receive this message after I tried to pair the Foot Pod with the Garmin 935. Can anyone help me out?ciq.forums.garmin.com/.../1285958.jpg

0 lindajm22 over 7 years ago

It's just telling you to move the foot pod around so that the watch can sense it. If it's on your shoe just walk around a bit and the watch should pick it up. Sometimes it takes a few tries.

0 timgrose over 7 years ago

So you are wearing it and you have moved around? Trying bringing the watch right up to the pod when trying to pair.

0 ekutter-dnu over 7 years ago

rex, you might also need to replace the battery, even though it's new.

Linda, for the most part, there is little need for a footpod out doors. If you briefly lose GPS, the accelerometers in your watch will do a fine job of tracking your distance. Probably better than a footpod that might not be calibrated properly. Cadence from the watch should also be more than good enough in most conditions.

The treadmill is another story. I'd definitely use the footpod on the treadmill as the watch accuracy is pretty hit and miss. But even with the standard footpod, the calibration will be mostly accurate at a fairly narrow range of speeds.

If you really care about very accurate speed, your best option would be something like the Stryd foot pod, but that will set you $200. It has a more sophisticated set of accelerometers built in that seems to help with the accuracy.

0 rexblitz230 over 7 years ago

Thanks Linda, Tim and EK. I am still having the same problem. I changed the battery; brought the pod closer to the 935 and it still did not work. I have been a Polar user for 21 years and I have been using the Polar RS800CX for quite some time until I realise Polar have lagged behind. I believe the GPS is not as accurate for minutes per km pace than the foot pod. I looked at the Stryd Foot pod, and I wonder if it is similar or better than the Polar Stride Sensor.

0 tx911 over 7 years ago

and I wonder if it is similar or better than the Polar Stride Sensor.

Better