Garmin HRM-Dual Heart Rate Monitor

I brought a garmin heart rate monitor and pretty quickly I worked out it wasn't accurate. I brought the chest strap and it keeps real time heart rate. I open the garmin app and sit my phone up. I can watch my heart rate come up to my maximum as rhe set goes on then I pause between reps to keep it just off Max,. until I finish my set. Epoc hits after you put the weight down so my heart rate comes up a beat or 2 before it starts coming back down again. That feeling of 100% heart rate Max is one I'm still struggling to make friends with.. 😂 But I don't stop trying.. This strap on a good heart rate monitor, and an app and you have today understanding on what your body is doing..

Bluetooth issue

I bought this device to pair with my Tacx Neo 2 trainer. It initially worked fine until it didn't. This is the second HRM-Dual monitor that I have had. After several months, the bluetooth signal could no longer be detected. This happened on both devices. I changed batteries and also tried it with the Tacx app loaded on different computers. No matter what I tried, the bluetooth signal couldn't be found.

Doesn't connect with Garmin's phone app - false advertisement

The product description is false. It mentions you can connect it with a smartphone via Bluetooth, and that is not 100% accurate. Your phone will find the belt on the bluetooth devices and will pair with it, but then if you want to use Garmin's app to read your heart beat, it is not possible, it only works with an external device like a watch or a GPS and then the information is sent to your phone.The description misleads users, don't get this belt if your intention is to use an app to workout with it.

Good product but confusing instructions

Had it for over a month now with no problems. Once its set up its good to go. Unfortinatly the setup is the only confusing part. Not sure how garmin could screw this up but they did. Setup instructions in the included manual are non exsistend, the only thing you get is a link to a internet site. Why garmin? Is it so tough to print a few sentences to tell you how this works? I was trying for a while tho set it up in the garmin app untill i found out its not suported in there only the pro model is. You have to use a third party app to track your heartrate. Or another device that is supported. Just dont expect it to work in their own app... Why cant you mention that in the manual?

Great HRM but beware of the fragile battery cover

This is my second one because after a few years of regular use and many battery changes, the microscopic screws to secure the plastic battery cover stripped out, leaving the cover loose and without a waterproof seal. Some fiber tape suffices to hold it closed, but really Garmin needs to beef up the design. HRM function is reliable even with Dollar Store CR2032 batteries. Make sure you wash the strap regularly (after heavy sweat) because otherwise salt accumulation around the electrodes from sweat can short out the faint signal of your heart and prevent detection. HRM works with Garmin devices as well as iPhone (e.g. Apple Health app). Overall an excellent option for the price, comfortable for long sessions, and remains secure with reliable signal.

Great...when it worked

Product was great when it worked, but it stopped working after 4 months. Garmin told me to replace the battery - they also promote a 3.5 year battery life. They suggested the product could have been sat on shelf and the battery depleted yet they only launched the product 2 years ago. They suggested I replace the battery, which is not acceptable for a product used for 4 months. The battery cover is held in by the world's smallest screws and needs a specialist screwdriver. I was told to take it to a bike store and get it removed - again, unacceptable especially in lockdown. Eventually they agreed to send me a screwdriver and battery. Shipment arrived in 2 days but the screwdriver doesn't fit the screws. I am now told "This is the only model screwdriver that we have a ... MoreProduct was great when it worked, but it stopped working after 4 months. Garmin told me to replace the battery - they also promote a 3.5 year battery life. They suggested the product could have been sat on shelf and the battery depleted yet they only launched the product 2 years ago. They suggested I replace the battery, which is not acceptable for a product used for 4 months. The battery cover is held in by the world's smallest screws and needs a specialist screwdriver. I was told to take it to a bike store and get it removed - again, unacceptable especially in lockdown. Eventually they agreed to send me a screwdriver and battery. Shipment arrived in 2 days but the screwdriver doesn't fit the screws. I am now told "This is the only model screwdriver that we have a part for that I can send out." So I am left with a product that doesn't work and can't easily be accessed to replace a part that may or may not be broken. I don't usually write reviews (positive or negative), but the appalling customer care support from Garmin necessitates this one.

Least Comfortable HRM Chest Strap I've Ever Worn

I hate this thing. I purchased it because my older Garmin HRM chest strap was producing erratic heart rates even with a fresh battery, so I figured it was dying. I was hopeful that its "dual" nature meant I could connect it to both my smartphone and my 910. That didn't work: connecting it to my phone broke the connection with the 910, and my 910 then couldn't "find" the HRM. I have to chose between one device or the other, and I almost never connect it to my phone because my phone's battery drains at least 50% faster when this HRM strap is connected. My primary reason for hating it is that it chafes in several spots. With two exceptions, I'm not prone to chafing. One of those exceptions has long been HRM chest straps where the transmitter is & where any metal ... MoreI hate this thing. I purchased it because my older Garmin HRM chest strap was producing erratic heart rates even with a fresh battery, so I figured it was dying. I was hopeful that its "dual" nature meant I could connect it to both my smartphone and my 910. That didn't work: connecting it to my phone broke the connection with the 910, and my 910 then couldn't "find" the HRM. I have to chose between one device or the other, and I almost never connect it to my phone because my phone's battery drains at least 50% faster when this HRM strap is connected. My primary reason for hating it is that it chafes in several spots. With two exceptions, I'm not prone to chafing. One of those exceptions has long been HRM chest straps where the transmitter is & where any metal fittings are. This chest strap has the metal slider, the transmitter, the attachment, and it also chafes me where the smaller connections bits are (the little squares at the end of the front part of the HRM). In the past, I would turn the strap upside down (with the transmitter still right-side up) so that I could move the parts that chafed to a different location. I tried that with this one, and the transmitter didn't work. Now I'm stuck with chafing unless I tuck my shirt up underneath the spots that chafe. I haven't had reliability issues or weird battery issues like others have. That's why it gets two stars instead of one. I'm switching to a wrist-based HRM, but I'll likely still use the 910 for hiking and my 510 for cycling. I have years of chafing in my future until Garmin comes out with their next HRM chest strap -- assuming it changes this design. Or maybe I'll get lucky & my hide will toughen up.

Planned Obsolescence

I’ve never had issues with Garmin straps. I not only have had several models, including the pre-2020 version of this same strap (more on that in a bit), but countless straps from Kickr, Polar, CooSpo, etc. I wish they would last more than a year or two, but some combination of sweat and dust always kills them (or bad design… the Wahoo straps always break at the snaps). As a strap, it is fantastic. I came back to Garmin because it was the most comfortable. Never had an issue pairing them with different GPS watches and cycling computers. Very comfortable, etc. It is also the worst, most environmentally unfriendly design and Garmin should be ashamed. I am not talking about the waste of Lithium Ion batteries. No. Before 2020 (it’s on their site), the strap featured the ... MoreI’ve never had issues with Garmin straps. I not only have had several models, including the pre-2020 version of this same strap (more on that in a bit), but countless straps from Kickr, Polar, CooSpo, etc. I wish they would last more than a year or two, but some combination of sweat and dust always kills them (or bad design… the Wahoo straps always break at the snaps). As a strap, it is fantastic. I came back to Garmin because it was the most comfortable. Never had an issue pairing them with different GPS watches and cycling computers. Very comfortable, etc. It is also the worst, most environmentally unfriendly design and Garmin should be ashamed. I am not talking about the waste of Lithium Ion batteries. No. Before 2020 (it’s on their site), the strap featured the tiniest Phillips screws. Very easy to lose. Instead of fixing this issue, after 2020 they went to the smallest Torx size. Torx is good for some things. However the tiny Torx (it is the smallest size you can find a wrench for) just wants to strip. The first time I went to replace the battery, half of the screws stripped immediately. The next time I had to replace the battery, I had to jam the wrench into the head and apply lots of force to grip what was left of the Torx splines. Then one of the screws fell onto the floor of the workshop, never to be found again. So now, I am using electrical tape to keep the cover on. I wish I had kept one of my older straps, with the Phillips screws. Sure they were small, but they didn’t strip immediately. Basically, the screw choice is so bad that it’s almost like the strap is designed to be tossed when the battery dies. Shame on Garmin. Shame on the engineers and product team that thought that decision made sense. I wish I kept my old Garmin straps so I could mail them all to them. Maybe toss in all my other broken straps. Congratulations, you have created more useless garbage that will clutter landfills. M

Pretty good if you do low to moderate exercise.

The Good: At low intensity workouts, this is very accurate. It connects well via Bluetooth with both my Sony phone and Samsung tablet. I used 'myworkouts' app which it tried and tested and is 4.7/5 on playstore (200k downloads). The Bad: Once you start pushing it, 160bpm and higher, it will do one of the 3 following: 1. Report accurately, 2. Report less than 130bpm 3. Not report anything! I put the failure down to the contact pads moving on my chest whilst doing P90X home workouts; despite losening/tightening, wetting with water and with ultrasound gel, changing the battery (for completeness). But it could be that it fails to pick up my heart rate when it's racing - the reason that I bought it! For example, when doing Plyometrics or other heavy cardio, I push it ... MoreThe Good: At low intensity workouts, this is very accurate. It connects well via Bluetooth with both my Sony phone and Samsung tablet. I used 'myworkouts' app which it tried and tested and is 4.7/5 on playstore (200k downloads). The Bad: Once you start pushing it, 160bpm and higher, it will do one of the 3 following: 1. Report accurately, 2. Report less than 130bpm 3. Not report anything! I put the failure down to the contact pads moving on my chest whilst doing P90X home workouts; despite losening/tightening, wetting with water and with ultrasound gel, changing the battery (for completeness). But it could be that it fails to pick up my heart rate when it's racing - the reason that I bought it! For example, when doing Plyometrics or other heavy cardio, I push it hard. My pulse, measured by counting beats per 15, 30 or 60 secs, is often 170 to max 180bpm. However, the hrm only registers 140-155 which is way out! Sometimes will measure 180bpm accurately, other times will measure 130bpm. When doing weights, my heart rate gets above 160bpm for short time periods only. I can confirm that the hrm matches exactly and accurately my actual pulse measured by the old fashioned way of pulse counting and a timer. I have not tested this while running. I suspect it will be as inaccurate at high heart rate due to it moving about but I can't be sure. I don't want to quibble over twenty quid as this is OK for the price.

Works great

Having used Wahoo HR chest straps (three, all broken within six months to a year) I switched to Garmin. The battery case on the Garmin uses a screw system which needs a small screwdriver (included) which appears to be more robust than Wahoo Tickr and Tickr X, albeit less convenient for battery changes. The Garmin HR unit sits on the outside of the strap (vs. Wahoo which is used to fit the strap together) which personally I prefer. There are no lights on the Garmin so you don’t know if it’s really on / connected which is a drawback.I have the v5 turbo and the Elmnt Roam - both of which are great - so I’m no Wahoo hater but I’ve been really impressed with the Garmin HRM so far and disappointed with Wahoo HR. It’s early days for the Garmin but I’ve had no issues. ... MoreHaving used Wahoo HR chest straps (three, all broken within six months to a year) I switched to Garmin. The battery case on the Garmin uses a screw system which needs a small screwdriver (included) which appears to be more robust than Wahoo Tickr and Tickr X, albeit less convenient for battery changes. The Garmin HR unit sits on the outside of the strap (vs. Wahoo which is used to fit the strap together) which personally I prefer. There are no lights on the Garmin so you don’t know if it’s really on / connected which is a drawback.I have the v5 turbo and the Elmnt Roam - both of which are great - so I’m no Wahoo hater but I’ve been really impressed with the Garmin HRM so far and disappointed with Wahoo HR. It’s early days for the Garmin but I’ve had no issues. Hopefully the Garmin stands the rest of time.FYI I never in either but my guess is the Wahoos have all died because the unit got water in it (sweat). The screw system in the Garmin seems better compared to the Wahoo plastic “lock”. Just look up the back of the Wahoo Tickrs and you might be able to get where I’m coming from.