I use one of these for cycling:

Amazon.com: Garmin HRM-Dual Heart Rate Monitor, Black - 010-12883-00 : Sports & Outdoors

I have it paired with a Garmin 820. Over the past few months, the HR reading is cutting in and out and is rapidly getting worse. I have replaced the battery. I have read "google" advice which often says to wash the strap well. Firmware on the 820 is up to date. Anyone have similar problems and/or know of a fix I am not thinking about? Is it time just to buy a new one?

When was the last time you restarted your watch? I periodically have to, otherwise the data cuts out randomly. YMMV

How long have you had it? I went through a few Wahoo TICKR's that never made it past a year before crapping out. Don't know if the Garmin HR straps have the same issue or not.

I thought the Garmin HRMs I had crapped out on me more quickly than I would expect. I used to get six months out of one, on average. I've now been using the same Polar HRM for two-plus years and won't go back to Garmin.

Searely: The Garmin 820 is a bike computer; It recharges, syncs, updates every time I plug in to charge it and download my rides to Garmin Connect. It powers on/off during that process.

hbc07: At least 2 years, maybe 3. I probably don't have nearly as many miles on mine as you do!? Nonetheless, that is interesting to hear these things "wear out". I was hoping for a cheaper fix to the problem then buying a new one but that might be the best solution.

Thanks. I'll have to see if the Polar has the ability to pair with my 820 as it is an older model. Sounds like buying a replacement is in my future.

You don't have to buy everything new, you can just buy the chest band.
But, you probably knew that.

ptothemo said:

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I thought the Garmin HRMs I had crapped out on me more quickly than I would expect. I used to get six months out of one, on average. I've now been using the same Polar HRM for two-plus years and won't go back to Garmin.

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This is the way.

Side note, the Garmin HR transmitter that clips into the strap fits the Polar straps as well. So just buy a replacement Polar strap, click in your Garmin pod, and you're off to the races. Don't even have to pair anything new.

Replacement straps on Amazon

$13 and you're set for a few years.

I have the Garmin tri HR monitor and am going on 5+ years with it, using it probably on average of 5 times a week, well more than that when training for triathlons. Zero issues, maybe I'm just lucky.

Never had any issues with my Garmin Straps. I typically lose them before they break. Currently using Wahoo straps because when i bought it, Garmin did not offer Bluetooth compatibility to connect to my ipad and peloton. Not sure if they do now. But both have worked well.

wcb said:

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ptothemo said:

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I thought the Garmin HRMs I had crapped out on me more quickly than I would expect. I used to get six months out of one, on average. I've now been using the same Polar HRM for two-plus years and won't go back to Garmin.

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This is the way.

Side note, the Garmin HR transmitter that clips into the strap fits the Polar straps as well. So just buy a replacement Polar strap, click in your Garmin pod, and you're off to the races. Don't even have to pair anything new.

Replacement straps on Amazon

$13 and you're set for a few years.

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You sir, are a scholar and a gentleman! That sounds like a perfect plan.

I'm further convinced TexAgs has the smartest audience on the internet!!

#WeKnowStuff

Follow up for anyone who looks up this thread in the archive.

I bought a $12 strap, switched over my Garmin relay which snapped in place perfectly. Used it on a 45 mile ride today and it worked perfect. Thanks again all for the advice. You all saved me the $50-80 dollars buying a whole new strap and relay.

Glad I found this thread since I'm thinking about getting my first chest heart rate monitor. (I can't get my Apple Watch to give consistent readings while running.) Is the Polar H10 the way to go?

I liked the Wahoo TICKR, but it kept dying on me and it seems like the strap kept slowly losing its elasticity. Haven't had a chance to watch any of the reviews of the newest model that just came out.

Tried the Garmin HRM Dual and didn't care for how the strap felt (personal preference).

I currently use the Polar H10 and like it. The strap feels great doesn't feel like its stretching out at all and never needs adjusting. Battery lasts quite a while even though I never remove the sensor from the strap; just changed the battery last week after getting it in November and using it for about ~240 hours of activities (allegedly should be good for 400 if I took the sensor off the strap when not in use).


Sidenote: I just looked at Garmin's HRMs and Garmin is saying that they're FSA/HSA eligible. I was unaware.