My Garmin HRM works when I’m dripping with sweat, but I’m having problems with it giving me a correct HR for the first 5-10 mins of my workouts, especially when I pass near low-hanging power lines. I’ve changed the battery, and that doesn’t help. This is the old-school strap, not the soft one. I do get it wet in the sink before heading out, but it doesn’t seem to pick up correctly for awhile, likely due to interference?
Has anyone had any success with HRM gel? If so, what kind? I’m getting annoyed with having the first 10 mins of my workout have the highest HR of my entire workout, screwing up the final figures of amount of time spent in each HR zone.
Generally, the problems are caused by static. If you’re having the problem when the air is dry/cold- then that’s it.
I use the gel when it’s really dry, or for races when there is a long time between when I put the strap on, and when I start to sweat- just so it doesn’t dry out.
The one thing that has worked for me: STATIC GUARD spray!
things that exacerbate the problem:
dry weather
tech shirts
if chest contact is the issue… perhaps shaving your chest will help.
Generally, the problems are caused by static. If you’re having the problem when the air is dry/cold- then that’s it.
I use the gel when it’s really dry, or for races when there is a long time between when I put the strap on, and when I start to sweat- just so it doesn’t dry out.
The one thing that has worked for me: STATIC GUARD spray!
things that exacerbate the problem:
dry weather
2.** tech shirts **
if chest contact is the issue… perhaps shaving your chest will help.
I’ve been wondering about this, my HR has been going crazy when I’ve had some tech shirts on
I’ve had good luck with Spectra 360 electrode gel. Bought the 8.5 oz tube more than a year ago and still have over half the tube left. Don’t pay extra for the stuff labelled as ‘HRM Gel’.
Such a pet peeve !!
Performance Bicycle has “HRM Gel” and it’s $6 and lasts a long time (year+). I only need it, for some reason, when running, never on the bike. Why is that! (Tech shirts on both.) My doc gave me (free) a bottle of ultrasound gel before that - same thing, works great. Spit or water was totally variable with me…
I have noticed that the latest Garmin strap that came with my 610 this year is far better than the older strap. Where the other one would sometimes never get down to a real reading, this one seems to within a few miles, if I haven’t put the gel on.
Morey is right on, its static electricity. When the humidity is low, I have the same problem in the first 10 minutes or so of an outdoor run. If I put my hand over the monitor while running, the monitor works perfectly. As soon as I take my hand off, the HR numbers spike. This happens until I get a sweat going and I assume the humidity between the skin and the shirt rises.
I use SportTracks software and edit the spikes out to get a more accurate HR average.
I totally agree you. I was having a lot of random spikes until I started using the spectra gel and now I can’t remember the last time that I had a problem. It also cleans up well and is inexpensive.
I had this exact issue and started using Bu-bump (or something similar - I ordered it from TriSports.) The first container I bought lasted for five years before I lost it, so I feel like I’m getting my money’s worth. I still wet the strap in the sink in addition to the gel and wash it off after each use.
I just got a tube of ultrasound gel from a friend who is an ultrasound technicial. Probably similar to the other HRM gels out there, except in a big bottle.
Wow that stuff works great. I’ve never had such awesome HR data - I felt like it was a clinical device! Locked on HRM from the moment I put it on, and the data was stable for the entire run and ensuing ride. Normally, the first 5-10 mins are total garbage, with the static electricity and possibly due to power lines that are low around where I am, but dang, with the gel, it was 100% perfect. Like getting a whole new HRM, for real. I’d highly recommend the gel for anyone who’s not happy with their HRM performance, especially in the first few minutes.
+1. I bought a gallon of ultrasound gel for under $20. It’s probably a lifetime supply and it came with a small 8oz bottle for free. Works perfectly. Specific hrm gel at bike shops runs 10x more expensive.