Polar watch band replacement (and strap fungus question)-- any help?

Triathlon Forum
1

I am a Polar HRM user and have been for many years. Recently, I have had two problems that have just about made me take all of my Polar stuff and pitch it out the window. Before I do that, I come to you oh wise slowtwitchers to seek your advice:

  1. the watch band on my RS400 (sd) broke. I thought, no big deal, just get a velcro replacement and move on. BUT the band is a weird shape and the generic replacement bands do not work. So I have been reduced to carrying the watch part in my pocket, which is inconvenient (and uncomfortable).

  2. My HRM strap (of which I rotate through 2), recently started leaving marks (2 sets, one on my rib cage by where the actual monitor part is and one just on the lower corner of my lat/armpit area) that look like bite marks. My wife things it some fungus (note the straps are washed weekly (or at least monthly)). I have now stopped wearing the HRM strap due to this and it has taken ~3 months to go away.

Has anyone dealt with either of these issues? I called and wrote Polar and got no response. I have called all the Polar resellers and none sell replacement watch bands.

2

I got a replacement band in the past from the Michigan Polar repair center; they do more than just Polar repair, but I can’t remember the name of the company. http://www.polarservicecenter.com/

3

much appreciated. I will give them a call.

4

Just replaced the broken band on my Polar. Got the replacement part right off the Polar site. It was in an odd location, - accessories I think - but it was there. If Michigan doesn’t take care of you, poke around the Polar site.

5

Please call Polar, we have a two year warranty, not knowing the details, it should/could be covered. As for your strap, since you have a RS400, you use the Wear Link? I have not experienced any marks, but you could try a dab of lube in that spot like vasoline on the Wear Link or BodyGlide?

6

much appreciated. The marks or “bites” are really odd, Chances are I should actually get them checked out as oppossed to continuing to ignore them.

I have e-mailed Polar, but not called. I will try that route tomorrow. I was sponsored by Polar 2 years ago and love the product. Just frustrated with these recent issues.

7

One thought going down the fungus route, maybe after run, bring the strap into the shower and rinse/wash it or even in the bathroom sink, try it after every run
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