Here my experience so far:
So what HR Belt is able to resist more than 2 years? I need BLE and Ant+, use it for running, cycling, skimo and xc skiing.
I’ve been very pleased with my Wahoo armband. Not sure how long I’ve had it but definitely 2+ years.
Polar.
Polar H10.
If you anticipate you might be using a HRM for heart rate variability measurements, such as for AT determination, the Polar is basically the only unit that gives dependable high accuracy RR intervals according to Marco Altini, one of the gurus of HRV measurement.
I have found my unit to be, by far, my most reliable HRM for device connection and a lack of dropouts or oddball measurements. And I have used Garmin. 4iiii, and Wahoo units in the past.
Yup Polar H10. I have used both Garmin and Wahoo. The Polar is hands down the best of the 3. In my opinion.
No drops , accurate and the strap is more robust.
Swimming is not explicitly listed in your activities but you do mention triathlon.
If you need store and download of HR data for swimming, then you probably need to use the same brand as your watch. There is little (no?) cross-compatibility of store-and-download between brands.
The straps do accumulate salt from sweat, and this can cause the sensor to pick up stray electrical currents from static electricity (especially with the technical fabrics in some running shirts). The fabric straps (not the sensor unit) should be washed regularly (at least weekly), but ultimately regarded as a consumable.
Pre-moistening the skin and sensor pads can help maintain good electrical contact, and great care should be taken when replacing the battery that the seals are placed correctly. Also, if you are having problems with Garmin specifically, reversing the polarity on the battery for 10 seconds can reset the sensor). Apologies if you do all of this already - just wanted to cover best practice for straps).
Polar H10. I’ve used it every workout for 2 years now and works perfect. Thing is indestructible
Polar H10. I’ve used it every workout for 2 years now and works perfect. Thing is indestructible
This ^. Managed to fry a Garmin HRM Tri and a Garmin HRM Pro before the Polar. It’s way more reliable and has the dual transmission capability that I liked w/ the Garmin Pro.
Currently using one from Decathlon cost £30 Bluetooth and ANT+
Last few have been Garmin and lasted about 12 months but the Decathlon one has a 2 year guarantee.
Polar.
Any Polar. H7, H10, whatever.
Thank’s to all replies. I bought a Polar H9 (same as H10 but without internal storage and only one ble connection) from my sport shop.
Good to know that I should dismount the sensor unit after every training and rinse the belt under tap water.