Concept2 Forum

Hi,

Received my new concept 2 and just did my first row. Looking for a heart rate monitor. I already have an Apple Watch (which apparently you can't sync) so am primarily concerned solely about finding a device that works with the Concept 2 - probably wont use it for any other applications if that makes a difference in the recommendation.

Thanks.

- Rob

I really like my Wahoo Tickr

Can link to PM4/5 via ANT or Bluetooth and can also link to phone, watch etc at same time if you wanted.

Also just a very well built strap and pretty cheap.

Garmin HRM-1. ANT+ wireless. Cheap, effective, reliable operation w/ PM4 and 5 IME. If you aren't supergeeky and don't require pairing to a pre-existing collection of bluetooth toys, it's good enough.

jackarabit wrote:Garmin HRM-1. ANT+ wireless. Cheap, effective, reliable operation w/ PM4 and 5 IME. If you aren't supergeeky and don't require pairing to a pre-existing collection of bluetooth toys, it's good enough.

Second Jackarabit's choice. Nothing real fancy, mine has been reliable & synchs well.

Yes I like the Garmin also, got both the hard and soft strap versions but I would stick with the hard version given a choice.

Has anyone tried the Scosche Rythm Plus armband monitor? Wondering how that compares to the chest straps. Thanks.

RobDMB wrote:Has anyone tried the Scosche Rythm Plus armband monitor? Wondering how that compares to the chest straps. Thanks.

Very good reviews by DC Rainmaker for running and cycling. Not sure if it is as accurate for rowing considering the amount of muscular contraction and relaxation in the arms.

Considering the Garmin and Tickr straps are almost the same price, I've found the Tickr to be much better quality.

Have two garmin straps (hard + soft: came with edge bike GPS products)
A tickr-x
A polar h7 and one of two polar straps.
Also have a garmin vivosmart hr and a vivoactive hr...
Hmm, when I just then it sounds a lot...hard to get the missus to believe they are all necessary..
Anyway..
Vivosmart is rel. useless - sits in the bathroom
The vivoactive is ny favourite. Great apps ( for otw, indoor, cycling and swimming) and connects to ant cheststraps. I haven't found any wrist based monitor to be accurate
As the monitors themself go
I like the polar, the tickr-x offers offline recording, which is great but doesn't have gym link, so not much use for combo (Although the tickr should support it?) - I have an older polar step in my gym bag.
The garmin straps (I prefer hard as the strap tends to twist and dig (actually have a scar from the buckle digging in...)) are my monitor of choice for the pm5

Summary:

Tickr or garmin...combined with vivoactive hr

hard to get the missus to believe they are all necessary

Wives do tend to be wiser than we would like.

I've found the Tickr way more reliable than my last Garmin so tick for the Tickr from me
Wrist based stuff doesn't work at all really.

I use the Polar H7 Bluetooth Smart Chest Belt with my Model E/PM5 at home.

I purchased the Concept2 Heart Rate Receiver and Cable (PN 1862) for rowing with PM3 or PM4 at other gyms. I connect it to the monitor and lay the cord on the floor underneath the rail without using the velcro clips.

Both items can be purchased as a package for $85 (PN1747) from Concept2.

I have used Garmin and Polar products in the past. Wahoo Tickr is much more reliable than the other two.