Concept2 Forum

Been off the erg for a few years now, getting it back out of storage.

Which heart rate monitor do people advise? I think iv lost my old one.

To link to a PM5

Thanks

I use a Garmin Venu 2S, and it links to PM5 well, plus lots of useful other functions for weights, health tracking etc.

I've also just bought a Garmin HRM Dual chest monitor to see if that gives any different results (I note my HR peaks a little, e.g. goes up by 10 counts and then comes back down again over a period of maybe 30 seconds. I don't know if that is me, or a spurious reading, hence trying the monitor strap)

If you're only going to use the HR monitor on the Concept2 then the strap is a lot cheaper (£35 from Very.co.uk), than a £300 watch from Garmin. The strap will work with the Garmin watch as well, replacing the wrist sensor when it is used.

I use a CooSpo, but I've also used a Wahoo Tickr. Both are good, reliable, and cheap, but there are obviously other options.

I'd recommend that it's got ANT+ capability if you want to use Bluetooth for an app (Ergzone, Ergdata, etc)

I have a Coospo 8-something, a Garmin Dual, and a (acutally two) Polar H9.

I like the Garmin best for outdoor use because it is the least sensitive to high-tension power lines. For indoor, I find the Coospo and Garmin equally good. I don't like the H9 at all. It is unreliable, even indoors.

One of the advantages of the H9 is that, unlike the others, it still speaks 5hz gymlink, so can be used with my treadmill, elliptical, and PM3 heart receiver. But I found it unreliable even for that, and purchased a cheap 5khz only HRM from Ali Express: KYTO 5.3KHZ 5KHZ Non-Coded Heart Rate Transmitter Chest Strap Belt Sensor for Hometrainer Crosstrainer Treadmill Rowing Machine

Others swear by Polar (and I've been a Polar wearer for 30+ years) but I have not been happy with their latest. Maybe that's because I live about 800m from 230kv lines. But the other monitors work fine in my house. And the Polar is hopeless outdoors.

...another Garmin Dual user here...but really I think most reputable chest straps will serve fine.

I have a Polar H10, which I use indoors for both rowing and cycling. It pairs easily with both the C2 PM5 and my Garmin cycling computer. It's been essentially flawless. I use it to track zones and whatnot, and as a sort of benign distraction. I don't use it outdoors because the outside world is a lot prettier than my unfinished basement.

When outdoors, I'd rather look at trees than a number on a screen, although when cycling my attention really needs to be on the road or trail.

MPx wrote: ↑

December 30th, 2024, 6:46 pm

I think most reputable chest straps will serve fine.

This is probably the best overall answer.

reuben wrote: ↑

December 31st, 2024, 9:49 am

MPx wrote: ↑

December 30th, 2024, 6:46 pm

I think most reputable chest straps will serve fine.

This is probably the best overall answer.

I'm not sure if Coospo would qualify by your definition, but they do seem to make the grade at less than half the price of the market leaders.

My negative experience with Polar is an outlier, for sure. But I've swapped Polars with my wife, and have the same problems.

The chest straps have one major problem. Where I live has a hot, humid climate. The sweat from each workout makes short work of the rubber and it soon starts splitting. Even tiny splits affect it. So you get dropouts and incorrect readings. Giving them a good wash each time makes little difference. Sweat (salt) always wins. Cooler, drier climates not an issue of course.

Replacement straps are not cheap so it can become a costly exercise.

I have a H10 which I use only when doing intervals. Anyway I prefer using an arm HR monitor so this works out ok and cheaper.

gvcormac wrote: ↑

December 31st, 2024, 2:21 pm

My negative experience with Polar is an outlier, for sure. ..

Polar h10 for 5 years. Comfortable belt, accurate, but too fiddly - it requires a lot of attention to keep working correctly (new belt, highly variable battery life, sometimes needs hard reset). Will buy Garmin when this one finally fails. Coospo also seems a good option.

Tsnor wrote: ↑

December 31st, 2024, 6:03 pm

gvcormac wrote: ↑

December 31st, 2024, 2:21 pm

My negative experience with Polar is an outlier, for sure. ..

Polar h10 for 5 years. Comfortable belt, accurate, but too fiddly - it requires a lot of attention to keep working correctly (new belt, highly variable battery life, sometimes needs hard reset). Will buy Garmin when this one finally fails. Coospo also seems a good option.

Same experience here. H10 is really fine, as long as it works, but too often the sensor passes out with no obvious reason, needs a hard reset to connect again. One week sensor works for every workout with no issues, next week passing out on a random steady session with no sweat flooding or something like that.
Using the sensor with the same strap for ca. 2 1/2 years now.

Others have mentioned the need for obsessive Polar strap maintenance/attention, and suggested that my failure in this regard accounted for my problems. Maybe, but I don't have these problems with the other monitors. I use the Coospo daily, and rinse it every month or two. I use the Garmin several times a week, and generally rinse it with the Coospo. I rarely use the Polar. When I did I tried rinsing/washing it to no avail.

PS. I wipe the strap and hang it to dry after every workout.

James.G wrote: ↑

December 30th, 2024, 10:14 am

Been off the erg for a few years now, getting it back out of storage.

Which heart rate monitor do people advise? I think iv lost my old one.

To link to a PM5

Thanks

I'm not a fan of chest monitors (uncomfortable for me). I use a COROS armband, wearing it on my left upper arm,. I originally started wearing it on my right arm (mainly cuz I'm a lefty so it felt more natural putting it on) but readings were hit and miss. Once I moved it over to the left bicep, I've been getting consistent and accurate real-time readings without fail. It pairs via Bluetooth well with the PM5.

Thanks all

I've got a polar H10 - use it on ant+ and only times it sulks for me is when it's getting low on battery - on the 2nd one in 2 years.

I give the strap a wipe down after use, and leave it hanging in a way that the sensor receptor section is always straight - elastic on the belt is starting to look a little tired, but still works flawlessly for me. i think I've left it to soak overnight a couple of times....