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Following on from my ancient thread on the same subject is the advice still to use the Polar straps or should I just go like-for-like Garmin? It turns out that as well as rotting track mitts, Zwifting rots HR straps...
I've never had an issue with Garmin. Replaced the last one after it started reading erratically but that was after about 6 or 7 years of regular use, maybe longer. I don't sweat much though.
I think I bought a polar strap after that and attached the Garmin HR. Strap failed after fairly short period.
Using a newer Polar strap now. My only gripe with it is that batteries only last a couple of months or so if you don't disconnect it after every use. You can spend the cost of the strap again in batteries. It also starts failing to connect to my Garmin computer when batteries get low.
If you have the strap type with the little pod that clips to the elastic strap with 2x poppers, you can get new elastics off fleabay for cheap. Just pop yer poppers to it and off you pop.
Give it an occasional wash or you'll be doing 180bpm sitting on the sofa whilst eating crisps (other snacks are available).
Without fail my Garmin monitors start playing up as soon as the battery is replaced. The straps last pretty well. I changed to a Wahoo strap and monitor which works better as without fail after six months it rusts up and I get a brand new one form Wahoo under the warranty scheme! 😎
My Garmin HRM Dual is two years old now and works fine. I wash the strap every few weeks.
I have a Magene of similar vintage which gets used a lot less but it's also ok.
Had a few Wahoo straps fail, all replaced on warranty very easily - kudos to Wahoo support. Now I take the sensor off the strap every time after use, seem to be getting better life this time fingers crossed.
I had a Garmin and when it failed I bought a Wahoo - it's doing a grand job and has been for two or three years so far :o)
Now not quite sure what to do - Garmin strap much the same price as a whole new Wahoo strap...
I can't believe there's much difference in materials, technology or quality between them. Go with whichever logo you prefer. But also...
as well as rotting track mitts, Zwifting rots HR straps…
You wear mitts indoors?
Yes, just find my hands ache without them.
3 Garmins soft straps have failed for me. the Garmin hard strap keeps on trucking. I’m on my 2nd Polar H9 in 12 months. I agree about these go wrong when changing the battery. Just showing inconsistent HR data for the given power.
@slowboydickie Do the Polar ones fail on battery change too?
Had a Garmin strap fail. Then the plastic threads on the unit failed. Had a polar for a couple of years now, no problems & more comfortable strap.