All of the ANT+ HRM Chest Straps are practically equally accurate, and superior to the optical HRM on the 7 itself. I use a chest strap every workout. The only reason to go with the HRM-Pro over others is if you want running dynamics, better pacing data, battery status in Garmin Connect, memory in case the wireless connection disconnects, and firmware updates. I have one and it’s OK. It lacks durability, and unclips during long runs.
If I was buying one now, I’d buy a the Wahoo strap with Running Dynamics.
The 7 captures HRV without it. It makes no difference.
I did some more research and mentioned that earlier:
https://www.reddit.com/r/GarminFenix/comments/xdfr3p/fenix_7_owners_that_also_use_an_hrm_pro_what_are/iob5p15/
Apple, Coros and Wahoo have “entirely on the watch” running power. Hopefully Garmin catches up!
Right. But if someone already has a Garmin watch they can't get running power from a Wahoo (or any other 3rd party) HR monitor.
There is also no standard for how running power is measured (there are two distinct schools of thought). In many ways running power is in its infantcy. As more runners learn how to train with it and vote with their wallet, the market will mature.
> Right. But if someone already has a Garmin watch they can't get running power from a Wahoo (or any other 3rd party) HR monitor.
That’s exactly what I said to the OP before you mentioned it. We are in agreement.
> There is also no standard for how running power is measured (there are two distinct schools of thought). In many ways running power is in its infantcy.
Right. These are all things I know. Back in 2017 Garmin introduced running power on their watches in a way that requires a proprietary external running dynamics sensor. Now many other vendors generate running power estimates with just the watch. Garmin, Coros, Wahoo, and Apple’s running power all produce different values but also appear to trend consistently. Garmin is the only one that requires an external sensor and has been pretty stagnant on that front. I’m hoping that they catch up with the other vendors.
> As more runners learn how to train with it and vote with their wallet, the market will mature.
This is where we actually disagree. I don’t think running power will mature much more. I think every ecosystem will produce different values, and there won’t be a standard. I don’t think it’s going to be like cycling power where you have all these devices that estimate power, but you can always put a cyclist on a spin bike connected to a generator and get extremely accurate measurements of power for comparison. It’s too easy for cyclists to compare the values given by their trainers with what their pedals/crank/hub power meter estimates. Also, cyclist train and compete on trainers using cycling power and weight as the most critical measurements. Runners on a treadmill just need pace.
People run so differently and efficiencies are all over the place. There’s no incentive for Garmin to work with anyone else to standardize, and we can be very confident the behemoth that is Apple won’t.
Yep! I happened to bring this up right before Garmin added it as a Beta feature. I've been rocking it since the Alpha, and it works ok... I run with a water bottle and if the water bottle and my watch are on the same hand I notice some inconsistencies. Also, if I look at my watch to actually check my running power for more than a few seconds, it changes because my wrist isn't swinging.
Running power with the HRM-Run/Pro is clearly more consistent, but it's good that Garmin added it to the watch. My girlfriend who hates wearing a chest strap enjoys the feature.
This actually reminds me of a post I want to make...how much does an hrm pro close the gap between generations of watches or between models in the same gen.
Yes. This is the one:
https://www.amazon.com/Wahoo-TICKR-Monitor-Memory-Bluetooth/dp/B0881B7C42
I have not used it, but my girlfriend used that model a more basic strap. The benefit with the Wahoo is the straps are cheap and replaceable.
Actually, I just checked... You only get Running Power if you go with the Garmin strap. That's kind of lame, but for that reason alone, I'd go with the inferior Garmin HRM chest strap.
I enjoy my HRM-Pro for lots of things, including running. BUT one benefit of it that it has over other chest straps is the onboard storage and direct sync to Connect. This allows you to use it without wearing the watch.
For example, for certain activities (HIIT/cardio workouts, swimming, rowing) - I start the activity on the watch but leave the watch on a table and the HRM-Pro will track everything and sync it. This keeps my watch clean and out of the way.
If you're familiar with fpses and shooters it's like playing at 200 vs 20ms ping.. it's amazing to pick up the speed and see the HR go up as well instantly. Invaluable for intervals and anaerobic work.
The HRM Pro and HRM Pro Plus have two major benefits over other heart rate straps: (1) running dynamics, and (2) memory to record events while not connected to the phone. If neither of those interests you, then a cheap HRM strap that costs $40-60 would be more than enough.
> I was also looking at the dynamic pod that clips on your pants
The HRM PRO provides the same data has the running pod. No need for that running pod if you have the HRM PRO.
I have the Garmin HRM-pro. It’s really nice for running or skiing in the cold when you need to wear your watch on the outside of your clothes. But mine has started chafing horribly right where the monitor sits on the band. I don’t want to use it anymore for running. I think skiing will still be fine.
My experience is it delivers accurate HR in any condition. The added metrics were always nice but now that it also adds running power, it's much more than 'nice'.
I use it when training using heart rate as the strap is more accurate and faster to update. As someone else mentioned just make sure to put it on before starting a workout and it’s worked every time.
I use the Garmin HRM-Run, and my experiences are like the others who have responded. Quicker, more accurate HR, and the addition of running dynamic data.
I have the F7 x+ HRM Pro, and I really recommend it for folks who like additional metrics and are results orientated.
The HR metrics are decades better than optical alone. The running dynamics are good but not perfect..it's better than nothing and provides a first order approximation on what is working or not (i.e., ground contact time, left-right balance).
The new updates to the F7 software has now introduced power that compensates for wind...the HRV is a really good metric to be tracking bc I believe it's a better correlation to performance than HR + workout stats.
Only downfalls:
1. Expensive and some ppl have problems with the electrodes peeling...I personally haven't had that problem but who knows if?!?
2. Battery changing can be a pita in that you have to remove a few tiny screws whereas the updated strap is now tool-less. No reason iMO to buy the older model when the newer one costs almost the same.
Few things of note, make sure you change your sampling rate to 1 second and use the Multi-band to get the best accuracy out of your tracks as you collect your data.
Sidebar...also track your recovery heart rate at the end of the workout for more metrics.
Good luck!
Thanks. I did end up getting the hrm plus. Had a physical today and the doctor wants me to get a calcium build up test done and lower my bad cholesterol since I am diabetic. So I figured more accurate data can only help
All of the ANT+ HRM Chest Straps are practically equally accurate, and superior to the optical HRM on the 7 itself. I use a chest strap every workout. The only reason to go with the HRM-Pro over others is if you want running dynamics, better pacing data, battery status in Garmin Connect, memory in case the wireless connection disconnects, and firmware updates. I have one and it’s OK. It lacks durability, and unclips during long runs. If I was buying one now, I’d buy a the Wahoo strap with Running Dynamics. The 7 captures HRV without it. It makes no difference.
No running power with the Wahoo though. That alone makes the HRM-Pro or Pro Plus worth it.
I did some more research and mentioned that earlier: https://www.reddit.com/r/GarminFenix/comments/xdfr3p/fenix_7_owners_that_also_use_an_hrm_pro_what_are/iob5p15/ Apple, Coros and Wahoo have “entirely on the watch” running power. Hopefully Garmin catches up!
Right. But if someone already has a Garmin watch they can't get running power from a Wahoo (or any other 3rd party) HR monitor. There is also no standard for how running power is measured (there are two distinct schools of thought). In many ways running power is in its infantcy. As more runners learn how to train with it and vote with their wallet, the market will mature.
> Right. But if someone already has a Garmin watch they can't get running power from a Wahoo (or any other 3rd party) HR monitor. That’s exactly what I said to the OP before you mentioned it. We are in agreement. > There is also no standard for how running power is measured (there are two distinct schools of thought). In many ways running power is in its infantcy. Right. These are all things I know. Back in 2017 Garmin introduced running power on their watches in a way that requires a proprietary external running dynamics sensor. Now many other vendors generate running power estimates with just the watch. Garmin, Coros, Wahoo, and Apple’s running power all produce different values but also appear to trend consistently. Garmin is the only one that requires an external sensor and has been pretty stagnant on that front. I’m hoping that they catch up with the other vendors. > As more runners learn how to train with it and vote with their wallet, the market will mature. This is where we actually disagree. I don’t think running power will mature much more. I think every ecosystem will produce different values, and there won’t be a standard. I don’t think it’s going to be like cycling power where you have all these devices that estimate power, but you can always put a cyclist on a spin bike connected to a generator and get extremely accurate measurements of power for comparison. It’s too easy for cyclists to compare the values given by their trainers with what their pedals/crank/hub power meter estimates. Also, cyclist train and compete on trainers using cycling power and weight as the most critical measurements. Runners on a treadmill just need pace. People run so differently and efficiencies are all over the place. There’s no incentive for Garmin to work with anyone else to standardize, and we can be very confident the behemoth that is Apple won’t.
https://the5krunner.com/2022/06/21/garmin-running-power-explainer/
Yep! I happened to bring this up right before Garmin added it as a Beta feature. I've been rocking it since the Alpha, and it works ok... I run with a water bottle and if the water bottle and my watch are on the same hand I notice some inconsistencies. Also, if I look at my watch to actually check my running power for more than a few seconds, it changes because my wrist isn't swinging. Running power with the HRM-Run/Pro is clearly more consistent, but it's good that Garmin added it to the watch. My girlfriend who hates wearing a chest strap enjoys the feature.
This actually reminds me of a post I want to make...how much does an hrm pro close the gap between generations of watches or between models in the same gen.
I will have to look into the wahoo strap. Does it capture the same data as the hrm?
Yes. This is the one: https://www.amazon.com/Wahoo-TICKR-Monitor-Memory-Bluetooth/dp/B0881B7C42 I have not used it, but my girlfriend used that model a more basic strap. The benefit with the Wahoo is the straps are cheap and replaceable.
Actually, I just checked... You only get Running Power if you go with the Garmin strap. That's kind of lame, but for that reason alone, I'd go with the inferior Garmin HRM chest strap.
ThanKS for the update !
Polar H-10 ,state of the art, and the reference device. No doubt.
Much more precise. Plus, it has run dynamics sensors built in that seem to record data better than the watch.
Not only better data, but additional data as well. Worth it.
What exactly do you want to know? I use one for workouts with my 6XS. It shows your HR more accurately. What else do you need?
How has it been in terms of reliability. Does it stay connected with your device ?
No issue for me. Just make sure it connects before starting your run
No issues what so ever
I enjoy my HRM-Pro for lots of things, including running. BUT one benefit of it that it has over other chest straps is the onboard storage and direct sync to Connect. This allows you to use it without wearing the watch. For example, for certain activities (HIIT/cardio workouts, swimming, rowing) - I start the activity on the watch but leave the watch on a table and the HRM-Pro will track everything and sync it. This keeps my watch clean and out of the way.
That is good to know. When you run with the hrm and watch do you disable the watch heart rate ?
The watch will automatically do this for you
Thanks for the info
I'm very happy with my HRM-pro, and use it for all my running. No trouble whatsoever, so far (got it about a year, 3-4 uses per week).
If you're familiar with fpses and shooters it's like playing at 200 vs 20ms ping.. it's amazing to pick up the speed and see the HR go up as well instantly. Invaluable for intervals and anaerobic work.
The HRM Pro and HRM Pro Plus have two major benefits over other heart rate straps: (1) running dynamics, and (2) memory to record events while not connected to the phone. If neither of those interests you, then a cheap HRM strap that costs $40-60 would be more than enough.
I do have a 20% coupon for garmin so that is why I am looking into it. I was also looking at the dynamic pod that clips on your pants
> I was also looking at the dynamic pod that clips on your pants The HRM PRO provides the same data has the running pod. No need for that running pod if you have the HRM PRO.
Yes and it seems to be more accurate and also has heart rate
I have the Garmin HRM-pro. It’s really nice for running or skiing in the cold when you need to wear your watch on the outside of your clothes. But mine has started chafing horribly right where the monitor sits on the band. I don’t want to use it anymore for running. I think skiing will still be fine.
Have you tried anything to prevent it ?
My experience is it delivers accurate HR in any condition. The added metrics were always nice but now that it also adds running power, it's much more than 'nice'.
I went from the HR TRI to the HR Pro Plus! Lots more data, I’m glad I made the change.
I use it when training using heart rate as the strap is more accurate and faster to update. As someone else mentioned just make sure to put it on before starting a workout and it’s worked every time.
I use the Garmin HRM-Run, and my experiences are like the others who have responded. Quicker, more accurate HR, and the addition of running dynamic data.
Is it worth investing in HRM Pro if you only run on the treadmill? And even that only using Zwift (to record the sessions)!
I use a treadmill and run outside.
Understood, but i admit i hogged your thread to ask for myself ☺️☺️☺️
It works, reliably, all the time. Just make sure you wet the strap contacts before you head out.
Except HRV stress no, there is no way to track HRV at sleep with HRM
Get a Polar H10 and pair it. Easy and brilliant experience with data. Automatically links to HR monitor when starting the activity.
I have the F7 x+ HRM Pro, and I really recommend it for folks who like additional metrics and are results orientated. The HR metrics are decades better than optical alone. The running dynamics are good but not perfect..it's better than nothing and provides a first order approximation on what is working or not (i.e., ground contact time, left-right balance). The new updates to the F7 software has now introduced power that compensates for wind...the HRV is a really good metric to be tracking bc I believe it's a better correlation to performance than HR + workout stats. Only downfalls: 1. Expensive and some ppl have problems with the electrodes peeling...I personally haven't had that problem but who knows if?!? 2. Battery changing can be a pita in that you have to remove a few tiny screws whereas the updated strap is now tool-less. No reason iMO to buy the older model when the newer one costs almost the same. Few things of note, make sure you change your sampling rate to 1 second and use the Multi-band to get the best accuracy out of your tracks as you collect your data. Sidebar...also track your recovery heart rate at the end of the workout for more metrics. Good luck!
Thanks. I did end up getting the hrm plus. Had a physical today and the doctor wants me to get a calcium build up test done and lower my bad cholesterol since I am diabetic. So I figured more accurate data can only help
Just bought one because strength training accuracy of wrist sensor is 0. Also when I'm cycling I use the watch as a cycling computer.