Heart Rate and GPS tracking - Multisport Specific

[Vetplant]

I am currently looking at buying a new HRM.

 

What works for you guys in multisport environments?

 

I am new to the sport but I have a history of running, have been working with the Polar RS300x for about 7 years now, great value in my opinion. I do see the benefit of getting more info on your training session as I have linked the H7 strap to my cellphone(mounted on my upper arm) to get GPS tracking linked to HR. However dragging a cellphone along every session is tedious and a schlep to see any data during a workout. Thus the upgrade.

 

Looking to do a half IM at most and possibly comrades in the future to check off a box.

[Rocket-Boy]

The Suunto ambit 3 does HR in swims too, I think the new Fenix3 does too with a specific Hr strap

[Pure Savage]

I am currently looking at buying a new HRM.

 

What works for you guys in multisport environments?

 

I am new to the sport but I have a history of running, have been working with the Polar RS300x for about 7 years now, great value in my opinion. I do see the benefit of getting more info on your training session as I have linked the H7 strap to my cellphone(mounted on my upper arm) to get GPS tracking linked to HR. However dragging a cellphone along every session is tedious and a schlep to see any data during a workout. Thus the upgrade.

 

Looking to do a half IM at most and possibly comrades in the future to check off a box.

 

Garmin 920xt, pricey but its the best by far.

[SwissVan]

I am currently looking at buying a new HRM.

 

What works for you guys in multisport environments?

 

I am new to the sport but I have a history of running, have been working with the Polar RS300x for about 7 years now, great value in my opinion. I do see the benefit of getting more info on your training session as I have linked the H7 strap to my cellphone(mounted on my upper arm) to get GPS tracking linked to HR. However dragging a cellphone along every session is tedious and a schlep to see any data during a workout. Thus the upgrade.

 

Looking to do a half IM at most and possibly comrades in the future to check off a box.

 

Polar V800 works for me...one issue with most gps devices and long distance events like comrades is battery life...so look for one that has a reduced recording rate function...my V800 runs out of steam (gps powers off ) but the other watch (timer, stop watch) still work after about 11.5 -12 hrs

[shaper]

Fenix 3, 920XT, 910XT

[2wieltjies]

The Polar v800 have a function to safe battery life with GPS use, for extreme races.

There are a lot of choices like the V800 or the V800 and also look at the V800.

[Vetplant]

 

The Polar v800 have a function to safe battery life with GPS use, for extreme races.

There are a lot of choices like the V800 or the V800 and also look at the V800.

 

Ok Great, glad you gave me a good spread of options, I was actually seriously weighing up the V800 vs the V800 and the V800.   

 

Seriously though, I didn't want to skew the results so I kept some information from you guys that is relatively important: I have a Bluetooth Speed& Cadence which would be rendered useless if I go Garmin, plus with the existing H7 strap I only need the head unit if I go Polar, whereas a Garmin would require an additional HRM sensor.

 

What do you do practically on the bike section to see the HR and other data? Do you glance at the watch on your arm or do you transfer it to your bike in T1 and back to your arm in T2?

[2wieltjies]

I just went and  got a Polar v650 as well, looking at the watch the whole time is a bit of an issue with morning rides and when you in bunch in a race.

 

But you can mount the watch on the bike,

[shaper]

If you are bluetooth sensor geared then the polar is the best option otherwise it is a complete system change to go garmin and ant+ 

 

I use to have the 910XT and now the fenix 3 which stays on my wrist for swim/bike and run.  Only time watch is removed is for ease of peeling off the wetsuit, then back onto wrist.

 

For 70.3 and above distances I also use my Edge 500 when on the bike leg so do not have to look at my watch.  If a 5150 or sprint triathlons then just use the watch and glance when required.

 

You do not really need to glance that often as there are regular distance markers on the cycle route to tell you how far to go and you can set up alarms for HR to ensure you do not redline.

[Vetplant]

 

You do not really need to glance that often as there are regular distance markers on the cycle route to tell you how far to go and you can set up alarms for HR to ensure you do not redline.

Thanks, that makes allot of sense.

 

I have an existing "cheap" bike computer on the bike so Distance and Time will be visible there, so I was only really concerned about HR. Setting up the audio alarms solves that.

 

Cadence is not that critical to see constantly during a race, so might even remove the sensor to save weight   I currently use it to check myself during IDT sessions with GCN training videos.

[SwissVan]

Thanks, that makes allot of sense.

 

I have an existing "cheap" bike computer on the bike so Distance and Time will be visible there, so I was only really concerned about HR. Setting up the audio alarms solves that.

 

Cadence is not that critical to see constantly during a race, so might even remove the sensor to save weight   I currently use it to check myself during IDT sessions with GCN training videos.

 

The V800 also has a vibration alarm function which helps make sure you notice it if you missed the audio.

I use it to remind me when its time to drink....

 

On my road and mtb I normally use an old polar watch mount bracket which just clips onto the bars and then strap my watch onto the polar mount (only works with round shaped bars, not the modern flat ones).

 

On my tri bike i either wear it on my wrist slightly looser than normal so i can rotate it +/- 90degs on my wrist so that the watch face is easily visible while riding in the TT position (hands in front of you face).

 

You can also get a Profile design UCM extension which is really light and simple to attach between the forward facing bars on your TT bars, and then you can strap your watch or computer mount onto that, see pics below.

 

 

[Vetplant]

Update: I have experienced somewhat of a change in attitude from Polar on servicing my RS300x. Long story short, I dealt with with Polar SA and Polar Global and I am not impressed, to say the least.

 

I have thus decided to go the Garmin route going forward. The Fenix 3 looks like an awesome piece of tech, will definitely cost me more upfront, but I am happy to give it a go. I have only heard positive things about their after-sales services. Plus a buddy at works has a friend that works at Garmin, so might be able to arrange a special price... wait and see.

[Brickleberry]

Garmin service and warranty is SA is exceptional if that helps at all. Go for it, Fenix is amazing, although so is he suunto ambit 3 . But either will do the job extremely well. A lot of people sold off v800s when the new fenix came out.

[shaper]

Fenix 3 all the way, I did a warranty trade in/upgrade when my 910XT had barometer reading issues.  Am very happy with it !!

[SwissVan]

Update: I have experienced somewhat of a change in attitude from Polar on servicing my RS300x. Long story short, I dealt with with Polar SA and Polar Global and I am not impressed, to say the least.

 

I have thus decided to go the Garmin route going forward. The Fenix 3 looks like an awesome piece of tech, will definitely cost me more upfront, but I am happy to give it a go. I have only heard positive things about their after-sales services. Plus a buddy at works has a friend that works at Garmin, so might be able to arrange a special price... wait and see.

 

I have to agree wrt Polar global, my experience with their global online support just makes my head hurt...

 

The local (Switz) support i experienced with my pre V800 watches was excellent, and I've heard the same about the SA support.

 

A product is only as good as the support you get when needed