Is my HRM a piece of crap or defective?

[Chomper]

Originally Posted by FitBoop

I used to use a Polar HR monitor, and ended up going to a cardiologist because I thought it was showing correct (and weird) readings. The HR monitor was defective (thank goodness). I don't know which HR monitors are accurate and reliable.

That made me laugh, though I'm sure it was terrifying for you. I just remember countless times I was panting away, looked at my HRM, saw a heart rate of 00, and wondered if I was dead and just didn't realize it yet.

[marmact]

I don't think they're really designed for long-term use. I've been through this with several models. Usually it's the battery that needs to be changed and the strap that needs to be scrubbed down with soap. Plus, the transmitter has to be wet when you put it on to make contact with the skin--I'm kind of gross in that I just lick mine, ROFL. (I thought I was unique until I went to see my brother run a marathon and watched one runner after another lick their strap before adjusting it, hehe.)

What I would love, personally, is a HRM that doesn't need a chest strap. Something that just clips on or slides onto the wrist like a FitBit. I find that I get really aggravated when I'm working really hard and the chest strap slides around.

[bzar]

if you're too close to the TV or other electronic devices, it can go "00" or show odd readings.

with my Polar, i have to stand at least 3' from the TV.

the other suggestions people mentioned are good to keep in mind.

[superfit41]

My last Polar stopped working right quite some time ago. I was recently thinking about getting another one, but after reading all this, I am reminded that I have been doing fine without one!

Sherry

[slysam]

My Polar HRM's have held up well. I still use a now-discontinued F11 that I've had over three years. I mainly use it for swimming now. I've used my H7 Bluetooth strap for over a year maybe two?

[FirmHeels]

I had the same problem as you with my Polar and bought a new strap; totally fixed my issues and have been smooth sailing ever since. I have a back-up strap now, too, for when it happens again because I don't like being without my hrm!

[Chomper]

Just wanted to update: I bought brand new batteries and replaced them and it still is not picking up a heart rate signal within the first 10 minutes of putting it on and wetting it. I didn't have the patience to wait any longer. I ordered a new strap, and will have to wait for it to arrive to see if that makes a difference. This has cost me almost $30.

I wanted to add that I already do regularly tighten the strap, wash the strap in the washing machine after several uses and wet it before use, and that it loses the signal even when I'm outdoors running and nowhere near other electronics. But this has been a nice thread for troubleshooting HRMs.

[Zenara25]

I have problems on occasion with my Polar FT4 that I bought back in December. I get a 00 reading and or 200 reading. I have replaced the strap 1x and will need to again very soon. This is the only thing that fixes it. I have also tried replacing the batteries. This does nothing. I wash by hand every day. Wash in the washer 1x a week, allowing it to hang air dry (no dryer). When the strap is nearing the end of it's life I'll get those bad readings near the end of the week a day or 2 before it goes in the washer. At this point I do tighten the strap a little and this seems to help 'sometimes'. Then I know it's time to order another one. So for me the strap seems to last about 4-5 months.

Please keep us updated on whether the new strap works for you or not.

[Just_Jo]

Thank you so much for this thread. I've been seeing the dreaded 00 for awhile. I have four straps, so I will need to toss when I see those 00s. I guess it's time to buy another new strap!

[FitBoop]

Originally Posted by chomper

that made me laugh, though i'm sure it was terrifying for you. I just remember countless times i was panting away, looked at my hrm, saw a heart rate of 00, and wondered if i was dead and just didn't realize it yet.

lol!