Garmin HRM-PRO Plus In-Depth Review: Here's what's changed!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 6 มิ.ย. 2024
- Here's your full in-depth review of Garmin’s new HRM-PRO Plus chest strap, which includes a number of new features, but this review is packed full of testing. Buy the Garmin HRM-PRO Plus here (amzn.to/4681gHo), link helps support the channel, much appreciated!!!
Like most Garmin ‘Plus’-enabled things, this is a modest upgrade from their existing to-end chest strap, the HRM-PRO that came out two summers ago. The new HRM-PRO Plus adds an indoor run pace & distance option, while also changing the battery door situation to be toolless (hopefully reducing straps dying after batter swaps). Further, they’ve changed the color of the HRM-PRO Plus pod itself.
Ultimately, these are minor changes, and for the most part this is just considered a running change. There will soon be watch bundles offered with the Garmin HRM-PRO Plus straps instead of HRM-PRO. And, best of all, the software changes for the indoor running pace/distance is being released as a firmware update to the existing HRM-PRO today. So Garmin says that in terms of functionality, both units are identical, save the battery compartment aspects.
Nonetheless, I’ve been using the HRM-PRO Plus for a while, so I figure I’ll go through the full in-depth review of the HRM-PRO Plus, just like any other straps.
I am part of the Amazon Associates program, and some links may earn me a commission at no cost to you.
#GarminHRMPROPlus #HRMPROPlus #heartratevariability - กีฬา
Great video explaining the function of the strap. And, I love your t-shirt!
Very nice video. Answers all my questions. Well done man!
I just heard of another great use for the power metrics . When you’re trail running and your gps messes up. You don’t know how fast your going. With a power meter it doesn’t mess up because it doesn’t work off of gps. So you can pace yourself better.
Wicked video mate! Excited to get my hands on this one!
I heard that Australia is planning to ban glasses of water filled with more than 2 oz of water. Apparently, little Australian blokes are finding a way to drown in the drinking water. Who would have thought.
Would be really interested in the accuracy of a V02 test with this vs the 955 and fenix 7
You make a good point re. pace determination. When I run in the Veluwe (like you I live in the Netherlands) which has a high degree of tree cover, the instantaneous pace estimation is really poor on my Fenix 6 - everything else seems to add up, but the pace is really erratic (mostly far too slow) where the tree cover is high. It's very odd.
Excited for watching
Great vid - Just picked one up Prime day for $104. I have an Epix Pro so this will be a very nice add-on ha. The Polar is on sale too, but Garmin has me so. I almost ordered that Polar too and checked Garmin Prime day sales.
Great video, excellent summary and explanation. I have a question about calibration; I don't have a Garmin watch, but would starting an activity through Strava or Zwift with the strap on a treadmill help with calibration?
Do you think trail running would mess up the calibration for getting pace and distance on a treadmill? Obviously, side is WAY different on trails, so I'm curious if that throws of the calibration, or if it is smart enough to know to calibrate only on the Run activity and not the Trail Run activity. Do you happen to have any insight on that? Thanks for another great video!
Great review as ever. Was hoping for your thoughts on the Edge explore 2. Managed to get a 955 for £300 and wondered if the explore 2 would be better than an 830 as could just use it as a data device...
Hi Ray, just to give you a bit of insight into treadmill speed and distance due to the interaction between the belt and the bed beneath the belt and the footstrike of the runner there is usually a difference between set speed and actually speed and therefore distance. This difference is small and unique to each runner, better correlationon higher end products). High end research treadmills generally have flywheels (mechanical / electronic-virtual) to compensate.
Richard Dewis
Great video. I just bought one of these to use with Ant+ and my Fenix 5X, but also to the LifeFitness machines in the gym. I have an older Ant+ chest strap but it doesn’t do Bluetooth.
Hi Ray, Thanks for this,. Question ..is the RD-Pod likely to add this functionality (pace / distance ). Thanks
I love watching these videos, kidding myself I have the money to buy any of this.
Thanks for the video, going to update my firmware. Ive had a few of these straps over the years, they never seem to last out the warranty. You do need to be careful when you change the battery if you over tighten one of the screws this causes the plastic to crack and then you get fluid ingress. Sometimes you can dry them out and they work fine.
Not for a long time) just til the next big sweat, or tap washing.
And long term - corrosion on the plate, which will kill the strap :(
@@siegfried1349 or....i dunno....your next swim
@@voltemands oh no, swim is strictly prohibited. If you have a crack in the plastic body, you just run with HRM and pray for the sensor to last longer.)
Yeah I haven't had a single one survive the warranty period.
My HRM Run has last years and changed the battery a number of times with no issues.
All of my HR bands from Garmin died after battery replacement. So I guess this is a much needed plus. Oh there should be a video about properly replacing the battery
Thanks for this video! I was super curious what the update was for. As someone who mostly bikes / strength trains, and has only a Vivoactive 4, this seems like not a good fit for me. Perhaps when I update to a higher end Garmin watch.
Thanks again! These videos are always super helpful
so almost wonderful beautiful video friend and beautiful watch
Love your input here both Ray @ShaneMillerLama - The reason they are not selling these in Australia is that Battery Compartment can be opened by a kid. So how does Apple get around this with Airtags in Australia?
Hi. Great video. Just curious when using on a treadmill with watch or you using the treadmill setting or indoor running setting? Thanks
I like your running point finger reflex thing.
Ah I was as much intrigued by the arrival of a MYRUN next to your Peloton as the new strap and features. Has that older treadmill you had finally been carted off ? I have had a MYRUN almost 4 years now and think dates back from about 2015. What other running tech do we still use as "current" from back then.... Not sure if I missed it but did your Stryd have any foot pod calibration factor applied? I have always found Stryd foot pods "run" slower than my MYRUN at default 100% calibration even though other my tests suggest the MYRUN pace and outdoor is "in the ballpark" even at 0% incline. Your pace tests with the HRM-Pro+ were probably better than I thought they might be. Interesting to test outdoors against GPS pace. Idea for me! With Multi Band GPS on the 955 (or 255 etc etc) being, for me at least, a real step change better than say 945 at least for the GPS tracks not sure the real use case to ignore that in favour of "computed" pace and ironically calibrated by GPS based measurements in the first place that seemingly you don't trust. In other words do we still need an alternative to GPS based pace apart from indoors or long tunnels when of course there is no GPS signal whatever band it tries.
Hello guys (& Ray) thank you so much as always for your accurate reviews. One little question. I have a Garmin Fenix 5 plus. With this new band it means that I'm still not going to see watts on my structred workouts screen in my Fenix 5 plus? It's something that anoyed me so much and I thought it would solve this buying this band. :(
Looking to replace a worn out Tickr. Would you recommend this new unit for road cycling only (paired to either a Garmin 1030 Plus head unit or to the Kickr Bike) or would you say this is OP is not used for tri/running? TY!
I have always been hesitant on these as my standard Garmin strap doesn't tend to last more than a year. Are these straps any better? and if the strap stops working do you have throw the whole unit away?
Probably would never buy this but watching this as this guy rocks 👍
Thanks!!!
I wonder if garmin might update the RD pod to include pace and distance.
Great information
What's your take on the accuracy of the running power from Garmin? My experience is that it's really far to high and not that consistent compared to e.g. Stryd.
Nice review
Hey DC Rainmaker, I know you are super incredibly awesome, and an over-achiever. But for a simpleton like me who runs mostly indoors due to being able to go straight from other sports at my gym, would just 2 hours of calibration still get Stryd pod-worthy results? I already have the strap, but I keep watching your review in hopes to hone it in for my indoor runs.
Holy smokes!!! your running zwift avatar is like literally you 😂
Are you going to test the new Edge Explore 2 bike computer? Wondering if that is a better option than the other Garmin bike computers for casual riding that's not focused on racing.
What is better for indoor running metrics, garmin footpod or hrm? Is hrm very precise on cadence and distance?
Hmmm, I wonder will my 6 year+ old HRM run 1st generation get the new update 🤪, I doubt it, but it is still working fine. I thought it had gone, to the gym lost and found box in the sky, but using it with my Polar H9 strap, seems to have given it the kiss of life.
Do you think Garmin are right, in not having the module detachable from the strap, which for me is the weak spot, my original garmin strap gave up the ghost years ago.
Cool video! Can I ask which software you use for the heart rate accuracy / comparison?
Does installing a screen protector on the 955 solar affect its solar ability?? Just worry about the screen just scratch if not install screen protector
Can the running power be seen on a F6? Or only on the F7?
Do you need to start an activity on the watch beforehand if you want the strap to record the data?
Thank you for the video. If you don't mind I have one question:
My FR 255 records vertical oscillation, ground contact time and cadence. Are these data from the watch accurate or would they be more accurate coming from a chest strap? Thanks.
Hi there. I work out with the strap and sync after the workout. I can see the details of the workout on my phone via Garmin app however the total calorie count is not adding up.
Would you be willing to make a comparison video to the Polar H10? For example, some chapters can cover connectivity to the Garmin Watches, and the anaerobic data that differs between the two heart rate monitors.
For out door running would you recommend using the strap or GPS?
I'm thinking if I need one for strength, paddling and racket sports. Not sure I like how it feels and therefore if I will use it that often.
Hello,
Thank you for the vidéo. 😊
I have a little question. What is the différents between option "indoor" and "Always" for running pace and distance ? If i run outside and i put "always" for the distance en running pace, the data will no longer be transmitted by the watch but by the belt? Or the data will be transmitted by the belt if only my watch no longer picks up the gps? Thank you 😊
Great video as always Ray!
Side question though - now that these straps support running power though widely different numbers to Stryd, have you had any success getting Stryd numbers to sync to apps like Strava or TrainingPeaks over Garmin numbers?
Only the latter syncs across for me despite being able to see both sets in Garmin and Stryd numbers in the Stryd app
Because the "power" measured isn't power. There is no force plate being acted upon. Therefore they need to estimate with algorithms based upon assumptions. I mean look at the pace difference alone between DC two wrists alone. Even Stryd acknowledges this in a detailed white paper.
Simply put your running power CANNOT be compared to another persons running power at this time unless we somehow get a force sensor in on the sole of the shoe. However, you can use your running power to guide your training since in terms of relative accuracy it is "okay". But even then it cannot tell what kind of surface you are running on. If you run on sand vs concrete you will still get a very similar number even though the effort is wildly different.
@@trepidati0n533 appreciate the reply. My question however, isn't why the numbers are different as I fully understand what you've stated (thank you though) but rather, is there any way to use one over the other on third party apps. In this scenario for example, I want to use Stryd power with apps like TP and Strava but I'm not being given the choice.
@@ltdmod Strava is taking the running power from the native power field in the activity FIT file as recorded on one the newer Garmins that support power like the 955/255. If you use a Stryd that data only gets recorded to the special fields made available for CIQ apps and Strava seems to ignore that completely. When I last had Stryd & Garmin power enabled on the same run on a 955, TP appears to take Stryd first then Garmin power if Stryd not present.
Hi, thank you for your video. I want to be able to measure my dfa a1 on my watch or bike counter. Is it possible to use the Connect iq HRV alpha app (BLE mode for example) at the same time as recording HRM data with the device in ANT+ mode?
Just checking your review as Amazon have this discounted today - so..... bought 👍😎
Nice! Thanks for the heads up on the sale, just shared it out on social media!
DC, could you elaborate on the material of the strap? Asking that because lately I have developed hard allergic reaction to garmin straps( even tho is my favorite sport products) but I can not use anymore…. Because of that allergic reaction! Any chance you can talk to garmin folks about that subject, I try and got no where….
Can i start the a team-sport workout from the garmin connect app and get more data point than just steps , calories and intensity? Like for example distance
Can I use this to count steps? I use trekking poles so my steps are 1/2 what the should be. I would think Garmin could calculate stride length automatically and have a mode for an activity that asks if you want to use calculated steps vs measured to overcome this limitation. Seems like easy math.
Is it worth using the running pace during trail run?
You mentioned that it doesn't calibrate itself on the trails, but is it accurate there? I find GPS based running pace can be very bad under treecovers and a more accurate instant pace number could be helpful there
Seconding this, would love to see a comparison as my GPS distance is terrible for trails given all the small turns
Will the update come to hrm tri? I am thinking unlikely but just bought this to replace an old tickr that is on its last legs.
I got the HRM-PRO late last year to solve a problem:
I am a speedskater, and when skating with my hands behind my back, the signal doesn't reach the watch. I have a Forerunner 225 watch currently. Do you think the watch's receiver is too weak, or am I just cursed with a bluetooth-blocking body?
Does this mean we can now get vo2 max from indoor running?
Can’t wait to get mine…just gotta wait another month for “order processing “……
Hi
What about the accuracy and reliability if you have chest hair and sweat a lot?
My old Suunto belt does not seem to get the job done.
Can it measure breathing?
I solely want this so when I do kettlebell training it doesn’t wreck my watch!
Would I have to start the workout on my watch and then put my watch to one side, with the hope that it would collect good data?
Tack!
Hey Henrik! Huge thanks! Sorry, I was out of cell-phone range on a hike for a bit! Much appreciated!
Do you think i can use this in my martial art sessions?
I practice Kendo which involves a lot of wrist movements
also you gotta wear a pair of leather gauntlet
If you put the activity on run and not wear your watch will it calculate distance covered? Or just the calories, steps etc
Still a hook instead of a buckle? I've lost two of the HRM Pros because they detatch when I bend over while splitboarding, had to move to a Polar H10 since it has an actual buckle and stays where it's supposed to.
Hi Ray, if i use my watch to start an activity and leave it on the locker room.. when i come back and download the data from my chest strap to my watch does it saved the distance? because i tested playing soccer and it only saved the HR and calories burn but not the distance.. Maybe im missing some configuration ?
Hi, I connected the HRM. Is there anywhere in the Garmin dashboard you can see where the HR data for that activity was pulled from? I am in doubt if the HR shown is from the optical reader from my 955 or from the chest strap. Thanks!
You need to pair the HRM with the watch and also the Connect app on your phone. At the bottom of the activity, the strap should show up under devices along with the watch.
Does this mean that with this strap, i can start an activity with a Fenix 6, leave the watch at home, go for a bike ride, and it will update my body battery as if i had worn the watch the whole time?
I have a Garmin edge and I'd rather not carry both on rides.
I have a Forrunner 935 watch, I ordered a hrm pro and a speed and cadence 2 sensor, will they be fully compatible or maybe you need a newer watch? Аnd will I get VO2 max cycling, or do I need power meter? Also will I be able to play zfiwt?
i know you emphasize the use with a watch, but how would this work with a bike computer - specifically the wahoo element bolt or Garmin 1040 solar?
I hope this new design is better. Charging the battery has been a issue for me.
sometimes I hate the fact that you are so unbiased.. I still don't know if I want the new HRM-Pro Plus or the H10...Sometimes I just need to be told which one to get.....😂
Can the 745 get the running power info directly? You said 2022 watches..
I'm having a real issue getting the battery cover to sit back. Any tips please
Heart rate strap linked to smart phone is considerably cheaper than adding a smart sports watch to the mix. I got a Polar HR10 working with my Samsung J5 following a serious heart attack so I could monitor my rehab exercise programme and get back my power and cardiovascular fitness levels as fast as possible. It worked.
Wishing you good health!
What is best heart rate chest monitor to pair with Apple IPHONE ? Thx.
Very cool 🤝😎🤟🏼
I was hoping for a replaceable band :(
Right! Around the 1.5 year mark my strap starts to delaminate.
Those Wahoo straps are so cheap…
Had my hrm tri for 3 years now if I remember correctly and still fine. I do however give it a quick wash after each ride.
It’s bogus, in many ways the polar H10 is superior, but I like how garmin gives you the running metrics
@@Joey_DiGs Yeah, and as mentioned in the video you sort of get locked into the garmin ecosystem when you buy their products.
@@Joey_DiGs how do
My two Garmin belts were spoilt after changing battery for the reasons you mentioned. So happy with Polar HRM belt + Stryd footpod and get all metrics i need (probably more accurately than garmin)
I have a Garmin 955; where do I find the calibration feature to set indoor etc
Link to the treadmill in the video?
I bought this. I don’t really know why. I’ve had a terrible time with garmin hrm bands. My last one lasted three months. I use them a lot and sweat a lot in them so i put them through their paces. Longest i’ve ever had one was a year before it just wouldnt work even if i replaced the battery. So lets see how this goes!
three months is standard for me when cycling indoors.
Hey DC! Does the HRM-Pro Plus assist in pace and distance when connected to the garmin or does it replace the GPS data? So you can only use one either data from HRM or garmin GPS?
GPS takes priority, unless you configure it otherwise.
Maybe I missed this, but will it transmit pace data to Zwift?
Would anyone recommend this in addition to an Apple Watch (S6)?
Would the polar be better for basic HR?
I use HR for most of my workout and use the watch sensor for now
how to read the data from the HRM PRO PLUS only with out watch in hands ?
if i have both watch and the strap how to read both heart rate differently from each other ?
i am using mk2s and fenix 5
For swimming in a swimming pool,i can not see the results in real time via a smartwatch connected to it?
Why would I want a strap on top of a Garmin smart watch? If I get the running data, what do I do about it then?
I've been wanting upgrade my older Garmin HRM, the kind that snapped on to the strap since I'm losing connection lately with passing by some other bikers. I've replaced straps that wear out over the years but able to keep the HRM and just reuse. Now, this new HRM and strap looks like once the strap goes bad, you have to spend another 130 instead of just a strap...?
Does this strap has its benefits with using it while cycling (outdoor)?
how long do the garmin hrm bands last for you? I had 3 or 4 during the last 6 years and each of them got destroyed after a year or so. The sensors were ok, but the belts got ruined (doesn’t matter how carefully i was cleaning them after running).
Mine 4 years and counting. Just had to replace the battery for the first time. 3x workout a week for couple of hours each (cycling). Band starts to discolor a bit, but thats it. Just take a shower with it, clean it there and put it out to dry.
Can charts be somewhere posted/published?
Who are you pointing at on the treadmill?
Hi. Bought this a month back and the smell of the rubber around the white core stinks. I washed it with all possible and available soap and it did not work. The reading is solid but the quality is bad. Garmin is helpful and offered replacement. I read many reviews and they say that this is a common and persistent problem
Does it sends running dynamics to coros pace 2?
So good they got rid of those stupid screws.
Edit: Cries because I live in Australia
Can you pleaae explain, how you would use that strap on soccer game, without wearing the watch and how would the platform include that work out in your daily data
start activity on the watch . put watch in bag. do activity. return to device. it then uploads it's data to the watch.
Would this work with my old Felix 3?
Can you Connect them to 2 devices at once. I want to try to connect to heart rate monitor to my Garmin 800 and my polar ignite at the same time ?
Yup! You can connect up to three Bluetooth devices at once, and unlimited ANT+ ones. Your Garmin will use ANT+ by default, and the Polar will use Bluetooth. So totally good here.
Excellent ! Keep it upp .. ;-p
It’d be good to run a measuring wheel on that treadmill to check calibration.
Hey Ray, great video as always! It seems the new running pace and distance feature is meant to finally replace the old SDM4 Foot Pod which isn‘t being sold since 4 years at least. That one has issues with calibration being different at different paces. Is the new calibration more sophisticated or does it still come down to a single number? The thing is, I spent quite a while to gobble up all the SDM4s for all my shoes that I could get my hands on and I was a bit dissapointed with the results. I have to do speed works in my speed shoes and slow work in my long run shoes for it to be accurate. Variation of calibration factor is about 6 points between my 5 units. Most out there are actually branded by Suunto and even adidas and then theres a version proprietary to the iPod by Nike. I did not try that one as I was suspish if was actually using ANT+. Looks like I should get rid off all them now, before knowledge about the HRM Pro+ capabilities proliferates;)
I too was very disappointed with the food pod. It worked at one pace and was garbage for anything faster or slower on the treadmill.
I retired the foot pod to my hiking shoes to get cadence when I use hiking poles.
I never had problems with different speeds, but indeed i am also looking to retire the footpod to have finally one gadget less and not having to exchange in 4 different shoes 😅
Hi Ray,
I just bought a Fenix 7x Solar, and I use it with a Garmin RD Pod. would you recommend buying this strap ? Or would it be way too much overkill just for the Power meter? Do you have any thoughts on this ?
I'm not Ray, but I think I have your answer. Sooooo the rd pod will/should give you power, it does for my FR 645/fenix 6s. I had to install an app and add the data fields. It's....inelegant. but it does work.
@@TischTosh thnx! Works for me!! 👍👍
@@awakeninger awesome 👌 ✌