Garmin Users

michellekicks

Anyone ever submerge the Garmin HR Monitor strap - 2010 soft strap that looks like this:



I'm thinking of trying to use my Garmin Forerunner 410 in my upcoming obstacle race (Spartan Beast) but there may be swimming sections. I know the watch itself can be "accidentally" submerged in 1m water for up to 30 minutes, but I'm thinking of wearing my HR strap throughout just because I'm curious. Don't want to kill it.

Anyone have any idea if it is likely to survive a short swim?

ChristinaK69

Mine survives lots of sweat. What if you bought some "never wet"

http://www.rustoleum.com/product-catalog/consumer-brands/neverwet/neverwet-kit/

Not sure if they have it in Canada or not. They sed it on cellphones and it kept them working. There are videos on youtube also

michellekicks

Bump. Anyone else? Just checking...

SonicDeathMonkey80

Curious is great, but I wouldn't risk the module coming unsnapped on an obstacle, let alone submerging it.

bert16

From the Garmin website:

"Will Garmin heart rate monitors work while I am swimming?
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06/12/2012
Garmin now has multiple styles of Heart Rate Monitors. The standard Heart Rate Monitor (Hard Strap) and the Premium Heart Rate Monitor (Soft Strap) are not designed to provide heart rate data in the water. This limitation is related to the inability to transmit the heart rate data through the water.

When considering using a Heart Rate Monitor in water:

Do not wear a standard Heart Rate Monitor while swimming as it is not designed for this use and will likely damage the strap.
While heart rate cannot be transmitted though water, the Premium Heart Rate Monitor is designed to withstand 30 meters of water pressure. Therefore, the monitor can be used in conjunction with devices with similar water resistant ratings.
After exiting the water, the Garmin GPS will begin to record heart rate data.

Reference Links:

HRM - https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=10996

Premium HRM - https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=15490 "

michellekicks

From the Garmin website:

"Will Garmin heart rate monitors work while I am swimming?
Email this Answer
Print this Answer
06/12/2012
Garmin now has multiple styles of Heart Rate Monitors. The standard Heart Rate Monitor (Hard Strap) and the Premium Heart Rate Monitor (Soft Strap) are not designed to provide heart rate data in the water. This limitation is related to the inability to transmit the heart rate data through the water.

When considering using a Heart Rate Monitor in water:

Do not wear a standard Heart Rate Monitor while swimming as it is not designed for this use and will likely damage the strap.
While heart rate cannot be transmitted though water, the Premium Heart Rate Monitor is designed to withstand 30 meters of water pressure. Therefore, the monitor can be used in conjunction with devices with similar water resistant ratings.
After exiting the water, the Garmin GPS will begin to record heart rate data.

Reference Links:

HRM - https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=10996

Premium HRM - https://buy.garmin.com/shop/shop.do?pID=15490 "

Thanks that is helpful! I didn't find that on the garmin site. So it looks like I can wear the strap in the water and as long as I have the watch in a water-tight dry-bag, it should be fine. Worst case scenario I buy a new chest strap for $70 :laugh:

bert16

Yep... as long as you've got the premium (soft strap), it looks like it should be OK in the water. And, as you said, you can always buy a new one if it doesn't survive!

Good luck and have fun!