HRM Question -Water or Lube?

marieautumn
marieautumn Posts: 928 Member
edited December 26 in Fitness and Exercise
I have a Polar FT4 and I love it, it has really improved my motivation to work out and I’m burning more calories than I ever have. My question is this: what are the differences between using water on your HRM strap and that special HRM lubricant? I use water (as approved in my HRM's instructions booklet), but am I taking a risk of getting inaccurate readings on my device? Is that special lube better and if so, why?

Replies

  • cynthiaj777
    cynthiaj777 Posts: 787 Member
    I never wet or lube mine. I start sweating immediately, so it doesn't really matter. No point in wetting it.
  • jessiesue115
    jessiesue115 Posts: 3
    I use water...but then again, I never knew about the HRM lube...
  • Goal_Line
    Goal_Line Posts: 474 Member
    Mine is Shraper Image - I use spit.
  • spdoman7
    spdoman7 Posts: 121 Member
    no reason to waste money on lube...lick your strap or just wait to sweat
  • Martha_VH
    Martha_VH Posts: 386 Member
    I use water. I also bought the electrode cream, but my HRM is in the bathroom, and the cream in the bedroom. So water is more convienent. Both work fine, but if you have not bought the cream you don't really need to spend money on it.
  • MrDude_1
    MrDude_1 Posts: 2,510 Member
    it needs moisture to electrically connect with the skin.... in the fall/winter I run my strap under the faucet and then put it on, since I start running as soon as I get to the end of my driveway.
    In the summer, I just put it on and by the time im at the end of my driveway im sweating.
  • LALOCHA34
    LALOCHA34 Posts: 340 Member
    We live in HOUSTON, step outside and you have TX lube. Save your money amiga. :glasses:
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    +1 on save your money. Depending on the type of chest strap water or (with the newer garmin straps) a little saliva.
  • Bronx_Montgomery
    Bronx_Montgomery Posts: 2,284 Member
    When will people learn that these things are like old cars. You have to warm them up first. Eventually the problem will fix itself!
  • jogglesngoggles
    jogglesngoggles Posts: 362 Member
    I never wet or lube mine. I start sweating immediately, so it doesn't really matter. No point in wetting it.

    this exactly. The first time I used it I followed the directions and realized i was sweaty within a minute anyways.
  • marieautumn
    marieautumn Posts: 928 Member
    We live in HOUSTON, step outside and you have TX lube. Save your money amiga. :glasses:

    laura you know i work out in the AC....you can't run in Houston...you will have a heat stroke! lol
  • marieautumn
    marieautumn Posts: 928 Member
    so if i understand correctly, as long as my HRM watch is able to detect a HR, then my strap is moist enough?
  • MrDude_1
    MrDude_1 Posts: 2,510 Member
    so if i understand correctly, as long as my HRM watch is able to detect a HR, then my strap is moist enough?

    yup.
  • mathiasg
    mathiasg Posts: 32
    Water has always worked fine with my Garmin HRM.
  • cynthiaj777
    cynthiaj777 Posts: 787 Member
    so if i understand correctly, as long as my HRM watch is able to detect a HR, then my strap is moist enough?

    Mine always detects a HR. Never had a problem not wetting or lubing it.

    I did buy the lube with it, but it sits in my gym bag. Only been used once. I realized after one time that it was pointless to wet it/lube it.
  • belgerian
    belgerian Posts: 1,059 Member
    Ive never had any issues I strap it on and the sweat takes care of the rest
This discussion has been closed.

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