Got a HRM...but can I swim?

Hummmingbird
Hummmingbird Posts: 337 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi all,

My husband bought me a HRM for Christmas...yay! I have been reading all the info on it but have one question that even the Polar website hasnt even given a straight answer on! CAN I USE IT TO SWIM?! The booklet says yes but when I went to the website it said it was only resistant to rain, sweat etc.

I really like to swim and want to know if anyone else has used this HRM and if it has been ok while swimming. PLEASE HELP!

HRM info: Polar RS300x (with watch and body strap)

Thank you for any input!

Sarah

Replies

  • mygrl4meee
    mygrl4meee Posts: 943 Member
    I have the Polar FT4 and I can swim, Sorry I am not much help.
  • HarlowS
    HarlowS Posts: 264 Member
    Yep, swim away. I also have a Polar FT4 and wore it almost every day over the summer when I swam.

    Have fun :bigsmile:
  • traceylynns
    traceylynns Posts: 155 Member
    I was just looking the same thing up!! I ordered the FT4 and wanted to wear it to the pool with the kids and swim class at the gym!!! thanks for posting this!!!
  • NavyKnightAh13
    NavyKnightAh13 Posts: 1,394 Member
    I have a polar ft4 but haven't worn it in the water so I am of no help (mostly afraid of messing it up)
  • Couponqueenren
    Couponqueenren Posts: 47 Member
    I have the Polar FT7 and I swam with it during our vacation, I think they just advise not to push any of the buttons while in the water so that it doesn't get in.
  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    Not sure about that model. The FT4 is fine for swimming. Look on the back of the watch and see if it says any amount of water resistance. The FT4 says WR 30M which stands for water resistant to 30 meters.
  • jmc0806
    jmc0806 Posts: 1,444 Member
    Yeah double check what the watch says on that one. I think that one is a biking model, so it might not have the full water resistance
  • jallison12
    jallison12 Posts: 83
    Some info here:
    http://www.heartratewatchcompany.com/swim-watch-s/166.htm

    The watch itself may be swimming proof - Polar guide book says so. If the back of the watch say 10m or 30m or 100m you can swim with it? But the HRM chest strap and/or GPS unit are probably not. You need a Flow Link device for HRM.

    BTW - I don't have this watch. But my son is in the swim team I was looking for a swim watch for him. Was hard to find one with HRM, distance, etc.
  • Janelle173
    Janelle173 Posts: 396 Member
    So, the FT4 watch AND body strap can be worn swimming?
  • Mokey41
    Mokey41 Posts: 5,769 Member
    So, the FT4 watch AND body strap can be worn swimming?

    Yes, one without the other is no good. You need both pieces on unless all you want to know is what time it is.
  • jmc0806
    jmc0806 Posts: 1,444 Member
    I have a ft60 and my manual says:

    "Polar FT60 may be worn when swimming. To maintain water resistance, do not press buttons under water.Polar FT60 may be worn when swimming. To maintain water resistance, do not press buttons under water. For more information, visit http://support.polar.fi. Water resistance of Polar products is tested according to International Standard ISO 2281. Products are divided into three categories according to their water resistance. Check the back of your Polar product for the water resistance category, and compare it to the chart below. Please note that these definitions do not necessarily apply to products of other manufacturers.
    Marking on case back
    Water resistant characteristics
    Water resistant
    Protected against wash splashes, sweat, raindrops etc. Not suitable for swimming.
    Water resistant 30 m/50 m
    Suitable for bathing and swimming
    Water resistant 100 m
    Suitable for swimming and snorkeling (without air tanks)"
  • Janelle173
    Janelle173 Posts: 396 Member
    So, the FT4 watch AND body strap can be worn swimming?

    Yes, one without the other is no good. You need both pieces on unless all you want to know is what time it is.

    LOL. thank you. I have the FT4, have only used it a few times, and clearly am ignorant to that aspect! hahah.
  • jallison12
    jallison12 Posts: 83
    So, the FT4 watch AND body strap can be worn swimming?

    Yes, one without the other is no good. You need both pieces on unless all you want to know is what time it is.
    I would really double check that. You might fry your HRM. The watch (like most sports watches) can be used while swimming. Most chest straps / GPS monitors cannot be used for swimming. GPS can't get a signal in indoor pools. Chest straps don't work well in water.

    There are not many swim units around. If you read that link I posted you need a particular chest strap for swimming with the Polar watch. Not the standard WIND strap:

    "To get data download capabilities you can use watches like the Polar FT7, Polar RS300X, Polar RS400 and the accompanying Wearlink chest strap. The Polar Wearlink WIND chest strap will not work for swimming. Using the Polar FT7 or Polar RS300X you can use a Polar Flowlink device to download your swimming heart rate data. With the Polar RS400 you will need an IRDA data stick."
  • AnvilHead
    AnvilHead Posts: 18,343 Member
    ...You might fry your HRM. The watch (like most sports watches) can be used while swimming. Most chest straps / GPS monitors cannot be used for swimming. GPS can't get a signal in indoor pools. Chest straps don't work well in water.

    There are not many swim units around. If you read that link I posted you need a particular chest strap for swimming with the Polar watch. Not the standard WIND strap:

    "To get data download capabilities you can use watches like the Polar FT7, Polar RS300X, Polar RS400 and the accompanying Wearlink chest strap. The Polar Wearlink WIND chest strap will not work for swimming. Using the Polar FT7 or Polar RS300X you can use a Polar Flowlink device to download your swimming heart rate data. With the Polar RS400 you will need an IRDA data stick."
    The Polar FT7's user manual says that the watch and the Wear-Link + transmitter (which is the one it comes with) are water resistant to 30 meters, and in parentheses next to it, it says "Suitable for bathing and swimming".

    OP - check the specifications at the back of your user manual. If you don't have the manual, go to Polar's website and you can download it in .pdf format. It should explicitly tell you whether or not your watch/transmitter is suitable for swimming.
  • jmc0806
    jmc0806 Posts: 1,444 Member
    The strap is definitely able to go in water...you are supposed to run it under water before even putting it on. The flow link is just a device to transfer data from the watch to the polar website using your computer to track info. It has nothing to do with the strap.
  • TheConsciousFoody
    TheConsciousFoody Posts: 607 Member
    Yeah, the strap has to be wet before you even put it on. I've had no issues swimming with mine on and I swim almost every day now.

    OP- read your manual. That is the best advice
  • Doberdawn
    Doberdawn Posts: 733 Member
    I have the RS100 and did swim with mine over the summer. If you flip and push off the wall hard, it will move the strap on your chest and mess up the readings sometimes. So, just turn and swim on lap turns, no cheater push off. <g>

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