Waterproof HRM

kcdrake
kcdrake Posts: 512
edited September 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
I'm planning to take up swimming in the next two weeks (when summer classes end) and I would like to invest in a waterproof HRM. I'm pretty weary about buying waterproof things, just because I've had some bad experiences with things claiming to be waterproof when they really aren't. I've also heard of some people who use a waterproof HRM but their watch has a lot of trouble picking up the chest strap signal when they're actually in the water.
I would love to hear from people who have HRMs that they've had both good and bad experiences with in the water.
Thanks in advance!

Replies

  • Hermit4Hire
    Hermit4Hire Posts: 197
    I use my cheap Polar F4 which is water "resistant" up to 20 feet deep. I swim in chlorinated water as well as the ocean and it's worked every time.
  • athenafl
    athenafl Posts: 41 Member
    I use a Suunto T6. I used to have a Suunto T3c. They are both most assuredly waterproof, but the signal does NOT transmit in water, so they are of no use for measuring your heart rate while swimming.

    I've decided I can sacrifice having an HR reading while swimming, so the Suunto works for me and I like it very much. YMMV.

    IIRC, several folks in these forums have commented in the past that they use Polar HRMs while swimming. I don't know which models specifically, though.
  • HealthyChanges2010
    HealthyChanges2010 Posts: 5,831 Member
    Exactly what I've been wondering, glad you posed the question :flowerforyou:
  • zoey116
    zoey116 Posts: 75
    I recently bought a Polar FT7 to use mostly for simming. It is water resistant so long as you don't push the buttons under water. It does have some issues with picking up your heart rate in the water sometimes. this past week I spent 3-4 hours a day in the water and I'd say it read about >50% of the time. But I don't know if maybe i'm doing something wrong. Maybe I don't have the strap tight enough? idk.
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