Gel for Heart Rate Monitor

myfatass78
myfatass78 Posts: 411 Member
edited November 10 in Fitness and Exercise
I have a Polar F4 which I want to start using again. Problem is that my skin always has issues with reading the chest strap even with sweat. I was thinking about getting some conductive gel but is there anything else that people know work besides sweat or licking the electrodes (turns out that is a thing) ?

Replies

  • tbilly20
    tbilly20 Posts: 154 Member
    Try Buh-bump. I have used it for a number of years, and I very much prefer this to spitting on the sensor!
  • 47Jacqueline
    47Jacqueline Posts: 6,993 Member
    I just wet the band with water. Never heard of conducive gel. Hmm...
  • jenny3008
    jenny3008 Posts: 97 Member
    I used to work for Anne Summers and as embarrassing as it is I used to use left over lubrication gel ( similar to KY Jelly) from my demo kit. It worked a treat, is hypo-allergenic and doesn't dry out on the skin over time.

    It got a bit embarrassing though so now so I just use a bit of water or sweat. I find I have to keep the band tight for it tow work.
  • BrianSharpe
    BrianSharpe Posts: 9,248 Member
    Something like Spectra Electrode Gel should be available at practically any drug store (or through on-line retailers like amazon).

    Are you sure the problem isn't the strap itself?

    Personally, I'm an electrode licker......saliva works, is free and plentiful.
  • beemerphile1
    beemerphile1 Posts: 1,710 Member
    When I first bought mine, I read that some manufacturers recommend against using gel and will void the warranty. Some or maybe all gels can cause corrosion to the components.

    I wet the band under the faucet before starting and then sweat is sufficient after that.
  • MeanderingMammal
    MeanderingMammal Posts: 7,866 Member
    BrianSharpe wrote: »
    Personally, I'm an electrode licker......saliva works, is free and plentiful.

    This.

    When I was into SCUBA you could buy de-mister for the mask, and it was essentially expensive spittle. Same principle applies.
  • blankiefinder
    blankiefinder Posts: 3,599 Member
    I wet my finger tip and run it under the band a couple times, it has worked every time for me. Mine is a Polar FT7.
  • myfatass78
    myfatass78 Posts: 411 Member
    It is actually something to do with my skin as I have had other issues with finger scanners etc that just don't work with me. Eg hundred of tries but worked once on my workplace finger scanner.
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