Polar F4 elastic strap - keeps slipping off

bazfitness
bazfitness Posts: 275 Member
edited December 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
If I'm doing anything rapidly upper bodywise, such as shadow boxing, the strap starts sliding away from below my ribs, even though I have tightened the strap and so the reading stops.
So 1. Is there any realistic way to keep it from moving so I can keep getting a reading?
2. If not, is there an alternative HRM which works better?

Replies

  • Jacwhite22
    Jacwhite22 Posts: 7,010 Member
    I have the ft7 and have had no issue. Have you tried contacting Polar for support or searched their site for support?
  • TeaBea
    TeaBea Posts: 14,517 Member
    I wondered how many guys had this problem .... ladies got it made :wink:
  • littlebuddy84
    littlebuddy84 Posts: 995 Member
    Im having the same problem too. Mine wont tighten anymore. So id like to know too :-)
  • heddylyn
    heddylyn Posts: 173 Member
    What size do you have? It may be too big. Mine came with a M to XXL strap and I had the same problem. I just bought the XS to S size and I don't have that problem anymore. (You can just buy the strap for about $15).
  • catniss
    catniss Posts: 326 Member
    Contact Polar--you can get a replacement strap--and they have an improved strap--you don't have to machine wash it.
  • JodaNord
    JodaNord Posts: 496 Member
    Can you not get a smaller strap? Most come with one that says its size m-xxl

    i keep my as tight as it goes and it loosens but doesn't fall off. Maybe the elastic is gone and you need a new, smaller strap.
  • wellbert
    wellbert Posts: 3,924 Member
    The strap is under your ribs? I think it's supposed to be on your ribs, just under your pectoral muscles.
  • bazfitness
    bazfitness Posts: 275 Member
    the size of the strap itself is fine i think. it's m-XXL (never knew that until I checked now). I've made it as tight as I can wear it. I could make it tighter but then it won't fit.


    Contact Polar--you can get a replacement strap--and they have an improved strap--you don't have to machine wash it

    Thanks catniss I didn't know I could do that. My one is the old type I think. It's been lying disused for years in a drawer until now.It's meant to be washed after every use like you said, so would be good if I could get the newer one.
    The strap is under your ribs? I think it's supposed to be on your ribs, just under your pectoral muscles.

    Tried both. I'll try a few more positions anyway thanks.

    FWIW I definitely don't need a smaller strap. Chest is about 42" if I remember right. XL in Euro sizes anyway.
  • cramernh
    cramernh Posts: 3,335 Member
    It's been lying disused for years in a drawer until now.It's meant to be washed after every use like you said, so would be good if I could get the newer one.

    Bingo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    If its really old, it may have lost its elasticity.... Yup, you can get a replacement strap from Polar!
  • bazfitness
    bazfitness Posts: 275 Member
    Bingo!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    If its really old, it may have lost its elasticity.... Yup, you can get a replacement strap from Polar!

    Thanks. tbh the elasticity seems fine. I've tightened it up extremely now and normal exercise is not a problem. As soon as i start doing anything vigorous though - it stops. Anyway I'll see if I can get a new strap then I guess.
  • bazfitness
    bazfitness Posts: 275 Member
    Just to inform anyone else who might be struggling with their Polar F4. Think I've got it working ok now. Wasn't anything much to do with tightness after all. I even had to loosen it a bit after I had overtightened it. I just had the placement a bit wrong. When I centered the transmitter in the middle of my torso just below my chest muscles then it seems to work fine. Did some vigorous exercise and it stayed there and I continued to get readings. :smile:
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