(**Update: A full In-Depth Review for these HRMs is available here!**)
Today Garmin introduced two new heart rate straps that are designed to capture your heart rate data while you swim. This move puts them roughly on parity with offerings that competitors Suunto and Polar already have for recording heart rate data underwater.
As you probably already know, the wireless transmission of heart rate signals (either ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart) through water is non-existent. It travels about 1-2 inches underwater before the signal is lost. Instead, these straps follow what Suunto did by storing the data for sync after you exit the water.
Garmin has released two slightly different straps, aimed at covering the two core swimming scenarios:
Garmin HRM-SWIM: An ANT+ heart rate strap that records heart rate underwater, but has an additional special sticky back surface to keep it from sliding down your chest in pool scenarios.
Garmin HRM-TRI: An ANT+ heart rate strap with Garmin Running Dynamics that also records heart rate underwater and is designed for swim/bike/run triathlons. It however lacks the special sticky part for pool use (but would otherwise work there).
Before we get into the details too far, let’s dive into each strap individually. Note that while I was able to toy with the straps off in a park on my own for a while, I was not permitted to swim with them yet. So I don’t know if they’ll ultimately suck or not. Thus, this is not a review nor anything representing one. Just an explanation of what they do and how they work.
Some Background:
Getting heart rate data to a swim watch is certainly not new. It’s just…’complicated’, to quote a Facebook relationship status. Polar was really the first in this ballgame many years ago with their T-31 coded straps, and then subsequent hybrid straps – such as the Polar H7. Suunto then followed with both a strap that sync’d afterwards, as well as then last summer with the Ambit3 and their Suunto Smart Sensor strap (also post-sync).
In the case of Polar, the data display was always ‘live’ in that it showed you what your heart rate was at that exact moment on the watch. Again, via an analog signal. Even with the Polar H7, the HR transmitter sent out both a Bluetooth Smart signal and concurrently an analog signal. It’s that analog signal that was actually picked up by the watch – the Bluetooth Smart signal never made it past your elbow.
Meanwhile, Suunto on the other hand went with a ‘store and forward’ option. In this scenario it didn’t aim to transmit the data in real-time to your watch, but rather record it for later viewing. This meant that you never saw your current heart rate on the watch in the water. Instead, when you brought the watch above water (or directly next to the strap), it’d sync the data. So this would occur at the end of a set while you waited at the wall, or afterwards if in an openwater swim.
The challenge however with both methods is that they depend on the heart rate strap staying put. For women this isn’t an issue, since you’re generally wearing a swim top during pool swims – which keeps the water pressure from pushing it down when you push off the wall (unless you’re swimming in Barcelona, where the women go topless while lap swimming).
But for men (including yours truly), the strap almost immediately slides down to one’s waist when pushing off the wall with any reasonable force – let alone intervals. I’ve tried all the tricks like turning it around or twisting the strap. And some have even suggested suspenders or wearing a swim top – both of which I refuse to do in the pool. Thus ultimately HR data while swimming has been elusive for many.
Note: I should point out that there have been hackable-ish attempts at using 3rd party optical HR sensors (primarily the Mio Link) with both the Garmin lineup as well as the Suunto and Polar products. This has been a bit of a cat and mouse game with the big three (Garmin/Suunto/Polar) pretending to innocently block these attempts. Ultimately, there’s no technical reason they need be blocked, rather, it’s just a software block to prevent pairing of these sensors in swim mode. The non-technical reason though is that it likely reduces support costs with the portion of the population that it won’t work reliably for. You might have seen my swims with optical HR in the Garmin FR920XT review, for example. (Update: Garmin has sent over a note saying that for the Fenix3/Epix/FR920XT you’ll be able to pair any 3rd party straps you’d like during the swim, including the Mio Link. See FAQ section for more details.)
HRM-SWIM:
First up is the HRM-SWIM (the blue strap one). This is Garmin pool-focused heart rate strap. It’ll record your heart rate and then sync up after you exit the water with your watch.
Why pool and not openwater swims? Well, the strap is purposefully thicker (taller) to reduce sliding down your chest when you turn at each length of the pool. Check out the size differences:
On the back of the strap is a sorta-sticky rubber material. You know those little sticky balls that you can throw at the ceiling and they stick there? It’s kinda like that, but just not as sketchy (so it doesn’t feel weird after you take it off). It actually ships with a protective plastic coating – presumably to avoid it trying to do the romance dance with the rest of the packaging.
Of course, once you start using it you’ll take off that protective plastic – just like you would for any other consumer electronic device.
You’ll find that it has a bit of a thicker pod than most other straps. But it does have a removable battery – so you can certainly swap it out later like other HR straps. However unlike most heart rate straps that simply have a single size, this actually has an extender option. Sorta like a seat-belt extender. You can see the two pieces here:
This probably helps to ensure that more petite folks don’t end up with a strap too big and unable to resize, rather than the other way around (more buoyant folks needing bigger straps). Below you can see the length of a standard Garmin HRM strap, compared with the regular HRM-SWIM and then the extender for the HRM-SWIM.
Next, you’ll notice that the strap does contain rather specific instructions on exactly where to wear/place the strap on your chest:
Now in my case I wasn’t able to try out the strap in the water – so I can’t attest to how well it stays put. Though, in playing with the material a bit, I’d be rather surprised if it doesn’t hold given the feel of it. It definitely ‘grabs’ onto the skin – rather than just being pressed onto it via force of tightening like other straps.
Additionally, when it comes to how the data looks in the pool, I can only show you a screenshot or two provided by Garmin. Though you can see though that the HR data is overlaid onto the swim data graphs – pretty much just like any other workout with a HR strap.
Note that the strap must be worn in conjunction with an existing supported Garmin device (FR920XT, Fenix3, Epix) – and can’t be worn just by itself and downloaded to your computer. That said, the strap does transmit standard ANT+ for regular transmission, so in a pinch you could use it during other sport activities – but I’m not sure how comfortable that would really be long term (i.e. a long run).
HRM-TRI:
Next, we’ve got the HRM-TRI strap (it has the black strap with blue pod). This is different than the Swim strap in that it lacks the oversized band. It’s really designed for the actual triathlete where the unit is worn beneath a triathlon suit. Not necessarily a wetsuit, but just a normal tri top as 99% of athletes would wear.
This means it’s perfectly fine for openwater swims, which lack the strong water pressure associated with pushing off a wall at each end of a pool.
In this scenario it’ll still capture your heart rate data underwater just like the HRM-SWIM. You’ll see that it still has a smaller patch of the sticky stuff around the sensor pads to try and add some grip – but otherwise it’s very similar to a regular Garmin HR strap.
(HRM-TRI: Top / HRM-SWIM: Bottom)
The difference here is that this strap is then designed to be worn the rest of your day (triathlon day that is). So it’ll then act and feel like a normal heart rate strap while cycling or running. Whereas the HRM-SWIM is sorta like the WWF (err….WWE?) belt.
You can see that size-wise compared to other heart rate swim capable straps it’s roughly in line size-wise on the pod:
Here’s the top-down view compared to the existing Garmin straps:
Same goes for thickness:
Speaking of which, here’s a look at the back of the straps comparing all the major players here. Top to bottom: Suunto Smart Sensor strap, Garmin HRM-RUN, Garmin HRM-TRI, Garmin HRM-SWIM (blue), Polar H7.
Now just like the HRM-SWIM strap this will capture heart rate during the swim which is synchronized when you exit the water. And just like that strap, you can’t wear it by itself without an associated Garmin watch. And finally, also like that strap it will pair via standard ANT+ broadcast to any other 3rd party ANT+ devices for just regular HR strap capabilities.
New Garmin FR920XT Tri Bundle:
Just a quick note that in addition to the new straps, Garmin is finally releasing a ‘triathlon bundle’. They’ve had this on all past units, but took their sweet time in making one available for the FR920XT. Essentially the triathlon bundle in the past allowed you to save a few bucks and get the watch, the quick release kit, and a heart rate strap for a slightly lower price.
In the case of the FR920XT however, they’re tweaking things, here’s the low-down:
– New black/grey FR920XT unit (previous FR920XT was blue/black, or red/white)
– BOTH the HRM-SWIM and HRM-TRI HR straps
– The FR920XT quick release kit
That whole kit will set you back some $599USD. Purchased individually, it’d be totaled as $669 (HRM-SWIM/TRI: $199, FR920XT: $449, Quick Release: $21). So a savings of $70.
Of course, whether or not one really needs all that gear is probably an entirely different discussion. At this point it does NOT sound like the new grey/black FR920XT will be available without the bundle.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I’ve learned many years ago that anytime you mix heart rate and water, there tends to be a flood of questions. Never quite sure why, sorta like the ‘Tweet a picture you can’t explain’. So I’ve attempted to answer all these as best as possible below.
Does the HRM-Tri transmit Garmin Running Dynamics data?
Yes, to compatible watches (i.e. FR920XT, Fenix3, Epix, FR620), yes, it will.
Will the HRM-TRI & HRM-SWIM work with XYZ watch?
‘Work’ is a tricky word. The HRM-TRI & HRM-SWIM straps are at their core ANT+ straps. As such, they’ll transmit ANT+ data above water to any ANT+ capable device (i.e. any Garmin watch).
However, they WILL NOT transmit saved swim data to other devices except those listed in the ‘Compatibility’ section. As a reminder, that would be ONLY the FR920XT, Fenix3, and Epix.
Will the HRM-TRI & HRM-SWIM record swim data for the FR910XT, Vivoactive, or Fenix2?
In short, no. Here’s why Garmin isn’t adding support for those models – in their own words:
“Garmin Swim: There is not enough memory to support Garmin swim capability
Vivoactive: The HRM Tri/Swim are viewed as being of interest to a more advanced user who would be purchasing a 920XT or fenix 3 (vs a vivoactive that offers basic features for swimming)
FR910XT & Fenix2: Since the fenix 2 and FR910XT are older models it was decided to have our internal resources focus on other products for compatibility and any potential troubleshooting. There is no planned software update that would add compatibility for fenix 2 or the 910″
Knowing that the Fenix3/Epix/FR920XT share much of the same code, it makese sense to enable all three of those at once. Whereas the FR910XT (now nearly 4 years old), and the Fenix2 are quite different – I can see the logic there.
Now, for the Vivoactive, I don’t entirely agree with their logic – especially since they currently lack an updated Garmin Swim (swimming only watch). Thus, the cheapest modern watch with swimming capabilities someone could buy from them is basically the Vivoactive.
Can I use the HRM-SWIM when not in the water (or, in openwater)?
Yup, absolutely. The only thing is that it’s not just as comfortable out of the water because of the material being designed to stick to you, as well as the increased thickness.
Does this mean I can now use the Mio Link with my FR920XT/Fenix3/Epix to get HR data while swimming?
In short, yes. Here’s the quote from Garmin:
“Yes, if the Mio Link (ANT+) sees the 920XT the whole time, then it will work with the 920XT same as ever. However, the HRM-Tri and Swim were made to work for the special case of swimming with a 920XT, so even though the Mio Link can store HR it wouldn’t have the programming on its side to work with the 920XT for store-and-forward uses such as when you come up at the end of the interval or save the activity at the end of your swim (where the HRM-Swim/Tri will work with the 920XT to stitch all the data back in with your activity).”
Note however that backfill (when the device captures HR data during periods of non-connectivity), won’t work with the Mio Link, or any other straps on the market today since they don’t yet support that capability. In this cases, it would just show a dropout.
Can other companies communicate with the new straps?
Essentially, yes. I asked whether the new storage-capable straps are done in a ‘private’ (private-ANT) or ‘public’ (ANT-FS) method:
“The public ANT-FS spec is used to download the stored HR data. Garmin has optimized the ANT-FS transfer using some manufacturer-specific information, but it is still possible for another device to access the ANT-FS directory and download the files.”
The reason this matters to you as a consumer is that it means that someone else could develop a strap, or, in cases such as the Wahoo TICKR X, it could potentially be updated to work with the swim watches. Additionally, it also means other non-Garmin devices/watches could be updated to download information from the straps.
Can I use the Wahoo TICKR X instead of the HRM-TRI/HRM-SWIM?
(Updated): Not today, no. The TICKR X doesn’t know how to talk to the Garmin device via the previously noted ANT-FS. Though, it could certainly be updated to do so. Today however, you can still use the Wahoo TICKR X to record data outside of the water (run/bike), but within the water it won’t sync up with the Garmin device through any Garmin-specific process (there are some 3rd party ways to combine the data from the TICKR X – but it’s a bit messy).
Can I use the HRM-TRI/HRM-SWIM with the Suunto and Polar watches?
No. The Suunto Ambit3 uses Bluetooth Smart, the Polar watches while underwater use an analog frequency. And the older Suunto Ambit1/2 units wouldn’t understand how to talk the data sync process over the ANT+ straps.
Can someone take just the HRM-SWIM to the pool (and leave their compatible watch in a swim locker), and then download the swim afterwards?
Sorta. You can take the unit to the pool and swim with just the strap for HR data only. But, you still need to start the timer on the watch first so that the watch can tie the HR data to something to eventually upload.
Must the watch and strap be connected prior to starting each activity?
No, assuming they’ve been paired at least once – and assuming there was an activity started for the watch to tie the HR data to.
How is the battery changed (and what type)?
Like all existing Garmin HR staps, the battery is a CR2032 and user replaceable with a small Phillips screwdriver.
If the strap itself wears, can that portion be changed?
The pod does not detach so it is not possible to replace just the strap portion. Garmin says: “This design enables a fully sealed connection between the electrodes and the processor, a requirement for reliable computation of heart rate underwater. It also enables a sleeker form factor for good stay-up performance.”
Does the HRM-Swim also do Running Dynamics?
No, however, the HRM-Tri is designed for occasional pool use for this reason.
Is the new black/grey FR920XT available for standalone purchase?
No, not at this time.
Final Thoughts:
As one might expect, I think this is definitely good news for folks. It fills in the gap for heart rate recording underwater that for Garmin users has been present for the better part of a decade. At this point it enables all three major triathlon product companies (Suunto, Polar, Garmin), to have products that can record heart rate underwater. Of course, they all have their pros and cons.
In the case of Garmin and Suunto, you won’t be able to see heart rate from the device during the swim itself (mid-length anyway). Whereas with Polar, you can indeed see your heart rate data live at any time. On the flipside, with Polar and Suunto, for men, wearing the strap can be tricky in the pool because of the slippage problem. In openwater swims, that’s not an issue (nor for women).
It remains to be seen how well the sticky strap for the HRM-SWIM works in real life (since my time was limited to a non-pool setting), but just the feel of the strap has me pretty confident it won’t go anywhere. But, whether that stickiness lasts a season is also something I’m skeptical of. But, we’ll see soon. The unit starts shipping here in Q3 (so sometime before the end of September 2015).
With that – thanks for reading, and feel free to drop any questions below.
—
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Thanks for reading! And as always, feel free to post comments or questions in the comments section below, I’ll be happy to try and answer them as quickly as possible.
Such a shame that it will not work with my 910xt while it’s just a ANT+ protocol.
Nah, it’s not “just” ANT+. I’m still thinking how this works. In principle, there must be synchronized clocks on both devices and timestamps associated with the HR measurement. After the burst transfer, the data stream has to be merged with the main data stream on the watch… so yo need special software on both devices.
I had the same reaction… though I guess it saves me money.
I had exactly the same reaction. Gutted it doesn’t work with the 910XT. And until they come up with a “quick release” bike mount/wrist strap for the 920- I’m simply not interested in switching.
Ive had a quick release on my 920 since last year, works great. Wouldnt let that hold you back from an upgrade.
I guessed they wouldn’t roll it out to the 910xt, but as Ray says below with regards to the Vivoactive, I really can’t see why. I have a perfectly fine 910xt. I have no inclination to upgrade to the 920 at the current time. Yet I would immediately spend the $$$ on both of these HR straps to get the HR swim data on my 910, even though I know I wouldn’t get the benefit of the running dynamics bit.
They are still updating the 910 (it’s only a couple of months ago that they rolled out software 3.2), so if its a simple case of a firmware tweak, by doing so they open up a whole host of additional, existing, customers that will buy this. To me it makes commercial sense, but then Garmin make their own choices.
Same here… have 910xt that works just fine… not looking to buy 920xt just for swim HR.
I understand that software update is needed for the 910xt but this can not be that difficult as they still updates. It’s just because they are late on the market with this functionality that people with a 910xt are not benefiting from this. I have more the feeling that garmin needs an extra selling point for the 920xt as most athletes don’t yet see the benefit of replacing the 910xt
My guess is that the main reason is that much of the code is shared between the Fenix3, Epix, and FR920XT. The FR910XT (now being nearly 4 years old) has a much different code base.
Obviously, there’s an element of them wanting to spur on new sales, but the FR920XT is selling pretty darn well already compared to triathlon watches (last I looked it was 20-30:1).
They donate a QR for the 920.
Sorry supposed to say ‘do have a QR for the 920’
Shame they haven’t seen fit to release an all black 920xt. I’d be all over that. I just asked my friend what he thought to the existing options and his answer was his 8 year old son would like them.
link to the5krunner.com
Is there any chance Garmin will unblock HR for swimming in Fenix2 with 3d party sensors (Mio Link)? I do not like being forced to upgrade the watch that still works fine
I’d guess about zero chance unfortunately.
I read everything but am a little slow on the uptake. Seems like a software update would make it possible to use the new monitor/strap with a Fenix2? Is that possible and/or likely? I love my Fenix2 and bought it after your review.
I have the same equipment, and can currently not see any good reasons for upgrading to fenix3 (or the others), but would really appreciate if Garmin could unblock the hr for the mio.
Tested it in pool, and HR works perfectly for me, but cant use swim mode..
What’s the different between running and biking heart measurements with 3d to swim why in this Particular mode they block heart rate measuring? Aldose we have 910xt we still customers that in the future will upgrade, it’s remained me in old day the government block color T.V
Any pics of the new grey 920 and quick release kit? Will this work with the Felix 3?
Just added a pic in of the new grey 920XT (stock photo). The quick release kit hasn’t changed.
As for the Fenix3, the quick release kit won’t work with that. But the straps absolutely do.
I have a blue 920 arriving today, I saw this and thought argh – would have liked a black/grey one.
I am surprised at myself though, as i think the blue is nicer. phew.
So, no option to buy the HRM-TRI pod with the HRM-SWIM strap?
I’ve got plenty of non-swim straps. And I’d want running dynamics in an actual tri. But a lot of my swim training would be in a pool.
I assume replacement swim straps will be available from Garmin. Do you have any info on pricing of those?
Also, although they didn’t let you swim with these, did you at least get to try the store and forward by running away from a paired watch (with new FW I assume) and coming back into range?
1) Bundle Tri/swim for 199$
2) buy Tri for 129$ & spare swim-strap for ?? 10/20/30$ ??
Given the history of the Garmin HR straps wearing out quickly, can these new HR units snap onto a Polar strap?
Even if they could, I believe a big part of these new swim/tri straps is the actual straps themselves (the “grippy” parts).
Correct.
What about the other way around though – can I snap my HRM-Run module onto a HRM-Tri strap?
Thankfully, being a chick has it’s advantages, and I have other means to keep the strap in place :-) My biggest problem with Garmin straps (sans the old skool hard-strap) is how long they last. I wish they would focus on making a more durable strap before taking on swim HR functionality.
Looking forward to your thoughts once you hit the water with these new straps.
I want to put my Polar pod on the Garmin strap :)
It’s not gonna work!
Like @GregTR pointed out below, you have to use the Garmin strap!
“This sounds like the pod is removable from the strap but the pod should only work with said strap as it should not work with a strap that does not have an FCC-ID (identifier) on it. At least this is what Garmin claims.”
I find the straps pretty uncomfortable with a sports bra though – so I got a bra with a built in HR sensor that I can snap my HRM-Run onto. What I want to know now is – could I potentially snap the HRM-Tri onto the bra and still get all the data?
Total side comment, but what bra did you get?
My wife has a single sports bra with an HRM attachment (I think from Victoria Secret) and it constantly reads her HR 10-15 beats higher than it is.
This one: link to amazon.co.uk
There isn’t really much in the way of choice, sadly, at least in the UK.
Lizzy, wow, did not know this even existing. So you mean to tell me that the front two buttons on the sports bra are for the garmin soft strap little piece? Does that mean she wouldn’t use the actual strap anymore? (assuming she’s wearing the bra of course)
I still have a hard strap. But my wife uses the soft strap.
Sorry to bother you!
Yep, the module from the soft strap just snaps onto the front of the bra, it’s brilliant! I used to wear the hard strap under my bra and it was pretty uncomfortable.
Check to make sure that she’s putting the module on such that the left electrode on the bra still connects to the left snap post on the module (i.e. the one that’s on the left when it’s worn using the OEM strap, with the GARMIN lettering upright). If she’s wearing the HRM with the polarity reversed she may get more noise or other inconsistent readings.
Fwiw, Victoria Secret was (or perhaps still is) also making a bra that allows you to snap in a pod as well (any Polar/Garmin pod).
I don’t seem to see it on their site anymore, but here were the details from this past winter: link to gearjunkie.com
Just for your information:
Decathlon has also a bra with connectors for heartrate sensors.
France Site:
link to decathlon.fr – actually 15 €
UK Site:
link to decathlon.co.uk – actually 10 £
My wife uses one and is pleased.
Thanks, I hadn’t seen that one. Though it’s more of a crop top than a bra so doesn’t have proper bra sizing sadly. Good price though, even for an odd colour.
Was this ever answered? I hate the strap under the bra thing – and would love to use a bra with the built in snaps.
There are definitely bras with built-in snaps, but the HRM-TRI & HRM-SWIM aren’t compatible with it.
Or were you asking about something else?
Will there be any indication that the watch is synced/getting live HR data? One situation I could see leading to loss of data is finishing a set, and hitting pause/save as soon as you get to the wall, before your watch and strap are both out of the water.
Thanks as usual for the write-up!
Hi Ray, any news on the possibility of a Fenix 3 quick release kit?
I asked this question on the Fenix 3 in-depth review page (which is probably the better place) the other day but somehow my comment didn’t make it onto the page….
Nothing new there unfortunately – really wish they’d so something.
(As for the comment not showing up, odd, I didn’t see anything caught in spam. :()
What I’d really like to see in terms of syncing is my Edge 1000 grabbing the data from my Fenix 3 as soon as I get on the bike in a multisport situation – effectively using the edge as a display (and possibly starting a course for navigation). That way you wouldn’t need to worry about mounts etc and could leave the Edge on the bike
Awesome idea! Hope Garmin picks this up :)
I’ve submitted it through the ideas page at link to www8.garmin.com
Would be great (and increases the chances) if others do the same
Ray! Will the HRM Swim work in an open water swim or just the pool swim?
It works anywhere you’d like: Pool, Openwater, On a bike, in an igloo, etc… But, it’s just that the strap isn’t as comfortable in non-swimming situations.
Does this really mean that this HRM Swim/Tri does record HRM also in other activity than Swimming, into its memory?
I have been waiting this strap for purposes like motocross, floorball, etc where I do not care to carry watch with me, but just hit start and leave watch on bench/car due to risk of falling and break the watch.
Never thought about a second/spare strap (always purchased the bundle), but boy they are expensive (99$/swim 129$/tri) ……
i’m worried that the ‘sticky-part’ will wear out … so is it possible to connect the Garmin tri/swim-transmitter to the Polar strap?? (like the HRM-RUN transmitter)??
thx for the quick look!!
What will be the price ray?
Got it in the Clever Training ad.
Pfuu quite expensive…
Do you think the sticky strap would fit a TICKR X pod? I’m guessing they’ll sell replacement straps eventually.
The killer feater of the SUUNTO “Smart Sensor” is, that you can use the “storing/memory” mechanism without the need of a watch (ambit3) … you just need a smartphone (with BT 4.0 app).
that’s actually pretty nice … can’t do that with any other strap!
The tickr x also does that.
But in the case of the TICKR X, it doesn’t do swim distance/etc…
my fault! you are right, i was focusing on the polar/garmin straps :) totally forgot the wahoo tickr X!!
#29 is that iOS or Android? I couldn’t get that to work when I tried a while back
iOS is fully working (pairing & starting moves (activities))
the android app (still in BETA) got the HR-Belt functionality a week ago! Because of the BETA-status it’s a hit/miss … depends on the brand (smartphone) you’re using. (they are working on issues & adding functionality and releasing weekly updates: http://movescountandroidbeta.com )
great steve ty for the heads up. Perfectly explains why it didn’t work a few weeks ago on Android :-) !
Any chance that Garmin will release a firmware update for the Garmin Swim to allow it to utilize the heart rate data? Or is there some hardware limitation (e.g., wrong ant+ chip in the watch) that would prevent that from happening?
It’s just a ‘deciding not to limitation’, not a hardware one. At this point, they’ve decided not to.
Personally, I could see the case being made for the Vivoactive – since that has a swim function in it. Seems like a super-logical way to get customers to spend another $100 (on top of the $250ish they already spent). But nobody asked me.
Thumbs up for adding this capability to vivoactive.
Agreed. As a Vivoactive owner, I’d be very tempted by this. If, that is, I could figure out how to use the dang thing to swim. Here’s my problem: After each interval, my watch goes into rest mode. So far, so good. But after 5 or so seconds, it concludes I am done with my workout and wants me to either save or delete my workout. There’s no way I can find to keep the timer running so I can take, say, a 10 or 20 second rest between intervals. What am I doing wrong? Or is it a software flaw? Thanks!
My Vivoactive also had that issue during rest intervals…they must be really good swimmers who never rest more than 5 seconds! With the latest update it seems like it handles longer rest periods much better. The popups have stopped and the overall timer keeps going (so you can time your rest interval better).
I have a Scosche Rhythm + on the way…hoping to get some live HR data while swimming…though it looks like I’ll have to use a run mode to capture it and lose the swim metrics. Would love to see the Vivoactive open the HR monitor channel in swim mode. Maybe I’ll use the Vivoactive for swim metrics and my old 210 with Scosche Rythmn + for HR.
This is so frustrating. My scosche rhythm plus works great transmitting to my VivoActive in the water. (If I put it right next to the watch) There is only one app that it doesn’t work with… The swimming app. I can use the recorder app to record it as a generic activity and only get the heart rate, but that’s far from ideal. (unfortunately the swim function on the recorder app doesn’t work.) They could allow hr data for the native swimming app sooooooooooo easily. When firmware 3.10 came out, I was dismayed to see that the improvement wasn’t made. Lame… Come on Garmin!
I would buy a strap if it worked on the Garmin Swim. Would be really useful for in the pool when I am training.
Amen on adding it to the Vivoactive.
I’m a tri-wife who’s done a couple of sprints and am never going to be a serious athlete, but i love my tech and the Vivoactive is by far the best fitnesstracker/smartwatch on the market which doesn’t cost the earth or look ridiculous worn to an office on my slender wrist.
Such a shame they’ve limited this capacity, even without the multi-sport option it still would be useful to know my HRM pattern over time. Fingers crossed Garmin rate your opinion as highly as I do DC Rainmaker.
Was just searching around for info on getting a heart rate monitor that’ll sync with my vivoactive during swims and came across your review … super bummer on the vivoactive! I’m a recreational multi-sporter and I’d describe myself as a pretty serious swimmer (in terms of frequency, distance and strokes), but I don’t need or want all the additional metrics of a dedicated tri or swim system. Moreover, the vivoactive is a pretty slick little all-around activity & fitness tracker. I’d just like to be able to track my heart rate in the pool, particularly during kick sets.
Garmin will extend support to this HRM-SWIM also to the Garmin Swim watch?
Lately my Garmin 310XT, whilst in Swim mode, has been picking up a heart rate trace from my old style Garmin heart rate strap worn under my wetsuit.
Do you think there will be any update to the Garmin Swim to pick up data from the HRM-SWIM?
I’ve been using something called a SwimStrap with a Polar transmitter and it works rather perfect.
link to swimstrap.fi
It seems like a nice solution if it works.
Still hoping for a triathlon watch that integrates a Mio Link optical HRM. This seems like it would be a better solution, don’t you think?
Is there any possibility of firmware upgrade for Fenix 2 or 910XT (the latest being pretty old)? I’d like to use the HRM-TRI strap on these perfectly valid and functioning watches.
Sorry, not a chance.
Same question here. I won’t be replacing my 910xt or Garmin swim anytime soon but I would buy a new tri hr strap if it were compatible with these devices.
Where can I buy some of the “sticky stuff” to put on my regular elastic HRM band?
It slips down when I am running hard and seating a lot. I could use sew-on or stick-on.
Just had a thought, I use a TENS machine for pain relief. It has two reasonable size sticky pads which adhere to my skin really well.
The pads have retained their stickiness for several months.
I’m pretty sure that you can buy the pads separately, might be worth a try.
Interesting note from the Garmin site:
HRM-TRI:
Pool chemical resistent: no
HRM-SWIM
Pool chemical resistent: yes
That is huge. Good catch.
So… we need both straps. One for open water and the other one for the pool. If we have a Garmin Swim (I use it in the pool as it is more comfortable than my 920xt and I do not get in panic if I hit the lane rope) watch it won’t work…I think that I will not open my wallet to this.
How often does the sync occur? If I stand up at the end of a few lengths for 10s on a ‘recovery’ lap? When I’m in T1 off the swim? Will the sync ‘freeze’ the watch for any time?
Or does the sync only occur once I stop the activity?
Wondering the exact same thing.
Any news on that?
I really like the black/grey 920xt. Do you know if Garmin will offer black/grey replacement straps that I can replace on my Black/Blue 920xt?
I guess I won’t see the next version of a 920xt or Fenix device with a built-in optical HR strap. Assuming i don’t care about HR while swimming, how long will I have to wait to get rid of all the HR straps in my cycling, running, step counting life?
Hi,
Any ideas does those also support recording Heart rate variability (HRV)? And if so, for how long?
I would have thought it supports HRV. Very likely.
Valencell are predicting optical HRV for 2015, not sure if that was from them
Anyone else find the blue HRM-TRI pod a little weird? You may end up looking like Iron Man in your Ironman if you’re racing with one of those in a white tri-top lol.
I thought the same exact thing about Iron Man!! I guess it would probably be a little weird to do a race in a red Iron Man mask and with the blue HRM showing, but then again…
The leaked page from yesterday seemed to imply the forwarded data would work with the Fenix 2?
What leaked page?
This is when I get to post (again, sorry) about how well my Mio Link works in the pool with my Ambit 2. I wear it just a couple inches away from my watch on my arm, and get full, real-time HR while swimming. Yes- I can check my HR when coming off the wall- under water. :)
You do need to set up a new Swim sport mode (I call mine SwimHR) and check the box to look for an HR strap, as the built-in swim mode won’t inherently look for a strap. But that’s stupid easy to do.
Ya, the Suunto scenario to me is the best answer. I think optical HR while swimming would appeal and work better for most people.
You can see the HR while swimming and you don’t look foolish in the pool with a chest strap.
I’m using the Ambit3 + Mio Link in the pool; I didn’t even need to change any settings…
Also, I have used the 310XT and FR60 in the pool (no swimming metrics obviously) and for those the watch face needed to be on the same side of the wrist as the link – with the Suunto Ambit3 the watch face can be on the opposite side of my wrist. This suggests either the BLE signal is slightly stronger than ANT+ (or travels through water better, but I suspect this is not the case as they are so close in frequency) or the Ambit3’s receiver is better.
In your SwimHR mode, do you get both HR data as well as the swim metrics (strokes etc)?
Yes.
I tried to set-up a custom swim mode. Movescount either lets me:
1. Set up a generic sport with HR capabilities and no swimming metrics
2. Set up a pool swim mode with no HR pairing
Is there a way to combine the two (HR and swimming metrics)?
Ray,
Are the pods actually integrated into the straps? Their FCC filing seem to have indicated that. Does it mean that when the straps wear out you need to get a new pod as well? At $130 it seems like a rather expensive replacement cost.
Have you got a link to the FCC filing?
I was wondering the same thing: is it possible to pop out the pod (which has the memory) and put it in a different actual band?
Here is the FCC filing: link to fccid.io
Two things of interest are:
1) “Garmin believes that the location of the identifiers is permanently attached to the unit. The identifiers are located on the far end of the mounting strap. The identifier are molded into the strap material and are therefore partof the strap. The unit is mechanically affixxed to the mounting strap. The mounting strap must be used in order for accurrate data to be collected by the unit. The unit will not provide the end-user accurate data if separated from the mounting strap. The unit is intended to be only operated while attacched to the mounting strap. When ised as intended, the unit will be connecte to the strap which contains the identifiers.”
This sounds like the pod is removable from the strap but the pod should only work with said strap as it should not work with a strap that does not have an FCC-ID on it. At least this is what Garmin claims. They also say that the pod is “mechanically affixed” which does not say whether it’s permanent or removable but it is implied that it is removable.
2)
“The transmitter circuitry and circuit board is identical in each model. The primary difference between these two models is the way that they are used by the consumer. A02293 is intended for use in a dry environment and B02293 is intended for use in a wet environment. However, the functions of the supporting PCBs are the same and the transmitter characteristics are identical.”
It sounds like the boards are identical between the HR-SWIM and HR-TRI they just simply run different firmwares to omit running dynamics from the HR-SWIM and to price discriminate between the two. Engineers are lazy, they would hate to develop and test two different boards/devices.
Hi Ray.
When you are confirming if you can use the “Mio Link with my FR920XT/Fenix3/Epix to get HR data while swimming”, can you also confirm if that works with the Scosche Rhythm+ too?
I have used Fenix 3 with with Scosche for OWS no problem, so I guess we just need a firmware update to allow the Fenix 3 to include HR in the Pool profile?
Hey Ray,
Here’s one to check when you get one in real life: My tickr x works fine in freshwater. Saltwater (sea swim) nada, zilch, nothing. Can make a few guesses why but would be interesting to know if the garmin straps work or not..
wow the black 920xt we always wanted.
contemplating to return my fenix 3 now.
I’d wear the black out in public
Maybe I missed it but when it the expected release date of the 920xy tri bundle?
My friend has always wanted swimming HR for training, but I always ask him what actionable decisions/modifications to training he’ll make with that info.
Is there are any evidence-based training for swimming by heart rate?
Particularly since the sensors have been lacking to this point?
why would it be different to, for example, HR based run training?
Well, there’s always TRIMP scores to work with.
but more pragmatically- when I’m doing a long set, I’ll have a particular HR in mind that I know I can sustain. It keeps me from going out too fast… or more likely, gets me to work a little harder when I see that I’m below my target for the set.
I could go on with other examples- but for the most part, if you’re used to using your HR as a metric of intensity (with all the associated caveats), it’s just great data to have… in real time. I guess afterwards is nice as well. For instance- were you able to complete a 500m set in a faster time at a lower HR? a measure of efficiency and fitness.
for running or biking I see the value in HR training as I can look at the watch / device and see what my HR is and be able to go faster / slow down if I am not in the correct range… when swimming looking at my watch while swimming is not really possible, at the wall you could and then make corrections but it would not be “real time” and would want to see how it displayed on the watch before spending another 130 on a HR….
Ray,,
Any idea how this transfers to TP? The swim data that is in TP is fairly worthless compared what is shown in garmin connect… my coach already think wearing a watch in the pool is stupid but she is a swimmer and… I am a geeky runner in the pool that looses count of laps beyond 5.
ah my bad, for some reason I was reading it as swimming being different to run/bike. doh!.
As Ray probably knows there are various devices coming to market that allow HR display in goggles. Also if there are vibration (or audio!?) alerts that are linked the HR swim levels then that is where you will get your actionable in-exercise info.
TRIMP – yes that is the area i am personally interested in and where I will (and already do) use swim-hr.
I’m about 85% sure that TrainingPeaks actually already supports swimming HR, since Polar/Suunto devices have had it. I’ll dig up an file from those and triple-check.
sporttracks too already support HR with the pool swim plugin.
Also my previous comment about alerts while swimming is of course nonsense. how would the signal get to the watch !! double-doh.
Well My Mio Alpha perfectlty works in a pool and you can configure HR zones.
You will hear an alert when going to high or too low + readable HR (I mean HUGE characters size and only one field) and a red/blue led to signal the zone.
But personaly I admit I do not train with HR for swimming yet.
I use Garmin’s autosync feature to sync with Trainingpeaks.
The heart rate data is apparently lost. Trainingpeaks just shows the session stats (avg/max heart rate), but no heart rate graph
Also wondering if the this new Tri HR Strap addresses the chaffing issue or the old straps.
Likely, and is likely one of the reasons the pods are swappable – as the pod is actually what causes the chaffing (it’s the pod pressing against the strap into your chest after the strap has dried salty edges on it that causes the chaffing).
It kills me that Garmin notes that the HRM-Tri is not pool chemical resistant (last bullet feature on their HRM-Tri product description page). I don’t live in the tropics and I don’t know a lot of triathletes who train exclusively in open water.
My guess is it is neither more or less pool chemical resistant than any other standard HRM strap, but they put that point on there to drive sales of both of their new HRMs instead of people just going with the Tri version.
This website (link to buy.garmin.com) makes it seem like the HRM-Tri will be fine in chlorine, but might not stay on as well (why they say you need a tri kit for pool triathlons).
Agree, I think it’s just a generic thing they’ve stuck in warnings. I’d personally ignore it.
I called Garmin on this and the Swim Model has more of a Rubber Strap that does better in the Pool. The Tri Model is fine for the pool, the strap just may not hold up as well over time. I’m sure there will be an option in the future to purchase replacement straps (or Garmin will usually send for free).
Really strange that Garmin did not decide to go with an FR225-like IR solution i.e. their own MIO Link.
The drawbacks with the strap are pretty hard to live with when you consider how well the alternative works.
I wonder if a Garmin Swim with IR like an FR225 is on the way?
Yes, a Mio or Scosche scenario would have been the way to go in my opinion. I’ve used my Scosche Rythym with my Ambit 3 and it works great for swimming.
I really hope they will release a firmware upgrade for the Garmin Swim, I know it was/is a cheap watch and all, but it still by far the lightest and quickest to swim with. Even though I have multiple watches from Garmin with swim / lap support I still very much prefer the light and easy Swim
+1 for updating the Swim to support these new straps, although I’m not optimistic given that this model is a bit dated now. It’d be a great way to get me to shell out an extra $100 on something Garmin. The Swim uses ANT+ for data transfer, so it should be theoretically possible, although there may be issues with available storage capacity or whatnot.
It’s a shame my Fenix 2 isn’t supported, either — and that my only option is to shell out over $500 or do without.
What are the odds that Garmin will introduce a lower-priced “Swim 2” that replaces the Swim and bundles in the HRM-SWIM?
It’s a bit confusing about the TRI version, and whether it can be used in the pool or not. Obviously not all uses of a tri watch are in the open water. I’ll await others’ reviews of how this actually works before considering swapping out my current 920XT HRM for a new one.
I too am wondering on the tri vs swim functionality.
Hopefully it can be cleared up. I think worst case i’d get the swim version. Can’t be more uncomfortable than a hard strap, right? (I’m still using a hard strap)
Very interesting, look forward to reading your thoughts of them on test. Especially HRM-TRI, would HR data be viewable on the 920XT directly after a swim? I’m thinking of a race situation where you could then gauge effort and HR while on bike and run.
I am loving the new black and grey color for 920xt. Just wish they would have released that color first since I own the blue and black.
my scosche HRM works fine[or at least provide me with as much info i need] in the water with my garmin as long as i wear it so both are out of the water frequently during my swim.
i mean out of the water at the same time [i.e on same arm]
Can you tell me more about your setup?
Does it work with any forerunner version or just 920xt? What about vivoactive.
Thanks for your help!
then garmin will not launch shortly an optical sensor 920XT watch?
Ray
Do the swimming heart rate straps: HRM-SWIM & HRM-TRI support: Training Effect, Recovery Advisor, VO2, etc for swimming.
Yes – I’ve used the HRM swim strap in the pool and the Training Effect and Recovery Advisor both show up in the same way as for run or bike sessions. However, VO2 is likely to be more complicated – the bike estimate depends on using a power meter, and I’d guess a swim version might need to be stroke specific.
Poor Epix! Its in-depth review is overtaken by announcement of better Garmin products.
Is there gonna be a quick release kit for Fenix 3?
Nothing yet.
Does the HRM-TRI have the same shorter strap (like the HRM-SWIM) with an optional extender? I do hope so.
My wife & I do IM and she finds the standard Garmin HRM-RUN far too long – this might be the perfect solution.
When will the new Tri Bundle (inc Black 920XT) be available in the UK?
Same as elsewhere. By the end of September is the official date, but retailers are being told Augustish.
Thanks for the reply.
Fantastic reviews and you’ve helped in me deciding on various pieces of kit in my 1st year as a Triathlete.
Much appreciated ?
Thanks. I was looking for information about the release date since you didn’t mention it in your review. I’ll keep my eyes peeled. BTW, would this be more Gen2 920xt vs. the current blue/black model?
Identical hardware on the 920XT, just a different color shell.
Hi Ray, you say the swim has a slightly thicker pod than others, does this imply there may be extra gubbins ready for a swim dynamics or improved stroke detection? For instance, it could easily detect body roll from that position, and would be able to better tell the difference between front crawl and butterfly as well as knowing if you’re on your front or back. All of this is very hard on the wrist but trivial with torso data. I’d be surprised if nothing like this is planned, as there would then be very little point in having the less capable swim pod when the strap is the differentiator.
I realise you can’t mention if you know about swim dynamics, but confirmation that the pod actually is a different size would be nice, as would confirmation as to whether they are removable from the strap.
thanks as always for the article!
I just noticed the Garmin page says Yes for running dynamics on the Swim. Presumably a typo at their end?
Hi Ray
Considering that the industry is likely moving towards optical heart rate sensors integrated into the watch (which I understand works well under water), I was wondering if that would make these HR straps obsolete in a fairly short time.
Also, why did they not let you test the straps properly (i.e. in the water)? Was it just logistics, or are these still prototypes?
HR-SWIM fully support Running dynamics ?
I’m a little bit confused!?!?! GARMIN RECOMMENDATION!!!
– The Tri: openwater only or in the pool (with triathlon-kit).
Can be used for Run/Bike/Swim!!!
– The Swim: pool/open water.
Can be used for “Runs or bike rides as part of a multi-sport activity that includes a pool swim”!! So no other activities are supported? Or will it be uncomfortable to wear it during runs/bikes???
I hope that’s just a recommendation and will not limit the use of the swim??
The battery is replaceable?
Is the HRM-SWIM going to work with the VIVO-ACTIVE watch?
As a female athlete would I be ok with just the HRM-TRI band (with use in the pool as well)?
1) I can’t believe they thought it’s a good idea to have 2 different models depending on application and foment purchase quandary. Why not instead have a base model and allow a swap out to the other strap… or just have both straps one unit and be done with it?
2) I’m yet to try my MioLink in the pool since not a huge swimmer. But it really pisses me off that watch mfrs would hobble connectivity completely for swim the way they have. I mean, just make it an advanced feature with a YMMV warning.
3) Straps are old school, unless you’re into bondage.
I really like the new colour of 920xt but I still suspect I will get a fenix 3 as a replacement fir my 910xt. Will the hrm-tri be shipped as a bundle with the fenix 3?
Hi Ray, do you know if it will be possible to get real time HR during a swim workout whilst having a rest at the poolside, with both the strap and watch above water?
Hi. Thanks for the coverage. I’ve just got a couple of (related) questions. Do the hrm monitors not detach from the straps? If they do, then what’s the advantage of the bundle as offered, over an hrm-tri and a swim strap?
I could never get my Polar V800 to pick up hr data in the pool and the tech support suggested it was because there was too much chlorine. So a pod that saves the data to transmit later seems ideal to me. I couldn´t look and swim at the same time anyway.
Hi Ray, do you know what kind of battery is HRM-SWIM and HRM-TR1 is using? Since these new sensors need record and transmit heart rate data, I suppose normal CR2032 (300mAh) battery will not last for long. Another question is, are they going to make these HRM compatible to my “OLD” Fenix 2 (Garmin makes your GPS watch growing old rapidly) ?
CR2032 battery, it doesn’t say anything about life but I’d assume a little shorter than the normal HRM-Run as it’s storing more info. The claim is only 20 hours worth though so this may well be in RAM (volatile) which wouldn’t up the usage much. If they are using flash storage (non-volatile) it would have a fair impact. These are dirt cheap batteries though so not a problem either way.
You’ve all missed the main point of the article, how much are flights to Barcelona…
I wonder if the transfer time between the HRM and 920XT is short enough. In a triathlon situation, shortly after you get out of the water, you press LAP to switch to T1. Will the transfer happen in parallel? Will the watch know that there is a transfer in progress and AT THE SAME TIME provide realtime reading of the current HR? Usually at T1 I check my HR and compare to my general feeling to know how to approach the early stage of the bike split.
You are talking about a trivial amount of data. A heart rate is a single byte (range 0 to 255). Multiply that by 10 for timestamp and other overhead. Now if you record heart rate every second for an hour you only have 36KB of data. I can’t remember the exact burst rate of ANT-FS but you are talking seconds.
Plus realize it does not have to transfer every sample at the moment it regains signal, it just has to transfer a summary to your watch and then it can backfill as time allows.
I don’t think this is a very large processing burden on the HRM strap, it just has to have 2 channels, one dedicated to real time and one dedicated to bursts of backfill data.
It should happen in parallel because the Garmin engineers could pick a different ant channel (frequency) for the backfill than for the the ANT+ HR data.
David
Anyone tried a Mio Link or RHYTHM+ in pool-swim mode on the new firmware? Does it work?
Ok – here’s a slew of round-up questions and answers following confirmation from Garmin folk. Where quotes are, they are exact responses. I’ve backfilled this into the FAQ section above as well.
A) Compatibility with the Mio Link and the Fenix3/Epix/FR920XT within the swim mode. The context of the question was whether that’d work, assuming signal was NOT lost (worn right next to watch on wrist):
“Yes, if the Mio Link (ANT+) sees the 920XT the whole time, then it will work with the 920XT same as ever. However, the HRM-Tri and Swim were made to work for the special case of swimming with a 920XT, so even though the Mio Link can store HR it wouldn’t have the programming on its side to work with the 920XT for store-and-forward uses such as when you come up at the end of the interval or save the activity at the end of your swim (where the HRM-Swim/Tri will work with the 920XT to stitch all the data back in with your activity).”
(DCR Comment): Note however that backfill (when the device captures HR data during periods of non-connectivity), won’t work with the Mio Link, or any other straps on the market today since they don’t yet support that capability. In this cases, it would just show a dropout.
B) Regarding whether the new storage-capable straps are done in a ‘private’ (private-ANT) or ‘public’ (ANT-FS) method:
“The public ANT-FS spec is used to download the stored HR data. Garmin has optimized the ANT-FS transfer using some manufacturer-specific information, but it is still possible for another device to access the ANT-FS directory and download the files.”
(DCR comment): The reason this matters to you as a consumer is that it means that someone else could develop a strap, or, in cases such as the Wahoo TICKR X, it could potentially be updated to work with the swim watches. Additionally, it also means other non-Garmin devices/watches could be updated to download information from the straps.
C) Can someone take just the HRM-SWIM to the pool (and leave their compatible watch in a swim locker), and then download the swim afterwards? Or will it only work when an activity is started in conjunction with the watch?
“Essentially, yes. However, you have to start the timer on the watch first (an activity needs to be created to tie the HR data to).”
D) Is it correct that the watch and strap must be above water prior to starting the activity so they can sync? Or can that happen after the fact as long as the watch was paired once to the device?
“They actually do not have to see each other prior to starting the activity, but yes, they will have to have been paired once.” (Note: There still must be an activity started per the previous question).
E) Regarding compatibility of other Garmin products with the HRM-TRI and HRM-SWIM, here’s why they aren’t doing each product (in their own words):
“Garmin Swim: There is not enough memory to support Garmin swim capability
Vivoactive: The HRM Tri/Swim are viewed as being of interest to a more advanced user who would be purchasing a 920XT or fenix 3 (vs a vivoactive that offers basic features for swimming)
FR910XT & Fenix2: Since the fenix 2 and FR910XT are older models it was decided to have our internal resources focus on other products for compatibility and any potential troubleshooting. There is no planned software update that would add compatibility for fenix 2 or the 910”
Part 1 (End)
Part 2 will cover all of the strap/module questions…as soon as I get the answers back shortly.
Its really not clear any where- are the pods removable?? Seems to be low blow to sell the same pod twice just too get two different straps… (I imagine someone in marketing got a raise for that idea though!)
(That’s the part I’ll cover in Part 2, as soon as I get the rest of the answers to my questions covering it).
Hi Ray, sorry to be a bother but did Garmin ever get back to you on the strap / module questions? I’m particularly interested in whether the pods are interchangeable or not and whether Garmin will sell replacement straps.
Nuttin. Just sent over a poke a few seconds ago after your note.
But, about ‘A’ some people is reporting that the optical monitors do work while swimming after the firmware update but then all hr data is not uploaded or at least not displayed on the recorded session on Garmin Connect!! :-((
I’d guess that falls into one of three camps (though I only see one comment on the Garmin Forums of someone trying it and failing):
A) There are dropouts occurring, which could be possible depending on the configuration (i.e. too far away and reception is lost)
B) There’s just kinks to workout in the whole process still for 3rd party sensor data being collected.
C) Garmin Connect (public side/non-beta) isn’t yet updated to show that data since the HRM-TRI/SWIM straps aren’t yet shipping and thus they may not have considered it an issue yet.
Just my guess. If C is the issue, then I’d pick another 3rd party site/app – and even consider trying to change it to something like a Running activity type, since that would have HR data displayed. I believe also you could use FitFileTools.com to validate the data channels shown within the stripper tool.
Ya. I think that was my post on the Garmin fenix 3 forum regarding swim HR data missing.
I can confirm I had HR during the swim as I had it as a data field along with temperature and neither HR or temperature data is visible in either Garmin Connect or Strava.
Hopefully it’s “C” that’s the issue and they can update GC to accept third party HR data.
B is the issue. I have just tried a new activity out of the water, but in the pool profile. So there were no dropouts and the FC showed fine all the time. But there is no HR data on the FIT file. So I guess this comes in the “HOWEVER” case noted by the Garmin folk, and the watch needs to receive the data in the “store-and-forward” method.
So:
HR displayed on the screen? YES
Data recorded on the file for later analysis? NO
The way I see it there is only two ways that could work. Either Garmin allows the data to be written “on the fly” during the activity, which I think is a no-go because the way they have designed their strap; or Mio/Scosche update the firmware of their devices, which I don’t know if it would be possible as I don’t recall them having memory to store the data (Alpha does, but it doesn’t have ANT+ anyway).
I guess Garmin have well protected their R&D, at least for know, until someone releases an optical sensor with store-and-forward capabilities. But by then, people needing their HR in the pool would already be using Garmin own solution (or Polar or Suunto already).
In any case, we still have to wait to see swim HR data on Garmin watches.
Well, that’s assuming you want ANT-FS (store/forward). But in this case, Garmin is stating that it should work with just regular collection via normal ANT+. For that, shouldn’t require any changes on 3rd party devices.
I’ll shoot over a note this weekend after I try it to see if they can troubleshoot.
I only had planned a long run for tomorrow, but I’ll try to hit an open water activity to check it also on that profile. I’ll take an Ambit3 also, in case I get data recorded, to compare it.
Do you have any update?
I’m using a fenix 3 with a Mio fuse and I can see the data on the Fenix screen, I don’t have drop connections I can see the data all the time. But no data is stored on the watch and I have no hr data on Garmin Connect
If you use the indoor swimming profile it doesn’t record the HR. But it does just fine if it is an open water activity: link to connect.garmin.com
As I was pointed out by a forum member at Garmin, it seems that the open water app already recorded the HR, so it seems the only update so far has been the availability of HR data screens for the swimming profiles, but nothing else has changed.
I wonder if it would work fine with one of the new Garmin sensors with store and forward function, or if Garmin is aware of this and they just need to continue developing the swimming apps.
I hope they offer the extender by itself. My strap will stretch around my chest … but it gets too stretched out to stay straight.
I’m curious if the new straps can transfer the HR data if the watch was placed literary right next to the pod underwater? Of if, during a longer open water swim, you just flip on your back to expose the pod in the air, even if for a few moments, to get the reading?
Does the HRM Tri collect any different data for cycling activities compared to Hrm Run?
Nope.
Thx.
I thought so, but the bike icon on the pod is a bit tricky. unless it is a little hydrobike icon, of course :)
hope the Garmin Fenix 3 will be bundled with the Garmin HRM-TRI from now onwards instead of the current HRM-RUN here in south east asia. hurmm. prices here are still a bit steep, for RM2550 which is around USD671
Any ideas why the DCR10LFW code is not valid on the clevertraining.com site? I tried ordering the strap bundle and I get the “Coupon code “DCR10LFW” is not valid.” message.
Thanks!
Hi Rodolfo-
For certain Garmin products, Garmin requires use of the DCR/CT VIP program instead (their requirement). It’s quick and easy to sign-up though, and still saves the 10%: link to dcrainmaker.com
Thanks for the support!
Ray,
Will the black 920xt be offered as a standalone product?
No current plans.
Does the HRM-Tri store and forward in cycle and run modes as the TickrX does? I’d like to use it for track cycling where you can’t have a watch on your wrist?
Regardless of the bike/run store/forward support, you could treat the track cycling session just as a very dry and fast swim set and then change the activity type in Garmin Connect etc. after the upload. Or use fitsed or such to change the FIT file activity type directly.
>> Does this mean I can now use the Mio Link with my FR920XT/Fenix3/Epix to get HR data while swimming?
> In short, yes.
Well, I actually doubt this. I installed the new 5.2 Firmware on my FR920XT yesterday and while there are actually newly options for adding HR datafields to the swim activity and while it actually receives and displays HRM Data during the running avtivity it seems that there ist no recording of a HR data in the activity afterwards. This is just like before when you where able to use a HR sensor in the swim activity with a connect iq datafield to show the HR but not record it (at least in indoor mode).
I don’t own a MIO link for obvious reasons- this is just useless for me till today but I would buy one if garmin finally allowed to record AND display hr data in the swim activity. But I think as the mio is just a normal ant+ hrm sensor just like the garmin hrm2 e.g. it should work the same way in a swim activity.
Yeah, there is some discussions on this ongoing. I’m getting some clarity on what’s going on. I suspect it may just be some teething pains.
Hi and thanks for a great article.
Can you use the HRM-TRI for pool swimming without it sliding off you chest? (wearing only shorts)
Dont wonna bye them both
Best regards Martin
No, it would likely not stay put.
Mostly off topic… has the Vivoactive been updated to fix/improve its swim monitoring? Maybe lower-end swim support is just isn’t important or lucrative for Garmin given the direction they went with these submersible heart rate straps.
Someone on the 920XT forum saw these at Ride London and confirmed the pods are not removable. Massive fail from Garmin in my opinion – that’s a very expensive replacement when the strap gets damaged. Not that their replacement straps are reasonably priced anyway, but to require the whole thing to be replaced is crazy!
Currently have the Garmin Swim and get a little frustrated having to pause the watch at the end of each interval during a set. Is there any thought to utilise the sensors in the watch to identify when no swimming is occurring and thus not having to pause the watch? The nature of my reps is such that I sometimes have minimal time between reps and having to focus on pausing the watch impacts upon my recovery between reps (say when doing 50 50’s on 50). Is this rectified in the 920XT as the manual does not go into much detail.
I’m looking forward to matching heart rate to my swimming training and identifying issues with my training and identifying optimum recovery periods.
So I don’t mean to add fuel to the fire but …. my wife just clued me in to the existence of “Ampstrip”
Don’t know the policy on links so I’m sorry if not allowed. I’m not affiliated with Ampstrip.
link to indiegogo.com
At any rate. They’re supposed to store your heart rate and sync via Bluetooth LE (BLE). Supposed to work in swim and open water workouts. The adhesive does wear out and you can buy replacement strips.
Seems really interesting and starts at $135 on Indiegogo …
Maybe that can be a workaround for some? I know it’s not Ant+
See this: link to dcrainmaker.com