Garmin Forerunner 110

Hi!

So, since my Polar FT7 only shows the heart rate, time and burned calories, I got myself a Garmin Forerunner 110, which has GPS. It can therefore provide information on pace and distance in addition to heart rate etc. Went for my first 5km run this morning, and found out that it does show a heart rate, but most of the time this heart rate is inaccurate. Polar FT7 and pacemaker report showed that my heart rate is always around 160ppm when I run. Now, the Garmin shows anything from 49 - 169. Sometimes it was around the 160, but then within seconds it dropped to 110 or even 70. I have no idea how it gets those readings. Tried to call customer support, but spent 25 minutes (!!!) in the waiting loop without getting to talk to anyone. So, I then sent an email.

Does anyone of you have the same problem with this sports watch? Can you recommend a different model/manufacturer with GPS that is not that expensive (Polar's GPS watch is 250 Euro)?

Thanks a lot!

Inga

3 Comments

my Garmin FR 305

by chip j - 2014-08-11 01:08:21

My Garmin HRM is very erratic/blank whenever I suspect my pacemaker is pacing (during my A/V block or sometimes following a PVC). My Polar FT7 always appears accurate. I called Garmin and all they will say is that the Garmin will not interfere with your pacemaker, but your PM may interfere with your Garmin HRM.

Another alternative for an HRM that you may want to consider is the TomTom Runner GPS/Cardio watch. It uses an optical sensor on the underside of the watch that detects blood pulses and counts/displays your pulse rate. I borrowed a friend's and wore it at the same time as my Polar and the display was always the same or within 1-2 bpm. The Tom Tom doesn't require that you wear a chest strap.

HR

by wjs1954 - 2014-08-11 07:08:59

I use a Garmin all the time with no issue. But mine is a couple years old with the old HR strap, not sure if that could be the problem. My strap is about (the pick up part) 12 inches long made of maybe rubber material. I always wet mine (the contacts) prior to putting it on.

This is the one i use all the time without issues

http://www.heartratemonitorsusa.com/garmin-hrmtransmitter.html?productid=garmin-hrmtransmitter&channelid=BIZRA&utm_source=CSEs&utm_medium=Shopzilla&utm_campaign=heartratemonitorsusa

not sure if they come with this one or the new soft strap

Thanks!

by golden_snitch - 2014-08-11 09:08:06

I have exactly the same strap. The soft strap is more expensive and you have to buy that additionally. Had this type of strap for my first Polar, too, and for the FT 7 I have a soft strap. Always wet the contacts, too. Heard from another pacer patient who used a Garmin 110 without problems, either. So, I'm really confused why mine is not showing correct heart rates, or at least not all the time. Sent Garmin support a message, but they haven't got back to me, yet.

Other than that I'm pleased with the Garmin. Already checked out Garmin connect and uploaded my first run - love the overview and different graphs you get :-) I also like that the watch has a rechargeable battery, and that you can switch it off completely. That's definitely better than my Polar.

Thanks again!

Inga

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