Soft Heart Rate Straps that WORK long term???

[Jiffer]

For some reason, I can't get consistent results from hard-strap or soft-strap monitors. My boobs get chafed when I'm running, and my bra seems to get in the way. I've given up with them.

I can relate, as I had a lot of frustration trying to get a HR monitor to work in the beginning. I also used to not use one at all because of this. However, when my health became an issue and my nutritionist told me to stay within a certain heart rate, I felt compelled to do whatever I could to figure it out.

I did a bunch of research and tried a lot of things and finally figure it out. For me, the strap has to be on the smallest setting and placed to the left about two inches. I hear some people place it on their back or even more to one side or the other.

Also, it won't work without wetting it. Hubby and I use electrode gel, which is what is used for ultrasounds. But some people just use spit or they sell an ointment for this specific use at bike shops I guess. Probably costs more than electrode gel, which hubby buys a big tube of online.

For me these two things were key and for a long time my strap worked perfectly as long as I did them both. Then I went through a long period of not riding or, when I rode, I was at such an easy pace I didn't need the strap. When I was ready to start using it again, hubby had been using it off and on, having gotten it confused with his. I'm not even sure which was mine to begin with, but the one he gave me to start using has given me problems ever since. Ugh!!! So basically, he ruined it!

[OakLeaf]

I use 100% aloe vera gel and it works great as an electrode contact gel. Cheap, generic kind. Don't get the kind with oils or other goop in them, which will interfere with the reading.

[SadieKate]

Oh, good idea. Our humidity is so low here that I don't sweat immediately, and sometimes I just don't have enough spit.

[Jiffer]

I use 100% aloe vera gel and it works great as an electrode contact gel. Cheap, generic kind. Don't get the kind with oils or other goop in them, which will interfere with the reading.

Thanks for the tip. I'll keep that in mind. I guess I'll check out the price difference in electrode gel and aloe vera gel. I could pic up aloe vera gel most anywhere, though, so nice to know.

[Dogmama]

Oak - you're telling my story - minus the strap-abuse part . I had the exact same problem with my Garmin soft strap. It lasted almost two years. Did everything suggested, still got wacky readings. Bought the hard strap & have had no problems. No erratic readings in the beginning of the workout either, which is nice. I don't notice any different in comfort between the two straps.

Regarding aloe vera gel, it may be OK but I think I'd stick to electrode gel. You never know how things will affect plastic. Electrode gel isn't that pricey considering you use a small dab.