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Is the Polar OH_1 still the go-to armband HRM strap?
And what is a simple reliable Android app to go with it? I want to be able to set up audible heart rate zone alerts, be able to tap the screen to leave a marker on the record and look at my efforts afterwards.
One other question, can Bluetooth cope with two devices at once? (Headphones and HRM).
Thanks in advance
The OH1 has been superseded by the Polar Verity. Looks much the same but has dual channel Bluetooth as well as ANT+
Can't help with the app, I use my OH1 with a bike computer.
Bump for the evening crowd
Is there a decent android app that does that? Polar Beat is ok - shows heart rate zones, but don't think you can do alarms or lap markers. Strava proibably does something similar, but no lap markers as far as i am aware.
You might need to get a watch or computer that has the functionality you are looking for.
Is there a reason you're going for an optical HR strap? If you are wearing a strap you'll prob get better reliability from an H10 chest monitor
If you are wearing a strap you’ll prob get better reliability from an H10 chest monitor
Depends on your definition of reliability. Are you talking about reliable as in "won't fall apart`" or reliable as in "always gives the right HR"?
The OH1 I use has been fine on both counts but then as a lowly recreational cyclist I don't make massive demands on it.
Polar verity sense is great. I had OH1 but it failed and replaced with verity sense.
The battery life is much better and it can connect with 2 Bluetooth devices at the same time, as well as ant+ for Garmin.
The polar flow app that goes with it works well. I tend to use the hrm ‘offline’ for swimming which is much better than using a watch as it’s out of the way on my goggles.
It also works in ‘odd’ ways - have used it before held on with physio tape so it wouldn’t pull off in a swim run race.
If I lost it I would buy another straight away.
A comfortable reliable "good enough" beats the discomfort I get from chest straps.
My training goal is "a bit less crap" rather than setting any records.
Thanks for the input so far folks.
I use one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/CYCPLUS-Monitor-Armband-Bluetooth-Sensor/dp/B081RMN29P
quite a bit less expensive than the polar one. For me it's decent, consistent, and fairly robust. holds charge for a decent time (I've not found out how long yet).
before that I had one of these: https://www.amazon.co.uk/TwoNav-Fitcare-Accessories-Adult-Unisex/dp/B08DCH8PBG but lost it.
the cycplus one seems to read a few bpm higher than the other, but I couldn't say which was closer to real. it's close enough for me to use as a side by side comparison so works fine.
ANT and bluetooth.