Which heart monitor with Zwift?
01-12-23, 08:34 AM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Which heart monitor with Zwift?
Using a Zwift kickr core connected to a Mac. I've tried using my Apple Watch as heart monitor, but can't seem to get it to work. I'd like to race a bit more, and need a heart monitor for it to count.
Anyone have recommendations they find that are easy to use and not fussy?
Anyone have recommendations they find that are easy to use and not fussy?
01-12-23, 08:39 AM
#2
ignominious poltroon
Join Date: Jan 2022
Posts: 2,510
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1440 Post(s)
Liked 2,131 Times
in
1,156 Posts
Apple Watch, as you found, doesn't broadcast heart rate (like a Garmin watch or wrist or strap monitor does).
There is a phone app that allows you to create a bridge. I don't know anything about it, but you could probably find it on the app store.
There is a phone app that allows you to create a bridge. I don't know anything about it, but you could probably find it on the app store.
Likes For Polaris OBark:
01-12-23, 10:37 AM
#3
Full Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Posts: 231
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 37 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 32 Times
in
25 Posts
The Apple watch does not work. Traditional chest straps like the Bontrager or TACX work well. You are looking for one that uses both Bluetooth and ANT+. I have both the Bontrager and TACX which have given me years of trouble-free use. My wife swapped to a rhythm wristband linked here. Some say they aren't accurate but this one seems to work fine after more than a year of use. It is more comfortable and a little more convenient.. If my other two chest straps HR will break I will replace them with a wrist strap.
Likes For La Tortue:
Likes For BTinNYC:
01-12-23, 10:49 AM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 13,234
Mentioned: 32 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3733 Post(s)
Liked 2,544 Times
in
1,517 Posts
I like the Garmin Dual. There are a number of generic knock offs that tend to work well as well.
Likes For himespau:
01-12-23, 11:24 AM
#6
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by La Tortue
The Apple watch does not work. Traditional chest straps like the Bontrager or TACX work well. You are looking for one that uses both Bluetooth and ANT+. I have both the Bontrager and TACX which have given me years of trouble-free use. My wife swapped to a rhythm wristband linked here. Some say they aren't accurate but this one seems to work fine after more than a year of use. It is more comfortable and a little more convenient.. If my other two chest straps HR will break I will replace them with a wrist strap.
01-12-23, 11:32 AM
#7
Senior Member
If a wrist one doesn't work out for you. I have used chest straps from both Garmin and Wahoo. I have found the Wahoo to be better. The replacement straps seem to last longer and hold shape better plus cost a bit less. Wahoo's C/S has been superior to Garmin as well.
__________________
Sir Mark, Knight of Sufferlandria
Sir Mark, Knight of Sufferlandria
01-12-23, 11:54 AM
#8
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Midwest
Posts: 2,437
Mentioned: 2 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1208 Post(s)
Liked 1,201 Times
in
709 Posts
I use a Garmin chest strap HRM for Zwift - it connects via ANT+ so I also have an ANT+ dongle for my Mac. (I also connect my Wahoo trainer via ANT+ as I've found it to work better than Bluetooth).
I use this same HRM for outdoor riding - connected to my Wahoo head unit.
My Garmin strap is starting to show a lot of wear (I've had this one for a few years and it's been through the washing machine many times). I'll probably look to Wahoo for a replacement - I'm intrigued by these wrist/arm straps. My Fitbit isn't very accurate but I think it's because I keep it too loose on my wrist. Something with a fabric strap probably works better than a watch in this regard.
I use this same HRM for outdoor riding - connected to my Wahoo head unit.
My Garmin strap is starting to show a lot of wear (I've had this one for a few years and it's been through the washing machine many times). I'll probably look to Wahoo for a replacement - I'm intrigued by these wrist/arm straps. My Fitbit isn't very accurate but I think it's because I keep it too loose on my wrist. Something with a fabric strap probably works better than a watch in this regard.
01-12-23, 11:58 AM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 13,234
Mentioned: 32 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3733 Post(s)
Liked 2,544 Times
in
1,517 Posts
Originally Posted by msu2001la
I use a Garmin chest strap HRM for Zwift - it connects via ANT+ so I also have an ANT+ dongle for my Mac. (I also connect my Wahoo trainer via ANT+ as I've found it to work better than Bluetooth).
I use this same HRM for outdoor riding - connected to my Wahoo head unit.
My Garmin strap is starting to show a lot of wear (I've had this one for a few years and it's been through the washing machine many times). I'll probably look to Wahoo for a replacement - I'm intrigued by these wrist/arm straps. My Fitbit isn't very accurate but I think it's because I keep it too loose on my wrist. Something with a fabric strap probably works better than a watch in this regard.
I use this same HRM for outdoor riding - connected to my Wahoo head unit.
My Garmin strap is starting to show a lot of wear (I've had this one for a few years and it's been through the washing machine many times). I'll probably look to Wahoo for a replacement - I'm intrigued by these wrist/arm straps. My Fitbit isn't very accurate but I think it's because I keep it too loose on my wrist. Something with a fabric strap probably works better than a watch in this regard.
01-13-23, 08:11 AM
#10
Senior Member
Wahoo TickR chest strap. Way more predictable than my old Garmin.
I did have a problem with the first one after about 6 months and they replaced it, no questions asked. Pairs in seconds with Zwift Ant or BT and my Wahoo head unit. Would buy again.
I did have a problem with the first one after about 6 months and they replaced it, no questions asked. Pairs in seconds with Zwift Ant or BT and my Wahoo head unit. Would buy again.
Likes For bblair:
01-13-23, 09:59 AM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: Northeastern MA, USA
Posts: 1,645
Bikes: Garmin/Tacx Bike Smart
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 630 Post(s)
Liked 275 Times
in
181 Posts
Originally Posted by WT21
Using a Zwift kickr core connected to a Mac. I've tried using my Apple Watch as heart monitor, but can't seem to get it to work. I'd like to race a bit more, and need a heart monitor for it to count.
Anyone have recommendations they find that are easy to use and not fussy?
Anyone have recommendations they find that are easy to use and not fussy?
01-16-23, 10:53 AM
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2021
Posts: 5,069
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2566 Post(s)
Liked 2,755 Times
in
1,739 Posts
If you don't like chest straps I can definitely recommend the Polar Verity Sense wrist/armband HRM. I've been using the older version (OH1) for 3 years and it hasn't missed a beat (see what I did there?)
DC Rainmaker has some good reviews on HRMs, above score very highly.
DC Rainmaker has some good reviews on HRMs, above score very highly.
01-18-23, 06:55 AM
#13
Advocatus Diaboli
I've been using the original Scosche Rhythm which is worn on the forearm -- has been pretty reliable and convenient. Just hang it up on the handlebar when done with a ride, strap it on when starting a ride. Easy to rinse off under the tap, etc.
01-18-23, 07:57 AM
#14
Senior Member
I have three...Wahoo Tickr, Garmin and Polar H9...they all work well with Zwift but I find the Polar to be more steady while I've had dropout problems with the other two...the problems are sporadic otherwise they work fine.
01-18-23, 07:46 PM
#15
Junior Member
I got a polar H10 when I got my tacx last winter. I thought battery life was suspect, but that appears more of operator error when it would take a couple minutes to connect, not a dead battery after a month.
01-19-23, 01:28 PM
#16
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by La Tortue
The Apple watch does not work. Traditional chest straps like the Bontrager or TACX work well. You are looking for one that uses both Bluetooth and ANT+. I have both the Bontrager and TACX which have given me years of trouble-free use. My wife swapped to a rhythm wristband linked here. Some say they aren't accurate but this one seems to work fine after more than a year of use. It is more comfortable and a little more convenient.. If my other two chest straps HR will break I will replace them with a wrist strap.
01-26-23, 07:26 AM
#17
don't try this at home.
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: N. KY
Posts: 5,639
Mentioned: 10 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 860 Post(s)
Liked 292 Times
in
211 Posts
Originally Posted by bblair
Wahoo TickR chest strap. Way more predictable than my old Garmin.
I did have a problem with the first one after about 6 months and they replaced it, no questions asked. Pairs in seconds with Zwift Ant or BT and my Wahoo head unit. Would buy again.
I did have a problem with the first one after about 6 months and they replaced it, no questions asked. Pairs in seconds with Zwift Ant or BT and my Wahoo head unit. Would buy again.
I just started using a Polar H10, and I like the strap on it. Gripper dots to keep it from slipping down, and a wide sensor area.
01-27-23, 05:16 PM
#18
Junior Member
I had a Polar (lasted just over 12 months, didn't keep track of duration of use), CooSpo (just under 2 years & ~600 hours), and now using a Magene H303 (9 mos old and ~220 hours). I go through the straps approximately one a year. They all work about the same and didn't seem to justify spending 3x the price for named stuff. I still have my CycleOps hard strap that I use mainly outdoors. That was around ~$100 back in 2020. It acts up indoors but not outside, go figure.
