User submitted reviews
Review by LoneRider
Used it for training, both on the bike and running. Lasted less than a year before the strap became too loose to fit comfortably. And, before that, it started having inaccurate readings even after I changed the battery and paired it again. Overpriced because the Garmin Regular Heart Rate Strap is half the cost and, for me, has lasted years. Ideally, any ANT heart rate strap that pairs with your computer would be better than this one as long as it was reliable and around half the price.
Review by Anonymous
Fails after about 120 rides which is about 8 months for me. Is more comfortable that the old style plastic version. YMMV.
Review by McSpiffy
The Garmin Premium Heart Rate Monitor Soft Strap really is the cat's jammies! The strap is soft, pliable and comfortable, even during strenuous long durations. Long gone is the uncomfortable, unforgiving hard plastic chest straps that would create a permanent mark on your body for days (exaggeration). This soft strap is a break-through!!!!
If you are looking for a replacement strap or if this is your first foray into the heart rate monitoring venue, you won't go wrong with this product!!!!
Review by Flatlander
Just don't forget to wet it. Otherwise you have to wait until you're sweating. Easy to put on. My Garmin 520 has no trouble picking it up. The maximum heart rate it reports seems to be consistent with the increase in my heavy breathing. Since that's the case, I probably won't use it much, but if and when I'm serious about maintaining maximum effort it should help me do that.
Review by Matthew7
Like it. Good fit. High quality band. Does the job.
Review by Anonymous
I do not even need to moisten the inside of the transmitter, and it still gives accurate readings when I first get on the bike. I used to race, and accurate HR is very important whether you race or ride often.
Review by a320driver
Garmin might make great bike computers, but they can't seem to make a heart rate monitor that will last more than a year. last one made 11 months. I don't expect them to last forever, but for the price, a couple of years would be nice!
Review by Anonymous
Long-time Garmin user of various products, this HR strap does the job. I've had zero issues with it.
Review by Jaro1324
Paired up quickly with my Garmin Edge and has worked flawlessly since.
Review by Tag
Got this to replace a lost Garmin Edge. Thought from the name it would be an upward move, but not so. The premium version lasted just over 1 year, and no longer works.
Review by BC roadie
On the previous generation of HR monitor it was acting very erratically. Tried a fresh battery and it wasn't the cause. So I replaced with this one, works 100%, no issues, feels comfortable (but had no comfort issues with last one either). Have used it on about 35 rides now since buying. Better design.
Review by Anonymous
This heart rate monitor is much improved over the prior Garmin soft strap in terms of consistency and comfort. The other straps I have used could be effected by the base layer or other layers on top of that and this new does not have those problems.
Review by Soup of DC
This is much more comfortable than the standard HRM strap. This stays in place.
Review by Anonymous
I use this for cycling and triathlons. It's so comfortable I forget I'm wearing it!
Review by Sewbike
This strap is adjustable and comes apart for easy on and off. The sensor snaps off the strap so the strap can be washed.
Review by Jeff Boldt
Unlike the other strap I have used, this one sucks. First, it does not split in two, so you have to pull it over your head or under your legs every time you put it on, which is a giant pain, especially when it is soaked with sweat. Second, the material used in the back is really thin, so rather than staying flat, it bunches up into a skinny string. I love Garmin, but they really missed the mark with this product!
Review by Anonymous
After two different straps, I've given up on Garmin. Purchased a Polar strap to use with the Garmin HRM .
Review by DP
Just replaced my Garmin HR monitor and so far it seems to work much better than the original monitor that I had and was broken by my parrot. This model has 2 additional contact points that seem to really help get a consistent reading on the Garmin 800. I would recommend this unit if you like to follow your HR while training.
Review by Anonymous
I like how it connects to my garmin quickly. Very easy to put on and easy to clean. The strap is nicer than the older models.
Review by Chet
Works great so far. My only concern is durability as my older version of this strap died after 2.5 years.