While Polar started off the week with an announcement about their new wearable shirt that has integrated heart rate sensors in it, they began today announcing details on GoPro camera control and a new H10 heart rate strap. I got the chance to dive into both last night, giving you an early look at what’s to come over the coming months.
GoPro Camera Control:
First up is Polar’s integration with GoPro. You may remember last spring the two companies announced integration which would allow data from a Polar device to be overlaid onto a GoPro action cam. While that hasn’t come to fruition yet (sounds like maybe March, maybe not, call me maybe), they are instead pushing out control over your GoPro from your wearable.
Later this month the Polar V800 GPS watch will receive a firmware update that enables the GoPro control. At present that’s the Hero5 series, along with the Hero 4 Silver/Black. There’s a possibility that the GoPro Hero4 Session may get it, but that’s still up in the air. Then by the end of March, the Polar M600 Android Wear GPS watch will also receive the same update, granting it action cam powers as well.
Let’s dive into how it works. First, you’ll pair up the Polar to your GoPro in basically the same way you’d pair a GoPro remote. It does this via Bluetooth Smart, an important point that we’ll circle back to in a moment.
In the final firmware, you’ll see the camera on the sport profile screen in much the same way you’d see a HR sensor once paired (little HR icon, bike icon, etc…). You can also access this from a non-sport mode as well. Once you’ve opened up the GoPro page, you’ll see the current mode of the GoPro. At this moment, you can’t change the mode from the Polar app, rather, it’s more of a confirmation. When you press the mode button on the GoPro, it’ll instantly reflect that on the Polar – even to the settings page.
Of course, the main advantage here is being able to start and stop recording. You’ll press the middle button, which triggers the starting/stopping of recording video. Or, if you’re in photo mode, it takes a picture. It simply follows whatever the GoPro recording button would do natively.
Next, you may have noticed that the Polar unit reflects the state of the camera from a battery/storage/photos standpoint. So it’s showing how much battery life is left on the GoPro, as well as the current recording time of the video, plus the storage remaining.
The last trick up the sleeve is the ability to take a highlight tag. This is probably the coolest feature, and is brilliantly implemented. Simply whack the Polar watch, and instantly a highlight tag is recorded. These tags are used by GoPro’s Quik software when doing automatic video compilations. Or, you can just use them manually to find the best (or worst) parts of your day.
Now one disadvantage of the GoPro control is that it’s going to block your ability to connect to Bluetooth Smart sensors on your watch. So that means you won’t be able to connect to a speed/cadence sensor, or a Bluetooth Smart HR strap. You *can* though connect to the analog signal on the V800, meaning you can still connect to an H7/H10 strap. This restriction is simply because the V800 goes into a different Bluetooth mode to connect to the GoPro, which blocks inbound connections.
Of course, this being a post about video – I’ve got a video for ya. Here’s how everything works (plus the H10 strap I talk about down below), in one tidy video:
Again, the round-up of compatibility here is:
Polar V800: Firmware update coming later in January
Polar M600: Firmware update coming by end of March
GoPro Compatibility: Hero5 cameras, Hero4 Silver/Black, and Hero4 Session maybe
The lack of other cameras is simply because they lack Bluetooth Smart.
Polar H10 Heart Rate Strap:
Next up we’ve got a new heart rate strap from Polar, the H10 ($89). This is essentially the next generation H7 strap. As such, it has dual Bluetooth Smart and analog signals, meaning it’ll work with your gym treadmills and such.
The strap has some minor external changes. First is that it has extra electrode sensors on it, which will roughly align to the sides of your chest. The goal here being to increase accuracy.
Then you’ll notice a slight change in the clasp of the strap itself.
But it’s the changes under the hood that are most notable. In the pod they’ve now got storage, so it’ll be able to record your workout even if your watch isn’t nearby. This is similar to the Wahoo TICKR Run/X series, as well as Garmin’s HRM-TRI units.
In the case of Polar, when you return from your workout you’ll be able to use the Polar Beat app to download the workout (just HR data, no accelerometer/distance/pace data at this time). That workout can in turn be sent up to the Polar Flow website, where you can dig into the stats.
The other under the hood notable on the H10 is that it supports concurrent connections as a Bluetooth Smart sensor, specifically from the GoPro cameras. This isn’t Bluetooth 5.0, but rather 4.2, and is enabling you to then concurrently use the H10 with something like the GoPro camera directly (coming by end of Q1) and your watch/bike computer.
Note if you check out the video above, I show a bit more within that of the H10 as well.
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With that – thanks for reading!
Don’t forget to check out all the CES 2017 coverage, as well as continual updates throughout the day on Twitter. It’s gonna be a crazy busy week.
CES overload has hit DCRainmaker. An error has snuck into the first line of the article “While GoPro started off the week..”, that should have been Polar, right?
Love the blog and fantastic work you do!
Thanks!
Ray,
already asked in the Fenix5 post, about the Suunto HR with memory and now the Polar H10,
can the Fenix5 use the recorded data in these straps?
Is it a official bluetooth specification used by Suunto and Polar or are they both developing their own version which the Garmin of course can’t use.
Just in short: Can i buy this Polar H10 in stead for example Garmin HRM-Tri
There’s actually no standard I’m aware of on BLE that allows HR storage/transfer. Thus, Wahoo, Suunto, Polar, etc… all do it differently.
There is technically a standard on ANT+ for transfer of that data, so someone like Wahoo could actually implement it, and allow HRM-TRI like downloads from Garmin.
All of which is a reason why you won’t see the Fenix5 download from Polar’s H10 – since that isn’t following any specific standard (whereas baseline HR transmission is).
Thanks for the answer.
I was hoping their might be an (hidden) addition to the existing specification which allowed buffering and resending data since init.
Once again it looks like every manufacturer is reinventing the wheel.
There is actually a service for moving files (object transfer) around in BLE but it has not become very common. It is build on a new feature in Bluetooth 4.1 that never has become commonly implemented in phones. This feature increases efficiency by implementing something that looks like a TCP like channel and there is no transport protocol.
Is that service available within the HR profile though – or just as a general published spec?
There is a convention for how to move data from various services, like HR, around but I actually don’t remember if it is published. It is not difficult, though.
It’s is very nice. A sensor can open one or many files and store data directly on a watch. A sensor can have an object file system and store data locally. A watch can pick up the object later. Everything extremely efficient without any overhead than the link layer and multiplexer. The multiplexer allows data moving between various open ports. Each port is a file.
An object has a uuid for identification and the Sig lists the uuids. An object can also have a method attached for example a firmware object can trigger a software update.
Bluetooth is about transfering, not string.
should be” “not storing”
Sorry, not sure I understand?
The Bluetooth core and radio are about transferring. Bluetooth profiles are about interoperability of data. There are many different use cases.
Storing data is all outside the scope of the Bluetooth specifications. Data in files/objects is in scope.
Maybe we see this also for garmin Fenix 5 series and others garmin devices?
Or did anybody thought, that garmin allows bt smart hrm belts from other polar etc. and now it is possible with f5 series…
The Garmin watches by and large already have this for the VIRB Action cam series. If Garmin were to open up Connect IQ to allow allow Bluetooth Smart connections, then in theory someone could develop an app for GoPro too.
Seems like a new, multiple item protocol needs to be developed.
It’s already there. ;)
Technically both Bluetooth 4.3 as well as Bluetooth 5.0 support it. As does of course ANT+. Just a case of getting hardware/firmware updated to support these standards.
Well this could be really great news as I just happen to buy yesterday GoPro Hero+ for 99 euros from sale. I’m also using Polar V800, but was sad to notice that Hero+ isn’t mentioned in compatible devices. However, you noted that other cameras are missing simply because they are lacking bluetooth smart. Could this mean that Hero+ could be also supported, since it seems to have Bluetooth Smart capabilities (as per your own notes; okay that was about Hero+ LCD model, but I’m hoping there isn’t more differences than missing LCD panel…). At least Hero+ supports also their own remote control.
If you connect the go pro directly to the H10 when it is available will this mean you can still use the control feature from the watch or will the go pro need to be connected directly to the watch?
with the h10 being multi channel bluetooth im assuming you will be able to connect to speed senors etc but will you still be able to see this info on the watch?
One will be able to control the camera with the V800 simultaneously as the H10 works with the GoPro camera.
Is the Bluetooth in the Fenix 5 version 4.3 so that it would support multiple BT sensors?
Does the H10 support the WIND protocol? As in, can it be used with e.g. the Polar RCX5/RC3? When using the analog protocol, does it support HR wegen swimming?
Lot of questions :). Great work as always!
The H10 does not support the W.I.N.D protocol. It does however communicate on the 5 kHz coded frequency making it compatible with the RCX5.
Great.
Does it broadcast both protocols at the same time? For showing HR on my RCX5 and a bike trainer app at the same time.
Saw your answer below, thanks! (yes it does)
It’s a bit disappointing that the v800 can’t record from sensors and control the GoPro. I was hoping the point of this was to get sensor metrics into a video like Garmin does in virb edit.
Since the h10 supports concurrent connections, can it send information to a v800 and v650 concurrently (I bet I know the answer to that already).
I have a v800 and v650, but ultimately it is the little niggles that keep me using Garmin devices, despite the v800 in particular being a very good watch indeed.
One would be able to use the H10 (as well as the current H7) simultaneously with the V800 and V650. It’s with the understanding that the V650 would be receiving the Bluetooth transmission while the V800 would be on the 5 kHz coded frequency.
So it is not possible to use two headunits with the H10 via BT? The only reason for me to buy the H10 would be if I can get the HR data on my V800 and on e.g. a Wahoo Elemnt which is not possible with the H7. 5 kHz is no option since I can’t disconnect the H7 from the V800 in T1 during races. Hopefully it will be possible since this is the only missing feature while using the V800.
This is a lot less compared to the original post made by polar with the YouTube movie (link to m.youtube.com). From that movie you took that the v800 would feed all sorts of data into GoPro.
I wonder how useful the operation is going to be with a polar v800 as remote. I sure wouldn’t want to highlight while descending or jumping on skies or mountain bike.
Is there any indication whether that is still in the planning for the foreseeable future?
Bye.
Everything sounded very much in flux there. It sounds like things will become clear in March for how that’s going to happen.
I got the impression that GoPro will be taking on the video portion, meaning that Polar is going to deliver data via BLE, and then it’s up to GoPro from there. And quite frankly, that’s how it should be. There’s no good reason for either company to have Polar start doing video editing suites.
Any word on improved accuracy in the pool? My H7 rarely shows anything other than 119 bpm when using my V800 in the pool
My favorite part of this article is, “In the case of Polar, when you return from your workout you’ll be able to use the Polar Beat app to download the workout (just HR data, no accelerometer/distance/pace data at this time).” At. this. time. :)
Per the FCC filing in 2016, Polar describes the heart rate strap as: “BLE, 5kHz inductive link, accelerometer”
link to fccid.io
Would love if this new strap recorded distance, pace, etc.
Regardless, I will be purchasing the new strap.
Nice job, Polar!
Yup, they were open about there being an accelerometer within it. Just a case of them not committing to a timeline for using that, or how that might be used.
“In the pod they’ve now got storage, so it’ll be able to record your workout even if your watch isn’t nearby.”
I wonder if it is possible to collect the heartbeat data during sleeping with that storage and sync it in the morning. Otherwise how do we trigger H10 to collect the heartbeat data without the watch?
You could do that, but it’d just show up as a workout.
Essentially, anytime the H10 is worn, it’s recording data. Effectively like the Garmin/Wahoo straps.
Ray, do you think this GoPro control functionality might also be implemented on the Polar M400 watch? That would make me very happy.
>This isn’t Bluetooth 5.0, but rather 4.3
What is this bluetooth 4.3? Is there any link about this “Bluetooth version 4.3”?.
The official bluetooth.com is not releasing any 4.3. After 4.2 it just goes to 5.0.
Unless the Polar guys added something that is not any standard and decided to called it 4.3.
If that the case, interested on what Bluetooth SIG board directors opinion about that.
(The spec not allow one client to connect to more than one master, but hey, you can always
use two chips to achieve that. But we’re not calling that 4.3;)
Thanks.
Sorry, late-night brain fart. Should be 4.2
I had high hopes for H10’s data recording to be compatible with V800 and work under water the way Garmin’s and Suunto’s HR belts do :(
Currently used 5kHz transmission is definitely less then ideal, especially outdoors and when wearing a wetsuit. Polar also say that it interferes with GPS in V800.
Do you know if they consider implementing such features for H10?
Also: will H10’s firmware be field upgradable so it can be done in the future?
The Polar V800 just became the world’s most expensive GoPro remote.
Nah…that’s an iPad. ;)
Polar is still providing updates for their flagship model released back in 2014. Good support, although I hope that Polar will bring a competitor for the Garmin Fenix 5 series … :)
Given that Garmin is now embracing Bluetooth sensors, It would be great if Polar could provide support for Ant+. I find the one to one Bluetooth connection highly frustrating. Basically when I want to pair a sensor I find it has usually connected to my iPhone first, which I use for trainerroad, so I have to switch off Bluetooth on that first.
I had high hopes for the polar v800, and in many ways I think it is a terrific watch, especially given the various updates that have been provided in the years I have owned it. Trouble is I just find my Fenix 3 easier to use. As a triathlete, I like to record everything on the watch but use a bike computer for the bike leg. Easy with my Fenix 3 and edge 520, not so with the the v800 and v650 due to only one device being able to pick up the sensors. I realise I can get heart rate to go to both by using the 5khz signal, but can’t use speed/cadence.
I’m still happy though to try Polars next effort. Infact I really like the look of the m600. If that did ant+ I would have bought one already. Initially I thought polar flow was pretty rubbish, but now I think I prefer it to connect.
Does the h7 pod would fit in this strap? Any benefit doing it?
I have not seen any images of the pod unclipped. You would imagine that the H7 pod will fit the H10 strap. However will it work correctly with the extra sensors?
The image of the strap on the Polar website makes the strap look all kinda plastic. Where as it is a fabric in the photo’s here.
I have been wanting a decent swim strap for the H7 for ages, as DC Rainmaker said in his review of the H7, it just does not stay in place when pushing off a wall. So if the H10 strap was better it would be worth purchasing if it works with the H7.
I still think polar could go further with a swim specific strap that their H7 & H10 pods can clip into. Super grippy especially at the front so it can not flip or slide. They have made different colours but never invested in a great swim strap. A normal fabric will struggle to be grippy enough.
DC would be great to here a review of how the H10 strap performs in the pool.
I would imagine it would fit and that it would work. Garmin’s straps (HRM3-run?) have the extra sensors and every ant+ pod, pretty much, seems to work fine with it
not entirely convinced that it is JUST the strap that causes it to come off. the strap, as shown, might be a bit grippier than the old strap with more rubber bits and the nobbly sections.
however it may well also depend on the forward facing profile of the pod. ie if it is thinner and more flush with the body then it might come off the body a bit less. I wear garmin’s HRM-TRI (not HRM-SWIM, too uncomfortable not stretchy) and the pod is integral to the strap and generally it’s great at staying on in the pool. can’t remember when I last used the suunto one, that’s a VERY small pod, but I do seem to remember it still coming off a bit.
so yes there could be a benefit, gut feeling would be probably not.
solution trisuit/wetsuit :-)
The H7 sensor will fit onto the revised strap that comes with the H10. As for the H10 working simultaneously with speed/cadence/power/stride sensors, yes it has that ability.
Mike, Is there any benefit in using the H7 sesonor with the strap that comes with the H10, like better accuracy?
The strap that will be sold with the H10 does offer an added level of HR accuracy. It does so with the combination of the added electrodes along with the ‘nubs’ along its back that will help prevent slippage when training with it.
Mike, the storing capability is very interesting indeed in overnight monitoring scenarios.
Assuming the device is able to store several hours of data, is there a way (and how would that work in practise) to get the RR interval records from the H10 after monitoring ends? (Preferably without building a custom BT interface ;-)
From what I’ve seen the RR data isn’t included in the “sport sessions” files (from a V800) so I suspect it won’t be accessible in Polar Bear / Flow?
Hi Mike. I appreciate your help. Does the H10 do well showing real heart rate with a V800 or A300 while swimming? Is it as good as the T31coded for this application?
Thanks for your help.
Being a marathon runner, I use a M400 for 2 years now, with a H7 strap. First one had a durability of 9 months, second one (with more cleaning) 15 months. Polar says, straps are consumable supplies. I definitely will not buy a much more expensive strap, when everyone is moving away from straps to optical wrist measurement. GoPro is nonsense for me, nor does a strap give me GPS information. Hope, Polar will keep selling the H7.
As this is my first post, thanks a lot for your blog.
Hi,
How hard was the deadline of ‘later this month’… it is Feb by now, and I haven’t seen anything….
Ritsma
It’s hard for Polar. Looking forward to this also…
link to support.polar.com
The update came yesterday. Only about week late from the initial release date :)
The DashWare team is now working for GoPro, I see. Any news on that? Good news for Polar and other GoPro partners, I would assume.
http://www.dashware.net
Nothing much. They were bought a year or two ago.
All that came of that is some really crappy software additions back this past fall, which were honestly dismal in quality.
I just assumed the news on their site were from 2017, wrongly then. One would assume GoPro had grander plans when buying.
Ray – Were you able to get any additional details like what Polar plans to update/upgrade in terms of new features in their V800 or V650 ? Like Live tracking, Metronome or Lactate Threshold like the ones from Garmin’s.. unfortunately in my running club it’s all Garmin and only one Polar me !! I keep seeing these features in my friend’s Fenix 3.. Hope Polar catches up quickly or implements something similar in its own standards.
Struggling to get my newly purchased GoPro Hero 5 Black to pair with my Polar V800. Wanted it all working for skiing next week – what am I doing wrong? My Hero 5 Black is V01.57 my Capture App is iOS V3.2.1(1331) and my V800 is 1.9.62 and keep getting a pairing error message in the Capture App. Sometimes the GoPro is in the list of paired devices on the phone but never seems to find it when trying to connect to operate and it’s getting frustrating!
It would be interesting to if it would work on GoPro Hero 5 Black at the moment, since first thing in Polar Updates states regarding to V800 update is this:
“The remote control functionality for GoPro HERO4 Silver and Black is now available.”
updates.polar.com
-J
Hi Ray (and everyone else),
I can’t be the only one (maybe I am) that would like to have my heart rate chest strap communicate to my watch (M400) and my phone (SportsTracker) simultaneously.
Current the H7 can’t do this. Will the H10 have these magical properties?
Alternatively it is possible or at least not hugely annoying to wear two H7s, or even is ther someone mad enough to make a chest strap which takes two heart rate monitors?
Cheers
Me too, I already asked the same in a comment somewhere above and also adressed this question directly to the Polar Support here in Germany. Their answer is that this is not possible. :-( If it were possible I would be the first one to buy it. But it seems they don’t want my money. ;-)
Hi Nils
Bummer about the H10 :(
Looks like I am going to have get my sewing kit out and have a go at making my ‘patented’ chest strap with space for two H7s !
Would it be advantageous to buy an H10 for improved heart rate readings on my V800? I read something about an improved heart rate algorithm and of course the improved strap. I am not interested in the GoPro camera at all. Does the H10 interfere with GPS readings on the V800? Thanks for any information and clarity.
Hi Chere. Are you having issues with the H7? have you tried ECG gel for improved connection. I have used the H7 for several years without any problem. I now use an H10 loaned to me from Polar UK. Have I noticed a difference in HR accuracy? No. But I didn’t have a problem with it before.
No, the H10 will NOT interfere with GPS readings on V800
If you think the internal storage of the H10 is something you could use, get one, otherwise I’d stick with your H7
Hello Ray,
have you heard of any thoughts that the H10 strap can directly send the stored data to the V800. or is the way over polar beat the only way to get the data into polar flow.
kr Florian
I assume no ANT+ on the H10?
To answer my own question I spoke to Polar directly and was told “The H10 doesn’t communicate with ANT+ receivers. The H10 can communicate through our frequency, 5kHz and Bluetooth Smart.”
So could the H10 connect to a Garmin Edge via Bluetooth for cycling heart rate?
or sync with Strava if the activities data were collected data on a Garmin and an H10?
How would you show heart rate data against a swim recorded on an Apple watch? Using Swim.com?
This is getting difficult and it just seems like too many moving parts…
No, the Edge series doesn’t connect to Bluetooth Smart sensors (only to phones). Thus it doesn’t connect to the H10, or the Apple Watch watch (and that doesn’t transmit anyway).
I am dying to know if the H10 is worth $90 when I have an H7 and use a T31coded for swimming. Can it be that much more accurate? Is the sampling rate better? Is the battery replaceable? Can it be used with any Polar soft strap or must one have the new strap, too?
Even though the H7 is waterproof, I never could get it to work with my A300 in the pool, so per the advice of Polar support I bought T31coded which is fine. I wonder if the H10 will transmit reliable to the A300 or V800 while swimming, even though it does record one workout . I like to see my heart rate in real time, too.
I got mine the other month and have used it with my Garmin Edge and Suunto Spartan without any problems, as you’d expect. What I think Polar should really push here is NOT the GoPro compatibility but the fact it can be used by SWIMMERS without the need of a watch/phone connected.
Just pair the Polar H10 to your smartphone with Polar Beat app and you’re ready to train watchless and phoneless. Once connected to the APP press START … now hide your phone away somewhere safe and dry. The H10 will store the entire swim (or ANY activity for 65 hours) … FINISH you swim, retrieve your phone and press STOP on the app. Easy. All your swim data is uploaded to Polar Beat / Polar Flow for review later.
As DCR states, this is nothing new eg. Wahoo Tickr, Suunto Smartbeltm and Garmin HRM-swim etc but it’s Polar’s first.
Can the H10 pair directly with my Apple watch? I am most interested in using it with WatchOS’s workout app to provide better heart rate with less battery drain. I have an H7, but it seems not to connect with my watch reliably any more. I cannot tell if the problem is with my watch or my H7.
DCR, can you confirm that the H10 supports dual BLE connections? I can’t find any reference to that from Polar or seen anyone confirming it. You’re the only one saying so: “The other under the hood notable on the H10 is that it supports concurrent connections as a Bluetooth Smart sensor…”
Or is Polar playing the compatibility game here, specifying what head units are supported. Now only a GoPro and a V800 (if so), later the M460 or a new V900 or similar. Would use it with a V800 and an Elemnt and would buy if that is possible, with BLE.
Polar: “you must use it with one device at a time”
link to support.polar.com
Hi Patrik.
My view is that it will work concurrently with 2 x devices if ONE is Bluetooth and the OTHER is old skool 5kHz. This is how it can work to a Polar V800 and the GoPro at the same time. The GoPro on BTLE and the V800 on 5Khz. I tried using it with a Suunto Spartan Sport and iPhone 6 running Polar Beat at the same time. I couldn’t get it to work. It would only lock to the first device, one or the other. However, I did get it to connect to Spartan (BTLE) and V800 (5Khz). Hopefully DCR will confirm such. Tris :-)
Yeah, I know, just like the H7. I have one. Just wish DCR would check with Polar if dual BLE is really happening. Wondering if they’re working on a replacement for the V800 and plan to release this when the watch is released. Wouldn’t be surprised.
I’ll check back with them on where it stands. As noted in the post, it was using a bit of a unique blend, rather than purely 5.0. The main goal here for them was solving the ability to pair to a GoPro and get HR data there while also onto the watch.
Hi Ray,
Any answer on whether you can do dual pairing of the H10 and say the V800 and V650?
Thanks!
No you can’t. I have tried it with a Suunto Spartan (BTLE) and a Polar V650 (also BTLE). It will work with the FIRST unit it gets a CONNECTION with.
That said, answering your question … just like the Polar H7, the H10 WILL pair with the V800 and V650 at the same time. Connect it to the V650 first, it will use BTLE. Then put the V800 in training mode. It will get a connection using regular 5 kHz, NOT Bluetooth.
More info here
link to support.polar.com
anyone having issue with polar h10 staying connected to polar beat. in a session it looks like it is loosing the connection, leading to a drop line on the graph. seems to still record poperly though. any known bugs?
john
Hi Ray,
Wondering if the H10 will pair with the Apple Watch (have a Series 3/cellular) without the Polar app on the iPhone or watch? Would like to use it for running with the Strava app on the watch and maybe other 3rd-party apps.
Everything I have found says it ONLY works with the Polar app. Seems crazy since I understand the H7 paired with the Apple watches without any issue and worked with Apple and 3rd party apps.
Thanks much!
The H10 will pair with the Apple Watch natively. And some 3rd party apps as well. I’d post a question on the Apple Watch Series 3 post, where a lot of folks are talking about 3rd party apps.
Hi Thom
I’m a hobbiest Apple developer and also do triathlons
The polar h10 pairs with the aw3 cellular , I have both. Just make sure you pair the strap with the watch and not the phone. Also if you need to pair with the phone for a firmware update then once complete make sure you forget the the device on the phone before using with the watch next
Agree that the polar website isn’t clear.
Thanks. Grabbed one today and works like a champ.
Ray, would you still recommend Scosche Rhythm+ over Polar H10? Mostly cycling, occasionally running.
Hi DC, I am wanting to use the polar H10 with the wahoo bolt for cycling. I also want to use my old polar s725 .. as a run and swim heartrate receiver. Is the polar H10 compatibe with both devices? Is there a better option? I prefer a strap type HRM.
Thanks
Patrick
I have the Garmin Fenix 3 watch. Would this HRM work well with it or should I go with the Garmin HRM? I’ve had the older version of the Garmin HRM for a bit and it’s acting weird lately. Time for an upgrade. Thanks as always!!!
I have the Garmin Fenix 3 watch. Would this HRM work well with it or should I go with the Garmin HRM? I’ve had the older version of the Garmin HRM for a bit and it’s acting weird lately. Time for an upgrade. Thanks as always!!!
No, unfortunately not. The Fenix 3 can only connect to ANT+ straps. You could get a dual ANT+/Bluetooth Smart strap, something like the Wahoo TICKR that I often use. That way it works with Garmin stuff, as well as any new apps going forward.
The Polar Strap is Bluetooth Smart (BLE) only, and only Garmin’s new 2017 watches have the right chips to connect to BLE HR straps.
the H10 seems worthy of a more extensive review. I still don’t know whether I should be trading up from the H7.
any thoughts out there in tech-land?
Alan
Is there a consensus on the H10 strap? Besides the lack of ANT+, how accurate is it? Does it work in the water?
Any info is appreciated.
Thanks.
Does the H10 work with the old Polar plug-in HR receiver once sold with Computrainers? Would I be able to use it to connect to my Computainer and my Garmin Edge 1030 simultaneously?
Hi there, sorry to dredge up an old review, but Polar say that the H10 supports ANT+…I’m assuming this must either be a Mk.II or have they done this with a firmware upgrade? Eitherway, I’m looking at purchasing a forerunner 935 and wondering if the H10 might be a better option than the Garmin HRM-TRI…I’m assuming that the H10 would store the swim segment data and sync upon transition? Or is that too much to hope for?
Thanks as ever for your awesome content!
The H10 received a firmware update a couple months back, so any H10 supports it (new or old).
However, Polar hasn’t implemented off-loading for data to a Garmin. So while you can get live data (such as running), you can’t offload the saved swim data to a Garmin.
Thus in general, if you’ve got a Garmin watch and really want HR recorded for swimming, I’d begrudgingly still only recommend the HRM-TRI/SWIM. :(
I am thinking about switching from the Polar Vantage V to the new Garmin Fenix 6. Since I own 2 of the H10 heart rate sensors I wonder weather there would be any disadvantage in using these Polar sensors with the Garmin watch? Or asked the other way around: Would I benefit from buying Garmin heart rate sensors? It‘s all about the non-optical chest strap sensors.
Will the Fenix 6 use the accelerometers in the H10-sensors?
Does a Garmin FR 945 or eq. read the HRV data of a Polar H10? The measure the stress for example.
The strap has started to separate on my H10 & Polar Support say they expect you to replace it every 10-12 months. My previous Garmin strap lasted ~3 years before I sold it on. Feedback from support rep is below:
“I’m sorry to let you know that the warranty does not extend to the chest strap at this point in time as it’s over a year old.
Straps usually need to be replaced every 12 to 10 months.
We are happy to offer a replacement Pro Strap for the cost of 34,90 € or 19,90 € for a Soft strap plus 9€ for postage.
May I please have your full address if you wish to order one?
Do keep in mind that we only have black chest straps in our service center.
Best Regards,
Polar Customer Care/XXXXX
Polar Electro”
You didn’t test battery life on H10, did you? It’s not been mentioned.
According to your “comparison tool” the battery life should be about 1-2 years. I suspect that comes from Polar and not from a test?
I need to change battery every 10-14 days on my H10, whenever my Vantage tells me the H10 battery is getting empty.
That’s pretty often compared to my Garmin strap that would last for about 3 years before needing to switch battery…and a whole lot shorter than the “1-2 years” in the comparison tool at link to dcrainmaker.com
Something is wrong with your strap. I use a Polar H10 a fair bit, and I haven’t changed a battery on it yet. My guess is the strap is a year or so.
Ring up Polar have it swapped out. If you’re burning batteries every 10-14 days, that sounds like a short in the battery compartment that’s keeping it on 24×7.
I’m not sure whether anyone reads a comment to a post from 2019, but does anyone else experience the problem of the Polar H10 strap staying connected or constantly reconnecting to a Garmin watch (FR735XT and Fenix 6S in my case) when not in use (i.e., I’m not wearing the strap, the watch is in not in activity mode)? This drains the battery, meaning I have to replace it approximately every month. Removing the sensor/unit from the strap, or disconnecting one of the buttons does not help, unfortunately. Does anyone else experience this, and is there a fix?