Garmin HRM-DUAL Review // ANT+ & Bluetooth Smart Heart Rate Strap

[@Dcrainmaker]

Woah - cool update from Garmin: Turns out they misspoke, the HRM-DUAL will indeed support not just dual ANT+/Bluetooth Smart, but two concurrent Bluetooth Smart connections as part of that. Just tested it. 1xZwift iOS on BT, 1xTrainerRoad iOS on BT, Garmin FR935 via ANT+. I added/included a pic in my review here: dcra.in/HRM-DUAL

[@PoetWithPace]

It may be a cool update, but for us average athletes do we really need all these multi-connections? ;-)

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@PoetWithPace If you're a Suunto or Polar person and using Zwift, then yup. :)

[@PoetWithPace]

@@Dcrainmaker that would be three no's then :-)

[@MissHitAllTheTime]

@@Dcrainmaker hi bro. I just subcribe and love your video reviews. i really need help or if anyone can help. and if you can tell me from the graph if my heart rate monitor is not working when you zoom in? appeciated if you can help me analyze and give some tips on how to tell? My latest run yesterday and the link below is from runs few days ago as well for you to check. i run every other day. is it getting worst each day as i run? link below is most recent to oldest. connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/5252224555

[@williammitchell6921]

Good to know. I need it to pair concurrently with my Garmin Edge 830 cycling computer as well as my Specialized Mission Control for my ebike.

[@albertgilmore9703]

I'm impressed you got the monitor to work for more then 20 seconds. Mine just keeps cutting in and out. I gave up on it and got a polar. Contacted garmin and just kept getting links to webpages that told me everything I've already done.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hey folks - thanks for watching! If you're looking for links to all the data sets and plenty more, hit up the full text review here: dcra.in/HRM-DUAL

[@AndreaOnTheMove]

only one things, 1 atm is 10 meter underwater :) for the rest I love your video's!!!!!

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@AndreaOnTheMove Umm, my comment was 3ft = 1 meter. The strap is IPX7 waterproofed, thus, 1m/3ft.

[@AndreaOnTheMove]

@@Dcrainmaker I'm not a native english speaker but at minute 2.43 of the video You say: "is waterproof to 1atm that is basically 3 meter, sorry one meter" but 1 ATM is 10 meter under water. probably wasting your time over nothing but thanks for the answer !! start to run 6 month ago (started not able to run 1 km and 85 kg now I run half marathon in 2.04 and 74 kg! )and your video help me a lot on the choice of my first watch

[@profchaos9001]

Finally, and saying this before even watching the review

[@johnnysikaffy5394]

4iii with viva has been doing this for so much long! Good that Garmin leveled up.

[@Advcrazy]

Johnny Sikaffy so has wahoo!

[@mrjoshuagordon]

Finally! Would be better if it did running dynamics like GCT balance..

[@RideAlongside]

Been waiting for this Ray. Thanks!

[@mlee6136]

I’ve replaced a few of these Garmin straps, their not cheap. Problem is the area where the strap has sensors delaminates. I’ve gone to using cheaper china HRM straps from eBay....I’m not the only one my friends replace garmin straps regularly...

[@philippger105]

I like the review, and totally agree: Rather an option for Garmin bundles, than a HR strap you would buy individually. The Wahoo TICKR offers dual band at a lower price with the option to buy replacement straps, also at a lower price. You can even get adhesive electrodes (Prokidai Airfit), if you don’t like chest straps but still want the accuracy in measurement. Although I think these might work for the Garmin too. I wonder if you ever did accuracy testing for the TICKR? Or maybe at least used it as comparison for other tested devices? I would really like to see some data on that. Or are all chest HRMs equally accurate? I think 4iiii advertises their viiiiva to be 10(?) times more accurate than other heart rate straps. Anyways, keep up the good work! I’m always coming to your channel for recommendations and will continue to do so:)

[@nate6692]

anyone know what the screws are? I need to get a bag of replacements

[@_Rafiki.]

wow! it's like Garmin didnt hear the gun go. so far behind but i guess the BT HRM strap race isnt one Garmin needed to enter

[@Velofil]

I had to replace 6 GARMIN straps in two years... they are really crap! I switched to Polar

[@antong9653]

Hey how is polar

[@syedmahmed1979]

@@antong9653 I found Polar awful. Connecting via Bluetooth is such a hassle, wasting 5 to 10 min each time. Have had the HRM dual for a day. Fantastic so far.

[@tonyoswald3013]

DCR I know it says battery life is 3 1/2 years, but can you take the horrible soft fiddly screws out - the "coin slot" lock covers on Wahoo and other units seem much more user friendly - and change out the battery and see if it still works? I've done that with my 2 different old Garmin HRMs in the past and they never worked properly again after. It's a simple swap, but for some reason it never works out.

[@timosalpharomeo]

I also had the same experience: I had three Garmin HRMs and everytime I changed the battery they died and never worked again. Onetime I was lucky and it was in warranty. I'm never buying another Garmin HRM monitor again

[@ericlancaster2889]

@@timosalpharomeo Looks like the same shitty screws :(

[@PoetWithPace]

on my new Garmin, batteries lasted only 4 months. And as for the fiddly screws to get battery out, don't get me started! lol

[@mucklark6943]

That's a typical problem with a lot of these Button Cell devices. A tip is to put the new battery in the wrong way first. It shorts out the circuits. Then put the battery in the correct way and you're good to go. As for the tiny screws ... don't get me started ! My actual HRM has only 3 screws holding it together ... still works though

[@gilbertchcs]

Did not say how to tell if it’s reading? How can you tell its working?

[@Strizzle81]

After 15 runs with this strap, having frustrating problem 3 out of last 4 runs with the heart rate starting way too high(30-40bpm) the 1st 10min of a run. I always wet the electrodes 1st...tried to resync mid run and restart watch to no avail. Ended up using my 945 lte optical sensor. Not happy

[@RunningOtaku]

Very cool, thanks! EKG-based Heart Rate monitors are rock solid...I guess the only remaining issue is comfort/fit/slippage of the chest strap. Using your DC Rainmaker Analyzer tool, I did a test of Apple Watch 4 vs. Wahoo TICKR. Turns out that slippage is more of an issue with watches when running hard than it is with chest straps. Oh well...

[@kierenkd]

My old cheap android supported Ant+ in phone, as does my new Samsung S9. I dont think android phone makes advertise that enough. I always have to as on a forum if someone can test if a phone has an ant+ radio before I buy. Considering fitness/ well being seems a growth area, phone manufacturers should jump on that

[@orldoming]

I had the polar 10, n the software update around Jan 2022 it totally make the device into caca literally then I bought 2 different tickrs from eBay n I have a ton of connection problems which I never got to use the device n now I gave up. Now hopefully this Garmin works.

[@coppo675]

ray , so they still got those shitty little screws for the battery cover, thats an insane little screwdriver to fit them on my current premium strap module

[@sethfrankel3542]

You’d probably call the textured pattern “knurled”, since you mentioned it.

[@PoetWithPace]

Does Garmin have the most complex way to change the battery?

[@stephencowman3142]

Hey Ray garmin or wahoo in your opinion I've found that I kill the strap on the garmin if I wash it ,its happened on 3 different hrms.keep up the great work dude

[@Dcrainmaker]

Out of curiosity - are you sticking it in the washing machine?

[@stephencowman3142]

DC Rainmaker yes I am what do you think I’m doing washing it in a river and banging it on a rock hahaha great work Ray

[@RixterNow]

Replacing the battery on the Garmin HRM is rediculous! You need a micro screwdriver set like working on tech equip. The Viiia HRM is much better for swapping batteries and it can act as BLE/Ant+ bridge

[@TomasJot]

When I recently bought Wahoo Kickr, Garmin finally releases it:). Does Garmin Dual supports HRV measurment (for example, to use with HRV training recovery tracking app)?

[@DavidWard14]

Yes.

[@robertcharles5528]

It is not easy to use Garmin HRM-Dual to iPhone 8 via Bluetooth. The problem is getting an app to display heart rate on iPhone during exercise. Not simple if you do not have a Garmin Watch or other device. I wish you would have shows iOS App via Bluetooth.

[@joemaki2187]

Ray, don't depend on sweat or saliva for connectivity, use electrode gel, just like a cardiologist. Inexpensive and rinses off with water.

[@Dcrainmaker]

True. I do have some around, but I'm travelling and don't always remember to take it with me.

[@christianhoward154]

Hey! If the strap is connected to my Fenix 6 Pro, will the strap send a live heart rate reading to my watch? Or will my watch reflect the heartrate data it's getting from the sensor on the actual watch? Thanks

[@my-max-media7621]

Instead of wetting the strap or and getting best connection, why not just use electrode gel?

[@davidmoreno790]

I bought one in January and after 2 months it started to just send bad data to my Garmin, like, all the time just a HR of 65-70bpm when I was doing a lot of work. Then I asked for a warranty, got another new and again, 4 months later it started with the same problem for some time intervals until a month later, it just cracked down in functionality. Has anyone else had this problem?

[@shanec4441]

I paired the HRM bluetooth one time and after that I could never reconnect. I ready to send it back. My iPhone Bluetooth is off.

[@Armenian]

Good timing on release - I might need this. The thin rubber pads on the back of my current Garmin strap are peeling off. I wonder if CA glue can repair this?

[@ryanrisbridger2063]

Armenian unused superglue to repair one of my HRM tri straps. It works pretty well.

[@chrisholton1381]

Having the battery case requiring screws is really annoying!

[@Dcrainmaker]

True, but it dramatically improves waterproofing.

[@ferryengr]

Yes, I returned my previous Garmin HRM because the batteries were dead within a few days of use and 3 of the 4 screws were virtually impossible to remove. I used special screwdriver and still no luck. Too bad, because Garmin's strap was actually pretty nice quality-wise except for the design flaw with the screws. Never had my Polar H7 fail due to any leaks, let alone waterproofing, so any so-called "improvement" to waterproofing resulting from the use of screws has no benefit.

[@RixterNow]

I wonder if its more waterproof than competitors? I guess if you swim with that's more of a concern than just biking

[@tonyoswald3013]

@@Dcrainmaker any response to problems after battery swaps?

[@PoetWithPace]

agreed!

[@tdr5944]

Can you pair Bluetooth headphones and the hrm dual to a mobile phone at the same time?

[@4tCa4mzUPqRZZo]

Hi, so I was wondering. I have the garmin 245 but also wanted to get this chest strap to get more accurate data. The thing is I also want to get data from the watch in addition to getting the data from the chest strap. I know the chest strap is much more accurate and the watch a lot less, but I was wondering if there was anyway I could get both after a run? Or will I have to just simply use a different brand for the chest strap and not garmin?

[@njdnjdnjd]

DC RainMaker. Do you know if the iRunSmooth app for iPhone, can use STRYD a and Bluetooth heart rate strap. And also could you tell me if this new garmin DUAL strap works with the irunsmooth iPhone app? Thanks so much

[@fernandodpl7713]

Hello, could you help me on knowing if I could pair this heart rate monitor to a Suunto ambit 3 Peak? Thank you

[@andianwar5784]

Hi i wanna ask question, does the HRM Dual able to perform lactacte threshold test if i pair it with Garmin Instinct 2X solar? the watch ask me to use garmin HRM to perform the test, thanks in advance.

[@ValeYard13]

Would this pair with your Apple Watch? Sorry if iOS was meant to cover that.

[@tims.2832]

I was able to pair the hrm-dual with my garmin venu (= a vivoactive with other display), turned off the wrist-heartrate-feature (to save energy), but lose connection to the hrm-dual after 20 sec. Same if I turn wrist-heartrate on. No difference if I use ant+ or bluetooth. Anyone else?

[@marthalampropoulou]

For hiit workouts such as CrossFit you think HRM dual or polar h9-10 is better? Thank you

[@sadrokartonychribekcz2118]

hia,...Garmin HRM-DUAL, what about connecting with STRAVA app? experience with this strap and strava?

[@ferguson1376]

Is this compatible with the Nike Run Club app on iOS?

[@runfarfaster9650]

Yes

[@willphan]

Hey there! I’m curious, I have the classic Garmin HRM, the ANT only, before Bluetooth, is this worth upgrading too? For more accurate HR data? Or is it going to be exactly the same? I only use it with my Vivo 4 for running, amateur running here trying to do zone 2 training.

[@marcledsham2942]

Will this work direct with Strava rather than having to use a third party app? Many thanks

[@jrock-xs9vp]

I have a sole treadmillsl it came with a strap but it sucks will this work with that ?

[@popitn2nd]

my computer has 2.0 bluetooth. will this pair up? or do i need 4.0 bluetooth ?

[@jpeacock1234]

I just got a garmin fenix 6x sapphire and hrm tri. I have been having some trouble connecting them together. Do you have any recommendations on how to do this?

[@Stefanosinf]

Can you do a video on Magene Mover HRM? Thanks!

[@pierce9128]

So would this be ok to use in a triathlon race? Worried about the waterproofing

[@equsnarnd]

Will this work doing a Sprint program on a treadmill?

[@jovecvetanoski4057]

will it track my VO2 MAX after an cycling?

[@markomelezovic1757]

Hello. Please advice, which HRM sensor is best for the Fenis 6 pro? I am in doubt between the HRM-Dual and the HRM-3... I mostly ride my bike and go to the gym(Strength), sometimes I run in gym, so which sensor do you recommend to buy for these activities. Is it HRM-3 for triathlon only or can it be used for gym(Strenght), bike, running, swimming? Thank you!

[@fitfirst4468]

DC Rainmaker, i am thinking about buying this DUAL HRM, does it connect with the Garmin Connect app? I want to buy the VivoSport and use the DUAL HRM for more accurate heart rate tracking , will the Heart Rate DATA go through and connect with the Garmin Connect App? please advise. thanks

[@pohorachspetom]

Great review. I have one easy qestion for you. I use Fenix 6x and this Garmin HRM Dual. When performing the activity the watch senzor is still flashing. Is it okay or could it be somewhere deativated ? Thanks in advance.

[@runfarfaster9650]

I disable my watch’s hrm sensor when using my chest strap. This could be causing an interference.

[@SaschaRobitzki]

I’m surprised they added this to their lower tier HRM and not to their more advanced models. I thought the base model was already obsolete.

[@user-gt3bc8fr7n]

Здравствуйте. HRM-Dual с часами Suunto Spartan Trainer wrist HR соединяются?

[@mramazingtroy]

Ray, does the Scosche still hold a candle? Or are there better non chest strap heart monitors out there?

[@DavidWard14]

Thanks Ray 👍 At 9:52 You said the Polar H10 doesn't have ANT+. Is that right?

[@Dcrainmaker]

It didn't then. But, it came in a firmware update about a month after this video was shot. It does today.

[@isaacyoung1868]

I was pissed when i got a hrm from Garmin for 2018 Christmas and had to return it because it didn't have Bluetooth... Like i mean just upset that i had to have one that required two different wireless connection technologies.. i guess Garmin was very aware of this.

[@Larcellarmstrong1]

Can I pair it with my Apple Watch 4 series?

[@AndrewTSq]

I am worried that companys abandon ANT+ and only use BT. I have a Garmin Edge 800 on my trainer, so I can easily see watt and heartrate. I also have a Garmin XT735 that is used for getting all the data from the trainer and HR-belt and then after completing my indoortraining upload it to strava. I also have my computer / android phone using ANT+ and all these devices dont mind sharing the data from my Elite Direto. With BT my guess is that I can only connect to one device?. Like Elite Direto only connects to my smartphone, and will not connect also to another device with BT support?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Given Gamrin is doing dual (and that Garmin owns ANT+), it's pretty unlikely. Almost all sensors have moved to dual ANT+/BLE. There's actually a lot of reasons in the indoor cycling realm where ANT+ is a better option for the meantime. Unfortunately, not all companies have caught up to Polar or Garmin in terms of offering dual-BLE connections.

[@V4D2]

thanks for the video man. ;) .

[@mrrishibhatia]

Hi Ray amazing video. Can it used independently to track a run or hiit. Also will I get similar metrics on the garmin connect app ( training load etc.) if I use this independently. Just connected to my smartphone ?

[@runfarfaster9650]

Whatever you would usually see within the Health app or other third party app is the information you would get when pairing this hrm to your iPhone. This hrm does not store data from activities. You will need a third party device to capture the data being transmitted from the hrm.

[@deankhan191]

will it work with a peloton bike?

[@warriorofgod8188]

I bought the hrm dual garmin and downloaded the garmin app and Strava app but I can’t figure out what I have to do to see my heart rate during my whole run. It’ll show if I go check but I want the analysis. Using a iPhone. Please help me

[@warriorofgod8188]

How far do I have to run to see a heart beat analysis?

[@MrFataux]

I connect HRM-Dual with Edge 530, when cycling it gives me breathing rate, but again before getting Edge I use Fenix watch with hrm-tri which don't show that data. Is it because TRI doesn't measure breathing rate or it is because of using Fenix watch instead of edge?

[@runfarfaster9650]

It’s the watch

[@lucagandolfi4k]

Garmin finalmente arriva dove la concorrenza era già arrivata da tempo. Meglio tardi che mai. Bisogna verificare la durata nel tempo perché tutte le fasce cardio Garmin che ho avuto dopo circa un anno incominciavano a fare i capricci e ad avere ripetuti malfunzionamenti

[@abdulhabbi]

Does HRM dual support 5 kHz wireless connectivity?

[@abdulhabbi]

I have fenix 6 pro & cybex 625t which support 5 KHz wireless or i go for polar H 10? Please guide

[@LeedsJimbo82]

Hey I’ve watched a few of your videos I’m looking for a watch or strap to monitor my fitness activities, mainly CrossFit. Could this be worn on its own and linked to an iPhone? Or would I need to wear a garmin watch as well? I’m not sure how comfortable I’d be working out with a watch on...

[@runfarfaster9650]

This will link directly to your iPhone. Mainly the Strava app or the Health app on IOS. This device does not store data however. You will only receive your heart rate.

[@GoFundYourself]

Wondering if it has run dynamics like the Garmin Garmin HRM-Run?

[@Dcrainmaker]

No, it does not.

[@ivanknezevic2915]

Hello DC Rainmaker, wondering, beside of Heart rate, can this strap record burned calories and intensity minutes? I'm using Garmin Venu, and while I'm doing cardio training I'm totally fine with it, but sometimes my cardio contains spar and kickboxing, so because of gloves, I need to take off the watch, so I'm also wondering, will strap continue to record my training even if I took off my watch, where I was previously stared the training session?

[@runfarfaster9650]

No it will not continue. It does not store data for a later download. Try connecting to your Health app or other iOS app. You could connect directly to Strava or something else

[@maxsteelMountainLover]

Hi DC Rainmaker, Just had a query - does the HRM Dual work with Garmin 62s models? Can I use it whilst I trek to log the HR? Can't seem to find this answer anywhere. 62s supports ANT HRM sensor but on the website it says no support but maybe because the model is old they didn't find it necessary. Thus, my query :)

[@runfarfaster9650]

Yes it would compatible. I used this exact model with my Forerunner 15!

[@kuryo193]

Does the dual have built in memory?

[@Dcrainmaker]

No, within Garmin's lineup only the HRM-PRO has both dual ANT+/BLE and built-in memory. The HRM-TRI and HRM-SWIM have memory, but not Bluetooth Smart.

[@ignacio2763]

Does this have an app that lets you do challenges with friends?

[@j.milleraabamsc9400]

best hrm

[@emailjwr]

Will the Wahoo app pick this up and display HR during a workout?

[@runfarfaster9650]

Yes

[@george.carlin]

I just got it and connected to Samsun S7 Bluetooth. After this, I can't figure out how to see or record my HR. Duh? I installed Garmin connect but it has no HRM Dual listed as a device to connect. I also installed Strava Free and can't see where to add HRM Dual to see my HR. Looks like no point of this Bluetooth connection if it can't be used with the phone.

[@Dcrainmaker]

You'll need an app to record the data. Strava's free app doesn't work with it since that requires a paid level. Check out the free Wahoo Fitness app - it's a good way to quickly record data from sensors like this. Cheers!

[@george.carlin]

@@Dcrainmaker thanks. I figured it out. I found your blog and replied to that angry dude Paul 🤣 with my successful steps. I used mapmyrun to see BPM in real time and to review my heart results later. A bitcoin picture there is to promote freedom of money I hope you don't mind.

[@rajwvilla]

Does it work with gym bikes/treadmills etc?

[@runfarfaster9650]

Yes it does. Any device that allows Bluetooth.

[@mertovski12]

can I swim with this product?

[@BrianFaure]

Your chart starting at 6:21 does not have the Garmin Dual HRM?

[@kcfwpi1]

It's probably the HR sensor paired in the Stages-M50 file.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Sorry, correct.

[@sultanyoutube8241]

On my stand is Bluetooth Smart

[@archielabb]

@8:50...."it's a Polar". I don't get it?!? You don't like Polar or was "its a Polar" a good thing?

[@Dcrainmaker]

It's non-ideal, it's showing that the Polar Vantage optical sensor is once again having a rough day.

[@AJ13B]

Does it pair with garmin fenix 5?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup!

[@ethanseltzer]

The battery case screws is a deal killer. Battery won't last as long as they say and those screws are a serious pain.

[@lenkiewitcz]

But how do you connect it to Zwift?

[@Frenmet]

Hey, cut somebody tell me if this works on Android divices?

[@2740bk]

Yes it works fine! I´m using it with HR Monitor 1.1

[@Csapi007]

OMG, how can they still use that crappy 4 screw backplate design??? That failes on all Garmin straps all the time!

[@whokilledgaurav4387]

nice one, but do you oil your tongue everyday, man it slips so fast

[@PhillRS]

Can i pair these with my phone and use strava to track it? Help please!

[@runfarfaster9650]

Yes you can. You can use this with the Health app on IOS or directly to Strava

[@Vidushaka68]

Pffft bit late eh, I’ve had a wahoo for years

[@Yosser70]

is this accurate enough to measure HRV?

[@runfarfaster9650]

Yes this strap does record HRV/RR

[@kevinschulz9770]

why nobody wants to connect it to a smartphone???

[@Dcrainmaker]

You can.

[@jreder25]

Can the HRM Tri be connected via Bluetooth on zwift? I tried to do this briefly and was unsuccessful. Thanks for the great contents as always!

[@Dcrainmaker]

No, it's still ANT+ only.

[@fenderperry]

I love my Scosche heart rate monitor that fits around my forearm. I don’t see a reason to wear a chest strap, seems less comfortable. Anyone else use the Scosche?

[@profchaos9001]

I tried few wrist straps and they're "ok" for the most part but if i used them long enough, at some points i always had some issues. Also, seeing all pros still using chest straps makes me think the wrist optical ones arent yet there for reliability.

[@Dcrainmaker]

And yet two optical sensors outperformed the chest strap in one of the tests...

[@fenderperry]

Peter Appelt I am not sure to tell you the truth.

[@CrixMadine]

DC Rainmaker which ones?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Scosche 24 and Polar OH-1. And for that matter, both watches too with optical.

[@bornrun24]

Why would Garmin remove the running dynamics? If I want to upgrade i need the dual heart rate monitor and Running dynamics Pod. No thanks! I will keep the Garmin HR and buy a Wahoo Bluetooth. I hear they have better battery replacement case.

[@Dcrainmaker]

It wasn’t removed. The lower model this is replacing never has it.

[@robj3773]

Hi Ray, Are there any HRM straps that support the bog standard gym equipment protocol plus Ant+ or BT that you can recommend?

[@Dcrainmaker]

None that I recommend yet.

[@Joris9]

I use a Polar H7, which supports Gymlink and Bluetooth. For me it holds up after years of use, the only problem I have is that during heavy rain the readings sometimes go off on a tangent, e.g. a one and a half hour run with an average HR above 200.

[@robj3773]

Joris van der Vorst Thanks for the tip. Apparently the Polar H10 does also and has memory and dual channel Bluetooth. Bonus designed for use swimming too.

[@wandelpassiert8064]

1 atm equals 10m.

[@experimental_av]

Why do people prefer this over optical sensors?

[@Advcrazy]

Jan Detlefsen optical sensors like in watches? They aren’t as accurate and movement of the sensor interferes with the measurement.

[@experimental_av]

@@Advcrazy yeah but they make them as straps as well. i think battery life is also better with this one. Optical ones need frequent recharging.

[@blackstreamramble3965]

1atm = 10 meter

[@mikejlawrence0788]

This thing sucks. Can't even connect to any app