Polar Verity Sense In-Depth Review: 13 New Things To Know

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hey folks! Don't forget all the data sets are available in my full written in-depth review here: dcra.in/Verity-Sense

[@cadupradoo]

Best reviewer of the internet. Not only for gadgets, but best reviewer of all.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks!!!

[@mike_f]

Got the OH1+ based on your review and went in fully knowing about the shorter battery life. It's been a great sensor for what's been primary zwift sessions in the cave. Def very pleased and didn't really care about competitors battery life. But now.... anyone wanna buy a used OH1+ 😂

[@bravo_red]

haha same here, amazon would have let me return it till the January 31st :/ not sure if there is a great second hand market for sweaty arm bands

[@climberevan]

Same. I love the function of the OH1+ but charging almost daily gets old.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Nice one Ray! The dual bluetooth broadcast is a niche feature I think a lot of people can benefit from.

[@mlegrand]

Great review Ray! The OH1+ has been my favorite for a while. Glad to see the update from Polar 👌

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks Matt!

[@saracen888]

I bought an OH1 for indoor training on the back of your review and it’s a great bit of kit but the 8hr battery life was pretty mediocre. An increase to 20hrs is great!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Awesome - thanks! Indeed, one of my favs for sure!

[@taurusview9]

Love Love Love the accuracy graph...that is how it is done!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks - appreciate it!

[@skycrafts5140]

Thanks for the review. Very helpful. The Verity seems to be a significant improvement on the OH1, and for very little difference in price. I use the Polar H10 chest strap (except for swimming) rather than an optical sensor as the H10 is so accurate. But the verity seems to be more versatile and convenient, and a great optical option. I have a theory about the lag in optical HR sensors - and please correct me anyone if I'm not right. The chest sensors get an instant record of electrical activity of the heart, but the surge from that heart beat is like a wave of compression of the blood through the body, which takes time to reach the area where the optical device detects the blood-flow speed increase. Like dropping a stone onto a pond. There is an instant 'splash' but the ripples don't reach the edge for a few seconds. Just a thought :-)

[@MusikPiratCH]

I don't know about your "theory". But if you look at it this way, even if the heart rate would act as a wave, the earlier wave shoud have reached other regions of your body on the same time you put it on. There isn't only one wave. The heart is beating constantly (otherwise you're dead). That's my view on "your theory". 🤔

[@j1pps]

Great review! Polar says it can be worn anywhere on the body under tight clothing, so it would be great to see a video of how it stacks up in various positions vs say the H10 benchmark….

[@fitgearhunter]

Love love love the specificity to the review. Great work. Look forward to testing it at some point soon.

[@eight10man]

Excellent review! I swim a lot using my OH1+ attached to either the goggle strap or attached on my arm, the former in order to be within range of my Form goggles or the latter to be within range of my watch. Maybe now the underwater Bluetooth range is increased and powerful enough to the point that you can use it the Verity Sense with your watch whilst attached to the goggle strap on your temple...? Also dual Bluetooth channels will work great with the Form goggles, whilst at the same time still connect to your Suunto or Polar watch. FWIW, I swim with a Garmin on the wrist in the Openwater activity mode, and a Suunto in Hiking-mode (for a great 1-second GPS track) inside my swim cap.

[@AnthonyDeLorenzo]

I was waiting on the new Rhythm 2.0 but now I'll be getting one of these for sure, thanks for the review. Have to wait until end of the month here in Canada apparently.

[@DarkaFire]

Just bought one, having had accuracy issues with my 945 for a couple of months and after my first run today, all looking good so far. Went to the gym last week (before I got the Verity) and the stairs machine was reporting a HR of 139 which felt about right with the 945 reporting 99.... very wrong and has been progressively getting worse on every run with recovery runs being reported as max HR efforts even though I could tell by feel that I was running very easy. Anyway, thanks for the review, this was the reason I got the verity and I like it so far.

[@Steve-cc8zg]

Well, this answers my questions or one particular question: Is the whoop any better? Wow, that thing. I got it, and it was just all over the map. Combine that with your review it seemed pretty obvious that no matter how impressive all the other analytics were, if the heart rate sensor sucked, the rest of the information was pointless. Based on your review I got the OH1+, and it was just the best feeling. I never realized how annoying a chest strap was until I didn't have to use one to get accurate data. Not sure this version does much for me as I don't need the added range, and I charge it after every use. But the wider strap that addresses it rolling over all the time is nice. Top job, as always, Ray. I am hoping that whoop gets it figured out, because it does look like it has a lot of upside. Just not now.

[@cheyenne983]

Your channel is one of my go-tos before deciding what fitness stuff to purchase. Thanks!!

[@ThePsycholist]

For the Whoop strap to be only HR based for all their calculations, it sure doesn't do the best job at measuring HR.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Kinda crazy...huh?

[@ThePsycholist]

@@Dcrainmaker Yes! I get so frustrated with it while working out and comparing my live HR from Polar H10 to the whoop. The whoop is usually 10-15 bpm lower. Nice vid about the Verity though!

[@sturdyvw]

@@ThePsycholist whoop is just a marketing company. One thing I've learned, if most of the "influencers" have a product, it's probably not that great. These companies send them free products and pay them to push it down your throat. DC Rainmaker tells the truth!

[@chrissinclair6086]

@@sturdyvw 100% agree. Wish I never purchased one. WHOOP told me I was tired, when I was not and vice versa. I have the OH1 + and it’s way more reliable and accurate than any HRM chest or wrist based. Avoid the WAHOO tickr as well, not reliable on Zwift, RGT etc.

[@curtisgoodwin8962]

Another great review Ray. Now I’m excited to order one and enjoy extra battery life over my aging OH1. Roots tee for the win 🇨🇦

[@JadenFeddock]

Definitely an interesting charging method on these polar straps... seems to be more accurate in HR than the whoop but I sure love the ease of charging my Whoop.. Thanks for the review!

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yeah, the Whoop charging system is awesome. Arguably, the most awesome part of Whoop. Regrettably, accuracy there is less awesome.

[@beastlordcurran]

Love your reviews! This was so timely too, I had gone to your website to see if I should upgrade to a H10 or get the OH1 and voila!

[@ingagade951]

Are the Polar Verity SEnse in-depht similar to garmin or must I have a Garmin strap because I have a Garmin watch or is the Polar strap only for people with Polar watsches ??

[@robertor.mvp2419]

Very good video! Do you suggest this new sensor for activity like crossfit? It could be better to wear than classic chest brand polar h9 or H10?

[@grumpytex1970]

Love this HR monitor, always disliked chest straps, and this perfect for paddling. My only question is when the VS is in Basic Broadcast mode (example connected to ZWIFT) does it also to later sync with Polar Flow App. IE Will it save to ZWIFT and also the Polar flow app as a Cycling Activity or does it need to be used simultaneously in the Recording mode? Love the reviews BTW Cheers

[@BenjaminScot]

Would my wife and I both be able to use this? For instance... I do a ride on my trainer and have it attached to Zwift and my watch. Then I finish, give it to her, and she does a workout with her Apple Watch. You mentioned two bands of Bluetooth. Wondering if three+ devices can be attached, so long as not all at the same time. I just want to avoid having to connect and disconnect or lair all the time. Also, any idea if this is compatible with the HRV for Training App? Thanks!

[@chriskoboldt3636]

Nice ending music! Oh, and good video as well.

[@davedave5885]

Thanks for the review. Don't you think, that it's highly exaggerating the calories burnt? More than 900kcal in under 1h?

[@jjay718]

Would you choose this or the Scosche rhythm+ 2.0? Mainly using for cycling and pairing to my pc for zwift or my wahoo elemnt bolt when cycling outdoors.

[@Dcrainmaker]

This.

[@jjay718]

@@Dcrainmaker Thanks. I picked one up and love it. To do 2 concurrent bluetooth connections you do have to turn that on in the Polar flow app. I had the scosche as well and I must have got a dud. The scosche would not show a reading on my wahoo elemnt bolt and the range was terrible.

[@achieving_life]

Great review but I’m a bit confused. Are you saying the OH1 and Verity are more accurate than the chest based H10 or that they are just easier to put on?

[@Dcrainmaker]

I'm not sure I'm saying either per se. The OH1/Verity Sense are the most accurate optical HR sensors out there. There are occasions where they can do better than a chest strap (for example, cool/dry fall weather is really tough for most chest straps). But optical sensors tend to be more comfortable, especially for women.

[@AlexssandroPhoto]

The big problem with the excellent OH1 and this new one is the charger. I lost mine, which is easy to imagine why, and it doesn't exist to sell.

[@carstenheinz5450]

Hi Ray, thanks. Looks very promising. I love the OH1 and use it for all my workouts. One downside is, that to my best knowledge it does not support downloading heart rate data to a Garmin watch after the swim has ended. Has this been implemented for the new one? I think Polar would have to support this ANT+ functionality.

[@birraebici]

I used to swim with OH1 and Garmin fenix6 X, find the HR data is well collect to the watch while I swim, I didn’t use the record mode of three OH1!

[@rudolph3058]

Sooooo, it detects when you are doing interval runs? does it record the times and distances separately? speed, does it record?

[@jbvignal534]

Hello Have you heard of an update regarding this verity sense, or maybe a new one from another brand ? Thanks a lot Jb

[@osorocks]

Does Garmin have an ARM BAND HR monitor? I have the 945 and wanted a garmin product that works seamlessly. If not I will go with this...

[@cycloneteddyful]

Oren Sofer- I'm new to this whole heart rate stuff, but I mostly have garmin products. Did you find a solution in the garmin world? Or did you go with this one. Thanks!

[@communicationiskey-]

Good review and very good channel. The Verity Sense is way too complex in comparison to a chest strap that you just wear and go without have to push any buttons. Chest straps are already very accurate. More accurate than a chest strap is like saying this detergent cleans whiter than white… I’ll stick to my chest strap and keep it simple :)

[@njsfer]

It's not too complex, if you just turn it on and sync with your watch, it's as simple as a chest strap. It is more complex if you want to use it without a watch or if you want to swim, thing that chest straps can't do. I have both and I don't use my Polar H10 anymore because the Verity Sense if much more comfortable and doesn't slip as much as my chest strap. And in the winter I don't have those spikes because of the stactic eletricity.

[@Dave-lr2wo]

Huh? It's one button and three extremely straightforward modes. Take a breath.

[@philippger105]

Hey Ray, not really related to the video but something I wanted to ask you for a long time: what HR strap is your go-to? Especially when it comes to accuracy and usability?

[@BizEngJapan]

Does it connect to Samsung Gear Sport watch (tizen OS)? If yes, I would buy it immediately.

[@FunkyFaulc]

Just to clarify does this sensor work with swim node when attached to a Garmin 935? Essentially working similar to the Garmin Swim HRT monitor? My gut says no ... but it would be awesome if it did.

[@Shirocco7]

Thanks, good review, but really wanted to know how it holds up to weight training, such as supersetting etc; I've smashed a smart watch by accident doing that and am looking for information on how arm bands like this stack up for this purpose.

[@tams805]

Definitely going to pick one up. It has all the improvements that I've been looking.

[@johanstridsman8020]

..for.

[@Daniel-dj7fh]

Does this thing connect to Google Fit or Samsung Health?

[@KrzysztofJaruszewski]

Have you tried putting OH1 in the strap and checking the range of the BT signal? :) You said that they said it wouldn't work but.... perhaps it is worth checking ;)

[@RacingRef]

I've been using Polar products for nearly 20 years now and love them but have always wore a HR chest strap so a H10 at the money with my V800. Looking at the data other than lag this is pretty good would you say this is just as accurate and reliable as the h10 chest strap??

[@irunovermountains]

It doesn't look worth upgrading from my Rhythm+ , but it's good to see the arm strap tech get a bit of an upgrade.

[@vzimm2813]

Anyone know, will it sync to my garmin watch? Fenix 6? Hate training with my watch. I use wrist supports for overhead movements etc..

[@VandeCristo]

It will sync to the watch, but not while swimming (signal loss) and only while wearing both. I use it to store workouts independently and compare HR to Garmin Connect after the swim, pity I cannot merge the two files.

[@larryseibold4287]

can you move the data to your PC (CSV) without having /using an internet / cloud account? Privacy on fitness trackers is terrible.

[@mickeyflanagan4019]

Can I put the polar app on my pc so it will show my HR on the computer? My computer does have bluetooth.

[@rkwjunior2298]

I just want something accurate and consistent, I have bad luck with heart rate monitors.

[@Id45Id45]

Great video!! Would love to see the Rhythm 2.0 review eventually.

[@Dcrainmaker]

March 15th!

[@tonymckeage1028]

Thanks for this detailed and informative product review, thanks for sharing

[@benbos1925]

Have you done a video on the FORM swim goggles?

[@rudra2099]

Hey can you review the scosche rhythm 24...I am confused between the verity and scosche...which one would you recommend

[@Rodri-86]

Has the 3s lag of the Verity Sense been fixed by the latest firmware updates?

[@GavinHarte]

Does it do HRV? I have a Scosche Rhythm 24 because it does HRV and is compatible with an app I use for tracking.

[@frankysour]

Interesting video, and sorry did not go through all the comments (so this could have very likely been discussed already, sorry in case...) But... Position where the sensor is placed on the arm could very likely be a factor as you mention... Did you ever thought (or DID) trying wear a watch (preferably for my own interest a Garmin Fenix 6s :D) on the arm instead of the wrist? Would imply having an unusual strap, i get it, but also... Would be interesting to see if same wrist sensor in a better place would give better result... In any case, thanks for all the great reviews!

[@lt5550]

Will it still record in the swim mode? My reason for asking is because you said one it is placed in the download mode, you are pretty much locked into that mode. I would also like to know if it pairs with the Samsung 46mm watch. Thanks.

[@unclefreddy2009]

Where are people wearing these? My forearm works well when cycling, but for weight lifting no so much.. reads low until I move it. Are people finding it better on the upper arm and if so where specifically? On the bicep? Tricep?

[@Will-ol9lp]

Can I use that polar arm strap with my Garmin Fenix 5 X Plus?? Thank you

[@andres1988a]

Do you know if there is a tutorial to set up the strap

[@ytpadyt]

Confused a bit.. So is it possible to switch on on start of tri race and after finish download all 3 work-outs? Thanx

[@Paweeekan]

I wonder how wide the band is?

[@shanew634]

Nice review Ray.👍

[@nxel2]

can you sync it with garmin app? I mean use it along with the app itself to collect data ?

[@averagerider92]

Do you know if this works with the karoo 2?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup! No problem, I use it with it.

[@yiannis_christodoulou]

Great review I am looking forward to trying this product.

[@Silverscooby27]

When are these supposed to be available for purchase?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Today on Polar's site, for delivery Feb 17th. Or for all other retailers delivery Feb 24th.

[@merlinobe]

do you know if the vantage v can connect to Zwift or do you need the sensor

[@send2alfredo]

Does it support 5 kHz transmission (Gymlink)?

[@jansalamun2716]

say I have indoor swimming data from my watch (strokes, swimming style...) but I recorded HR from varitiy sense with download function. Can I combine those two sessions in polar flow after?

[@lespedaleuxdudimanche4574]

do you need a watch or can you use a phone ?

[@charlottevslife]

I am interested in how tattoos might affect the optics

[@HugoParedes]

You say the accuracy is the gold standard for optical HR, but the Scosche seems to be more accurate. Or did I understand it wrong?

[@Dcrainmaker]

I've historically seen the Valencell sensor (used in the Scosche) struggle more outdoor riding, whereas I don't tend to see it struggle as much for the Polar OH1. The Veritas Sense is TBD there...waiting for the newly laid ice to melt.

[@bravo_red]

2:53 the OH1+ lets you record only one activity regardless of the duration. Does the Verity Sense record multiple activities now?

[@Dcrainmaker]

The OH1 always lets you record multiple activities. There’s never been a limitation there.

[@bravo_red]

@@Dcrainmaker ok thanks for the Info, I have to look into that :)

[@scottkramer2166]

Is the H11 coming soon? Thanks!

[@StuWebRT]

can you get that swim set into garmin connect or strava?

[@roilev]

I tape the sensor to the inside of my cycling jerseys with a double-sided tape. So I don't have to wear the uncomfortable and unnecessarily heavy band. Works like charm. Though the sensor is very slow to respond to sprints, it gets 15 bpm lower readings while it catches up. But I have power so I don't care about HR while sprinting. Only when doing long efforts where the lag is fine.

[@GeorgeRon]

And if the double sided tape fails, you've lost the sensor.

[@roilev]

@@GeorgeRon not really - the sleeve is tight enough to hold the sensor, even without a tape. I rarely use any tape now.

[@rayF4rio]

I tried it under my cycling shorts on my right quad, with out the holder, just the sensor. Did not work very well at all.

[@roilev]

@@rayF4rio Haven't tried it on the leg. Maybe too much muscle there, less blood vessels. I will try it! Where did you put it?

[@rayF4rio]

@@roilev on top of thigh, just under the edge od my bibs. Seemed like it started picking up cadence on hard efforts like climbing, from the muscle contractions.

[@karsyt]

Can't seem to find if this can be used as an all day heartrate sensor. Only using this device and the app for all day activity's. Since I'm working in the healthcare I can't use a wrist device.

[@Dcrainmaker]

No, unfortunately not. Just sport usage. In the Garmin ecosystem their HRM-PRO can be, but that might not be ideal for what you want.

[@karsyt]

@@Dcrainmaker Thanks for your fast response. Indeed, a chest band is not ideal for my situation. Specifically looking for a arm band.

[@justicevanpool9025]

I love the Verity Sense, but the integrated gyroscope is not trustworthy. Again, the product is great for having a quick, accurate, continuous and discrete method to measure your heartrate over a given amount of time. But it is always off with distance. Maybe it's the way I swim, turn my head when I breath and do kickboard, or maybe it responds to me knocking water out of my ears...? hmm. Anyway, be sure to keep count on your own. If anyone knows what I'm goofing up, please advise.

[@dirtysoul23]

Does anyone else have problems using the different modes. I cant seem to change the setup on 2 different ones of mine.

[@mariusarhire7463]

Great review! Do you know if it has a 5 kHz transmission like the H10?

[@Dcrainmaker]

It does not.

[@NuanDaa]

What’s for 5 kHz?

[@Dcrainmaker]

@@NuanDaa For older gym equipment, as well as via in-water transmission.

[@OctoBud]

Shame I bought a OH1+ 3 weeks ago as this sounds much better, and the battery life would definitely help for the rides I do in the summer

[@Dcrainmaker]

30 day return policy? 😆

[@adyakristanto]

I'm waiting quietly, I hope Garmin makes an arm heart rate monitor😌

[@haid3r88]

What is more accurate, this or the H10?

[@user-sq6vq2mt7u]

the H10 is more accurate because method itself is different.

[@tonygoinggonzo]

When are you going to invest in an Endless Pool? Seems like you have enough space to install an indoor one, plus you can swim 24/7! And I'm sure the kids would love to bounce around in it, mine sure did!

[@Dcrainmaker]

I’ve pondered it actually, but concerned about mold indoors. Not sure how to solve that.

[@tonygoinggonzo]

@@Dcrainmaker I have mine installed indoors, in my finished basement. I have a cover on the pool, a dehumidifier, and a humidity sensing bathroom fan in the ceiling. All the walls are covered in FRP, no mold issues what so ever.

[@StuWebRT]

I wonder if you can purchase the strap separately

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, already up on the Polar site. 15EUR I think.

[@StuWebRT]

On polar website for pre order.£25. For the swim clip and band its only an extra 50 for the rest

[@StuWebRT]

@@Dcrainmaker Plus shipping plus taxes... The ebaybuy it now price is around 50 gbp for bnib for oh1+

[@StuWebRT]

@@Dcrainmaker buyers remorse!!!!

[@melvinch]

Polar should have Loop 3 with optical HR monitor built-in.

[@carlbyronrodgers]

Does it function with Form goggles?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, fully compatible.

[@kroko9691]

The H10 and the H7 from Polar is not working for me in Winter until I got a good warmup. In Winter it is quite hard to get warm and therefore I get always bad readings... So I'm hoping to solve this issue with OH1 and now with the better Verity Sense. Is there anybody who made already this step? Is this the way to go for me to get stable measurements?

[@Dcrainmaker]

For chest straps, the easiest way to solve that is to wet the strap. Personally, I just lick it. Quick and easy. Alternatively, you can pickup HR electrode gel - usually like $4-$7 for a tube that lasts forever. All that said, yes, that's one key benefit of something like the OH1 or Verity Sense - no worries about that. It just works.

[@curtisgoodwin8962]

I use the OH1 for fat biking here in northern Canada and it has been flawless in temps as cold as -25C. The H7 sees use only for road riding or mountain biking. Also the OH1 is better for kickboxing because it is stable on my arm. Mine is 4 years old and zero issues.

[@kroko9691]

@@Dcrainmaker In very cold conditions my skin gets goosebumps or changing the electrical resistance as well and even wet straps are not working at all... but I never tried the electrode gel 👍 However, as you wrote, I need a sensor with no worries. Therefore the Verity Sense is the way to go for me. Thanks a lot, I appreciate your work ✊

[@kroko9691]

@@curtisgoodwin8962 Sounds great and I think I need to go for the new sensor. Thanks for your help!

[@MrJoey1498]

Hi love the Vids. Just wondering does this connect ok with s Garmin Venu watch?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yup, no problems there - via either ANT+ or Bluetooth Smart.

[@MrJoey1498]

@@Dcrainmaker Great 👍

[@terryfurlong518]

I have never found wrist based OHR accurate and have tired Polar and Garmin. Isn't this unit just Polar admitting even their wrist based technology doesn't work? I will stick to my chest strap.

[@sandiegojoey1]

How can I do my own HR sensors comparisons? Is there an app that will record two different heart rates into the same workout session and overlap them like you do so that I can look at it? I have a Garmin Fenix 5X watch and my Garmin HRM Tri chest strap and I would like to compare to the Polar Verity when I get it.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Hello! You can use the DCR Analyzer: www.dcrainmaker.com/analyze

[@sandiegojoey1]

@@Dcrainmaker thank you!

[@Brockdorf]

Could you use this in a race since it has a 150m range now? I am thinking of setting up a sensor as people run by?

[@calebweintraub1]

Heads up to people considering purchasing: I have been using the verity sense for months. Inconsistent tracking and connectivity regardless of internet speed. Also unfortunately, customer support is non existent.

[@increasingsun]

Then what do u suggest. Smart watches arent accurate, tou say this is innacurate. My objective is mainly, bpm,hrv,oxygen level etc. Say around heart.

[@konnapoeg]

What does your internet speed have to do with anything? Verity sense uses bluetooth to upload heart rate data to your PC / smartphone

[@nachot6592]

My take on this is that the Whoop one sucks.

[@PaliVCiernom]

The original lasts 3 hrs at best.

[@adamedwards861]

Typical just bought OH1 and then this gets released

[@the_real_cansin]

Never buy again a polar product. My oh1 is bricked itself after one year usage. I suspect that it is run out of memory and won't turn on. Flow app can connect it but you can not reset it from the mobile app and the desktop app both mac and windows doesn't recognize the device. Polar support didnt respond to my emails. Their support service is worst than tehir software. I bought a Scosche rhytm 2+ and I am very happy for now at least it is more accurate than polar products.

[@777denis]

Oh man whoop is junk

[@user-ls2bn2mw9i]

could you talk a little faster?

[@mmd2035]

You can adjust speed😊

[@1JohnGlover]

Can you use it with Form goggles?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Yes

[@na-dk9vm]

Can it connect to a Garmin 955, or polar watches only??

[@mourner1990]

Can detect VO2Max too?