My Polar H10 hr strap has been playing up for a bit but every time I think about replacing it, it behaves good again! Anyway I have decided this time Id replace it. Ive looked at replacement straps on Amazon and the generic ones are a 3rd of the price of the official Polar one. I am learning to the official one though its got 4star + out of 3500 reviews where the generic ones only have a couple of reviews at most (some don’t have any) and they are mixed. I just wanted to ask before I threw my money away!
Some things are big decisions but these straps aren’t when you look at the lifespan I’d just get the official and most fluorescent one (I always lose the dark ones)
Just today I ordered the “pro” strap that comes with the h10. Before today I bought the original strap but a more simple/older one, not the pro version ‘cause those are less than half the price. Welp, those lasted less than a year. I went through 4 in 3 years. I am hoping the pro version lasts longer.
When my Garmin strap died, I went with the PowerLabs replacement. Can’t tell any difference between the two except price and battery door design is much better on the PowerLabs.
I ordered the official pro one. My current one has lasted for two years and is probably the longest I’ve had one for and it still seems good when irs a ride is hard enough like a TT, so I thought I’d give the pro a go.
Buy two Polar straps. Take each strap into the shower and wash them off after every use, then hang them to dry. They will last trouble free for a very long time.
Get the real Polar IMO. Some people will swear by to CooSpoo stuff, but no. Polar has been doing it for 30 years or more, their stuff works, it lasts if you take are of it, and it’s as accurate as an EKG. I had to replace my Wahoo Tickrs every year and they’re probably made in the same factory as the Amazon $25 ones.
You might be fine with the H9 if you don’t need dual channel (e.g. if you’re not tracking HR on TR and a head unit or TR and Zwift simultaneously). That could save you a few bucks if that’s a concern. I just wouldn’t scrimp on the HRM any more than I would a power meter.
