Name of Gear: COROS Heart Rate Monitor
Gear Category: Accessories/ Technology (heart rate monitors)
Typical Price: $79
Where to Buy: coros.com, rei.com, skimo.co, backcountry.com, runningwarehouse.com
Best Use:
Athletes are always in search of wearables that will provide more data! However, metrics mean little if they aren’t accurate. Wrist monitors on today’s watches have come a long way, but there are still large inaccuracies and anomalies that can occur. For example, when I grip a trekking pole, my watch will often read a low heart rate (HR) regardless of intensity level. Chest straps have long been the standard option for athletes who desire the most accurate HR data. Often they can be paired with a watch to make the real time HR readings accessible in action. That said, some folks, myself included, find wearing a chest strap to be uncomfortable at best or, at the worse, a recipe for chaffing. Additionally, chest monitors can interfere with avalanche beacon signals. This makes them risky for both skimo athletes and runners who enjoy high alpine adventures in the snow.
How?
The COROS Heart Rate Monitor provides a more accurate reading than wrist monitors while avoiding the shortcomings of the chest strap outlined above. This low profile heart rate monitor (HRM) is mounted on a soft elastic band and fits comfortably around the bicep of the user. Yes, the bicep! The HRM activates automatically once on the athlete’s arm. Then, after the initial set up, syncs to most watch brands and devices via Bluetooth (it doesn’t have to be another COROS product). The location on the bicep makes the device hardly noticeable to the user, decreases chafe probability and mitigates the interference issue with an avalanche beacon.
When? Where?
The COROS Heart Rate Monitor can be used in any situation where an accurate HR reading is desired. This includes roads, trails, long runs, races, training, etc. The only scenario I can think of where this monitor might not be a good fit is in a 200+ mile race due to the limit of 38 hours of active battery life. However, this is a highly specific situation and 38 hours is plentiful for most users. While the HRM is perfectly fine in rainy, wet conditions, it’s not suitable for swimming with as Bluetooth signals don’t carry underwater.
Sizing:
True to size.
Additional Sizing Comments:
The standard band is easy to adjust and fits a large variety of arms. There is also a large size band for athletes who require more volume. In either case, I suggest first adjusting the band snuggly, but not too tight, with your arm bent as though you were doing an arm swing while running. Micro adjustments can then be made from this point. I have found that sizing the band with your arm straight does not account for the increase in bicep size when the arm is bent. Therefore, it can end up being too tight.
Comparison to Previous Models and Other Brands:
Arm band heart rate monitors are relatively new developments. This COROS Heart Rate Monitor is the first, and most popular, model available. Other options include the Wahoo Tickr Fit and Polar Verity Sense, though I haven’t tested or heard much about them. All three come in at a similar price range of $79 to $99.
Durability and Accessibility:
I have been using the COROS Heart Rate Monitor for about 9 months during both training and ultra distance races. It has accompanied me in temperatures ranging from -20F to 102F (that’s -29C to 39C) and performed without issue within that range. It was subject rain, hail, dust and a variety of other harsh environmental factors. Aside from the elastic band getting dirty there is no noticeable wear on the device itself. (The band can be easily washed with soap and water.) A new band can be purchased for $25 in a different color if desired or if the elastic wears out over time, though this hasn’t happened to mine.
Changes for the Next Model:
A battery indicator on the device would be handy, but it is certainly not imperative. My watch does give me an alert when the heart rate monitor battery is very low. But it would be nice to know before it is “mission critical.”
The True Test – Would You Recommend It?
Yes, absolutely! I often recommend the COROS Heart Rate Monitor to the athletes I coach and to friends who are looking for a more accurate heart rate monitor and/or do not care for chest straps.
Keeping it Honest – Did You Get This Gear for Free?
I did not get this device for free nor do I currently receive any compensation for recommending/reviewing this product.
Dandelion Dilluvio-Scott is a multisport outdoor athlete, ultra-runner and certified coach. She is passionate about collaborating with driven athletes who love to explore, train and play outside.