Garmin Fenix6 wrist HR inconsistencies

Running Shoes/Running Gear Apparel

6 months ago 10/20/2023 4:41am EDT

Hey,
I usually run with chest monitor, but forgot it home for this week, meaning I'm left with the wrist monitor of my Fenix 6s.
How can we explain that it sucks so much? When I see reviews (ex: DC Rainmaker), it' supposed to be pretty accurate, baring fast interval workouts maybe.

I did 2 runs yesterday:
- Easy 7km -> average HR 150 -> easily over 150 and reaching 160 on flat (whereas I assume should be at 130 or below)
- 10000 in 33'15'' (~HM pace, ~3'20''/km) -> average HR at 144 during the 10k, HR above that during the cooldown at 5'/km...

Historically, the wrist monitor almost always ends up over 160bpm on easy runs, whereas chest monitor stays below 140 (close to 120 sometimes).

I'm 45, and very thin, can that explain?

6 months ago 10/20/2023 5:06am EDT

re: JB06

JB06 wrote:
Hey,
I usually run with chest monitor, but forgot it home for this week, meaning I'm left with the wrist monitor of my Fenix 6s.
How can we explain that it sucks so much? When I see reviews (ex: DC Rainmaker), it' supposed to be pretty accurate, baring fast interval workouts maybe.
I did 2 runs yesterday:
- Easy 7km -> average HR 150 -> easily over 150 and reaching 160 on flat (whereas I assume should be at 130 or below)
- 10000 in 33'15'' (~HM pace, ~3'20''/km) -> average HR at 144 during the 10k, HR above that during the cooldown at 5'/km...
Historically, the wrist monitor almost always ends up over 160bpm on easy runs, whereas chest monitor stays below 140 (close to 120 sometimes).
I'm 45, and very thin, can that explain?

different people get different results from optical HRM’s depending on skin tone, how tight you wear the watch, how boney/fleshy your wrist is, your running style and other random stuff.
for some they can be quite accurate, others not so much.

also, the wrist is probably the worst place on the body to put an optical HRM.

6 months ago 10/20/2023 5:39am EDT

re: JB06

I've had my best luck with the garmin wrist HR sensor when having the watch on very snugly. But even then, sometimes it seems reasonable, and sometimes it doesn't. You need to use a chest strap if you want more trustworthy readings.

6 months ago 10/20/2023 11:33am EDT

re: JB06

I have the 6s too.

While the optical HR lags compared to an HRM belt, it's usually pretty close.

Turn the watch so the sensor is on the inside of your wrist, if you have poor veins, dark skin, or arm hair, it can interfere.

Also make sure your firmware is up to date. There is a new beta firmware on the Garmin forums for the Fenix 6, maybe that will help.

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Garmin Fenix6 wrist HR inconsistencies

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