Does the new Wearlink replacement strap with vinyl backing--not mesh--over the sensors have to have the sensor area moisturized prior to wearing?
1028268
Yes, I have tested without wetting the vinyl straps and did not get connection to the watch. Once I wet the vinyl backing, I got immediate connection.
1028269
yes. I've found that the mesh ones work best with water. the vinyl backing ones work best with contact gel (Spectra 360 or the like)
1028270
No it doesn't, it's always suggested that you use either an specific gel or at least a bit of spit; but I've always used it completely dry and the Garmin picks up the signal in about 5 seconds, sometimes even immediately.
1028271
I have never had to worry about that. I put the strap on dry and it seems to be picked up by my Garmin 910 almost immediately. Others I run and bike with say they don't have to moisten the area either and have never had a problem. Hope this helps.
1028272
I do moisten the backing before I put on the strap. In conversation with other Wearlink users, I know that not everyone finds it necessary--my personal trainer never moistens hers. The new vinyl Wearlink seems to be much more sensitive than the older mesh model. I remember setting and resetting the mesh strap to maintain contact, and I do not have to do this at all with the vinyl strap.
1028273
John S. - It is vinyl, not mesh. The nice mesh material in the previous straps is now a rubbery sensor attached to stretchable fabric. That's the problem I have; the fabric slides. I've resorted to wrapping one end in first aid tape to provide some traction and keep the thing in place. I always moisten the contacts, and the strap, as it has kept it from moving/sliding in the past.
213123
I don't know because I don't swim with my watch. I do take shower wearing the watch and it is Just fine! HRM gets detected immediately when I water the strap and wrap it around chest. Hope this helps...you may want to check with other reviewers.
664467
I don't think you can buy just the Wearlink strap anymore. Some of the ads show you can, but you can't...and you just end up with the new smart strap. You CAN and MUST rinse any of the straps you use. If not, then EWWWW, stinky! Plus, they will start to decline in functionality more rapidly if not taken care of properly. Following use, rinse under cold water (not the monitor, just the strap!), pat dry with a towel (do not wring or twist out water), and hang/line dry. Good luck!
878983
Yes, why didn't you ask amazon? They also answer these type questions. I like the strap it fits snug.
2270563
not at all. the strap has the ability to adjust it's size and stretch pretty long. I've been very pleased with this product. easy to use, not uncomfortable at all
95632
Mine has been fine other than the headphone port fell off but is pretty easily sewn back on. No issues with straps or zippers.
1958101
Yes...I replaced my rubber brand with this fabric and velcro band. It works great and is more comfortable than the original.
1684786
Yes, they have heart rate sensor strap but not necessarily to order it in the same purchase. Since I already have one so I do need to buy it. But if you need one, simply order the sensor strap together.
2058966
Mine kept failing and I've found if I put a bit of water on the HR monitor before I put it on it pairs up better. Don't soak it, just run your finger under water and then wipe it on the sensor parts of the HR monitor.
1551530
Mine did. I have to say I love having the option to add a strap but the edges tend to snag things like silk. All in all glad I got it.
1820806
suggested placement is on front of undie with tape. The tape did not stay on. Sensor was extremely sensitive to sweat or any dampness.
1332211
I didn't have that problem; however, it did not work for me. The strap did not have any funny or bad odor to it that I noticed though, and I had no black marks on my face (although I did have "lines" on my face from wearing it so tight, but that went away within a few hours).
2258304
I don't have the regular. I only have the soft strap. I love the soft strap, it is very comfortable and I forget that I am wearing it. My vote is to go with the soft strap.
1615077
I haven't used the plastic strap, but I purchased the soft strap wanting comfort. Now that I've got it adjusted I don't really know it's there. I've been using mine for 8 months, 5-6 times a week and the battery is still good and it still looks new. I do hand wash it in the shower with me every 2 weeks so it doesn't smell.
836972
It fits like a glove have no problem with it so far and I've had it going on 3-4 years now and no issue with the strap. Hope this was helpful.
1447340
I previously owned a Forerunner 305, which I lost at the bottom of a river last Fall. But the chest strap from that unit works with the 310xt just fine -- both use the ANT communications protocol, and you just need to pair the chest strap with your watch. For long events I found this strap uncomfortable, with the plastic strap digging into the sides of my chest. So I finally upgraded to the new stretchy fabric chest strap. This one works great, and is much more comfortable. Unlike the plastic strap you can't just wipe it off after a workout or race. You need to air dry it, and periodically hand wash it as the fabric picks up body oils and odors. I'd buy one again. I previously owned a Forerunner 305, which I lost at the bottom of a river last Fall. But the chest strap from that unit works with the 310xt just fine -- both use the ANT communications protocol, and you just need to pair the chest strap with your watch. For long events I found this strap uncomfortable, with the plastic strap digging into the sides of my chest. So I finally upgraded to the new stretchy fabric chest strap. This one works great, and is much more comfortable. Unlike the plastic strap you can't just wipe it off after a workout or race. You need to air dry it, and periodically... » Read More I previously owned a Forerunner 305, which I lost at the bottom of a river last Fall. But the chest strap from that unit works with the 310xt just fine -- both use the ANT communications protocol, and you just need to pair the chest strap with your watch. For long events I found this strap uncomfortable, with the plastic strap digging into the sides of my chest. So I finally upgraded to the new stretchy fabric chest strap. This one works great, and is much more comfortable. Unlike the plastic strap you can't just wipe it off after a workout or race. You need to air dry it, and periodically hand wash it as the fabric picks up body oils and odors. I'd buy one again. « Show Less
1982706
the strap does not seem to stretch out when wet. it doesn't seem that it should be a problem.