Suunto Smart sensor vs other belt-sensors

[RaDeck]

@tomasbartko beaut’! Thank you so much for the hands-on input!!
Yeah stitching should be a huge issue, even if it comes off. Thanks A LOT

[Prenj]

@RaDeck
I’ve been using this belt for the last 3 months. I can confirm it works. I’m no expert on the quality of data, but to me, it seems consistent with my personal perceived effort.

[RaDeck]

Great to hear, thx @Prenj !

[Stefano M64]

Hi guys,

anyone knows if the Suunto Smart Belt R-R memory function is compatible with the new Suunto RACE? This model isn’t listed in the description of that belt on the Suunto web site:
https://www.suunto.com/en-gb/Products/Heart-Rate-Belts/suunto-smart-heart-rate-belt/

Thanks!
S.

[A Former User]

@SteM64 yes. that page needs to be updated

[Brad_Olwin]

@SteM64 The memory is compatible with all current Suunto watches and many in the past.

[Stefano M64]

Thanks for the answers!

[RaDeck]

Hi All, I wanted to give a quick feedback after having used the Kalenji BT chest HR band for the past 3 weeks. The connection to Suunto is absolutely straight forward and the HR belt gets recognize in a matter of seconds every time I start a new workout. Thanks to Suunto here for offering an amazing compatibility with external sensors! As far as data goes: the difference is day and night! The chest band follows every HR peak of my weight training! No more 80ish HR after a series of heavy squats (now I get in the 150s BPM, which is my reel feel too).
So to anyone thinking of getting a chest band: GO FOR IT (as soon as the Suunto will be available here I might upgrade mine, but working as a charm for the time being)!

[Stefano M64]

Hello, I bought the Suunto Smart Heart Belt directly from the Suunto online shop, and it was delivered superfast after only 24h (from Finland to Italy). Oddly, the product is sold with the Medium size belt (70-110 cm) by default, while Small and Large sizes can be bought separately.
I find the Suunto belt very well done with a really small and light sensor, which makes it quite comfortable to wear. It paired in a second with my Race, and yes, the memory function is compatible (thanks again!): to test it, I started an exercise session and left the swatch in my house while I walked to the gym, trained, and went back, as I stopped the exercise on my Race the one hour and half HR data was there! The memory function is simply great, it absolutely worth the price difference.

[EzioAuditore]

Is there any plan to ‘upgrade’ the Suunto HR Belt to connect to 2 BT devices? I have both Garmin ProPlus and H10 and I found the H10 much more accurate and pleasing than the Garmin’s. The fact that Garmins is non machine washable and after a while it starts smelling like burned electronics is hideus. So I much prefer Polar’s. The only thing I kinda miss from Garmin are the running dynamics but as Stryd user I have those now so not much of a problem.

[Fabii85]

@Stefano-M64 hello Stefano, does the memory function provide data that affects the ctl and all training load function, even recovery?

[Stefano M64]

@Fabii85 Hi, honestly I don’t know, it records both HR and HRV, so I guess it should, but those you mention are parameters that I don’t care, I just wear it for controlling that my gym exercises don’t push my heart to far

[isazi]

@Fabii85 these values have nothing to do with the memory, you just need HR measured, one way or another. So yes you get TSS.

[Fabii85]

@isazi thank you, appreciate it

[HansLeo]

Hi guys! Good morning!

I’ve read the thread a bit, but I wanted more recent information.

I’m used to Polar H10 (I have it since 2018). In the last period, it has always had lots of problems. Often, it loses connection, or during an activity, the HR drops randomly and stays low even after firmware updates and yesterday’s battery change.

So, I decided to buy the Suunto Smart Sensor to pair with my Suunto Vertical and 9PP.

If one of you has used it daily for months, how do you find yourself from an accuracy and consistency point?

Have a nice day!

[Swaddy61]

@HansLeo I have both a Polar H10 and a Suunto Smart Sensor.

From an accuracy perspective both are perfect, except… (i) when the battery in the snesor is getting low - I usually replace every 9 or 10 months and / or (ii) when the actual belt is about 2 years old.

Yes, the actual belts need replacing every so often. If I start to get strange results and I have a new battery installed, it normally means the belt is due for replacement.

Note that for both the Polar and the Suunto HRMs I am only talking about the strap into wich the sensor itself clips, not completely new units. The straps are ‘only’ about <€40, whereas a complete belt with sensor is c €80 from memory.

[Mattg576]

@Swaddy61 Rather than replacing the belt you can “measure” if it is damaged or not, check this video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXJ0spt9A1E&t=325s

[Swaddy61]

@Mattg576 Indeed! I have done this too - and belt life can be prolonged by using some contact cleaner on the module connectors, but eventually the belt will still need replacing!

[HansLeo]

@Swaddy61, thanks for your point of view. My belt is well over two years old, so I think it’s indeed time to change it. I will keep the Suunto smart strap because in summer, I swim in open water, and it has this feature for recording hours during the swim.

@Mattg576 , thanks a lot for the video. Also, I’ve tested my strap, and it does not conduct well anymore—although I’ve always followed the maintenance and cleaning instructions to ensure it has a long life.

[v.sacre]

First time since a while with a new Suunto Smart sensor (after some monthes of use of Coros OHR arm band).

ASCBE37336558

During my first 10min warmup at constant endurance pace, I had two sharp rises of HR, for sure not realistic. Does anybody else has already had this ?