Sweat and a good reason to upgrade?

I currently run with a grandfather clock on my wrist...the original 301 Garmin. As a person who tries to live a life without conspicuous consumption, I haven't upgraded because this watch just ...will...not....die! Here is my recent conundrum and is this reason enough to upgrade?

I sweat when I run, I do not glow or whatever it is we women are supposed to do. If I'm hot (Gene says I still am! ) I will sweat! To the point....This current training cycle (since mid January) I've lost my HR readings whenI get the most sweaty. I use electrolyte gel (the type you use for electrocardiograms) and the belt is plenty snug. I'll get readings for about the first 3-4 miles, then it disappears. Outside of stopping and wiping down the belt, my body and starting over...I thought that maybe the newer Garmins (610 in particular) might be better at keeping the connection.

p.s. This never used to be a problem when it was new. I was sweaty back then too.

I sweat tons when I run and I haven't had an issue with the HR monitor for my 405. However, I have had problems with the side buttons working when they get wet, either from sweat or light drizzle.

It's probably the strap, not the watch itself. You can get a new strap (funny, mine tend to read terribly when they're new, then I "break them in" with a few months of sweat)... They have the soft ones that supposedly read better, now.

I presume you've changed the battery in the strap lately? They last a long time - but not forever.

Mark B wrote:I presume you've changed the battery in the strap lately? They last a long time - but not forever.

+1

T Miller wrote:

Mark B wrote:I presume you've changed the battery in the strap lately? They last a long time - but not forever.

+1

+2 - my HR strap is currently measuring me around 220 BBM. pretty good for a guy my age. Time to change the batteries.

That should be easy enough to fix. I'll give that a try.

I've gone through 4 305's because of sweat. For me, it's the watch absorbing the sweat somewhere. When the strap has a problem, it's just the readings (either half or 150% of what it's supposed to be and it's a lubrication matter.

I expect the current 305 to crap out by July upon which I'll get a replacement due to the maintenance plan I have from Amazon.

Sweat also makes my iPod Shuffle crap out, as well. On my 3rd one of those with the replacement plan.

Heh, I had the 205 and had to upgrade to the triathlon model not because I'm planning on swimming (I effing hate swimming) but because I sweat so damn much that I fried the 205. Not just one, but two of them. My wife is the one that encouraged me to get one that is supposed to submerged in water. It works great, even those humid July / August days when running actually does feel like swimming.

+1 for the 310xt. You can find them for a pretty good price right now b/c of the launch of the 910xt. I bought for for triathlon season last year. My wife's watch died, and even though she doesn't bike or swim, she loves the watch because of it's large display and long battery life. Not sure I'll ever get it back from her. Oh well, I guess I'll have to get a 910 now

Upgrade. You deserve it!

I upgraded -- 610 should arrive today.

mountandog wrote:I upgraded -- 610 should arrive today.

Enjoy - it's schweet!