10 Best Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap For Concept 2 Pm 5 2025 in the United States

The Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap is a standout option for those looking to track their heart rate accurately during various activities like rowing, cycling, running, and swimming. One of its biggest strengths is its compatibility; it works seamlessly with a range of devices including smartwatches and fitness apps like Strava and Nike, making it versatile for different training environments. Users appreciate its top-notch accuracy, which has earned it praise among professional athletes, ensuring you get reliable heart rate readings.

Comfort-wise, the Polar Pro Chest Strap features improved electrodes and silicone dots, which help it stay snug and comfortable during workouts. This design minimizes interference and helps it remain in place even during intense movements.

Battery life is solid, powered by a lithium battery, allowing for extensive use without frequent changes. Plus, it’s waterproof, adding to its durability in various conditions. The size range may be somewhat limiting, as it’s designed for M-XXL sizes, which may not accommodate everyone. Additionally, while the internal memory allows for the storage of one training session, those who want to keep detailed logs of multiple sessions may need to sync it regularly with their devices.

The Polar H9 Heart Rate Sensor is a solid choice for those wanting a reliable chest strap monitor, including users of the Concept 2 PM5 rowing machine. It scores well on compatibility, working seamlessly with all heart rate monitor compatible devices, including smartphones and popular fitness apps, which makes it versatile beyond just rowing. Its accuracy is backed by Polar's long-standing research reputation, offering precise heart rate tracking trusted by many users and researchers alike.

Comfort-wise, the chest strap is made from soft polyester and comes in multiple sizes (M-XXL here) to ensure a snug but comfortable fit during workouts. Battery life is impressive, with a rechargeable lithium-ion battery that can last up to 400 hours, meaning less hassle with frequent replacements. The unit is also waterproof, which is essential for sweaty sessions or outdoor use. Data transfer is smooth via both ANT+ and Bluetooth, allowing easy syncing with a wide range of devices.

Some users might find the fit less ideal if they fall outside the specified size range. The monitor itself lacks a screen to display data directly on the device, relying instead on connected devices for real-time feedback. Data storage is dependent on the connected app or device, as the sensor does not store session data internally. Considering its price point and feature set, the Polar H9 provides excellent value for everyday fitness users and athletes looking for accurate and easy-to-use heart rate monitoring during rowing or cross-training.

The Garmin HRM 200 is a reliable heart rate monitor chest strap designed to deliver accurate heart rate and heart rate variability data, which is essential for tracking your fitness effectively. It’s compatible with a variety of Garmin smartwatches, cycling computers, fitness equipment, and popular apps, making it versatile if you want to connect it to your Concept 2 PM5 or other devices. The strap comes in two sizes, including an XS-S option, which is great if you find typical straps too loose or bulky, and it’s machine washable, so keeping it clean is simple.

With up to a year of battery life from a user-replaceable CR2032 battery, you won’t need to worry about frequent charging or replacements, which is convenient for regular users. It also has a 3 ATM water resistance rating, meaning it can handle sweat and rain, but it's not suitable for swimming. While it stores and transfers data wirelessly, it relies on compatible Garmin devices or apps to view and analyze workout information, so make sure your equipment works with Garmin’s system.

At just 2 ounces, it’s lightweight and comfortable for longer sessions. One minor downside is that it’s a bit specialized for Garmin’s ecosystem, so if you don’t already use Garmin products or apps, you might face compatibility limits. The HRM 200 is a solid choice if you want accurate, comfortable heart rate monitoring with good battery life and easy maintenance, especially if you’re invested in Garmin’s fitness devices.