10 Best Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap For Concept 2 Pm 5 2026 in the United States

The Garmin HRM 600 is a heart rate monitor chest strap designed for accurate real-time tracking of your heart rate and heart rate variability (HRV), making it a solid choice for runners, cyclists, and fitness enthusiasts using Garmin devices. It connects easily via Bluetooth to Garmin smartwatches, cycling computers, and supported fitness apps, ensuring wide compatibility within the Garmin ecosystem. The strap comes in two sizes (XS–S and M–XL) and is machine-washable, which adds to its comfort and convenience during regular use.

One standout feature is its ability to record workout data independently when you can’t wear a watch, like during team sports, and then sync all relevant stats—heart rate, calories, speed, and distance—to the Garmin Connect app. It also tracks daily activity metrics such as steps and calories burned, giving you a fuller picture of your fitness. For runners, it offers advanced running dynamics like stride length and ground contact time balance, which can help improve form if paired with a compatible smartwatch.

Battery life is impressive, lasting up to two months on a single charge, and it’s rechargeable via USB, which is convenient and eco-friendly. The device is water-resistant and even captures heart rate data during swims, syncing results after your workout. However, this strap does not have GPS built-in, so it relies on a connected device for location data. It is also relatively small and light, which is great for comfort but might feel fragile to some users. The Garmin HRM 600 is a reliable, comfortable chest strap best suited for Garmin device users who want detailed heart rate and running data, solid battery life, and the flexibility to track workouts without a watch. If you use other brands or need GPS on the strap itself, this might not be the ideal choice.

The Polar H10 heart rate monitor chest strap is a strong choice for anyone needing precise and reliable heart rate tracking, including users of Concept 2 PM5 rowing machines. It stands out with its top-tier accuracy, often praised as one of the best in its class, ensuring you get trustworthy data during workouts. The strap offers excellent compatibility, working seamlessly with a wide range of smartwatches, fitness apps like Strava and Nike, and devices supporting Bluetooth or ANT+ connections. This versatility means you can connect to multiple devices at the same time, which is handy if you use more than one fitness tracker or app.

Comfort-wise, the Polar Pro strap is designed with improved electrodes and silicone dots that help it stay in place without irritation, making it suitable for longer sessions. It's also fully waterproof, so sweating or rain won’t affect its performance. The device includes internal memory, allowing you to store workouts without needing a phone nearby, which adds convenience. Battery life is solid and can last through many sessions before needing a replacement.

One minor point is that while the strap fits a wide size range (M-XXL), some users might find the fit a bit snug depending on body shape. Additionally, the lack of a screen means you’ll need a connected device to view your heart rate in real time. For those seeking a no-fuss, highly accurate heart rate monitor chest strap that integrates with most devices and apps—including the Concept 2 PM5—Polar H10 is a reliable pick offering comfort, durability, and excellent connectivity.

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.