Heart rate data is invaluable for athletes seeking to optimize their training.
As a 31-minute 10k runner, I've found heart rate monitoring essential for maintaining appropriate training zones and maximizing the benefits of each session.
After experiencing frustrations with inaccurate data and connectivity issues from other devices, I recently purchased the Coros heart rate monitor.
This Coros heart rate monitor review details my experience with this impressive piece of training technology. Along with some example runs from my training.
Quick Overview
- Exceptional accuracy across various training intensities
- Comfortable arm-based wear design
- Long-lasting rechargeable battery
- Reliable Bluetooth connectivity
- Multiple color options
What is the Coros Heart Rate Monitor?
The Coros heart rate monitor is an external sensor that transmits real-time heart rate data to your sports watch.
The data can be reviewed during your workout and afterward through detailed analysis on your smartphone.
Unlike traditional chest straps, this monitor is designed to be worn on your upper arm; Coros states that for optimal results, you should wear the heart rate monitor on your upper bicep, offering superior comfort without compromising accuracy.
About Coros
Coros Heart Rate Monitor and The Coros Pace 2 (sold separately)
Coros has emerged as a significant player in the athletic wearables market, mainly targeting runners, and many elite athletes, across a range of sports, now wear the Coros brand for their watches.
The company has gained recognition for producing high-quality, innovative products that compete with established brands.
As someone who has used the Coros Pace 2 watch for over a year, I have been delighted with the quality and performance and the fact it gives me the metrics I need without the super high price tag.
My Favourite Features
Here are my favorite features of the Coros heart rate monitor strap.
Innovative Design and Comfort
The arm-based design represents an improvement in my opinion, over traditional chest straps. The monitor is available in two sizes to ensure a perfect fit, and the adjustable strap allows for precise positioning.
The band is made from polyester fiber, nylon, and spandex. It is very flexible and easy to adjust. It is also very light, which is totally what you want when running the weight of the sensor and band, coming in at 19 grams.
During my training sessions, ranging from easy runs to intense threshold workouts, I often forget I'm wearing it – a testament to its comfortable design.
Superior Accuracy
After extensive testing across various training intensities, from easy recovery runs to high-intensity threshold sessions, the accuracy of the data has been remarkable.
The sensor has 5 LED lights with 4 photodetectors; wearing the strap on the arm gives an optimal amount of blood flow for the sensor to gather heart rate data.
Unlike my previous experiences with chest straps, the Coros heart rate monitor maintains its accuracy even when wearing multiple layers during winter training. This consistency has been particularly valuable for maintaining precise training zones.
Extended Battery Life
The rechargeable battery system is a standout feature. The monitor has a charging cable, but you won't be using it much, thanks to the exceptional battery life.
After weeks of regular use, I've yet to require a charge, making it one of the best battery life for a rechargeable device I own.
The stats Coros gives on battery life are as follows: in activity mode, 38 hours, stand-by mode, 80 days, and with a rapid charging time of less than 2 hours.
Seamless Connectivity
Pairing with my Coros Pace 2 is very quick and reliable.
Once initially synced, the connection is almost instantaneous when starting a run.
I've experienced zero connectivity drops throughout numerous training sessions – a crucial factor for maintaining accurate training data.
Aesthetic Options
The monitor comes in several color options.
I chose the gray variant mainly in the hope that it would stand out when I am searching for it before a run, though black and other colors are available to suit individual preferences.
Pricing and Value Proposition
The Coros heart rate monitor is priced competitively with other high-end heart rate monitors, particularly chest straps.
While the initial investment might seem significant, the accuracy, comfort, and reliability make it a worthwhile purchase for serious athletes.
Pros and Cons
Here are the Pros and Cons I have experienced with the Coros heart rate monitor.
Advantages
- Exceptional data accuracy across all conditions - I have used the strap for multiple run intensity, using all of the training zones, and the accuracy is excellent. Additionally, I have used it in wet and cold conditions, wearing multiple layers, and the accuracy has been fantastic.
- Superior comfort compared to chest straps - I often forget I am wearing the strap. I also believe that in the warmer months, it will be nicer to have than the chest strap.
- Impressive battery life - For a rechargeable device, the battery life is fantastic and will last for ages.
- Quick and reliable connectivity - Before starting a run, I never wait long for the monitor to be picked up on my watch; similarly, with the Coros watch, I found the connection to the satellites very quick.
- Multiple color choices - I personally went for the grey color; however, there are a range of options to choose from.
Areas for Improvement
- The heart rate strap could be offered as a discounted bundle with Coro's watches. I would like to see some of the watches come with the heart rate monitor or perhaps be offered as a reduced-price bundle. I just think the wrist-based one is not accurate enough to use in training.
- The initial price point might be steep for casual runners.
Alternative Options
The primary competitor is the Garmin chest strap, which I've used extensively in the past and owned multiple straps.
While functional, I sometimes would have issues with data accuracy when wearing multiple clothing layers during the winter, and occasional complete failures even after battery replacement.
While often the data was good and reliable for my training- these issues led me to try a different product. Being that I have been happy with the Coros pace 2 watch I thought it would be time to try the Coros heart rate strap.
In my opinion, I prefer the Coros Heart Rate Monitor however, I will need to continue testing to see how it performs over a longer time frame.
Personal Experience and Results
The monitor has enhanced various aspects of my training:
- Easy runs stay truly easy with accurate zone monitoring - I try to keep my easy runs at a heart rate of under 130 bpm.
- Threshold sessions are more precisely targeted - For my threshold workouts, I aim to keep to a heart rate of 168 -172 range. The Coros watch is now pretty in line with this data.
- Long runs benefit from consistent heart rate data - I can control the effort of my long runs. I like to progress through the zones sometimes for a true progressive long-run workout.
- Training load features in the Coros app provide valuable insights; I find this aspect very unique within the Coros app. It combines volume with intensity to give a training load score. I will look to write a future article on this feature as I think it is beneficial.
Conclusion: Is It Worth the Investment?
The Coros heart rate monitor has exceeded my expectations and earns a strong recommendation.
For athletes serious about heart rate-based training, this device offers superior accuracy, comfort, and reliability.
The seamless integration with Coros watches, combined with its ability to work with other Bluetooth-enabled devices, makes it a versatile choice for any athlete's training toolkit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the product worth the investment?
Yes, particularly for athletes who rely on accurate heart rate data for training. The combination of comfort, accuracy, and reliability justifies the price point.
How can the Coros heart rate monitor improve your running?
The monitor enables precise zone training, helping you maintain appropriate intensities for different workouts. This leads to more effective training sessions and better recovery management, ultimately improving performance and reducing injury risk.
