Garmin HRM-Fit review: Great but pricey

Main points

• The Garmin HRM-Fit is designed specifically for sports bra wearers, clipping onto the sports bra instead of using a full bra strap.
• It provides accurate data and is easy to wear.
• It’s more expensive than other Garmin models, but it fills a niche for those who don’t like traditional chest straps.

It’s no secret that most products are designed for and by men, which is why chest-based heart rate monitors aren’t always compatible with sports bras. So when Garmin announced a heart rate monitor designed specifically for women (or anyone who wears a sports bra), I was intrigued.

Instead of using a strap that wraps all the way around, it uses a partial strap that clips onto the sports bra. This reduces tight straps, which is definitely a good thing. But does it still work well? Is it worth having?

Most chest-based heart rate monitors use a strap that goes around your chest. It’s about the same position as the straps on most sports bras, which can be uncomfortable. Getting it in the right position and secured with a sports bra can also be tricky. To keep my chest heart monitor in place, I have to strap it very tight and it ages when I wear it for long periods of time.

Garmin takes a new approach with HRM-Fit. Instead of using a strap that wraps all the way around, it uses a partial strap that clips onto the sports bra. This reduces tight straps, which is definitely a good thing. But does it still work well? Is it worth having? I tried it for a few weeks and admittedly had some mixed feelings.

Prices, specifications and availability

The Garmin HRM-Fit is available at multiple retailers for $150.

Design, materials and fit

The simple, straightforward design makes it easy to use.

When I first took the HRM-Fit out of the box, I was a little surprised at how bulky it was. I knew it had to clip on somehow, but I was still surprised by how much these clips stick out. Although it has essentially half as many straps as the HRM-Pro, it weighs an ounce more.

The HRM-Fit uses three clips on the strap to hold it in place: one on each side and a third where the module sits. They are made of plastic but feel very durable. It’s worth noting that not all sports bras are suitable for HRM-Fit. Garmin specifies that it’s compatible with medium and high support sports bras. The main thing to remember is that you need a clear strap to attach it to, and the strap needs to fall in the right spot on your chest. For example, a long sports bra won’t work because it sits too low. I also found that bras with thicker straps were difficult to fit into the spaces where the clips hold them, although not impossible.

Although Garmin doesn’t specify the material of the strap, the HRM-Fit feels exactly like other Garmin heart rate monitors. My other Garmin monitors have lasted a long time with very little wear and tear, so I’m sure the HRM-Fit will be no different.

There are also cleaning instructions on the strap, so if you throw them away immediately like most people do, you’ll always see them as a reminder to clean your strap.

The modules on the HRM-Fit measure 1.2 x 2.2 x 0.6 inches, which is only slightly larger than the modules on the HRM-Pro Plus. It is powered by a CR2032 and requires a coin or flat head screwdriver to open the battery compartment. That door is very comfortable so it takes some work to get it off the first time, but it does provide more confidence if using it in the water.

Features, software and experience

Serious athletes rejoice.

Like other heart rate monitors, the HRM-Fit offers ANT+ and Bluetooth Smart connectivity. It supports up to three Bluetooth connections and unlimited ANT+ connections. That means you can pair it with a watch, a cycling computer, and even treadmills and Peloton machines.

Garmin packs a lot of features into its heart rate monitors, and the HRM-Fit is no exception. It has almost the same functionality as HRM-Pro Plus. At a basic level, this includes real-time heart rate transmission and heart rate variability (HRV) support while out of the water. More advanced features include Garmin Running Dynamics, indoor pace and distance data, Garmin Running Power, cross-country skiing power and offline workout support. However, all of this is only possible when paired with a compatible Garmin watch.

You can also pair the HRM-Fit with the Garmin Connect app so you can capture intensity, steps, calories and heart rate during a workout when you’re not wearing the watch. The app will also show you the band’s battery status in your workout summary data.

performance during exercise

Good grasp and accurate data.

When I first used it, I was a little worried about how well the strap would hold. After clipping the HRM-Fit to the bottom of my sports bra, I was pleased to find that it felt very sturdy. Even with multiple bounces and moves, it won’t move. I didn’t do any HIIT workouts but I did pull on it while it was attached to a sports bra and it didn’t move. Still, there are no sharp teeth to tear sports bras apart, which is appreciated since they’re not cheap.

I recommend putting on a sports bra first and then the HRM-Fit. This ensures that you have it in the right spot and that it doesn’t bunch up when you put your sports bra on. Also don’t forget to slightly wet the sensor before wearing it.

The biggest reason I’m excited about HRM-Fit is that I usually want to take off my heart rate monitor as soon as I’m done working out. I’m really tired of having something tight around my chest for so long. This is definitely not the case with HRM-Fit. I barely notice it on me, which is definitely refreshing. I thought I would notice the bulk, but luckily I didn’t except when my arms were closer to my body.

I barely notice it on me, which is definitely refreshing.

While Garmin’s heart rate sensor technology is reliable and accurate, the key to getting accurate data with a heart rate monitor is keeping it close to your body. While my sports bra is fairly tight, it’s relatively loose compared to how I wear a regular bra strap. I’m worried that I won’t be able to get accurate data, or that if it doesn’t connect well enough to my skin, it will break during a workout. But luckily, that’s not the case.

I wasn’t able to use both a chest-based heart rate monitor as I was when reviewing the watch, but I did compare heart rate data to my Garmin Epix Pro (HRM-Fit paired with my Garmin head unit) on a few bike rides. , not a watch). The numbers are essentially the same for all of these rides.

Conclusion: Is HRM-Fit worth it?

I naturally love the HRM-Fit and appreciate how well it works with my body and preferences when paired with a sports bra. It’s comfortable to wear even during long workouts, stays put no matter what, is relatively easy to put on and off (depending on the bra), and provides accurate data.

My main concern with HRM-Fit is the price. The device doesn’t use any revolutionary or fancy technology that’s not already found in Garmin heart rate monitors. However, it’s $20 more expensive than the already expensive HRM-Pro Plus. This feels like yet another example of the pink tax, where women’s clothing is more expensive than men’s clothing for no reason. This is disappointing and frustrating to say the least.

My main concern with HRM-Fit is the price. The device doesn’t use any revolutionary or fancy technology that’s not already found in Garmin heart rate monitors.

All in all, while I prefer it to a traditional chest strap so far, it does seem to solve a fairly niche problem that not everyone has. If you don’t mind the straps of a traditional chest monitor, there’s no point in spending a little more on this. But for those like me who hate tight straps and want the extra data, it seems worth spending a little more.