Electrode gel for HRM?

[smontanaro]

I have a cheapo Magene heart rate monitor. It works fine as long as there's low resistance across your skin. Normally, just a dab of water on the two electrodes is sufficient. This time of year, however, I don't sweat as much (yeah, I know, just pedal harder), so the HRM winks out pretty frequently.

I figured I should be able to pick up some sort of ECG conductive gel at the local pharmacy, but my searches have so far come up empty. Can someone point me in the right direction?

[oldpotatoe]

Originally Posted by smontanaro

I have a cheapo Magene heart rate monitor. It works fine as long as there's low resistance across your skin. Normally, just a dab of water on the two electrodes is sufficient. This time of year, however, I don't sweat as much (yeah, I know, just pedal harder), so the HRM winks out pretty frequently.

I figured I should be able to pick up some sort of ECG conductive gel at the local pharmacy, but my searches have so far come up empty. Can someone point me in the right direction?

Will Ultrasound gel work??

[Davist]

Curious about this as well.. takes a while to build up a sweat in winter. Amazon has some things in a generic search, probably worth the $12 or so to experiment: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=electrode...b_sb_ss_i_4_13

[Ozz]

Amazon sells everything.....

https://smile.amazon.com/s?k=ekg+gel&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

[fmradio516]

How does it exactly affect the HRM? I just started wearing one 2 ride ago and am comparing my "calories burned" with the same rides prior to the HRM. Its only about 10-15% more calories burned with the HRM for the same ride w/the same avg MPH. Wondering myself if its even worth wearing it.

[Ozz]

speaking of HRMs...I just got a new strap for mine (Polar H10) to replace my old Polar H7, and am having a hard time getting it to connect to the Polar Beat app on my phone. Won't work with Strava either???

It recognizes the strap, but it just won't connect and start measuring HR.

The Apple Health app was able to get a reading which is what is frustrating....

Plenty of sweat (I think)....played with all the settings (turning on bluetooth, etc.)....any thoughts??

[metalheart]

Originally Posted by Ozz

Amazon sells everything.....

https://smile.amazon.com/s?k=ekg+gel&ref=nb_sb_noss_1

I use the Spectra stuff in this link, works just fine and a little dab ill do ya....

[trener1]

Here is some
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Paceline-Pr...-/221994528583

[Paz]

I've been using a small dab of Aloe Vera Gel on each contact for years and have no ill effects on the strap. I have used both Garmin and Wahoo straps.

[gasman]

When I've had problems getting a good connection I've just put a little water on the strap then sprinkle a few grains of salt from your salt shaker on the electrode area.Cheap and easy.

[Blue Jays]

My solution is very similar to Gasman's suggestion above.
I run it under the water faucet and seems to connect easier.

[2metalhips]

Liquid soap works also.

[Dave]

Licking the contacts also works.

[MattTuck]

Originally Posted by metalheart

i use the spectra stuff in this link, works just fine and a little dab ill do ya....

+1

[tv_vt]

Spit works. Astroglide/Astrogel would work, too...