Plastic strap vs soft strap, which is better? Which is more comfortable? Which lasts longer?
1615077
I haven't used the plastic strap, but I purchased the soft strap wanting comfort. Now that I've got it adjusted I don't really know it's there. I've been using mine for 8 months, 5-6 times a week and the battery is still good and it still looks new. I do hand wash it in the shower with me every 2 weeks so it doesn't smell.
1615078
I use the plastic one. Costs less works fine. Don't even notice it's on. I use for mostly biking some running.
1615079
I like soft strap better. It feels more secure and reads more acurately. My plastic keeps skipping and is not as acurate. Soft is much more comfortable as well.
1615080
I've had both. For some reason the newer soft strap digs into my chest and chafes me, while the other did not. I've tried several adjustments to no avail. I'm going back to the older standard strap and monitor combo. I'm average weight and build at 5' 9" and 170 lbs.
1615081
Plastic will last longer, soft more comfortable. If you can get the newer soft strap that's what you want. This one is the one I recommend. Garmin Premium Heart Rate Monitor (Soft Strap) I had to replace the older version of the soft strap twice.
1615082
You will not notice one or the other after a while. I had the plastic and they lasted a long time. Then I got the soft one about 15 month ago, now it does send signals anymore, I change the battery, but that was not the problem, so I had to thrash it. I paid 44 dollars then now is almost double. I will order the plastic, cheaper and seems to last longer although may just be luck, but prices is not.
1615083
IMHO, the soft straps are more comfortable but they have their drawbacks. With the soft strap, the sending unit needs to snap onto the strap. The ability to remove the sending unit is convenient for comfort and washing, but over time, the rubber seals on the snaps wear out. Once this happens, sweat can get on the snaps and cause the HR monitor to stop sending a signal to your ANT+ device. This is not a problem with the plastic strap as there are no snaps for sweat to penetrate.
1615084
I haven't tried the soft strap. My previous plastic strap lasted 10 years. You can also get a cheap replacement elastic strap if it stretches over time. I did have to tighten mine but I never ran out of adjustment and never had to replace it.
1464905
it's the soft elastic strap. BTW - it hasn't worked properly since I bought it...
25686
You can choose either. I had read that the cotton strings were more comfortable, and that's why I got cotton. We take it in at night, though.
1175801
I bought this strap for my wife's sx50 and she really is pleased with it. It's very comfortable and isn't too cumbersome. Still fits in her camera case. It's sooo much better than the flimsy strap that comes with the sx50. Well worth the money. As a side note, the sx50 is a great camera. Took it to Hawaii and she took pictures that where out of this world. I took a pic of the moon, unbelievable definition. Hope this helps.
1188990
I use the polar strap occasionally. not all that important. I went with the 15 because it was a bit heavier, for my weight . its seems to be well made.
1044117
Soft strap. I don't like the vinyl type but the soft strap is comfortable for my shape.
457855
I absolutely love this strap. My wife has used it and liked it as well. She has never used the BlackRapid Womens strap before. So I cannot make a comparison between the two.
1809460
it is all preference. I like the hand straps from Cotton Carrier. This is just a simple low cost option.
27662
I had the old version with part of the strap was leather. I had that strap for a few years but I used the strap about 2 - 3 times a week. I always rinsed the strap after use and let it dry. The new version does not have any leather in it, so I can't tell you how long it will last since I just got it.
439500
Extended full the soft strap is tight on my 50 inch chest but has lasted 2 sweaty workouts a week now for 3 or 4 months. It will dig under your pecs during a workout. I will buy another soon.
313277
Both! The replacement plastic seat must be ordered from Nova. This pad makes sitting much more comfortable, and the rubber cover does help hold a cracked seat together (for a while).
822174
The strap is narrow and not very soft. If you put it around your neck, put the collar of your shirt or jacket in front of the strap to soften the feel. Personally, I like a wider softer velour type strap that is adjustable and that won't slip off your shoulder when carrying.
1723427
The original shields I bought 3 years ago were soft, these are hard plastic however I don't even notice a difference in the comfort level. The replacement parts are very difficult to find and these work perfectly. Hope that helps!
888361
The plastic buckle on our most recent one (ordered in May 2013) partially melted and stretched our of shape so the strap tends to slip. Trying to get Carex to replace it. But we had no problem with another one and used it for years until a seam broke. Duck tape fixed that for a while. All in all, a good product.
623706
I've used both products and prefer ProSoft as it stays softer. Although not as long lasting as the harder PermaSoft it's much more comfortable for my sensitive gums, I reline approximately every 6 motnhs or so. Hard plastic...soft tissue... I don't know how anyone can possibly even wear dentures without a soft liner!
780807
The one I got is pretty comfortable. It is more comfortable than the one I got from Polar a few years ago. I had never had a previous one from Garmin, but this has a pretty soft elastic strap. I don't think it will last forever (it is already starting to stretch a bit), but I've never had any chaffing from this one. It has also worked pretty well -- it never loses the ability to connect to the watch during a run, for example. The only thing I haven't been able to do with it is measure my resting pulse -- it is "smart" enough to turn off if my heart rate is too low.
664468
I believe this "Wearlink" was replaced by the Soft strap. The picture on Amazon is wrong. When I ordered this one I received the soft strap. I called Polar and they told me it was the replacement for the "Wearlink" strap they no longer carry. I purchased it to use with my Garmin transmitter as the Garmin strap is terrible. Not sure what the "Smart" strap is. I checked Polar and when I look up "Smart strap" I get the soft strap. I can wash the soft strap and do about every 7 to 10 uses (just take the transmitter off :-) ). It keeps it smelling fresh and consistently providing accurate readings. If you don't wash them not only do they start to smell bad but it can also affect its operation due to the by products in your sweat. My soft strap works great. I purchased a second one and transmitter so I can leave it at work in case I forget mine at home. Hope this helps.