The PulseOn (Beta) unit arrived today. Here it is in the photo – nice!
It’s a minimal box, not as large as others. The most obvious reason being is that the heart rate functionality is built into the watch and so a bulky HR strap is not needed!
The watch (beta) is VERY well made. Lots of METAL (yep, metal) and hard-wearing looking dark glass. The strap is a white, flexible cloth-like material with a quality metal buckle. It comes across as a very well made unit.
There is a clip-on USB charger and data links are probably going to be via Bluetooth (it paired to my Samsung S3 easily enough)
The screen is held in a metal frame that you can just see in the photo. The ‘frame’ has a clever looking and aesthetically pleasing pivoting mechanism.
The watch itself (and display) is smaller than I had imagined. Nowhere near as bulky as my 910XT for example.
There are only two buttons – so simplicity of operation looks to be a goal.
The outside of the box said ‘powered by firstbeat’ … this is good news. Firstbeat are one of the preeminent HR/recovery type technologies and they power Garmins as well as providing their own online service..
I just have to install the app and get on with testing it now 🙂
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Last Updated on 13 January 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Maurten — the race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mix engineered to be easy on the stomach.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — the small adapter that keeps your charging cable tidy at the stem. Essential for race day.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session.
- Ravemen FR300 — front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Garmin watch.
- Stryd — the footpod that brings running power to your Garmin. The single most useful running upgrade I have made.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — the power meter pedals most serious cyclists end up choosing. Accurate, easy to move between bikes.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
