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
- Injinji – Runners protect your toes. Avoid discomfort and minor injury. Run more. Run faster. I use them.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — The small adapter that keeps your charging cables tidy. Essential for race day. I use one.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session. I use one.
- 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. I use one.
- Body Glide – The blue anti-chafe stick that all swimmers and many runners use. I use it.
- Maurten — The race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mixes engineered to be easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — A radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Garmin watch. I use this model.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — The power-meter pedals most serious cyclists choose. Accurate, easy to move between bikes. I use this model.
- Garmin Forerunner 970 — A serious choice for a pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Polar H10 — My daily driver for accurate, waking HRV readings.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3 — The bike computer that has the feature Garmin lacks: usability. I use mine on most rides.
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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
