So how on earth does Bluetooth from the Polar H7 work underwater?
Does the H7 device cache the data? (No)
Actually the H7 broadcasts on two frequencies first the Bluetooth frequency which won’t go very far at all underwater and then the 5kHz frequency which is the one that’s coded for gym use. That goes through the water like a tuna.
What’s the Wearlink+ version?
I’m not really sure but I think it’s the one that works on certain Android phones. The problem seems to be that Bluetooth V4.0 (aka Bluetooth SMART or Bluetooth Low Energy BLE BTLE….dah dah dah) isn’t the most super of standards. So different smartphone manufacturers only work to varying degrees.
So check which one you need to buy with your smartphone model.
Bluetooth 4.1 is a published specification and some equipment has been coming out for a while (I have some 4.1 earbuds which work fine with v4). You might find that Bluetooth 4 is hard to connect with various devices (well I have), v4.1 is meant to address that and I think also it’s being touted as a protocol for the internet of all your things at home…replacing wifi for that purpose. I seem to remember also reading that a Bluetooth v4.1 sensor could pair with two other devices simultaneously unlike the 1:1 relationship at present. Don’t take that as the gospel truth. In fact correct me if you know better please.
Anyway, back to the point. Polar V800 and HR swim stats work perfectly with the H7. In theory I suppose you cold use an old CODED Polar chest strap. I might dig mine out and try that sometime. Though that might cause the V800 to use more energy (as it’s not Bluetooth LOW ENERGY).
Last Updated on 28 October 2015 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
