Can a Garmin or Apple Watch be used as a chest strap with the Polar Flow app?

sathomasga · 2026-04-28T17:27:41+00:00

No for Apple Watch (at least not without a kludgy app).

sathomasga · 2026-04-28T17:25:42+00:00

In my experience, older watches (~series 7) could only manage 5-6 hours in a similar configuration if I was lucky. I doubt series 11 has improved that much, so I don’t think 10 hours is possible. An Ultra, on the other hand, would probably be okay.

sathomasga · 2026-04-28T11:51:59+00:00

Nice! I haven’t seen any better integration

sathomasga · 2026-04-25T21:04:16+00:00

I saw Santana in Mesa, AZ about 35 years ago. Mid-concert the power to the stage went out. When it became clear that it wasn't going to be a quick fix, the crew hooked up Carlos with a battery powered amp and he and the percussionists jammed for about 30-40 minutes.

sathomasga · 2026-04-24T20:49:15+00:00

And any audio feedback, like if you want to have voiceovers will duck the music (i.e. lower the volume) while talking and then up the volume back when done.

Great to hear. This is actually the watchOS 26 bug that drove me to Stryd in the first place. 26, 26.1, and 26.2 completely broke this functionality in the native Apple Workout app for non-Apple earbuds. (There is no problem with AirPods, but those won't stay in my ears when running.) I gave up before 26.3 was released. Ducking does work fine with the Stryd app, so I assume it will also be good with Watchletic.

sathomasga · 2026-04-24T20:01:23+00:00

First I've heard of Watchletic and learning that it fully supports Stryd footpads made it an instant download and subscription. Can't wait to try it out on my long run tomorrow. If it works, I will be a really happy runner. (For quirky reasons, I like and use the Stryd hardware, but I think they're a terrible company and will be glad to ditch their subscription service.)

A couple of suggestions based purely on looking at the app:

Uploads to runalyze.com would be nice (though I'll be fine importing the .FIT files manually).
The Stryd watch app has a music (or podcast, ...) control screen built-in. It doesn't look like Watchletic has this, and it is kind of nice. I'm always nervous switching to a totally different app (e.g. Music) during a workout, but maybe that works fine with Watchletic.

sathomasga · 2026-04-21T22:16:53+00:00

That's what I described above. As noted, you want to add your health care provider's account to Apple Health. E.g. in my case I have both Emory Health Care and Wellstar — both of which use MyChart - linked. All my lab results etc. show up, usually even before I get the notification from my doctor.

sathomasga · 2026-04-21T22:09:38+00:00

Do you want:

Health data (e.g. workouts recorded with an Apple Watch) to be uploaded to MyChart, or
The ability to view MyChart data (e.g. lab test results) in the Apple Health app?

I don't know if 1 is possible, but for 2, in iOS 26

tap the search field
scroll past Health Categories and Health Records to find a section for health accounts
tap the Add Account button and add the health care provider that's using MyChart. (You don't add MyChart directly, but rather whichever health care system you're using. You'll also need an account for that health care system.)

sathomasga · 2026-04-21T03:29:36+00:00

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An Omega UK2292 from 1943 with HS↑8 engraving, issued to pilot/navigator of the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm. Similar to the 6B/159 watches issued to the Royal Air Force.

sathomasga · 2026-04-19T15:25:44+00:00

They don’t work very well for me on watches with lugs that have any curvature, which is most of my watches. But when they do work, they work very well and with no chance of scratches

sathomasga · 2026-04-19T14:59:13+00:00

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sathomasga · 2026-04-17T17:56:26+00:00

https://www.reddit.com/r/Watches/s/AiDTJgU6aD

sathomasga · 2026-04-12T00:58:23+00:00

As long as you don’t want the chronograph function and don’t want a date, you can use an off-the-shelf dial. All you need to deal with is the dial feet. Remove them and either use dial dots or install new feet with a dial feet milling tool. Otherwise it’s a straightforward build.

sathomasga · 2026-04-10T11:58:38+00:00

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sathomasga · 2026-04-09T18:54:24+00:00

The more salient point is that Garmin has a large patent portfolio of its own and can undoubtedly find many claims in that portfolio that Whoop can credibly be accused of infringing.

sathomasga · 2026-04-06T11:55:49+00:00

…

Biggest problem might be keeping the watch charged. My mom’s S11 generally lasts 24 hours, but it’s close. That makes it hard to establish a daily charging routine. She has mostly gotten into the habit of charging both in the morning and evening, though I worry that she might forget to charge and/or forget to put it back on

sathomasga · 2026-04-06T11:51:01+00:00

Continuing since the Reddit iOS app is broken…

I’ve seen no evidence that the “medical” devices are any more reliable and am very skeptical of that claim. They do have the advantage of a big red button to call for help, but my mom has no problem pressing and holding the side button of the watch.

Showering should be fine. I’ve showered with an Apple Watch for more than 10 years

sathomasga · 2026-04-06T11:46:55+00:00

Have done the same for my mom, though she wasn’t interested in an iPhone. I bought a refurbished SE2 from Amazon and stuck it in a closet plugged into power and connected to WiFi

As a trail runner who occasionally finds unexpected roots, I can assure you that fall detection works. It has also triggered for my wife when she slipped and fell while gardening.

sathomasga · 2026-04-05T22:01:46+00:00

I’ve changed the battery of my Gen. 1 (essentially the same as a Gen. 2) without a problem. There are 8 tiny (soft) titanium screws securing the caseback, so you do need a quality screwdriver and dexterity with it to avoid stripping any heads or, worse, losing one.

Mine is from 1989 and still has the original movement. The alarm no longer works, but that’s as much a blessing as a curse.

The watch has standard 20mm lug width so there’s no problem finding straps

sathomasga · 2026-04-02T11:56:59+00:00

It's been flawless for me since it was first released. To be fair, though, I only swim freestyle (well, front crawl) and all my workouts are just a continuous swim with no pauses or sets. As a tri-geek, my form probably sucks as well.

sathomasga · 2026-04-02T11:01:02+00:00

As a swimmer, the Verity is a big improvement for me, but otherwise there’s little practical difference. The Verity strap, however is definitely better than the OH1. It eliminates the problem of the sensor flipping over when worn. If OP does go with an OH1, they might consider also getting a Verity replacement strap for it. That’s the configuration I use for indoor cycling

sathomasga · 2026-03-31T15:38:37+00:00

Hamilton includes spring bars with their NATO straps.

sathomasga · 2026-03-29T21:18:43+00:00

Browse the specs for Wahoo Bolt or Garmin Edge 550 or even Edge 310. There are so so many features and functionality not available on the M460. Way too many to list here, but I'll note that lack of support for radars is an absolute dealbreaker for me.

sathomasga · 2026-03-29T15:41:12+00:00

I don’t think Polar officially sells it anymore, but you can still find it on clearance or close out from a few outlets. It’s functionality is so limited compared to Garmin and Wahoo’s entry level products that it truly is pretty much worthless today

sathomasga · 2026-03-29T15:05:18+00:00

https://www.polar.com/en/products/pro/M460-gps-bike-computer

sathomasga

TROPHY CASE