EUR108,18
Garmin HRM-Pro Plus
I just wanted to change the battery
9/11/2023
Pictures: Patrick Bardelli
Translation: Patrik Stainbrook
Sometimes I wonder what product designers are thinking. Take Garmin, for example. Many of their products are well thought out. But there’s always an exception.
My running days are over. All because of my knee. With a heavy heart, I retired my running shoes around three years ago and hopped onto the saddle of a gravel bike. Since then, I’ve been doing my cardio on two wheels. One of the few products I’ve kept from my jogging days is Garmin’s heart rate belt.
The aerobic metabolism kicks in at low training intensity, for example during leisurely cycling. Anaerobic is the opposite. It’s activated during intense sessions that leave you out of breath. I record my workout with a heart rate monitor and bike computer and look at all the results and benefits of my aerobic and anaerobic metabolism after I’m done. And I’m not even a numbers person.
What I don’t like at all, however, is changing the batteries in Garmin heart rate belts. Now that’s annoying.
Who even comes up with this kind of stuff?
I can’t criticise Garmin’s heart rate belts. I’ve tried various models and have always been satisfied. I’ve also strapped the competition from Polar around my chest, nothing to complain about there either. However, I had to change the battery on my Garmin HRM Pro. That’s where the trouble began.
Who the hell thinks of placing the button battery behind a cover held down by four tiny screws? Probably someone who’ll never use this product themselves. I can’t explain this nonsense design any other way. With Polar products, the battery is very easy to replace. But Garmin? Well, here’s how I do it:
I look for a suitable screwdriver, i.e. one I don’t actually own. Out of options, I reach for a small kitchen knife and try to loosen the screws. It works with two screws, but not with the rest. At this stage I’ve reached anaerobic metabolism, i.e. 180 bpm, and simply pry the cover open with the kitchen knife. I fumble the battery out of the socket and completely lose my temper.
Source: Patrick Bardelli
Changing the battery of an HRM-Pro Plus is much easier
A look at the manufacturer’s website (page in German) shows that three out of four heart rate belts require tools to change the battery. Wait, three out of four? Turns out Garmin does offer a tool-free battery cover for the HRM-Pro Plus. Instant purchase, of course. And it really is child’s play:
Source: Patrick Bardelli
There you go. No screws or kitchen knives needed, and I’m already back to doing aerobic exercise. Dear Garmin designers, please just retrofit all your other models accordingly. Please.
Header image: Patrick Bardelli
Patrick Bardelli
Senior Editor
Patrick.Bardelli@digitecgalaxus.chFrom radio journalist to product tester and storyteller, jogger to gravel bike novice and fitness enthusiast with barbells and dumbbells. I'm excited to see where the journey'll take me next.