Coros armband test – An arm sensor for greater comfort!
Can you measure your heart rate with equipment that's accurate AND comfortable to wear? That's what I tested with the Coros heart rate sensor. An optical sensor positioned on an elastic armband to take the measurement on the arm. I share my opinion with you in this article!
Test video summary
Opinion summary
I liked
- Comfort
- Lightweight equipment
- Very easy to use
- Measurement reliability
- Up to 3 Bluetooth devices can be connected at the same time
- Autonomy
I liked it less
- Not suitable for swimming
- Lack of reactivity on short fractions
How is the Coros cuff used?
The Coros heart rate sensor is a product that can be used for all kinds of sporting activities, for more accurate heart rate monitoring and greater comfort than a chest belt (particularly uncomfortable for us women!). This means more reliable measurements, optimized data accuracy and the ability to analyze data in real time or retrospectively. The armband is mainly positioned as a complementary accessory to GPS watches.
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Features
- Dimensions: 42.5 x 28.4 x 9.1 mm
- Total weight: 19g advertised; 21g on the scale
- Cuff material: polyester fibers, nylon, elastane
- Sensor material: 5 LEDs with 4 photodetectors
- Arm circumference: 18 to 32 cm
- Position: biceps
- Wireless connection: Bluetooth
- Compatibility: Bluetooth-enabled devices capable of receiving FC data
- Real-time data synchronization
- Waterproof to 30 meters
- Autonomy: 38 hours in operation – 80 days on standby
- Charging time: 2 hours
- Colors: available in orange and lemon yellow
- Price: €89
The Coros brand
Coros is a young Chinese company, founded in 2014 by Leliang Wu and Engin Zhang, specializing in the design of GPS watches and connected equipment for athletes. Coros quickly became a major player and today sponsors renowned athletes such as Marianne Hogan, Blandine L’Hirondel, Emelie Forsberg and Clémentine Geoffray.
Our test of the Coros heart rate cuff
Design and comfort
The cuff is designed to be worn on the biceps, with the led facing up and the sensor on the outside of the arm. The strap is adjustable to suit every morphology, without causing discomfort, and it does – the cuff stays in place and doesn’t slide down the arm.
Once in position, it’s easy to forget thanks to its lightweight, minimalist design. Another positive point: it doesn ‘t cause any irritation, even after a 30-kilometer trail ride. The armband easily withstands rain and perspiration, although it cannot be used for swimming, as the Bluetooth does not pass underwater.
Operation and Connectivity
Using the cuff is extremely simple, since it is activated by automatic detection: put the cuff on your arm, it lights up, take it off, and it goes into standby mode. The green LED indicates that it’s working properly. It’s very practical, because you don’t have to think about turning it on or off, but it will use battery power as soon as it’s worn.
Coros uses Bluetooth technology, making it compatible with a wide range of devices, even from competing brands: it is therefore compatible with Garmin, Suunto or Polar, for example. The armband can be paired with up to 3 devices simultaneously, for example a watch and a bike computer. To synchronize, simply search for the accessory directly in your watch and pair the armband.
Autonomy
The advertised autonomy is 38 hours active and up to 80 days standby. I haven’t yet been able to test full autonomy with activity (far be it from me to run for 38 hours straight!). With 2 running training sessions and a trail outing per week (i.e. between 7 and 10 hours of activity per week), I charge the armband more or less once a month.
The battery level can be checked directly on the watch, and when the light is amber, it’s time to charge the armband. Full recharge takes less than 2 hours thanks to a USB-A cable and is positioned on the sensor using a magnetic connection.
Technology
The heart rate sensor proposed by Coros is the same as that used on watches: an optical sensor that uses light to measure blood flow in the capillaries beneath the skin. The technology is sound and reliable. For watches, it’s the location on the wrist that poses a problem, as there isn’t enough blood circulation there, unlike on the arm.
Data reliability
Data collected at rest or during a trail ride are consistent and accurate.
I didn’t do a very precise test comparing a watch, the armband and a belt at the same time. But, after a lot of reading on the subject (check out Nakan’s ultra-complete article or Sport Passion’s to find out more), the results are the same: the armband is totally competitive and collects data with a precision equivalent to that of a chest belt. It just lacks a little responsiveness on short, intense efforts such as 30/30 fractions.
The armband is no match for the belt. It will also be much more accurate than the watch.
Conclusion
The Coros heart rate sensor is a very good alternative to uncomfortable chest belts, especially for women. What’s more, it provides a more reliable measurement than watches. Its lightness and comfort make it an ideal companion for all those who want to keep a precise eye on their heart rate, whatever their sport.
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