Best Fitness/HR smart watch for motocross

Mateo duque
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Edited Date/Time 4/22/2021 1:09pm
Hi

Im looking for a good watch so i can record my laps and i can see my times.

what watch should I buy!!?
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ElliotB16
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1/24/2021 6:06pm
Polar watch. Lots of threads on here about it.
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Chaser503
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1/24/2021 6:23pm
Been really happy with my Garmin 935 so far. Use to track mx laps with the mountain bike activity tracker, in conjunction with the Litpro app, to get HR and lap times.
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Tim507
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1/25/2021 7:17am
I ordered one of these, and was notified yesterday that it has shipped. https://fourthfrontier.com/

I have a polar on my TPI 300 mounted to the pad on the bar and I wear the strap. It is more of a historical device.

I also have a Garmin 935, again you cannot access the data until your done.

I'm not interested in lap times, just having fun and the bar is set pretty high when one has ridden dirt bikes your whole life!

The fourth frontier uses beeps and vibration when you approach you targeted HR. It may may not be a good investment, but at 69 years young I will try most devices to attempt to get real time input on my HR.

I still want to ride a lot be it offroad, Moto or Mtn Bikes, don't want to check out any sooner than he has planned for me!
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tek14
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1/25/2021 8:03am
ElliotB16 wrote:
Polar watch. Lots of threads on here about it.
Polar watches dont take laptimes by position like Garmin?
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The Shop

tek14
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1/25/2021 8:07am
Garmin watches with Motorsport+ app you get your laps where ever you riding. You can use it from pretty cheap models to top of line ones.
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FGR01
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1/25/2021 8:36am
tek14 wrote:
Garmin watches with Motorsport+ app you get your laps where ever you riding. You can use it from pretty cheap models to top of line ones.
I've found this setup to pretty much blow, at least on my Garmin Forerunner 235. The GPS is simply not sensitive/accurate enough to consistently catch the lap start/end point. I've played with the settings in the Motorsport+ app blue in the face, setting the sensitivity to 10M, 15M, 25M, etc etc. Making sure I enter and exit the track at the exact same spot and it still doesn't catch it.

Also, since the GPS accuracy is so crappy, MX tracks confuse the hell out of it since they twist back on themselves so much with opposing corners/straights being right next to each other. My buddy, who is like half my speed, has all kinds of records above me on Strava due to GPS error of our Garmin watches trying to follow an MX track.

Perhaps I could change a GPS accuracy or sampling rate setting in the watch itself at the expense of battery life?

Oh the HRM on my watch is junk also. Very inconsistent with accurately tracking HR. I've read this is pretty common to all Garmin watches as they all use the same basic proprietary HRM. Yes, I can use my chest strap but that is one more thing to deal with and kind of defeats the purpose of having a built in HRM.

Also, back in August or so when Garmin got hacked with ransomware I lost the Motorsport+ app and haven't bothered trying to go through the ropes to get it reinstalled.. since it sucked anyway.
Zoer
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1/25/2021 8:52am
Polar v800 all u need
tek14
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1/25/2021 9:18am
tek14 wrote:
Garmin watches with Motorsport+ app you get your laps where ever you riding. You can use it from pretty cheap models to top of line ones.
FGR01 wrote:
I've found this setup to pretty much blow, at least on my Garmin Forerunner 235. The GPS is simply not sensitive/accurate enough to consistently catch the...
I've found this setup to pretty much blow, at least on my Garmin Forerunner 235. The GPS is simply not sensitive/accurate enough to consistently catch the lap start/end point. I've played with the settings in the Motorsport+ app blue in the face, setting the sensitivity to 10M, 15M, 25M, etc etc. Making sure I enter and exit the track at the exact same spot and it still doesn't catch it.

Also, since the GPS accuracy is so crappy, MX tracks confuse the hell out of it since they twist back on themselves so much with opposing corners/straights being right next to each other. My buddy, who is like half my speed, has all kinds of records above me on Strava due to GPS error of our Garmin watches trying to follow an MX track.

Perhaps I could change a GPS accuracy or sampling rate setting in the watch itself at the expense of battery life?

Oh the HRM on my watch is junk also. Very inconsistent with accurately tracking HR. I've read this is pretty common to all Garmin watches as they all use the same basic proprietary HRM. Yes, I can use my chest strap but that is one more thing to deal with and kind of defeats the purpose of having a built in HRM.

Also, back in August or so when Garmin got hacked with ransomware I lost the Motorsport+ app and haven't bothered trying to go through the ropes to get it reinstalled.. since it sucked anyway.
Yes cheaper models are using cheap GPS sensor that could be problem. I have higher range model but it did hurt more when rock from back tyre of passing rider hit my watch face. Same goes to HR sensor below Vivoactive4/Venu range they are using cheaper version so you get buy u pay.
Shaggin589
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1/25/2021 2:19pm
The Polar Vantage M will record your info and when you pair the litpro app to the polar flow app it will automatically pull it over and show up on the litpro app. It will show lap times and all your info, HR, time, elevation, etc.

Here is a sample of mine
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Brent
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1/25/2021 2:30pm Edited Date/Time 1/25/2021 2:37pm
Fitness watches are fantastic for knowing your heart rate and knowing if you are under or over training.

Fitness Watches ARE NOT accurate for lap times, because the GPS radios they use are very basic and are not meant for high speed direction changes on a motocross track.

I use a Polar Vantage M, and the lap times are off by 6 to 10 seconds per lap on a 2 minute track from a legitimate Dual GPS lap timer such as a Lit Pro.

If you are looking for accurate lap times, you need a dual GPS receiver facing upwards on your bike or on the top of your helmet.
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Meister
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1/27/2021 7:27pm
Which watch, paired with a chest strap will work best for me to:

Run info
HR info
And for fun, laptimes/moto info i.e. hr info during moto, times (understand I'll never achieve litpro accuracy)

fullysicmate
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1/27/2021 9:01pm
ElliotB16 wrote:
Polar watch. Lots of threads on here about it.
tek14 wrote:
Polar watches dont take laptimes by position like Garmin?
Do garmin take laptimes by position?
Zoer
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1/27/2021 9:21pm
Meister wrote:
Which watch, paired with a chest strap will work best for me to: Run info HR info And for fun, laptimes/moto info i.e. hr info during...
Which watch, paired with a chest strap will work best for me to:

Run info
HR info
And for fun, laptimes/moto info i.e. hr info during moto, times (understand I'll never achieve litpro accuracy)

V800 accurate as of 0.1 second. More than enough , otherwise I guess litpro is already sponsoring you
tek14
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1/27/2021 11:09pm
ElliotB16 wrote:
Polar watch. Lots of threads on here about it.
tek14 wrote:
Polar watches dont take laptimes by position like Garmin?
Do garmin take laptimes by position?
Yes with apps downloaded from Garmin app store. Some are free and some cost 2-3 dollars.
fullysicmate
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1/28/2021 12:12am
tek14 wrote:
Polar watches dont take laptimes by position like Garmin?
Do garmin take laptimes by position?
tek14 wrote:
Yes with apps downloaded from Garmin app store. Some are free and some cost 2-3 dollars.
Sweet, just downloaded one 👍
Meister
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1/28/2021 3:44am
Meister wrote:
Which watch, paired with a chest strap will work best for me to: Run info HR info And for fun, laptimes/moto info i.e. hr info during...
Which watch, paired with a chest strap will work best for me to:

Run info
HR info
And for fun, laptimes/moto info i.e. hr info during moto, times (understand I'll never achieve litpro accuracy)

Zoer wrote:
V800 accurate as of 0.1 second. More than enough , otherwise I guess litpro is already sponsoring you
Nope, they're not sponsoring this washed up vet. If the v800 is that accurate, sweet. Based on what I've read, it led me to believe that it's just not as accurate on that side of things.
ElliotB16
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1/28/2021 6:06am
I’ve ran a polar watch with a transponder and it was spot on. Also with a stop watch and it was accurate.
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1/28/2021 6:35am
I've been running a garmin forerunner 235 for the last year. So far I've been happy as its something I already have and use everyday. It may not be accurate to .001 seconds a lap but for me it is more than enough. Adding a chest strap this year as heartrate while riding is not always accurate.

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Zoer
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1/28/2021 6:48am
ElliotB16 wrote:
I’ve ran a polar watch with a transponder and it was spot on. Also with a stop watch and it was accurate.
True !
All u need to do is to find correct spot on the track - slow speed and one lined, cause 1.5 meters difference in line and it will not recognise it as a new lap
Meister
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1/28/2021 6:56am
400, or 800? Can get both relatively cheap on the market place..
Zoer
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1/28/2021 7:05am
Meister wrote:
400, or 800? Can get both relatively cheap on the market place..
I vote for 800. They are more durable , i ran over mine by bus and they were still alive.
Also charging slot at 400 is not so good with usb connection

And last, i thimk, 400 will not let you to count a lap times directly at watches. Meaning you dont have a setting like - count lap times based on a gps.
That was a key point for me
Otherwise you need to upload tracking somewhere later to get lap time figures
Monk
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1/28/2021 9:05am
Meister wrote:
400, or 800? Can get both relatively cheap on the market place..
Zoer wrote:
I vote for 800. They are more durable , i ran over mine by bus and they were still alive. Also charging slot at 400 is...
I vote for 800. They are more durable , i ran over mine by bus and they were still alive.
Also charging slot at 400 is not so good with usb connection

And last, i thimk, 400 will not let you to count a lap times directly at watches. Meaning you dont have a setting like - count lap times based on a gps.
That was a key point for me
Otherwise you need to upload tracking somewhere later to get lap time figures
Correct, and the 400 doesn't have a heart rate monitor. I have the 430 for 4yrs now with no complaints...
FGR01
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1/28/2021 9:13am
I've been running a garmin forerunner 235 for the last year. So far I've been happy as its something I already have and use everyday. It...
I've been running a garmin forerunner 235 for the last year. So far I've been happy as its something I already have and use everyday. It may not be accurate to .001 seconds a lap but for me it is more than enough. Adding a chest strap this year as heartrate while riding is not always accurate.

What is your setup? Are you transferring/synching the ride data from your Garmin to LitPro? As I detailed above, I've tried the Garmin Motorsports+ app with my Forerunner 235 and it pretty much sucks for lap timing.
1/28/2021 9:28am
Fgr01. Using the MRB bike activity. Start when I’m at the line and stop when I pull off. As soon as I save the activity it links directly to litpro. They had some issues first thing this summer but since then it’s been bullet proof for me. But have to use the MRB bike activity not Motorsport. Oh and it only works if you start it. Brain gets the best of me at times and I forget that step.
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TeamGreen
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1/28/2021 9:37am
I'm using the iWatch 6 - 44mm and it's waaaaay better than the previous iWacthes I had.

Like otheres have said, I'm using a bike app and it gives me all the data I need.
tek14
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1/28/2021 10:32am
TeamGreen wrote:
I'm using the iWatch 6 - 44mm and it's waaaaay better than the previous iWacthes I had. Like otheres have said, I'm using a bike app...
I'm using the iWatch 6 - 44mm and it's waaaaay better than the previous iWacthes I had.

Like otheres have said, I'm using a bike app and it gives me all the data I need.
What is app you are using and does it give you laptimes?
TeamGreen
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1/28/2021 10:35am
TeamGreen wrote:
I'm using the iWatch 6 - 44mm and it's waaaaay better than the previous iWacthes I had. Like otheres have said, I'm using a bike app...
I'm using the iWatch 6 - 44mm and it's waaaaay better than the previous iWacthes I had.

Like otheres have said, I'm using a bike app and it gives me all the data I need.
tek14 wrote:
What is app you are using and does it give you laptimes?
Not monitoring lap times with that app...yet. I'm doing health data & O/A ride/session time on my watch.

I did try an app on my Iwatch 4 or 5...it was ok...but not as good as LITPro.
Brent
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1/28/2021 3:50pm
my laps are so slow ,I could use a sundial to keep track...
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Brandon327
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1/28/2021 6:47pm
Brandon with LITPro. I thought I'd chime in with a quick explanation of our lap time service using GPS watches.

As many here have already stated, it's an excellent solution for those who only want basic lap times with no other frills. The service is free, and it's compatible with Polar or Garmin GPS watches. We haven't made an official announcement, but we recently added the Apple Watch too. I'd still recommend a dedicated precision GPS receiver if you want absolute precision.

If you have a Polar or Garmin GPS watch, using it in conjunction with the LITPro MX App is simple. Start by connecting your Polar Flow or Garmin Connect account to your LITPro account. Select one of the specified activities for your session and complete your session. When you sync the watch with Polar Flow or Garmin Connect, your laps will automatically populate in the LITPro MX App.

The process of using an Apple watch is slightly different. Start by installing the LITPro MX App on your iPhone and Apple Watch. Login to your account and launch the app on both devices. Select add session>Apple Watch>Live Timing to handoff to the watch. At this point, you no longer need your phone. You'll need to tap the START button before you head out to the track. When you come back into the pits, using the FINISH button will complete your session. You'll now be able to review laps in the app.

I hope that's helpful to anybody in search of a GPS fitness watch solution for their lap times.
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Tonynz
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1/28/2021 9:31pm
Brandon327 wrote:
Brandon with LITPro. I thought I'd chime in with a quick explanation of our lap time service using GPS watches. As many here have already stated...
Brandon with LITPro. I thought I'd chime in with a quick explanation of our lap time service using GPS watches.

As many here have already stated, it's an excellent solution for those who only want basic lap times with no other frills. The service is free, and it's compatible with Polar or Garmin GPS watches. We haven't made an official announcement, but we recently added the Apple Watch too. I'd still recommend a dedicated precision GPS receiver if you want absolute precision.

If you have a Polar or Garmin GPS watch, using it in conjunction with the LITPro MX App is simple. Start by connecting your Polar Flow or Garmin Connect account to your LITPro account. Select one of the specified activities for your session and complete your session. When you sync the watch with Polar Flow or Garmin Connect, your laps will automatically populate in the LITPro MX App.

The process of using an Apple watch is slightly different. Start by installing the LITPro MX App on your iPhone and Apple Watch. Login to your account and launch the app on both devices. Select add session>Apple Watch>Live Timing to handoff to the watch. At this point, you no longer need your phone. You'll need to tap the START button before you head out to the track. When you come back into the pits, using the FINISH button will complete your session. You'll now be able to review laps in the app.

I hope that's helpful to anybody in search of a GPS fitness watch solution for their lap times.
Great explanation Brandon , keep up the good work.
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