Review on LIVLOV V9 Bluetooth ANT+ Heart Rate Monitor Armband - Rechargeable HRM Sensor with IP67 Waterproof Rating - Optical Armband Heart Rate Monitor for Peloton, Zwift, Wahoo Fitness, Polar Beat, and Endomondo by Rebecca Massey

Customer service first. I had a problem with the first device and gave a corresponding negative rating. LIVLOV support contacted me via email and did everything possible to solve all problems. My interaction with LIVLOV support is ranked as one of the top 5 responses I've ever received, regardless of product type. Definitely 5 stars or more. The first device didn't connect via Bluetooth to any of the three fitness apps I tried on several different phones. It also didn't work with any of the multiple ANT+ devices. I was working with a PC but almost installed the sensor on the Bluetooth adapter so the range was only a few inches. I suspect a bad antenna. I sent the block back. Then great customer support led to a second device. The second device worked flawlessly via Bluetooth immediately. However, I could not connect it to any ANT+ device. The main problem was user error caused by not very clear instructions, but mostly just user error. After following the correct instructions, the device was paired with Garmin Edge 705, Garmin Edge 305, Garmin Edge 530 and Wahoo Elemnt Bolt. I couldn't connect it to my ANT+ compatible LifeFitness bike after several attempts. I had to scan the device multiple times with the Edge 305 and 705 but it connected successfully. I bought the device because I lost my Polar OH1 that I've been using for a while. Polar worked great with all devices. Since then I found Polar OH1 and had the opportunity to compare the performance of LIVLOV V9, Polar OH1, another brand optical sensor and Polar HRM chest strap as a benchmark. The V9 behaves almost exactly the same as the two Polar devices (and much better than the other brand) at constant heart rates and at rapid heart rate increases. It lags behind the dual polar monitors, however, as heart rate drops quickly (e.g. when driving up a steep hill and passing a red light), but not by much. I am fully satisfied with the performance. Let's get back to the customer support issue. I have not bought another Polar OH1 because in 20 years I have had to contact Polar customer service for a number of products. There is practically no support. I would rate Polar support as the second worst I have ever dealt with. Given the choice between a slight drop in heart rate and great customer support (LIVLOV) versus slightly better performance and terrible customer support (Polar), I would definitely recommend the LIVLOV V9.