First, I don't own a HRM.

Do the chest straps that come with all HRM work with all HRM? Are they universal or do you need to use the chest strap that comes with the HRM?

no they are not universal

Not universal. Although there <i>might</i> be compatibility among those devices using the 2.4GHz standard. At least I'm hoping there is as I find the Garmin HR strap extremely uncomfortable and I would like the buy one of the new Polar WIND WearLink straps. I used the old (not the 2.4GHZ standard) wearlink straps with my Polar and found it reasonably comfortable.

First, I don't own a HRM.

Do the chest straps that come with all HRM work with all HRM? Are they universal or do you need to use the chest strap that comes with the HRM?

I have a Polar and a Nashbar. They both work with either strap.

There is some degree of compatibility; however, not 100%. You will see there are numerous types of exercise equipment (treadmills, stair steppers, stationary bikes, ect.) that will communicate with any of the Polar HRM chest straps. My coded Polar 725 chest strap will work with both my 725 and CS200 computers.

My Polar 725 doesn't work with my mates Garmin and vise versa.

I see many if not most of the treadmills at the gym have HRM built in and you have to wear a chest strap. That's one of the reasons why I asked. I didn't know if there was a standard and some companies deter from the standard.

I don't own a HRM and am asking this question as I'm looking.

Are you suggesting that I buy a HRM using 2.4ghz as it may be more compatible?

It would seem to me with more and more of the treadmills at the gyms throughout the U.S. having HRM, this should be standardized or at least going that way.

I believe one day, they'll get rid of the chest strap and go to something else, possibly handlebars that have the sensor built in or jersey's and shirts with built in sensors in the cloth or a HRM that can detect your heart rate from a distance of 4', 2nd generation would be you code in a key to detect your heart only.

I have a Polar HRM and a Powertap with HRM functions and the straps are not compatible. When I travel, I usually take my Polar with me and many of the exercise bikes in the gyms are compatible with the Polar strap that can be bought separately from the Monitor. If using the HRM feature on treadmills is your primary interest, ask your health club what will work on their machines and buy that type of belt or a HRM from that company so you have the HRM to use when not at the club.

The local gym sells Polar HRM (cheaper than you can buy on the internet). So I would assume that would be compatible with their treadmills.

Now that gets me to wonder, if these treadmills, sitting here I don't remember which brand, they might be Life Fitness, are compatible with Polar, what chest straps from other manufacturers are compatible with Polar HRM?

not sure if they are all compatable, but I remember one day I was riding alongdside a guy....up a pretty good incline and we both looked at our monitors at the same time and freaked because the both read 280

Not sure about him but I am pretty sure if I got mine up to 225......mt next stop would be a wooden box....