Submitted by
polarhater
a Racer
from Washington, DC Date Reviewed: July 29, 2009
Favorite Trail:
porcupine
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
online
Strengths:
works good until you need to change the battery and then polar is extremely disappointing to work with. new timex models have user changeable battery.
Weaknesses:
POLAR said they would replace my battery on an old HRM for under $20 when i aksed and said i didnt want to pay to send it in if they were charging too much. They sent me a bill for over $70 with no explanation of why it was more to change the battery and no claim of other service problem (it was working fine before the battery died) so $70 to change the battery plus over $40 for a new transmitter belt
Similar Products Used:
try a timex.
Bike Setup:
used to run custom, now run jamis bikes almost stock except for salsa riser bar and high rise stem.
Bottom Line:
Polar doesnt stand behind their products. When its time to change the battery be prepared for ugly surprises.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Bram
a Weekend Warrior
from Assen, The Netherlands Date Reviewed: March 16, 2003
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$220.00
Strengths:
-Looks -User interface -Download last session to computer -Intervalpossibility -Own code -VO2 max simulation -Fitness level
Weaknesses:
No typical bicycle functions. But the S510, 710, 710i and 720i have so I should have spent more bucks.. Every exercise it produces some misreadings. It's not possible to determine your average speed (I use a Sigma Targa bike computer and use its data) the Polar calculates the average by deviding the distance you gave in by its own exercisetime
Similar Products Used:
First heartrate monitor
Bike Setup:
2001 GF Sugar 2 (L) with Magura Quake C85
Bottom Line:
This product is ok. It looks nice and when you take some time you'll see that it can help you very good during training. I'm always training in specific zones. My experience is that this is easier while running than biking (although on a roadbike it's not as difficult as on the MTB) I wish I had bought the 710. It records also your distance, speed etc. I also practise running and there the Polar is really helping me out. I run intervals and my physical condition is improving dramatically.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Miguel Santos
a Cross Country Rider
from Oporto Date Reviewed: July 23, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Valongo
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$220.00
Purchased At:
Altis, Oporto
Strengths:
Many functions, very atractive design.
Weaknesses:
Doesn't come with an handlebar adapter, it's a bit fragile
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Bianchi 920-sf semi-rigid
Bottom Line:
I've never used an HRM before, so I was not familiar with all the functions. The side buttons cracked the first time I took it to a bike ride, but were quickly replaced at the store. The computer program allows downloading of your training data and makes excellente graphics.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Mike
a Weekend Warrior
from Orange County, CA Date Reviewed: May 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Purchased At:
Bike Expo
Strengths:
Lots of features. Ability to download heart rate data to PC for analysis to aid training. Nice looking.
Weaknesses:
Had to actually read the manual to figure out how to work some of the features.
Similar Products Used:
An early Model Polar HRM.
Bike Setup:
Giant Rainer with lots of upgrades
Bottom Line:
Very nice HRM. Once I figured out how to work all the features (I'm one of those who hates reading the manual) I haven't had any problems. The software that comes with the unit is the "Lite" version so I'm planning on upgrading to the full featured version. They also sell 'training packs' that will coach you in preparing for Marathons, Triathalons, etc.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Walter Stewart
a Cross Country Rider
from Collingwood, ON, Canada Date Reviewed: January 11, 2002
Favorite Trail:
3 Stage
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$198.00
Purchased At:
Sporting Life
Strengths:
Lots of features great for Heart Rate Training. Can download 120 points of heart rate data to computer in less than 1 minute (need a sound card), has program for interval training, can also define custom workouts based on heart limits and timers.
Weaknesses:
Can't export data to Excel. I'm not overly impressed with the software that comes with it, but I'm only going to use it to store and recall my Heart Rate Graphs anyways, and to set up limits and training programs.
Similar Products Used:
Polar A5
Bike Setup:
Stock 1999 Klein Attitude -
Bottom Line:
Excellent value for a watch that you can download your heart rate profile to a computer. Great for determining threshold heart rate and for analyzing races (Oh! so THAT's why I bonked!)
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
What's New
»
BEST OF MTBR - Check out the highest rated bikes, parts, & gear!
»
LED BIKE LIGHT SHOOTOUT 3 - We test all the newest products and latest light and battery technology in this comprehensive guide»
$
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
Overall Rating:
