Submitted by
Adam
a Weekend Warrior
from CA Date Reviewed: July 8, 2006
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Price Paid:
$214.00
Strengths:
Software helps to track workout info. Watch works great with new batteries.
Weaknesses:
I found that the Sonic Link works best with a pillow over your watch 2-4 inches away from a mic. 90% success rate vs. 20%. Also, it only stores 1 file completly that you can upload. Press the wrong button at your rest point and sorry. I wish i would of got the next model up to save 5 files completly so if i do bike, run, and swim workouts i can set different Heart Rates for each and monitor my zones correctly. Also, if you have AeroBars, you may not be able to mount it in the correct spot. I had to mount it on the stem sideways, tho a little annoying, i'm use to it now.
Bike Setup:
Road Bike, Specialized
Bottom Line:
Get the next model up for the exercise storage compasity
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
YR
a Cross Country Rider
from Israel Date Reviewed: February 13, 2005
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At:
used
Strengths:
accuracy, many function, good display, reliable, wireless speed sensor
Weaknesses:
can't get the sonic link to work. Look, I was actually asked if I got it at McDonald. Pricy
Similar Products Used:
Vetta, Sette
Bike Setup:
GF 292
Bottom Line:
being both a wrist wearable HRM and a handlebar mounted cycle computer means that one HRM does it all for me. It cost more than double than other HRMs but it is also much better than others.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Wouter D'hoye
a Weekend Warrior
from Belgium Date Reviewed: May 30, 2004
Duration Product Used:
2 Years
Purchased At:
200
Strengths:
many features multiple trainings programmable including interval training, computer download, fitness test (estimated VO2max),cadence function, speed function also works on rear wheel if you change jupmer setting inside sensor. (manual does not mention this however)
Weaknesses:
sonic link can be somewhat tricky to get working, display gets scratched easily, Wristreceiver has bulky design and toy like blue color.
Similar Products Used:
none
Bike Setup:
Thompson country full deore
Bottom Line:
Bike functions At first I got weird speed readings (about the double of my actual speed) but mounting another (suplied) magnet solved this. Only maximum speed is wrong sometimes. The speed sensor also works fine on the rear wheel. This is especially handy when using an indoor trainer during winter. The optional cadence sensor works fine.
Heart rate monitor HRM functions are all fine. It is also possible to display your heartrate as a percent of your maximum heartrate. But you can not program it this way.
Programming exercises can take some time but this is mainly caused by the multitude of parameters you can set. E.g. min/max heartrate, warm up / cool down, interval training,.. If you want to you can upload this data from your PC using uplink. PcCoach makes it easier to set all parameters instead of using the wristreceiver. Fortunately you can store five exercises in memory which can be given a real name instead of only an number.
Computer connectivity Computer download can be somewhat troublesome but as soon you get everything set up right it works fine. This mainly depends on settings of your computer and is not related to the HRM self. As soon these troubles were solved I did not have troubles again.
In short this is a good product worth it's price but not completely perfect. It has a good set of functions and seems to be quite reliable so far.
Recommeded for people serious about cycling and seeking a tool to get a good view on their workout and progression.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Marc
a Racer
from Waitsfield VT Date Reviewed: May 13, 2004
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Potentially great architecture and functionality.
Weaknesses:
Not user friendly, poor manual.
Similar Products Used:
Nashbar HRM.
Bike Setup:
Presently being tested on a cyclocross bike used for commuting. Daily usage.
Bottom Line:
Product review for Polar 520: While this HRM has the potential for being a great product, I had a list of problems and issues starting with transmitter malfunction within 1 month of purchase. The overall reliability of the product has been degrading over time. Other problems included receiver malfunction and software problems including data download problems resulting in inaccurate and unreliable data. The manual left much to be desired. For those users who desire a downloadable product, reliability in that particular feature would be crucial for user satisfaction. I would recommend to anyone thinking about buying Polar to do more research before making a Polar purchase.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
adam
a Cross Country Rider
from Kokomo, IN Date Reviewed: September 3, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
galyan's
Strengths:
loaded features for biking! the caloric counter is very handy to impress your friends. everything else seems to work great.
Weaknesses:
the wireless fork mount for detecting the magnet makes me nervous that it will break off if i hit something or get something caught in the spokes. and that little marvel can't be cheap if it were busted. it feels solid when i wiggle it, but still it makes me nervous. the bar mount gets a lot of heat, but it isn't that bad! come on, it is fine!
Bike Setup:
EPX Terrashark frame, mostly XT drivetrain, easton bar and stem and marzoochi MX Pro fork, crossmax ust disk
Bottom Line:
it has all the main features of a good computer and a heart rate monitor all in a wireless package. forget what people say about the bar mount; it works fine. if you want perfection, go to heaven, otherwise just deal with it. it holds the "watch" securely while riding, what else do you need? a backrub? a dozen roses? free email? please don't let the bad reviews about the bar mount discourage you from buying this little wonder.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rob
a Racer
from Florida Date Reviewed: June 18, 2003
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Large display, wireless, large easy to push buttons when you are riding
Weaknesses:
Only store one complete file (workout), the accompanying software stinks, the "Sonic Link” data transfer
Similar Products Used:
Vetta
Bottom Line:
Not a bad product with an easy to read display. Good for the recreational cyclist looking for something a little better than a standard HRM.
But, if you train hard, often, and are using this as a tool to improve performance for the race season, it may not be for you...
Since only one file (workout) is stored in memory, you must remember to download prior to using it again or your data will be lost! Or, if you push a wrong button and reset during a ride, you will lose everything prior to that point. Since I work a full-time job and train, I need the HRM to store more info until it is more convenient for me to download the data.
Speaking of downloading... I have difficulty with my PC and getting the Sonic Link to work well. It usually takes 2-3 attempts to get a download from the HRM to the PC. And I have never been able to get the PC to upload information to the 510.
The Software, PC Coach Light, that comes with the product leaves a bit to be desired. I’m planning on upgrading to the 710 to get the functions I need; that comes with the full-blown version of PC Coach. I hope that’s a better product!
Again, a good tool for the cyclist needing a few more features than a bottom of the line HRM. Save your money a little longer if you need a tool to really help you train for the BIG race and get the 710.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Gabriel
a Cross Country Rider
from Mexico Date Reviewed: May 12, 2003
Favorite Trail:
Anywhere
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$320.00
Purchased At:
Marti - Mexico
Strengths:
The usual for this type of product. You get a lot of important and useful info about you Heart Rate, Speed, Distance, Calories consumed, etc.
Weaknesses:
DESIGN... the worst looking monitor EVER!!! Only stores detailed info for 1 workout. The bike sensor is not sturdy enough... will break easily INTERFERENCE??? It sometimes gives out wrong info Not very good Customer Service
Similar Products Used:
Other Polar Products and Cateye computers
Bike Setup:
Kone CinderCone with a few changes
Bottom Line:
Well... overall it's a good product. It gives you the info it's supposed to and you can analyze your workout and progress on the computer. It has several good features.
It also has some serious flaws though, as I mentioned in the weaknesses:
1. DESIGN... well, you've seen the pictures. It really looks awful. One reviewer said it looked like it was designed by Fisher Price, I agree. Designed by them in the 80's.
2. Only stores detailed info for 1 workout. Usually this is not a problem, since you can upload the data to the computer every day. Unfortunately, I just went on a 5 day vacation where I was away from my computer and rode all the time. Now I don't have all this info and my software is not up to date with my real workouts.
3. Bike Sensor. This is a real design problem, the "glue" at the attachment points is not strong enough. Mine is already broken and I have to use a small piece of duct tape to keep it from falling off. It still works though.
4. Interference. This happens sometimes, I will get a readout of 00 or 220 in the middle of a ride!?!??? I suppose it's interference from electricity cables or something. It doesn't happen that much, but it's is really annoying.
5. Customer Service. I bought my monitor and a week later they released it with a different and much better sofware program. I emailed them asking if I could get the new software and they just said... sorry, you should've waited for the new product!!! Of course I had no idea they were going to change it! I emailed them again and they just didn't bother to answer.
Well... I hope this helps if you're on the market for a HRM. Will I buy this product again??? I think I will check out all other options first... to me, Polar is no longer the "only" choice.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tracy
a Racer
from Toronto Date Reviewed: September 9, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Purchased At:
Running Room
Strengths:
HR/bike computer in one. Detailed information adequate for most athletes. Sonic Link for download/upload to PC Coach Software.
Weaknesses:
I bought the S510 in January and had a lot of problems with it right off the bat. First, it just would not pick up the HR consistently, it was either 00 or >220. I tried everything Polar said. By March and many calls and emails later, Polar consented to send me a new unit. It worked much better, but still had intermittent problems. Second, I would say that the monitor is largely useless in the city as there is so much interference. Go out to the country and it's much better. Third, I have to use a conducting for more consistent readings. I'm a small female, and I suppose they design these receivers for males as the contact is poor. Downloading info to computer works fine via Sonic Link. Finally, the appearance of the watch leaves something to be desired. Did Fisher Price design this thing?
Similar Products Used:
I had a really basic model that I bought about 7 years ago and it worked much better.
Bike Setup:
Vitus 979, Shimano 105, Look Pedals.
Bottom Line:
Not worth the dough given the lack of reliability. What's the point of all the technology if once the info is downloaded to the computer the reports are completely inaccurate and therefore largely useless.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Oli
a
from Colorado Date Reviewed: August 26, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
REI
Strengths:
Lots of info Big Display Lots of excellent features
Weaknesses:
only stores detailed info for last workout start button accidentally pushed too easily sometimes it stops reading HR info while riding
Similar Products Used:
Polar hr52, Polar night vision
Bike Setup:
Mongoose TI, Ultegra/105, Mavic Ksyreium SSL
Bottom Line:
I truly love this HRM despite it's couple of flaws. I wish that I could upload multiple workouts to my PC. If for some reason I accidentally hit the start button (which is easy to do) I lose the details of my last workout. My only other beef is that on longer rides I sometimes lose the HR signal. I either get a really low HR or a reading of zero. This happens especially on uphills. That sucks as this is when my heart is ounding the most. That aside, I have to say that it is rich in features, and works pretty well on the bike. It is flawless on runs. I have never tried to swim with it. (I'm a little scared it won't work.) Bottom line it's a solid product. I can live with the last workout thing, but I would like to fix the signal problem.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Paul Panish
a
from Barrington, NH, USA Date Reviewed: August 10, 2002
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$280.00
Purchased At:
Performance
Strengths:
Combined Cycolometer/Heart Rate Monitor Functions, Unique HRM functionality to determine overall level of fitness. Completely Wireless.
Weaknesses:
Poor structural design, sensor mounts are prone to breakage at attachment points. High failure rate for both monitor and sensors. Poor handlebar mount. Does not recover from interference or loss of heart rate signal.
Similar Products Used:
Vetta C20, Shimano Flight Deck, other HRM only products
Bike Setup:
Cannondale R2000 (Road Bike)
Bottom Line:
I used the S-510 for almost a year and recently sent it back for a refund. I'm primarily a serious road rider.
In the first few months I had very unreliable operation, loss of signal and lack of recovery afterwards forcing frequent restarts of the training session. Finally the start button cracked and I exchanged the unit for a new one.
A few months later I found the speed sensor hanging by a thread and realized the area where the tie-wraps pass through was much too weak. I managed to convince Polar service that they should send me a few replacement rear sections (no electronics) for the sensor since it was clear it would break again. They weren't too interested in hearing that they had some severe design flaws.
A couple of month ago the cadence function quit on me. I don't know if the sensor failed or the monitor. When I was removing the unit to send it back I discovered the mountings on the sensors were cracking again, as I had expected they would.
I really wouldn't recommend this unit to anyone. If you just want a HRM get a smaller one with just the functions you want. The other Polar's are fine for this. Forget this this for cycling use until Polar redesigns the physical package and improves reliability.
I'm going to try a Vetta V100HR Wireless with Cadence in hopes I have better luck.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
John
a Racer
from Sydney, Oz Date Reviewed: July 28, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$250.00
Purchased At:
www.phantomcycles.com.au
Strengths:
simple setup, information overload, clear big screen. Does what it is supposed to do well.
Weaknesses:
Difficult to setup intervals but that is more a fault of me than the HRM. Polar assume you know all about heart rate and training methods.
Similar Products Used:
Guesswork
Bike Setup:
2 wheels, bars, you know the drill
Bottom Line:
It really is very cool with features about the features. The wireless sensor is no dramas to install and works flawlessly. I am unsure why people have had problems with that as it seems pretty straight forward to set up. In short a great monitor but you need to hit the internet or other information to get the most out of it. If the weatherman told you all about isobars and fronts you would not know what the weather was going to be like. A HRM is the same, it tells you information. It is up to you to decipher it and tailor it to your needs
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Craig de Leon
a Cross Country Rider
from Penrith, NSW, Australia Date Reviewed: July 14, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Purchased At:
Panther Cycles
Strengths:
Love the intival training setup. Heaps of info at your finger tips.
Weaknesses:
Sonic link download can be a little frustrating sometimes.
Similar Products Used:
Polar edge, long time ago
Bike Setup:
Cannondale Road bike, and Specilized FSR-XC MTB
Bottom Line:
Buy this product if you are serious about knowing what you're Heart is doing. Suits the roadie application much better as speed senors can be a little slow in picking up the speed change for an MTB. I have suggested to my MTB buddys to just get the S410 and use a standard bike computer, but for a roadie this is awsome, -- had no trouble with interferance like some of these other people have suggested. worked first time no worries.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard Crawford
a
from Cardiff, Wales Date Reviewed: July 3, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$180.00
Strengths:
Looks, versatility
Weaknesses:
none so far
Bike Setup:
KLEIN ATTITUDE
Bottom Line:
This is a follow up review. I have had no errors with the readings on this HRM. I put speed sensor near top of front forks and it works 100%. Granted have only cycled 300 miles with it on but no errors so far, even covered with mud etc. Upload to PC is easy and accurate.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Morgan Belford
a Racer
from Seattle, WA USA Date Reviewed: June 24, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$220.00
Purchased At:
Greggs Greenlake Cycle
Strengths:
All sorts of great functions; easy to view multiple data items at once (e.g., speed, cadence & HR).
Weaknesses:
Speed sensor does not work reliably. Tried two different ones on same bike (Cervelo) and the speed gets through only intermittently at the start of a ride and then usually quits for good. Cadence has no such problems, but will go crazy every so often (usually doubling rate). Inablility to speed sensor to work made me remove the product totally from one bike. Note that on same bike, wireless speed sensor from Specialized works like a charm. The speed sensor works more reliably on my other bike (Klein quantum race), so I am assuming that something about the geometry or materials of my Cervelo is screwing it up (but believe me I have tried every combination of positions I can to get it to work).
Don't buy this until you have verified that the speed sensor will work on your bike. And even then, I recommend a Specialized Elite or Pro, or a Ciclosport HAC4, and get a polar S410 or S610 for just the HR and related functions -- the stuff that Polar is actually good at.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Simon Wilkinson
a Cross Country Rider
from London Date Reviewed: June 15, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Purchased At:
Evans Cycles, London, UK
Strengths:
Looks,er....waterproofing....
Weaknesses:
Unreliable-doesn't do what it says on the box! Handlebar mount is dreadful.
Similar Products Used:
Vetta HR monitors (two different ones)
Bike Setup:
Marin MTB Airborne road bike
Bottom Line:
I've used this monitor on both my road bike and MTB. Same results on each. The receiver is ridiculously prone to interference from outside (at leat I assume that is what the problem is). I've not done one ride where I haven't got erroneous readings at some stage. I've tried different positions etc - no improvement. As for the speed sensor operation: it's crap too. It starts and stops unexpectedly, sometimes won't stop when it is supposed to (when the bike is motionless!) and is generally well below the standard I would have expected from something sold as a heart rate monitor+, let alone one in this price range. The two Vetta monitors I've owned prior to this, although lacking in build quality and longevity, were actually far more accurate - and much cheaper!. Back to the drawing board Polar. I really can't recommend this product.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Richard
a Cross Country Rider
from Cardiff, Wales Date Reviewed: June 5, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
www.deesidecycles.com
Strengths:
Accurate Waterproof - looks
Weaknesses:
Would be nicer if it stored 6 detailed files in archive - you need to upload data after every exercise. Shame that unit has to be sent off to change battery
Similar Products Used:
None - basic Sigma
Bike Setup:
Klein Attitude, pace forks, rolf propel wheels
Bottom Line:
Does everything I need, havent had the problem with the Speed sensor yet .....
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Tony Serrano
a Racer
from 3909 W. Calle Lejos Glendale, AZ. 85310 Date Reviewed: May 8, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$300.00
Strengths:
Looks-Durability-Name
Weaknesses:
Function-Reliabity-Inaccurate-difficulty in transmitting/pick-up-downloading-uploading......
Similar Products Used:
Polar Accurex Night Vision.
Bike Setup:
Landis Bikes in Phoenix.
Bottom Line:
I have purchased and used 2 other Polars prior to this S-510 and I have always stood by the Polar line. I am trying to be very patient with this one but I am quickly losing the battle. This S-510 was very difficult in setting up and getting the transmitter to pick up a signal. When it finally did, it has picked up all kinds of other signals, even though this one is supposed to have some kind of code? I continually recieve erroneous readings. I have had my Polar Night vision on my wrist and my Polar S-510 on my bike (45 mile ride) and due to the S510 problems, I kept a close eye on the HR. I never saw my heart rate exceed 155 when in fact when I downloaded my S-510, it gave me a max HR of 239 and an average HR of 165. Well this is normal with this monitor. And by the way, my readings on my Night Vision were the norm. Max HR was in the 175 and Average HR was 152... and I have called the tech. center at Polar numerous times and I always get some reason as to why this is not acting correct. I purchased another complete set of cadence and speed sensors because I have 2 road bikes and I did not want to have to switch sensors back and forth. Well I still have not gotten the sensor on my Kestrel to work. So for the most part it is a waste of money.
Again, the bottom line is I would not by this product again. And being there are other companies producing these types of products, Polar runs the risk of losing a customer that it has had for about 10 years.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Trip
a Racer
from Colts Neck, NJ, USA Date Reviewed: April 24, 2002
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$200.00
Strengths:
Large easy to read display. Comfortable to wear. Great features.
Weaknesses:
Easy to accidentally hit big red start buttom on front. This is a problem because you can end up over-writing your detailed workout file. On my bike, even with the monitor mouted on the handle bar, not a strong enough signal to get speed and distance information from front-wheel mounted transmitter. The battery cannot be changed in the HR transmitter, so when it goes dead, you have to buy a new transmitter for about $40. Should last for a couple of years though.
Similar Products Used:
None
Bike Setup:
Trek Fuel 100
Bottom Line:
I don't use the bike functions at all because of the problem listed above. In general though, I use this monitor every time I ride (training or race). It is great for effective training, and interesting to review race data. The software is very basic, but useful. If you really want the bike computer functions, don't buy this.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Rodney
a Cross Country Rider
from Kingston Date Reviewed: February 19, 2002
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$500.00
Strengths:
Very simple to use. Great LCD display and light. No hassle file through to exercise sets. Easily changed for different users. Sonic link download and PC coach software are efficient.
Weaknesses:
PC coach sometimes has difficulties reading sonic link info.
Bike Setup:
Devinci alum. frame, full xt, sid sl on front
Bottom Line:
The 510 gives you the information you need to determine the intensities of your exercise sessions. Reviewing the information provided on the software charts and graphs is very useful. At first I thought that 350.00 CDN was a lot for a HR monitor, instead, I think I became a great training tool. Go for a 510 if you really want to be specific in your training program. If you want a HR monitor to simply tell you how hard your walk is, then buy a cheaper model.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
PAUL SCHAEFER
a Weekend Warrior
from MADRID SPAIN Date Reviewed: January 24, 2002
Favorite Trail:
ANY ROAD OUT OF MADRID
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$245.00
Purchased At:
INTERNET
Strengths:
Large display. More features that most people need. Speed and optional cadence for bikes.
Weaknesses:
Support from Polar. Tool them two days to answer a question regarding speed sensor problems. Waited on customer service phone for 10 minutes. Only had product one week and speed sensor is defective.
Similar Products Used:
Protrainer XT
Bike Setup:
Klien Quantum Race
Bottom Line:
Would buy again even with less than par customer service.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Björn Andersson
a Racer
from Sweden Date Reviewed: December 17, 2001
Duration Product Used:
3 months
Price Paid:
$180.00
Purchased At:
cyclecomponents.com
Strengths:
It`s easy to understand. It has big Lcd numbers and letters. The heart rate sender belt suits fine, and after a few minutes you can`t feel it. The monitor looks big but when you have it on your arm it "disapears". But if you don`t get it to "disapear" you can have it on your handelbar. And it has the most addvanst funktions ever seen on a heart rate monitor. Visit the polar website for more specifide details www.polar.fi
Weaknesses:
The red stop button had a crack the first time a took it up from the box. I wented in to a polar certifided store and they fixed it for free. They could have add some more black straps in to the box
Similar Products Used:
No
Bike Setup:
Specialized fsr pro, Sunn grand prix 2002, Intense hard tale.
Bottom Line:
I think the polar 710 is for people who need to know h ow cold it`s outside and just have to have the most expensive things in the world. Bye the polar 510 and be smart. Spend your money on a bike trip to Sweden in june instead.
Bear
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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