Submitted by
jeff russell
a
from austin, tx Date Reviewed: February 6, 2004
Favorite Trail:
town lake
Duration Product Used:
1 Year
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
heartratemonitorsusa.com
Strengths:
It works flawlessly. Upload capability to PC. PC software that graphs a variety of useful data. Ability to program 5 different types of workouts. Ability to set reminders so that when that days run comes up the watch is set with that days training regiment.
Weaknesses:
It would be nice if HR data was collected very second like it is with the 810i. But then that's hardly worth the extra 100 bucks for the 810i.
Similar Products Used:
None. Although I do use the HRM in conjunction with the garmin foreunner 201. The best GSP/HRM combo in existance currntly in my opinion.
Bike Setup:
Don't currently cross train on bikes - specifically focused on marathon training only.
Bottom Line:
The polar 610i does everything, and I mean everything, I need and HRM to do. It collects HR data and provides meaningful analysis and logging over time of my daily run results through the IR uplink to my PC. Sure it costs more than many of the HRM's on the market, but none available besides the 810i provide the level of sophistication and anaylsis via the software on the PC that makes this a truly awesome training tool.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
easttn rider
a Cross Country Rider
from knoxville, tn Date Reviewed: December 11, 2003
Duration Product Used:
More than 3 years
Price Paid:
$275.00
Purchased At:
LBS
Strengths:
Incredibly durable and reliable. Works in heat, cold, heavy sweat, rain; and it survives numerous crashes. Very easy set-up with the infra-red hook-up. Good display.
Weaknesses:
I'm not crazy about the color. Plus, you really need to buy the infra-red computer hook-up. Otherwise, set-up is a major league hassle.
Similar Products Used:
Polar pace
Bike Setup:
Intense spider, xtr, chris king/mavic wheelset, fox f80rlt fork.
Bottom Line:
A great product. Buy the infra-red hook-up. The battery has lasted several years with heavy use. I have used it in all weather conditions except extreme cold. It has performed flawlessly for years. You can get lots of data from the download if you're into that sort of thing.
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Submitted by
Andy
a Cross Country Rider
from Sydney Australia Date Reviewed: September 13, 2003
I`ve found this to be an extremely good HRM, although i was initially disappointed with trying to transfer the watch files to the laptop using Soniclink, this was quickly rectified by buying the Polar Infra-red reader. Take the time to go through the software and set it up for the information you desire...the settings are very comprehensive and can be endlessly fine tuned to provide you with the information youre after. Ive swum with this HRM and chest strap on numerous occasions after a ride or jog, so its fair to say theyre extremely waterproof for cycling. Polar have provided excellent upgrades to their software (which they regularly email out), and seem to provide good support for their product. One chilli less because of the need to buy the reader, otherwise an excellent HRM
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Submitted by
Mark
a
from Newcastle, UK Date Reviewed: July 24, 2003
Duration Product Used:
6 months
Price Paid:
$240.00
Purchased At:
Start Fitness
Strengths:
Where do I begin, there are just too many to mention. Five programmable exercises on the monitor, that can be saved on computer and easily transferred; great software that acts as a diary and easily reviews exercises; measures VO2 max; great display with lots of info; easy to use once you've read the manual and used the demo; interval function; absolutely more memory than you'll ever need (up to 99 laps in each exercise, with 99 hours of training at a 60 second sample rate); max and average heart rate of each lap, plus time in, below and above target zones for entire exercise... The list goes on.
Weaknesses:
Can only think of one trivial weakness, and that is that I would have preferred a crystal lens that couldn't scratch.
Similar Products Used:
Nike hrm[triax 15 - rubbish
Bike Setup:
n/a
Bottom Line:
The definitive HRM, unless you have loads of money and can afford the S810. This is an awesome HRM that will help your training vastly, and make it easier with all of those programmable timers and heart rate zones. It will even predict your VO2 max! The excellent software makes setting up sessions less tricky than fiddling with the buttons on the monitor, but nonetheless this is an excellent buy, if not a little expensive.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
Neil
a Cross Country Rider
from Cambridge Ontario Canada Date Reviewed: July 1, 2002
Favorite Trail:
Puslinch Tract
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$230.00
Purchased At:
Ziggy's in KItchener
Strengths:
As stated in earlier review, the watch looks reasonably stylish.Watch has many features and buttons are very intuitive to scroll through menus. Tons of features. This is the ultimate toy for heartrate monitoring and analysis. Software is excellent. Works with XP. Help menus on software are very detailed.
Weaknesses:
A little pricey, but for the features you get and the potential impact this tool could have on your overall fitness...It is good value, if you use the features.
Similar Products Used:
Timex Triathlon with Heart Rate Monitor
Bike Setup:
2001 Cannondale Jekyll. Mostly stock stuff
Bottom Line:
I give this 4 flaming turds for value...only if you can utilize the features of this machine. I give this 5 flaming turds for an overall rating as it is a Killer HRM when used with the supplied software. Anyone interested in taking their fitness to the next level should purcahse this puppy.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
Submitted by
DJL
a Cross Country Rider
from Grapevine, Texas, USA Date Reviewed: February 11, 2002
Duration Product Used:
Less than 1 month
Price Paid:
$170.00
Purchased At:
Creative Health Products (check web)
Strengths:
Excellent Polar quality. Industrial design is looking better these days: Not so boring wrist appeal. You won't look so athletic-geek wearing one when not riding. Lots and lots of features, most of which you will actually use. Infrared interface to transfer data to computer for use with Polar software, version 3. Basic profile for quick runs. 5 other exercise profiles for intraval training, hills, weight management, whatever you want. Programmable via software and infrared, which helps eliminate complexity of setting detailed training programs via the watch. (No report yet on durability.)
Weaknesses:
Buttons are someone hard to push (on purpose, to avoid accidental activation). Backlight isn't the best; doesn't stay on too long. Can be complicated to set exercises via watch but software interface helps.
Similar Products Used:
Various Polar models over the years.
Bike Setup:
The 610 is meant for runners, the 710 has all the cycling features. However, I didn't plan to use it as a cyclocomputer. I have a Flight Deck (road bike) and another computer on the mountain bike, so I figured added cost wasn't worth it since I already use cyclocomputers. All other specs are the same between the 610 and 710, except 710 stores more in memory. Polar sells a bike mount ($7-10, depending on where you buy it), which works very well (although I use this on road bike and trainer, not mountain bike as I'd hate to crash and destroy the watch).
Bottom Line:
So far an excellent product. Great support from Creative Health Products and Polar. Note: infrared interface has hard time working with Dell laptop computers, and Polar is coming out with a new product that early buyers of the infrared reader can swap. For mountain biking and road cycling, this is a great mid-range of the top-end heart rate monitors.
Value Rating:Overall Rating:
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