 "Great Heart Rate Monitor" | 2008-08-05 |
| - Reviewed By User: A1RI8DIKAX2U3U |
| Bought this in the springtime to go along with my SX627/725. I do like the GPS sensor, it wasn't important to me to be able to download my routes. What I especially like is that paired with the Polar software I can create a very varied set of phases/intervals for my runs. The software is a tad tricky to use, but I like being able to load in my walking warm-up, a running warm-up then speedwork intervals of miles at a certain pace followed by a 1/2 mile recovery jog and then a final running and walking cooldown. Mine came with the new footpod, too. Much lighter and easier on your foot when you need to use it. As for the not working with cardio equipment in the gym/fitness center, I didn't care about that either. The new WIND heartrate strap is much more reliable than the old strap for talking to the watch, with the 625 I did experience heart rate dropouts at various times. I've had good battery life with the G3 GPS sensor. If you keep up with updating your program in the provided software you'll get a battery life indication for your speed sensor(s), watch and heart rate strap. Can't wait to see what Polar comes up with next. |
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 "RS800 good but GPS, software and data connection are a let down" | 2008-05-20 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2XW09S6MU3I7K |
| I bought this to use for training for the NY marathon '07. Although the instructions were very badly written and the software is poorly set out I think with some messing round most people will be able to figure out how to use it. It was a great way to track my progress on the watch as I trained although the infra red download features do not work with Vista or a Mac (only old versions of Windows). It was also useful to keep my heart rate steady during the race when adrenaline had me champing at the bit, the large screen made it easy to see the key measure. These can be adjusted to show speed, HR, cadence time or various other measures. The GPS sensor is ok as an averaging speed /distance tool over the whole run but not great for your current pace or if you want to extract your gps coordinates also it only has a battery life of around 7hrs. If you want to use it a lot then I suggest you get some rechargeable batteries. I would recommend this watch as a useful tool but do not buy it if you think your going to be downloading data into you computer and tracking your progress in detail on screen. |
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| "Great system, slightly better than the Garmin 405 for my purposes but . . ." | 2008-05-07 |
| - Reviewed By acollignon |
I was somewhat disheartened by the two earlier reviews, sounds like the first person didn't even have one but felt compelled to share I guess . . . I purchased one anyway and have been using it for a few weeks. My first run with it was the Country Music Marathon in Nashville. 26.08 miles was the final reading. Not too bad for right out of the box. Pace did seem to jump around but I have changed the record rate to 3 seconds and it seemed to fix the problem. I wore the receiver on the back of my shorts (where I usually wear my ipod) - probably not the best location and maybe why the marathon distance was off, but I haven't got around to trying the arm band yet. The receiver is only slightly bulkier than my Nano, not really noticeable when clipped to shorts. Takes 20-40 seconds to lock.
I had an rs200 that really worked well so I was familiar with the menu structure. It does take a while to get used to but with all of the display and measurement options, I was able to find a setup that gives me exactly what I am looking for. I was using the web based software for recording my data from the rs 200 and haven't used the PC based software that came with this new watch yet. Too bad Polar doesn't support Mac . . . The WIND heart rate strap is coded so it doesn't interfere with other monitors but as mentioned before, it doesn't work with most gym equipment either but you can still just wear the watch to check your HR. I am thinking about getting the footpod for gym workouts. Once every other day or so, I will accidentally hit the start button but I always hear the beep and turn it off. Has a function where you can identify the shoe (up to 3) you are running in that day - great if you alternate between shoes and want to track mileage on each.
All in all a good system. I wear the watch daily - it's not nearly as large as the Garmin 405 (the other option I considered). I would have gone with the Garmin if it was able to be worn as a regular watch and you didn't have to recharge the battery periodically. 4 stars for lack of Mac support.
Hope this helps. |
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| "RS800G3" | 2008-03-18 |
| - Reviewed By User: A3SKC3XR92POAO |
I normally train for races w/ both a heart rate monitor and a gps watch(garmin 201). I have used a Polar F11 for a few years and it finally died on me(partially my own fault). I was psyched to see that polar now offered a combo unit so I ordered the watch.
The heart rate function is for the advanced user and is very good. The watch is completely programmable and takes some time to figure out, not a big deal. My one complaint about the HR function is that it's not compatible w/ cardio equipment at the gym. During nasty weather days or for speed work, I'll sometimes hit the treadmill. The HR strap uses a different freq, so it doesn't show up on the treadmill readout. The polar f11 didn't have this incompatibility problem.
My biggest complaint is with the GPS function. Having used gps watches extensively, I am familiar with their limitations. Unfortunately this unit seemed much more susceptible to errors due to terrain and other factors. In fact the pace function was mostly unusable, bouncing between a 12min/mi to a 5min/mi while at a steady 8min/mi pace. Later, while running a race with a buddy who was using the garmin 305, we continually compared readouts. Again my watch was all over the place while his was very consistent.
I ended up returning the watch and will wait for the new garmin forrunner 405. I sent an email to Polar with the same critique and hope they will be able fix these issues. |
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 "The watch is great, the program fantastic ..." | 2008-01-10 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2ZM1Y6DGBSYZX |
Everything from measuring your basic heart rate to minuts per mile and most important for me stride length, elevation and so much more.
Super monitor, very accurate as you would expect from Polar (this is my fourth Polar), brilliant data capture and I've got to say, super program.
Make sure you get the Infra Red adaptor as most computers today are bluetooth and not infrared.
Also they have teamed with Adidas for insert into the sole of the shoe, I run in Asics and the attachement to the shoe is very good on the laces. One other great thing, you can get a second shoe piece if you use two pairs of shoes regularly.
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 "WARNING - Great Sports Watch, but no GPS logging" | 2007-11-14 |
| - Reviewed By User: A2TEOD1HKO3U4H |
Great improvement over the Polar S625X as far as usability and relability of the telemetry HR is concerned, but
- the GPS only tracks speed and distance, but you cannot download logging data to map where excactly your run or bike got you to and
- the Infrared interface is pretty much a design fault, as you have to hold the receiver directely over the watch în an uncomfortable postion, as it is IR end on the watch is so badly located.
In conclusion:
If you have already a Polar Watch like the 625, save the money.
If you want a top-of-the line Polar with improved usablity, this is an option (except IR interface)
If you want to visualize your run or bike on Google Earth, get a Garmin Forerunner 305 (rather bulky and HR difficult to read). |
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| "Immediate feedback improves performance" | 2007-08-27 |
| - Reviewed By jasoninbuffalo |
| I purchased this to improve my running performance, and it has. I am able to see my pace, cadence, heart rate, and distance (among other things) on the wrist unit. The immediate feedback keeps me from going out too fast and running out of steam at the end of my run. The cadence has been the most helpful feedback, and to me it was worth the investment. |
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