Polar RS400 Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $269.95

Amazon Price: $179.50

Forget about trying to force yourself to get into an unsuitable fitness program! The Polar RS400 Heart Rate Monitor Watch take cares of that by finding that perfect training intensity for your body.

The RS400 features its Polar OwnOptimizer capability. The Polar OwnOptimizer allows this heart rate monitor watch to m determine whether you are under training or over training based on your heart rate, pace, and calories burned and. It measures and analyzes your training results and provides you with visual and aural clues for you to know how effective the runner’s training program is.

With all these data available to you through the Polar RS400, finding ways to ensure successful running training becomes much easier for anyone.

Product Features

• Material:
• Band Type:
• Altimeter: No
• Barometer: No
• Compass: No
• Stopwatch: Yes
• Chronograph: Yes
• Thermometer: No
• Heart Rate Monitor: Yes
• PC Compatible: Yes
• Waterproof: Yes, up to 50m
• Backlight / Electroluminescent: Yes
• Alarms: Yes, with snooze
• Size: Medium
• Recommended Use: Running, aerobic activities
• Weight:
• Warranty: 2 Years

Buy/More Info

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Just the kind of HRM I was looking for
I have been using RS 400 for over a month and completely satisfied with its performance. While I was already excited about its features, when I was researching for a good running computer within my price range, I was a little concerned about some of the negative reviews regarding its infra-red connectivity. The first time I tried downloading data, I did have trouble, but I realized, I was holding it in my hand and my hand was not steady, so I then took the watch off, and placed it on the table close to the USB infrared reader and it has been able to always get the data quickly after that. Other than that, the recording features where you can record your data at 1s, 5s, 60s etc. are great as I’d like to do a lot of interval training and would want to see my heart rate change almost close to real time. The Polar Personal Trainer software that comes free with it is also a big bonus as I can personalize my target zones based on VO2 max values and find out the distribution of my workout in various VO2 max percentages. I also like the fact that it calculates my calorie expenditure by taking VO2 max into account, as well as heart rate, gender, age and weight, unlike the other monitors that just use gender, weight excluding VO2 max, thereby giving my more accurate representation of the calories I am burning. When I compare it to the calories burned shown by my treadmill, bike or elliptical trainer, they show a lot higher number of calories burned almost 20-30% difference. Therefore, I think it is a much more reliable tool even if you just want to lose weight. I would definitely recommend this product to any serious runner or even a casual person, who wants more accurate estimate of their calorie expenditure during a workout.

2 Stars Good heart rate monitor, battery life issue, tough to change the battery
As a hear rate monitor this unit is really good and I like the software that comes with it (this is my third model of Polar monitors). But this is a replacement RS400 because the first one ran through batteries very quickly (to be fair I loved this watch when I first got it and I gave the first unit 5 stars in my review, albeit that was only after about a month of usage). The first battery lasted about four months, the second one four weeks. I don’t suspect this is normal behavior though, it could just be a defect in the unit…or, as I have read on some of the Polar message boards, the watch is designed such that the side buttons are very easily pushed in when setting the watch down on its side such that it could be getting turned on inadvertently and running the battery down. My guess is that it is the latter rather than being a defect. Now I make sure not to put the watch down on its side to prevent this from happening. The watch is also designed so that, theoretically, you can change the battery yourself but the back is made of such soft plastic that it is almost impossible to open it without destroying the battery cover. This is very annoying. My last Polar was great because it had a metal back with small screws that were easy to pop out, change the battery, and pop back in. My guess is you have to have a special jewelers tool to get this back off without damaging the plastic. The conclusion I have come to is that I think this design is just a poor design. They need to go back to the screw on metal backs (e.g. 625Xi) and redesign the buttons to prevent the watch being accidentally turned on and draining the battery. I would recommend you look at a different Polar model as there are other designs that appear to be better and less likely to suffer from these issues.

4 Stars A Good midrange heart monitor.
i’ve upgraded from one of Polar’s eco models to the RS400. So far after three months or so it has worked great. large enough numbers to see ok and backlighting as well. i’m pleased so far. i recommend this product.

5 Stars Great for Triathelon Training
Rock solid – to upload data to your computer via infrared follow these steps 1. make sure your computer recognized your ira port then

2. click on connect from the watch

3. then go to polar desktop software and transfer

follow those step and it rocks.

4 Stars EXERCISE WATCH
THE NUMBERS ARE NOT AS BIG AS I SUPPOSED. I STILL HAVE TO USE GLASSES TO READ THEM WILL EXCERSISING, WAS NOT THE CASE WITH A NIKE TRIAX C8 THAT I USED IN THE PAST. ALL OTHER IS EXCENENT

Buy/More Info

Related posts:

1. Polar RS100 Black Running Series Heart Rate Monitor
2. Polar RS200 Running Heart Rate Monitor
3. Polar RS400sd Heart Rate Monitor Watch with Free IRDA USB 2 0 Interface

i-gotU Bluetooth GPS Travel Logger (GT-200e)

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: Varies based on product options

Amazon Price: View Sale Price

GT 200e i gotU GT 200e Bluetooth Travel

People who train can sometimes stumble upon the best training routes by accident. Unfortunately, they find difficulty in being able to remember that perfect training spot. The GT 200e i gotU GT 200e Bluetooth Travel Blog Master aims to solve that problem by providing you with a GPS logger to record and save your track logs.

The purpose of the GT 200e i gotU GT 200e Bluetooth Travel Blog Master is to geotag places taken during a run or trip. By geo-tagging a route, runners would be able to easily locate and know where they started or finished their runs.

The ability to record and save tracks log are useful especially for sports such as jogging, biking, hiking, boating and cycling. It allows runners to analyze the speed or pace, duration, altitude, route, and other essential information.

With the GT 200e i gotU GT 200e Bluetooth Travel Blog Master, finding that perfect place to train becomes a very easy chore!

Hardware Specification:
GPS Specification:
# Dimension: 46 x 41.5 x 14 mm
# Weight: 37g
# Built-in SiRF StarIII low power chipset
# Built in GPS Patch Antenna
# 2 LED for tracking and battery / charger status Indication
# 64M flash memory to store 262,000 way points
# Average acquisition time for cold start: < 60 seconds, warm start: < 38 seconds
# USB 1.1 interface for PC connection
# Bluetooth V2.0 EDR Class 2 technology for PDA, mobile phone connectivity
# Operation temperature: -10 to + 50 degrees centigrade

Buy/More Info

Related posts:

1. Garmin Forerunner 405CX GPS Sport Watch with Heart Rate Monitor Blue

Polar RS400 Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $269.95

Amazon Price: $179.50

Forget about trying to force yourself to get into an unsuitable fitness program! The Polar RS400 Heart Rate Monitor Watch take cares of that by finding that perfect training intensity for your body.

The RS400 features its Polar OwnOptimizer capability. The Polar OwnOptimizer allows this heart rate monitor watch to m determine whether you are under training or over training based on your heart rate, pace, and calories burned and. It measures and analyzes your training results and provides you with visual and aural clues for you to know how effective the runner’s training program is.

With all these data available to you through the Polar RS400, finding ways to ensure successful running training becomes much easier for anyone.

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star Does not come with IR Adapter!!!!!!!
Why do they not clearly state that this product does not come with a IR Adapter. Why provide software for analyzing data when they do not provide a way to transfer the data to the computer.

Have they not heard that IR is out and Bluetooth is in!!!!

1 Star Get the Garmin 305 Instead
I got the RS400 to replace the Polar 625X–which failed to connect to my computer just after the warranty expired. key thing about this device is being able to download data to the computer to use the analyzing software. Unfortunatly, I am RETURNING the RS 400 becuase it FAILS TO DOWNOAD to the computer–even using the very expensive POLAR brand IRD interface device. The old watch (625x) was always very touchy to download, took many tries. This fails to transfer at all. I’ve had the Garmin 305 for 2years and love it. It downloads thru a USB connector every time. the only reason I tried to get polar again is to for the OWN INDEX test. But I don’t need to spend $249 for only that functoin when the Garmin 305 does everything else and also has a robust analytical software program (but you cannot print it). really wanted to give Polar another chance and really disappointed. GET THE GARMIN 305 INSTEAD!

-middled aged female athlete

1 Star Polar WebLink is useless
I have been using a RS200 for a few months. The unit works fine capturing the data but the hassle that one needs to go through to get the data uploaded to the Polar site via Weblink is very very cumbersome. It is a hit and a miss and I have given up on transmitting my data because of this useless feature.

5 Stars Perfect for planning workouts and maintaining workout records
Often products that have a multitude of functions and settings can be a little daunting. I was a bit concerned that this heart rate monitor would be too difficult to program, but was really interested in having the ability to program/customize my own workout zones. Much to my delight, the watch is very simple to program, the directions are easily understood, and I am able to transfer data back and forth between my watch and my laptop via the infrared function. (People with computers without infrared readers will need to purchase the optional cable.) I now have records of my workouts and am able to plan my interval training in advance and program the workouts, including 5 zones, into the watch. The only downside is that there is not a design/color option for women. The watch appears to have been designed more for a man than a woman.

5 Stars My third Polar and the best yet
I have no problems with the IR transfer others have mentioned, although this has been problematic on my two previous models (one i broke and one I gave to a friend as an excuse to buy this cool new one). My S610 worked well for the first couple of years but then struggled to connect via IR. One thing I will say is steer very clear of that Polar after marker IR device (see my other review on that specifically). It is an absolute overpriced piece of garbage (I usually don’t speak out that strongly against something but after spending $120 on two of them I want to help others not flush good money down the drain). For $20 you can get a Startech model that works flawlessly. I use this monitor 5 days a week and the Polar Precision Performance software that comes with it is solid. I do recommend upgrading to a model that includes this software as their weblink tool is pretty worthless (my wife uses it because her F55 is not supported by the Polar Precision Performance software). Overall though the Polar watches and chest bands are the best.

Buy/More Info

Related posts:

1. Polar RS300X Heart Rate Monitor Watch Orange
2. Polar RS300X SD Heart Rate Monitor Watch with S1 Foot Pod Black
3. Heart Rate Polar RS400 Monitor

Forget about trying to force yourself to get into an unsuitable fitness program! The Polar RS400sd Heart Rate Monitor Watch take cares of that by finding that perfect training level for your body.

The RS400sd features its Polar OwnOptimizer capability. The Polar OwnOptimizer allows this heart rate monitor watch to m determine whether you are under training or over training based on your heart rate, pace, and calories burned and. It measures and analyzes your training results and provides you with visual and aural clues for you to know how effective the runner’s training program is.

The Polar RS400sd Heart Rate Monitor Watch also comes with a free IRDA USB 2.0 interface and Polar Protrainer 5 training planning and analyzing software. This makes it easier for any runner to upload his data to the computer, and analyze the results of his workout.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Very Repeatable Results
The RS400 foot pod gives very repeatable results. Initially, with no calibration, the foot pod was 7% accurate for me. It didn’t matter if the distance was 3 miles or 9 miles it maintained a 7% error. I did a manual correction using data from a 7 mile run and the unit is now about 1-2% accurate. I think I can improve it better if I calibrate it using data taken from a 1600m track run. I personally like doing the manual correction because it allows me go back to a previous factor if a new one does not perform better.

My wife happens to have the Garmin Forerunner 405 while I went with the Polar RS400sd so we have been able to compare both systems. They both can measure and record your workouts and come with s/w for your computer. Both s/w packages have a workout diary and allow you to define custom workouts and upload them to your watch. This feature is great for interval training. No more having to remember how many laps you’ve completed or how much your pace should change. I think the Garmin s/w might have a slight edge compared to Polar’s. Overall both systems work very well, each with their +/-. Here are some notable features for each.

Polar RS400 Pros:

-No need to look for GPS satellite signals

-Very Repeatable results

-Calories burned calculation based on hear rate.

-Good battery life

-Display Screens very customizable

-Capable of manual calibration

-comfortable wrist unit

Polar RS400 Cons:

-Do need to calibrate foot pod for best accuracy

-Downloading workout data is temperamental with IR connection

-Auto laping feature based on start of workout not on the start of the last lap. It would be cool to be able to record a lap manually and then continue auto laping based on that point.

-foot pod is a little bulky (but surprisingly unnoticeable while running)

-Have to manually erase workout data after download. Would be nice if this was done automatically.

Garmin 405 Pros:

-GPS receiver in wrist unit

-No need to calibrate

-Actual route can be viewed on a map

-Buttonless screen navigation

-Data download connection to computer is very robust.

Garmin 405 Cons:

-Have to set you watch out for a few minutes to look for GPS satellites

-Watch unit needs to be recharged regularly (GPS is power hungry)

-Watch is a little bulky

-Buttonless screen feature can be temperamental during a workout

3 Stars RS 400 SD
I find this product to be an excellent tool for keeping track of my workouts. The one complaint I have is that there seems to be a glitch with transfering information to my desktop; I find that I often have to close the Polar program and reopen it in order to get the transfer to work. Other than that it’s easy to use and very sturdy. The footpod has been accurate and, although it can be difficult to attach to my shoe, it has held up very well to trail runs, stream crossings and muddy days.

3 Stars Works alright
I’ve tried several Polar heart monitors before, but this is the first one I’ve tried with a soft strap. The strap is more comfortable and seems to be easier to get good contact than the hard straps. Having said that, I still have problems with getting good contact and often need to dump more water on the strap during the first ten minutes of my run. Be sure to really soak the strap before starting… a little dab of water is not enough.

The IrDA device is pretty touchy… borderline obnoxious. It seems more like a beta product than a reliable production product. The watch has to be pressed against the transceiver, help really steady, and typically I have to make two or three attempts before it works. I would not have been very happy to purchase the IrDA device separately, especially considering the gouging price that Polar sells it for, and experience these problems. FWIW: the IrDA port on my Thinkpad interfaces with the watch so it may be possible to get a less expensive IrDA device if you need another. Just seems like some sort of solid protected USB like plug would be far superior.

I don’t use the running pod.

I really like the zone alarms which give you an audible indication if you are dogging it or pushing too hard.

If you don’t really need logging capabilities, you may want to consider a less expensive monitor.

4 Stars RS 400 SD
I was using the Nike Ipod pedometer for a few weeks to track my distance and time. The Nike Ipod after a few weeks was just not accurate enough for my needs. I ended up buying the 400 SD with all its feautres. My first run was for 1 mile and the pedometer was accurate at 1.05 miles. The heart rate showed a steady increase the first minute of my run and then it leveled off as I would expect. After my run I was able to download the information into my laptop with no problems. My laptop has a built in Ir port so it was no problem with the transfer. The software is fairly easy to use and has several reports to show you different graphical curves of your heart rate.

Overall, I really like the product and for my first run it was fairly simple. My only issue with this item is the price. Sure is a lot of money but then it does have a lot of features. You really need to read the directions for this item. There are so many sub pages and functions that it is not intuitive as to how to navigate thru all the different pages on the watch.

Buy/More Info

Related posts:

1. Polar RS300X SD Heart Rate Monitor Watch with S1 Foot Pod Black
2. Polar RS200 Running Heart Rate Monitor
3. Heart Rate Polar RS400 Monitor

Suunto T3c Running Pack (T3c Heart Rate Monitor and Motion Activated Foot POD)

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $269.00

Amazon Price: View Sale Price

Now you can have all the tools you need to be able train in the best way possible with the Suunto Running Pack Heart Rate Monitor. This Suunto running pack includes the T3c wrist top training computer, the foot POD and Comfrot Belt heart rate belt ensuring that you have the perfect range of equipment necessary for tracking your running data.

Simply wear the wrist top computer, attach the POD to the laces of your shoes and they would wirelessly communicate, allowing you to easily know details about your speed, distance traveled and other pertinent running information.

Best of all, this Suunto Running Pack heart rate monitor package would not hinder your movement during training. Because it is built with light-weight materials, the gears would not be noticeable even while you are in the midst of heavy training.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars perfect training aide

The perfect information about your training status.I like the automatically adapted activity level most. It indicates very clearly whether you follow your training schedule or not.

Very reproducible foot pod numbers!! The measurement is +- 2% correct – incredible!

2 Stars not as good as it seems

With the goal of training for the 2009 Walt Disney World Marathon, I sought a tool that would keep me informed during my workouts. This is not it. I read lots of reviews and also examined this item in person in a store. I purchased it hoping I would be able to navigate it’s controls more easily than other users since I consider myself technically adept. As other reviewers said (and I should have listened) this product is too difficult to operate and most importantly, the manual is unclear and incomplete.

To Amazon’s credit, the return process was remarkably easy! Full refund, postage paid, no questions asked. Thank you! Just be sure you keep ALL of your original packaging if you are as stubborn as me and decide to buy this. Otherwise, they will not likely take it back.

Subsequently, instead of choosing value as the deciding factor in picking my training tool, I chose quality. I wear a GPS enabled Garmin with a bezel/touch screen and love it. I wore it during training and as I ran and finished the WDW Marathon . I love it.

Good luck. And happy running.

5 Stars Simple and Easy

As a triathlete I’m always looking for the next magic electronic workout item. I currently love my Powertap for the bike and now I can add the T3C to that list of loves. It’s not that complex to operate compared to other systems out there. The instructions are clear for those that have used HRMs and Power meters before.

I did research on all running packs from Suunto, Polar and Garmin. The direct results from friends with the new small Garmin is that it is unreliable and the Polar too expensive and complicated. I would prefer the t6 but for the money the t3 is perfect. Plus I don’t lose reception when trail running.

I also got the bike pod and setting up the foot and bike pod is as easy as setting up a basic bike computer. The watch transitions from bike to run easily.

If you have never used an HRM before, you may find this difficult to set up as its not a simple Timex but compared to a Polar this thing was easy.

1 Star Will never by from Amazon again!

For the last probably 10 years I was a happy Amazon customer. That changed with my last Running Pack order. Amazon priced out the pack for $148.25. I found that a really great deal compared to other companies so I went ahead and bought it. The real seller of the product was `Watchsavings’ (or Jomashop) which sent me the product by UPS ground. But it turned out that they sent me the wrong product. So I called in and requested the running pack I ordered and what would be the best way to proceed. First of all, `Watchsavings’ told me that they don’t have the product al all and it was Amazon’s mistake they put it on their website for that “great deal”. They suggested that I send the wrong product back and order the pack instead from `Jomashop’ (was out of stock). Next thing was I called Amazon and they told me that it was Watchsavings’ product and I would have to deal with them! Great!! At that time I checked the Amazon website again for the T3 Running pack and now they offered it from another seller for $250, not really the amount I spent. What great situation: none of these two felt somehow responsible for the mistake or was able to deliver the product I ordered for the price I (of course) already paid. I sent the wrong delivery back to Watchsavings and got finally after one month my money back. I ordered the T3 running pack with another Internet seller, which was still cheaper that Amazon and provided an excellent service compared to Amazon or Watchsavings. I gave one star because I got my money back. Do not by from Amazon! Either they want to sell something they don’t have or they don’t feel responsible for the seller on their profile. I’m really, really disappointed with such a professional company!

4 Stars Great training watch

I have used the system for 4 weeks by now and the watch is really great for training. The watch has a good strap that is solid and with a good grip. The watch is overall a good watch with clear reading of the display. The information presented is OK.

The revised heartrate monitor is a significant improvement over the old one. The old would would not reliably provide heart rate information, those problem are all gone with the new model.

The watch provides a lot of information and the interface to the PC is awesome. I am much happier with this system compared to the T3 I had before.

The alarm on the watch is not easily accessible and also not very loud, so the watch has some weaknesses as a general utility.

Buy/More Info

Related posts:

1. Suunto t4c Heart Rate Monitor and Fitness Trainer Watch Black Volcano
2. Suunto T3c Heart Rate Monitor and Fitness Trainer Watch Deep Green
3. Suunto t4c Heart Rate Monitor and Fitness Trainer Watch Black Frost

Polar RS100 Heart Rate Monitor and Stopwatch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $119.95

Amazon Price: $84.41

Runners looking for a simple but feature rich heart rate monitor would be thrilled with the capabilities of the Polar RS100 heart rate monitor

The RS100 is made with the needs of runners in mind. It packs functionalities perfect for entry level runners such as measuring your heart rate, automatically setting your heart rate aerobic zone, calories burned, and can record up to 99 lap/splits.

You would then be able to use all of these data into crafting the perfect training routine that your body needs.

All of these features are easily accessible through the Polar RS100 Heart Rate Monitors’ very easy to use controls. This makes it a great watch for people who are just starting to take their running training seriously.

Buy/More Info

Related posts:

1. Polar FS2 Heart Rate Monitor Watch Black
2. Polar RS300X SD Heart Rate Monitor Watch with S1 Foot Pod Black
3. Polar FS2C Heart Rate Monitors Black