Full Written Review of the Timex OVA Ironman Triathlon Watch.

Related posts:

1. Timex OVA Ironman Triathlon Watch
2. Timex T5K036 Watch Video Review
3. Timex Unisex ING NYC Marathon Ironman Watch Video Review

Timex OVA Ironman Triathlon Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $79.95

Amazon Price: View Sale Price

The revolutionary design of the Ironman Triathlon Sleek with OPTIMAL VIEWING ANGLE puts the display in your natural line of sight, without breaking form. The START/LAP button is located in the best possible position for instant and mistake-proof access. The case and strap are sculpted like a second skin, ensuring maximum comfort. The end result is less effort seeing the time, surer tracking of splits, the best possible fit and — most importantly — a faster finish.

The Timex OVA Ironman Triathlon Watch is a tough timepiece designed to withstand a tough triathlon, and all the training that goes with it. Constructed with a lightweight resin case, the watch includes a stationary plastic bezel and a blue resin wristband with an adjustable buckle clasp. A durable mineral window shields the large blue-shaded digital-gray dial face, which displays time as well as the day, date, and month. Four black and blue buttons decorate the bezel and include mode, set/recall, Indiglo, and stop/reset functions. A prominent blue start/lap button rests above the 12 o’clock position. This athletic timepiece is powered by digital-quartz movement and is water resistant to 330 feet.

“I recently bought a Timex OVA (optimal viewing angle) watch. I bought it as a replacement for my old Nike Triax watch, which inexplicably stop functioning correctly. After comparing several different watches, including the new Nike Triax watch, I was impressed at the lightweight of the OVA; I can’t even tell when it’s on my wrist. Also the OVA comes in large- and mid-size versions, which is very important for many runners like myself that have thin wrists. The viewing angle makes looking at your watch slightly easier while running versus the conventional angle. Furthermore, the placement of the buttons is the best on any watch I have ever owned or tried; the start/lap button is literally fool proof and very easy to find without having to look down! The indiglo night feature works the same as many new sport watches, by lighting the numbers rather than the screen, which works very well at night. The memory feature gives lap times, total time, best time, average lap time and also the date at which the time was recorded, which makes recording training information very easy. Finally this watch not only performs fantastic… but it looks awesome with a ton of different color options.”

“Coming from a long distance runner, I find this watch to be one of the best watches I’ve had in a long time.”

Related posts:

1. Timex Womens Ironman Sleek Digital Resin Strap Watch T5K027
2. Timex Womens Ironman Sleek Digital Watch T5K036
3. Timex Womens Ironman Sleek Digital Watch T5K025

Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $299.99

Amazon Price: $234.99

The Garmin Forerunner 305 is a big step up from getting data through basic stop watches – such as GPS training capabilities to monitor your distance, pace and elevation!

Here’s what you would get out of the box:

• Forerunner 305
• Heart rate monitor
• Garmin Training Center® software
• Docking cradle
• Expander strap
• AC charger
• USB cable
• Owner’s manual
• Quick start guide

Like the previous Forerunner models, the Garmin Forerunner 305 would show your pace, speed, and distance travelled as you go along your track. The biggest addition to it is that it that the Forerunner 305 comes built in with its own heart rate monitor functionality.

Unlike lower or entry level models that needed optional accessories for heart rate functions, the Forerunner 305 comes with this functionality built into the device. Training enthusiasts know that knowing and understanding your heart rate as you train is important. Through the heart rate data, a runner would be able to know how intense he is going at his training. That’s why it is great that the Forerunner 305 has highly accurate sensors to provide you with ECG-level heart rate data.

Other notable features of the Garmin Forerunner 305 include the Virtual Partner. In the Virtual partner, a runner’s spirit of competition is ignited as he is provided with a virtual competitor on screen. In virtual partner mode, the Forerunner 305 displays how far ahead or behind you are compared to a competitor.

The Forerunner 305 also has easily customizable display screens that the Garmin Forerunner 305 has. This features means that the Forerunner 305’s  four quadrants that display training information can be customized to suit your needs. Beginning runners can just look at time, laps, or total training time, while those who want more data can opt for pace, heart rate (HR), distance and lap time or other data.

Runners don’t have to stress though if they are not able to immediately see the data they want. All the data tracked by the Garmin Forerunner 305 are stored in its internal memory. This would allow runners to easily review and look back at their past performances and see their improvements.

Another way to look at past data would be to download it to your computer. The great thing about the Garmin Forerunner 305 is that its bundled computer software is a joy to use. The included Garmin Training Center software is very easy to configure and would truly help runners calculate just how effective their training is.

Packing intermediate to advance running features, and a highly affordable price, the Garmin Forerunner 305 is custom made for moderate to advanced runners who are searching for great GPS functionality and easy computer integration from their running watches.

Buy/More Info

Related posts:

1. Garmin Forerunner 405 Black GPS Enabled Sports Watch HRM Factory Refurbished
2. GARMIN 010 00329 05 Forerunner 101 Wrist Mounted GPS Fitness Computer
3. Garmin Forerunner 205/305/405 – Top Running Watch 2009

Polar RS400sd Heart Rate Monitor Watch with Free IRDA - USB 2.0 Interface

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $369.95

Amazon Price: $253.02

Tired of going out for a run and coming back without knowing how far or fast or hard you went? Get answers to all those questions and more with the Polar RS400sd Heart Rate Monitor. This heart rate monitor comes with Polar’s s1 foot pod, which interacts with your RS400sd watch to give you accurate speed and distance information. The RS400sd also tracks your maximum, average, and target heart rate information, so you know when to pick up the pace or chill out for a few miles. Polar’s OwnCal feature counts the number of calories you burn during your workout, so you can either indulge in that hot fudge Sunday or grab a banana for desert. Polar also gave the RS400sd Monitor its OwnCode, so it won’t interfere with anyone else’s heart rate monitor on the trail or at the gym. Hook this heart rate monitor watch up to your PC after a workout and analyze your training data.

Product Features

• Material: PU
• Band Type: PU
• 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

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars So far so good
Bought this for my wife, who’s training for an upcoming road race. At first it seemed hard for her to adjust the max pulse rate alarm correctly, but she quickly got the hang of it and now loves all the features. It helps us run together and stay under control in terms of exertion levels.

5 Stars Right out of the Box
I am very pleased with this product. Right out of the box this watch performed beyond expectations. I simply programmed the watch with my personal information, laced the foot pod through the shoestrings, threw the strap around my chest, and within twenty minutes I was up and running. Everything clicked the very first run – too easy.

As for the software, it was easy to install and fairly easy to navigate. This system can do so many functions that one can easily get overwhelmed. You will have to invest some time to figure out your goals and what you want the information to tell you. But, if you just want a simple graph and basic information about a run, it will do that automatically! You just can’t loose.

Here are some specifics: After four short runs I had the foot pod perfectly calibrated. It was not off by much to begin with but adjusting it to measure your stride precisely is a breeze. The heart rate strap is comfortable and I like the idea of replacing my own batteries. The watch itself is not as comfortable as I would like it to be but over time I think it will work its way around my wrist better. I do like how the buttons are set up and how it displays information. Being able to replace the battery on my own is a plus.

5 Stars Excellent product
This product is excellent!!! It will be part of your training program in few weeks.

5 Stars Looks great! Will try it tomorrow.
Looks great. Well packaged.

The display could’ve been a little sharper/vivid.

Will run w/ it tomorrow and provide more details.

Gil

4 Stars Good HRM, excellent software, defective data transmission
I received my Polar RS200sd heart rate monitor app. 1 month ago, and have used it about 3/week for running (20-30 km/week).

When I first received the HRM I was a little disappointed by the flimsy plastic apperance of the watch (it is plastic with a thin metal frontpiece and plastic covered glass screen), but so far it is scratch free, and the light weight is nice on my narrow wrist.

The audible alarms, large screen and easy switch between optional screens makes keeping track of heart rate, zones, speed and milage on the run easy and convenient. I have used the preloaded programs and also created my own programs in the software. You can make programs based on different heart rates/zones/speed/time which makes running an optimal interval course a breeze. I have been using the tests (optimizer and fitness test), without much success. They give constant results despite great variations in my workouts. The heart rate strap and footpod have worked w/o failure and distance is accurate after calibration.

The included software is the best running software I have ever tried. Like the watch, it is highly customizable, so I recommend taking some time to explore the options using the detailed manual. It has a calender with weekly workout summaries, daily logs, individual workout charts, and 5 report charts for comparing workouts.

My major problem with this product is data transfer using the included IrDA device. About half of the data transfers results in Windows Vista crash, which is a real pain since I got this HRM in order to analyze data. Hopefully this problem w Vista will be solved.

I highly recommend this HRM for a serious runner (with Windows XP) who wants to analyze HR/speed/distance in detail, but do not need maps, since this HRM has no GPS.

UPDATE: I no longer recommend this product because polar support did not resolve the Vista compatibility issue. Unfortunately, Amazon will not let me change the star setting.

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

Polar RS800sd Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $499.95

Amazon Price: $375.00

The Polar RS800sd Heart Rate Monitor is an elite level watch that can match the intensity of people who undergo elite level training. It is a complete training solution that encompasses planning, monitoring and even analyzing the training that you are doing.

The Polar RS800sd Heart Rate Monitor watch is capable of tracking maximum heart rate (fitness test-based and age-based), maximum/average of total exercise and of each lap (up to 99 laps), three target zones, and even gives auditory signals when you reach your targets.

All these data can then be tracked and analyzed in your computer. The Polar RS800sd Heart Rate Monitor comes with the Polar’s ProTrainer 5 software, which is an advanced training analyzer for your computers. Simply transfer the data from your watch to your computer through the Polar WearLink W.I.N.D. transmitter and you are ready to go.

Aside from these features, the Polar RS800sd Heart Rate Monitor is also highly adaptable. It can be used in conjunction with a variety of training accessories and even shoes, to ensure that it can be utilized no matter the type of training that you are doing.

Buy/More Info

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Polar RS800
This product is excellent i have been used Polar for more than 10 years, i have the GPS and the foot sensor, as i practice mountain bike, i had some doubts because i have read in Amazon the products is not very good, but i took the risk and no regret, the only issue is the Polar software is excellent but do not have manual, only the help files and this is the only reason they do not have 5 stars.

5 Stars It works for me
I have had my RS800SD for almost a year now, and I love it. Measuring cadence has helped my running more than anything else I have done. This is the main reason that I chose it over GPS units. I took ten minutes off of my half marathon time using it for training.

I have had GPS units in the past, but found that they were not as accurate as the footpod in terms of distance (when calibrated) or altitude. I was within a hundredth of a mile of my treadmill readout on a recent 5K.

Heart rate is accurate as well. I found battery life to be adequate for my purposes. I changed them recently just because it seemed about time to do so, but had about 50 hours of running in on the batteries before doing so.

I love the unit and it has been a great training help.

2 Stars The triumph of form over function
I’ve been a Polar HR monitor owner since the mid 90′s starting with 710i, then 625x, followed by the 725x, and now the RS800SD. I consider myself a serious competitive runner and have been so for over 30 years. Polar introduced me to heart rate monitoring as key component to performance improvement with the book “Training, Lactate, Pulse rate” by Janssen, which is no longer offered by them and may not be published anymore. I have had my VO2, HR curve, and lactate threshold measured in a lab several times over the past few years. I have used this product now for almost a full year and my review will focus on what does all this functionality do to help me improve my running vs some of the other reviews here which seem enamored with purported functionality without connecting the dots for useful training feedback.

The bottom line: This is their flagship product, top of the line and top dollar but Polar seems to have chosen marketing (a shiny sexy small form factor watch with apparently lots of new functions) over solid engineering, useful software functionality, and product reliability. If you already own a 625x or 725x model there is little reason to upgrade as this is an “unfinished product”

The good:

1. Small form factor for watch and footpod

2. Improvement in ergonomics — buttons and watch face are easier to use

3. More memory — you can record longer than earlier models at the 1 second rate

4. Running stride length has been added.

The bad:

1. The footpod and HR strap via blue tooth does not seem any more accurate than previous non-blue tooth models and maybe less so regarding footpod functions. HR measurement seems as accurate as earlier models.

2. Software (Polar Pro Trainer 5) has new functions which are questionable at best and misleading at worst — namely the running “index” function which on a scale of 30 to 76 purports to give you the sum of all calculations with a number which roughly correlates with expected future performance (running times) on various races such as a 5K through a marathon.

3. Customer Service. I was told at first that the inability to record temperature on the watch was a bug in the software. Later was told that the watch could not record temperature (correct). Also was given an excuse as to why temperature was no longer recorded by the watch (users body temperature — hah! — it worked well enough on earlier models). And regarding the index calculation, I was never given the algorithm which could at least help me understand what type of math it was doing (it is a mystery to me and the algorithm seems biased to reward you with a higher index score for a lower heart rate and slow time vs a slightly higher heart rate and faster time). Instead I was given a platitude;

“It is worth to remember that in addition to good Running Index, maximal running performance demands good preparation, optimal running conditions, speed endurance and guts. Training quantity and quality have an affect as well as natural talent. The RunningIndex gives a value measured in current circumstances.”

I especially like the “guts” comment — really happy about that as I don’t know how I’ve gotten by over the past 30 years beating people without “guts”

The ugly:

1. Incomprehensible design decision to modify the altimeter sensor holes from recessed (previous polar models) to flush on the bottom of the watch resulting in erroneous readings as soon as you start to sweat (yes you read that right — sweat) and thus rendering the altimeter function of the watch largely useless unless the watch is worn in such a way (flopping on wrist or strapped to clothing) to preclude the sensor holes from clogging with sweat from your wrist.

2. Software. Looks real nice until you try to modify data. Say you got erroneous distance reading on your last run and you want to easily fix it. You won’t be able to. No simple function to correct the total distance of a run and have that correction evenly applied to entire run. This undermines the whole point of exercise comparison within the software. If you go out on two identical runs but the distance recorded by the watch varies by a few tenths of a mile there will be no easy way to correct the data.

3. Temperature. Previous models recorded temperature as a data point whenever you took a lap marker or finished the run. This model does neither requiring you to manually enter the temperature into the software.

4. The running index calculation does not take into consideration temperature (AMAZING! since the book noted at the beginning of this review showed clearly that there is a positive correlation between high temperatures and higher heart rates — you work harder to cool youself). The lack of temperature calculation (an identical run can have HR vary by 10 BPM based upon temperature) seriously undermines the usefulness of the running index function.

5. No way to tell software about different running conditions for a given distance and have that taken into consideration on the index calculation. Five miles run on a track are treated the same as five miles run on sandy roads or trails. So when you go into the comparison graphs which purportedly allow you to see at a glance trends in your running, you cannot account for different conditions on runs. Neither different temperatures or different running surfaces are considered on calculations. This seriously undermines the usefulness of comparing weeks worth of training runs in order to come up with a performance trajectory and let you know are you ready for that next race.

Until this product I rarely even considered any other HR monitoring tool. Polar may not have made “pretty” watches, but they worked. They made tools for athletes interested in maximizing their performance. The marketing department has apparently taken over the company from the engineers. The company may have “jumped the shark” with this watch and software. I hope I’m wrong and Polar surprises with its next watch. It needs to actually delivers useful functions for serious athletes and not take away functions offered from previous models (temperature and an altimeter which works reliably). And if they are going to go to the trouble of providing a number which tells all — the index number — then they better explain how that number is calculated and provide the user with the ability to modify the formula (temperature and surface conditions to start with) in order to meet variable conditions if their engineers and exercise physiologist have not already thought of everything.

And keep the marketing department out of product design until functions are firmly set and don’t represent a two steps forward, two steps back design as we see with this model.

1 Star Polar, freight and importation taxes
What bothered me the most was the fact that Amazon didn’t inform that I must pay further taxes when I would withdraw the product at the Post Office.

4 Stars Nice option for runners
I already owned most of suunto and polar heart monitors. The RS800SD is the one of my favorites. It has nice options of screens and it is very light. It seems not so robust as the 625x or 725x (I owned both). As some colleagues wrotes seems to me also that the S3 pod is not so accurated as the S1 but is lighter. I also own the RS400, if you are not looking for the running index, it comes with the S1 and coded transmitter that is easier find find spare parts (also once is a little bit darker than RS800 I prefer the looking). The main issue with Polar is the Irda interface. I already bought one Irda connector (universal non polar) that is working very well with the S725X but it is not with RS800 or RS400. Now I ordered the original Polar connector but once I use the windons Vista I am expecting problems (based on users reviews). Polar should pick an easier system suc as wired connection or bluetooth. Last point, the RS products are not designed for multi sport (biking for example)

Buy/More Info

Related posts:

1. Polar S625X Heart Rate Monitor Watch
2. Polar RS200 Running Heart Rate Monitor
3. Polar RS200sd Heart Rate Monitor Watch Black

Polar RS200 Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Black)

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $169.95

Amazon Price: View Sale Price

The Polar RS200 Running Heart Rate Monitor is created with the needs of serious runners in mind. Utilizing the built in inertia controlled accelerometer, the RS200 is able to give you accurate readings about the way you train.

The Polar RS200 Running Heart Rate Monitor Watch provides you with dependable Speed, pace, distance and heart rate data that can help you customize and adjust according to your training needs. It has a fitness indicator feature that allows the Polar RS200 to help serious runners create the workout that suits them best!

It even has Polar sports zones and event countdown timers to ensure that you are training properly for a specific intensity or event!

All the data that you gathered on your Polar RS200 Heart Rate Monitor can even be uploaded to your computer through the included Polar Running Coach Web Service. This would help you analyze your training better, and ensure that you are on the best training for your body type!

Buy/More Info

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars I love it!!!
It was just as told!! I really love it and very simple to use. Has given me no trouble. i would tell all of my friends to buy, it;s great!

1 Star Dont buy it.
Let see.

Shipped with a dead battery.

Put in a new battery. Sucked it dry in a week.

AlsoPlease note that I have read the directions:

Top left button is useless. Should illuminate. Never worked.

GUI. aka Interface is all over the place. You get to a section and it wont let you back out. Mine has been stuck in stopwatch mode for a week now. It has taken 48 separate time splits without my asking it to.

I hate my watch. Im ready to throw it out if it wasnt so dam expensive. Thanks for nothing Polar.

5 Stars Accurate Heart rate monitor
Accurate and an important part of my routine, it calculates everything I need to account for my work out. It works with both gym’s I work out in equipment I use; from elliptical to the stair master. It is calibrated for use with my body weight index, and heart rate and it gives me the greatest accuracy for my work out. I highly recommend anyone who both works out in the gym and jogging. I do not have the foot accessory for this, but will invest in it later on.

5 Stars A lot of information, but not complicated
This watch is working very well for me. I really like looking at my statistics after a workout. There is a lot of information available through this watch, but it is not complicated to understand or navigate. I wish that Polar offered a female-sized version of this watch; it’s a bit chunky for a female wrist.

3 Stars Works, but glitchy
I’ve been using the Polar RS200 for a little over a year, and on balance, I have been happy with it. It has done precisely what I have asked it to do until recently when I have been trying out more complex workouts. More on that in a second.

I believe I got a defective unit, because the watch will spontaneously emit these strange sounds, similar to a static or old-school modem sound. I guess it’s some software glitch that causes the WebSync speaker to fire off. It comes and goes without any kind of pattern. The downside of it is that the battery discharges after 6-8 months instead of the 2 years or so the manual says. Also, the noise prevents me from wearing this as a watch, day-to-day, because it would be too annoying to have it go off all the time. This sound glitch must also cause the battery to drain. I’ve scoured the web looking for answers, and the answer seems to be ship it back to Polar for evaluation and repair, at my expense. But I’m not going to do that because of the expense and my compulsive need for a running watch.

Another annoyance is that, although you can create custom exercises so that you can do — for example — interval training, you can only configure a maximum of three exercise segments. So you can configure a warm up, effort, and a cool down. Or you can configure a typical interval workout of a hard effort and recovery [no warm up and cool down, however.] But if you want to run, for example, a ladder-type speed workout where you run a 1600, 1000, 800, and a 600 with 400 meter recoveries, then you are out of luck. [I should mention that I bought the S1 foot pod separately, and I use that to gauge my distance in these sorts of workouts. I guess I should have bought the RS200sd package to start with. Oh well.] I suppose I need a more advanced watch since I am now doing more advanced training.

Apart from these complaints, I am happy with the unit. It’s a decent watch with good features and a reasonable price for most recreational runners. If you plan on doing more advanced training, then I would look for something else.

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. Polar RS100 Black Running Series Heart Rate Monitor

Tech 4 O Accelerator Men's Running Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $84.99

Amazon Price: View Sale Price

When it comes to running, being able to accurately measure your runs are important to be able to ensure a good training. That’s why the Tech 4 O Accelerator Mens Running Watch is loaded with features that would help you in gauging your performance.

The key in the Tech 4 O Accelerator Mens Running Watch accurate data reading is its accelerometer technology. Instead of the typical pedometer that relies on a pendulum to count steps, the Tech 4 O A Accelerator Mens Running Watch uses this more advanced approach.

The accelerometer in the Tech 4 O Accelerator Mens Running Watch is able to determine the difference between short and long strides. This enables it to easily and accurately record and calculate all the necessary measurements via the wrist watch alone.

Of course, aside from counting your steps, the Tech 4 ) Accelerator also tracks your distance, speed, and calories burned during your exercise, giving you a complete training tool for improving your running abilities.

Other Features include:

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great watch plus
I purchased this watch for myself and the women’s version for my wife. We have been extremely happy with them. They give you so much information about your workout that it almost makes it fun.

4 Stars Great!
My husband is an avid runner and loves the watch! He had to adjust the stride length a few times to get the most accurate results, but otherwise it’s an awesome watch.

5 Stars Excellent customer service!
I’ve only had this watch for a few days and it has worked great so far. I am not an expert at configuring pedometers and everything else the watch does so I had to call Tech4O customer service. To my surprise a very nice lady answered at the beginning of the second ring. We had a great conversation and she helped me program all necessary functions on my watch. I had dialed the 800 number from my speaker phone because I thought I would be on hold forever, navigating through prompts, and praying for a pulse. But no, I had a surprisingly refreshing experience with a very nice helpful person. I highly recommend this company and product.

5 Stars Great Gift
My husband and I bought this watch for our son in law for Christmas. He used it that very day to run with and was very excited about all of the information that was available to him. We enjoyed giving him something that he really liked and could use.

4 Stars I wish this were metal
Plastic watches feel cheap. Its not their fault, they just do. This watch is like an ugly car with a race car engine. I love the features. I appreciate the automatic reset for counting distance and I am impressed with the accuracy. Its amazing that this watch can tell the difference between walking and running and that it is accurate even if I have my hands in my pocket instead of swinging around. I haven’t used the speed function, because I’m not that fast and by the time I think of that function, I’m just standing and my speed is zero. The same is true with the calories counter, although I just think that’s worthless as a feature anyway.The included manual seems cramped and poorly written, but the online guide is great. Again, I wish there was a version of this watch in metal.

Buy/More Info

Related posts:

1. Silva Accelerometer Runner Mens Runner Md 2831320
2. Sportline 555 Womens Calorie Tracking Fitness Watch
3. Timex Ironman Mens Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor with Data Xchanger Watch Black Grey Full Size

Polar RS800CX Multi Sport Heart Rate Monitor Watch with G3 GPS Sensor W.I.N.D.

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $499.95

Amazon Price: $366.42

Sometimes a single kind of training is not enough for your body to reach its ultimate fitness level. That’s why there are many people who undertake cross training exercise to be able to give their body the burn it needs. For this kind of training, the Polar RS800CX Multi Sport Heart Rate Monitor Watch with G3 GPS Sensor W I N D is a perfect companion.

The Polar RS800 CX heart rate monitor watch with G3 GPS Sensor allows people to accurately gather data about their speed and distance as well as monitor and analyze their body’s response to various kinds of training.

It even has preset data for people who would want to participate in cross-terrain sports such as running, cycling, skiing, or skating. This makes it easier to shift disciplines on the fly. No more fiddling around with your gadget when you decided to stop biking and start running!

Aside from just showing these data, the Polar RS800 CX can even show the training route on a map after the run.

User Ratings and Reviews

1 Star Hard to use, expensive, frustrating
This is my 5th Polar product in 10 years and it is the worst. I’m replacing a S720i which got into flakey modes that started and stopped lap times constantly, overflowing the memory. For some reason, I decided to stay with Polar over the other brands and figured I’d go high-end with the speed and GPS sensors. First, deciphering the complexities of the RS800 licensing caused me to have to order and reorder units making it about 3-4 weeks turnaround to get what I thought I ordered the first time. The Polar Software, the watch interface and loading sensors is a cryptic mess. I’m not bad with technology, but getting the watch to recognize a bike speed sensor so far is impossible. You will go back and forth syncing your watch to your desktop and clicking hard to press buttons and listening to incessant beeping instead of training. I seriously have spend more time trying to make this thing work than setting up a new computer. This thing is really NOT worth the very high price. You are not getting a higher quality product, you’re just getting more of the same complicated 90′s technology for a lot more money.

3 Stars A top product with serious flaws
As the top model of Polar’s product range, I am somewhat disheartened by what I consider serious downsides:

- the external GPS sensor is very bulky and comparably heavy – bigger and heavier than the whole unit of the Garmin Forerunner 405. It’s also slower to get a fix on satellites than the Garmin.

- the low battery warning gets on far too late, often when you are in the middle of the run – too late to change batteries then.

- even though I follow religiously Polar’s cleaning instructions, the chest belts lose their conductivity after a few months’ time, which is frustrating

- while the Polar software allows you to export the GPS data into Google Earth or as a GPX file into a GPX viewer, there should be an option to save directly into a GPX file. The Google Earth export does not work well on my system and the GPX export mixes up the time of the day

- the Polar ProTrainer 5 training software is still not available for Mac, which I think is unacceptable. It is also incompatible with Windows 7 (64bit) (the syncing doesn’t work), and if history is anything to go by, it will be months if not longer before Polar manages to make a fix available.

For the occasional runner, I think the Forerunner 405 is by far the better option, with much cleverer software (also available for Mac), easier syncing (Win 7 compatible of course), coming in a smaller package at a much better price.

Polar need to get their act together if they want to continue charging these sort of prices for their “top” products.

1 Star Lousy Product
Purchased this new and it functioned well for about 60 days. Used the PPT software as well as the Weblink. Watch stopped transfering data on a Friday, the following day it stopped communicating with the heart sensor. I took it to the jeweler to have the battery replaced and they were unable to open the watch. Polar told me to send it back, so I did. 3 weeks later the watch was returned supposedly repaired under warranty and STILL HAS THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM. No fix.. no communication with either the sensor or the computer. Make sure you read the Polar forums before buying ANY Polar product. You’ll have an eye opening experience as to what to expect from your $500 purchase.

3 Stars some things good, some bad
Well, I wanted to upgrade from my old Polar unit that I used for swimming as well as trail running. On the Polar website under “Product Search” I ticked the box that said I wanted a training unit for swimming and the RS800CX, among others, was suggested. I shut my eyes about the cost and ordered a unit. However, when I unpacked it and read the manual I was shocked to discover you can’t read heart rate in the water. Not that it isn’t waterproof, you can wear it to swim, but the signal can’t be transmitted, no heart rate values. So no training in the swimming pool then. Why is it recommended for triathletes? I don’t know. It would have been nice to know up front about the lack of swimming training capability. Anyhow I’ve been using it for hikes and runs and am well pleased with the GPS function. I can see how far my routes go, how many vertical feet, how much effort I’m putting into those hills, and see my routes on Google Earth. Pretty cool. But, the AA battery needed for the GPS runs out fast. Today, the stop button stopped working on the main wrist unit. So now I shall find out how good Polar customer service is. Many good points to this watch but too many not so good points for the price tag.

1 Star RS800CX run
I bought this product and realised that it does not work with a mac and there is currently no other software available to use its training functions. Only good if you are a windows athelete.

Buy/More Info

Related posts:

1. Polar RS300X G1 Heart Rate Monitor Watch with G1 GPS Sensor Black
2. Polar S625X Heart Rate Monitor Watch
3. Polar RS800sd Heart Rate Monitor

Polar S625X Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $389.95

Amazon Price: $299.00

The Polar S625X Heart Rate Monitor Watch ensures that you would be able training with the proper difficulty and intensity that is perfect for your body.  With precise tools to measure performance and workout intensity; all kinds of athletes, from runners, tri-athletes and their coaches are ensured of accurate data.

The Polar S625X combined with the S1 foot pod has a whole host of features for you to gauge your training. You would be able to measure your total speed and distance, heart rate, your calorie count and of course the time of your runs during training. It can also recognize altitude and ascent of the geography for route profiling.

Other than these features, the Polar S625X also provide a variety of additional functions that can help people train better.The Polar S625X has training tools such as the OwnCal and Ownindex.

The Owncal feature shows your energy expenditure during one exercise session as well as your accumulated kilocalories during several exercise sessions. The OwnIndex feature will determine your fitness level, track your improvements, and provide motivation.

The Polar S625X also has the bundled Polar Precision Performance (PPP) 4.0 software to allow you to better assess your training data. Through this you can connect the Polar S625X to a computer and study just how good your runs are.

Other features include:

• Displays your heart rate as beats per minute and percentage of maximum heart rate, average heart rate, and exercise duration
• S1 foot pod shoe-mounted sensor that continually relays computed velocity and distance information to monitor
• Runners’ data including total speed and distance, speed displayed in pace or kmph/mph
• Wirelessly sends exercise data to PC via infrared connection
• Allows you to set 5 exercise sets for interval training with HR target zones and recovery calculation
• Records a complete file and five summary files of the exercises
• Predicts your maximal oxygen uptake
• Reduces possible interference from other heart rate monitors
• Target heart rate zones with audible and visual alarm
• UpLink feature enables download of exercise set from Polar web site
• Large easy-to-read display with backlighting and split screen
• 24-hour clock with day/week indicator and stopwatch
• 1.5-year average battery life
• Water resistant to 30 meters

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars SX625 some great aspects, some not so great aspects
I have been using this watch for about 2 years, mostly for training and for during trail ultramarathons. I have mixed feeling about this product. I had the opportunity to trade it in for another unit and decided to keep it. Part of the reason I kept it was that it took me some effort to figure out how to download the data using the IR device. I did not want to restart the process with the microphone/speaker system. The manual is poor. Let me comment separately on each component/feature.

Wrist unit: It is big and ugly, but you can see that from the photos. However, it sits comfortably on my wrist. For a while, I used a cheap Sigma HRM that slid down my wrist and chafed my skin. I have used my Polar in several 100 mile runs with good comfort. The display is great. It provides heart rate plus two configurable fields. These two fields can read time of day, total stopwatch time, lap time, elevation, total elevation gain, etc and are easily changed. The elevation features work quite well. The controls are easy to use but difficult to learn how to configure.

Chest strap: This is the most comfortable chest strap I have used. It does not slide or rub. If I wet it before putting it on, it always works right away. My old Sigma had problems with slipping and starting. The battery is easy to replace

Foot pod: The foot pod distance readings vary by about +/- 10% on the same route on different days. It seems to vary most with running speed. It goes through batteries rather quickly and has problems when the battery voltage drops just a little bit. It would not work with my rechargable batteries. I don’t use it. If accurate distance is important, I suggest looking at GPS units.

IR download device: I bought a cheap IR interface on ebay for about $7 including shipping. It works well.

Software: The software is clunky and difficult to use. The documentation is not helpful. It took me a rather long time to figure out how to download the data from the wrist unit. (Note that I am a highly trained engineer and natural nerd.) The software tries to upgrade everytime I run it. If the computer is not connected to the internet, the software throws errors. If I am connected to the internet, the upgrades always fail. Thus, I make sure to disconnect before starting the software. The graphs on the software are usable, but poor. If I really want to look at the data closely, I export it to another program.

I have not used the limits features or testing options

2 Stars Overpriced & User Hostile
This watch is very complicated to program and the user manual provides the absolute minimum of guidance. In other words, you are on your own as far as programming this watch for your individual exercise needs. You will have to waste a lot of time on every aspect of this watch from setup to regular usage. Even downloading data to the computer is a hit or miss challenge which works as often as it doesn’t. Also, this watch is very inconvenient for everyday usage b/c it has too many parts. It’s much more convenient to have a gps watch which eliminates the foot pod and leaves only the heart rate device as the one xtra thing u have to remember to put on. Additionally, it’s insanely overpriced for such an old and obsolete model. In fact, it costs more now than when I bought it years ago. Yes, years ago, that’s how long this model has been out. Lastly, I wish I could have my $ back!!!!

4 Stars Functional With A Few Significant Flaws
The Polar S625x Heart Rate Monitor Watch is a sophisticated piece of equipment that the manufacturer refers to as a “running/cycling computer”, and rightly so. It is a heart rate monitor, distance pedometer, altimeter, thermometer (max/min temp for a session), and chronograph. It calculates and displays running speed (min/mile or mile/hour) on-the-fly. It can be programmed to alert you with audible beeps if you fall below the target zone for heart rate or speed at selected intervals. I won’t get into the capabilities of this watch since the user manual is available for download at the Polar site. But I will mention a couple of drawbacks:

Complicated Programming

———————–

Like many reviewers have pointed out, programming this watch is complicated. Although the user manual has a Road Map that shows how the hierarchical menus are laid out, it is hard to decipher what each cryptic menu title stands for, much less understand the functions it encompasses. Be prepared to spend hours studying the manual, which provides minimal information and instructions. Some features take a little figuring out by playing around with the watch.

Bad Software (Polar Pro Trainer)

——————————–

This is a big one. The software is slow and clunky. The calendar display refreshes and flickers with just about every mouse click – a real annoyance!

The usefulness of the software is limited to giving you a graphical plot of speed, altitude, and distance vs. time. The interpretation of the data is left entirely to you. Fair enough.

But the software doesn’t let you superimpose the graphs from multiple sessions, so you won’t be able to analyze how well you’ve performed in one session with respect to another and see how you’ve progressed or regressed.

It would be nice if they had included some analysis tools that help you gauge your performance and offer suggestions for improvement. The software is therefore little more than an exercise journal.

The software does have one redeeming feature: it lets you export your exercise data to a tab delimited data text file that you can simply drag and drop it into excel to see the tabulated data, which contains a column for time (increments of 5 or more seconds depending how frequent you’ve set the watch to take data points), distance, and altitude. From the data you can calculate the derived quantities such as speed and cumulative distance traveled at each instance in time. I export my data for some of my sessions so I can plot and superimpose several sessions on a graph to see how I’ve progressed.

Looks

—–

The watch looks absolutely hideous! This is a minor point if all you’re concerned about is functionality.

Overpriced

———-

It’s way overpriced for such an antiquated albeit still-very-functional model. Again, a minor point if you’re looking for functionality and price is not a concern.

Alternative Technologies

————————

I considered getting an exercise watch with GPS but decided against it because 1) The GPS receiver takes time to lock on to satellites. 2) I use my exercise watch on my treadmill, so the GPS feature won’t work in monitoring distance. On the other hand, GPS-based watches give you a VERY accurate measurement of distance.

Now, I’m having second thoughts, having read some very positive reviews on a Garmin model, which is much easier on your pocketbook. It’s something you might want to look into too.

Conclusion

———-

In my judgment, the Polar S625X Heart Rate Monitor Watch is the best value of all the high-end models that Polar makes. It even has a couple of features that models that cost more than twice as much do not have. For example, it has an altimeter, which I find very handy on hikes, and which Polar has decided to omit from some of the high end models. Visit the Polar site to see a side by side comparison of all its models.

Bottom line: unless you can get past the non-intuitive user interface and bad aesthetics of the Polar S625X Heart Rate Monitor Watch, AND you have more sophisticated software that can help you better analyze your performance (isn’t that the whole point of getting an exercise watch?), you will do well to look at other alternatives.

4 Stars great device but overwhelming at times
Polar S625X Heart Rate Monitor Watch

This is a short but simple review . The device is amazing I have had it for almost two years and still have not figured it out fully and even so I know it has helped me .

I am not a super athlete but some that is coming back from having a stent put in and I had a real fear about going back to workout . the Polar hash helped me track my fitness level and in doing so I have been able to create my own workouts based on HR so that I can live a full and healthy life.

FOr those elite athletes that need all the bells ad whistles this is great but I can speak for the mature population that needs to stay healthy fit and also get to work this is a lifesaver .

I wish there were some better youtube videos to watch for this product but I finally got to know what I need to know and how to get it from the Polar .

This is an impartial motivator and guide for your training and that is what you want from something like this .

A definite buy . Just do not try to get all of the features down at one sitting .

1 Star Do not try to use with Vista
This is an incredible piece of equipment, when you have Xp or an earlier version of windows. Polar states it is compatible with Vista, but I assure you you will have serious compatiblility issues if you try, up to and including lock ups and data loss. I have used this device with XP and the transfer of data is super easy. The only drawback to the user interface is the initial frustration of learning how to select between cycling and running modes and then learning how to toggle between options while exercising. I have owned much stronger HRM’s, but this one, although sluggish, works pretty well.

In the end. If you have Vista, you will pay a high price for a device and add ons for your device, spend hours trying to figure out why it just does not really work and then you will be stuck with a $500+ system that you can only use as data storage, without the benefit of data transfer or the nice software to track your progress.

Until Polar decides to step up and deal with the Vista issue, I would warn anyone against a Polar product.

Buy/More Info

Related posts:

1. Polar RS300X G1 Heart Rate Monitor Watch with G1 GPS Sensor Black
2. Polar F11M Heart Rate Monitor Watch Grey Pepper New Design
3. Polar RS800sd Heart Rate Monitor

Polar RS200sd Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Black)

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $249.95

Amazon Price: View Sale Price

The Polar RS200sd Heart Rate Monitor Watch is a watch that is made especially for people who take their running seriously.

Powered by its highly accurate inertia controlled accelerometer, this time piece can easily measure data necessary for improving your running regiment. It can accurately capture your speed, pace, distance, and heart rates as you run.

The Polar RS200sd Heart Rate Monitor Watch also has a fitness indicator feature which allows the runner to create a highly personalized workout. It is able to measure your fitness level, and give you workouts that will not over train or under train you.

To further check your training levels, the Polar RS200sd even features uploadable training settings to your running computer. This allows you to send your workout files to the Polar Running Coach Web Service for analysis.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Best polar for the price
I’m an experienced runner (running for more than 5 years) and I just can’t train without a polar on my wrist… First I bought a simple polar F3… At first It was good because all I wanted was my heart rate measured… But after 6 months I realized it wasn’t enough… So I spent a good money on a Polar FT80 Heart but that was too much… You just don’t use all the features of the watch and the screen is too dim at night and when you are running at high level you get have an easy to see screen, one that just at a glance you get all the information you need and want… So, as I’m from Brazil and I moved to US I forgot to bring my Polar FT80 Heart so I purchase the Polar RS200sd (the sd means speed and distance because it comes with a footpod)… This heart rate monitor does all the work… It measures your speed and distance (that’s good for street runner but useless for treadmill runners only if you like the watch to keep registered your speed and distance for that day)… And gives you your heart rate, your percentage, and your ownindex (VO2)…

I’ve learned that the polar ownindex is not accurate but it is useful for doing a training program at the polar weblink software…

This polar comes with a feature called connectivity… You download the polar weblink software, register yourself on their website and transfer your training data from your polar just putting it near your computers microphone… It makes a modem connecting sound and it transfer all the data (it’s easy to do it)… Thus, after transferring the data you can create training programs up to marathon… Moreover, it’s really useful for you to keep your whole data as this polar only keep in file your last 20 sessions (more than enough)…

In a nutshell, I would certainly recommend this polar for experienced runner and beginners… Keeping a track of your heart rate and your training evolution is extremely important and with this polar on your wrist you will be just fine…

Best cost for the features, certainly do not recommend spending more money… This does it all…

5 Stars Solid and Dependable
I am currently training for the Marine Corp Marathon and recording all my runs using this watch. I am tracking against a training program i created on the polar training website. The watch included the optional footpod. I find this to be an invaluable tool as I use it to track pace (min/mile) as well as total distance. Overall i am extremely happy with this purchase. As a long distance runner i am able to keep track of my heart rate and better manage my fitness through training zones. This is not perfect as i find i am typically running at 90% of my maximum heart rate unless i make a concerted effort to slow down.

5 Stars Polar RS200SD Heart Rate Monitor Review
Pros: Price, Weblink, accurate, not big, easy to navigate.

Cons: none

I have had no problems with my Polar RS200SD. It is extremely accurate. and easy to use although more advanced interval monitoring is a little cumbersome. For anyone looking to purchase a heart rate monitor for the first time the RS200SD is a great start and has the weblink feature that lets you use Polar’s software to breakdown and visualize your workout heart rate data. I have not used the foot pod so I can’t comment on it. I’ve had very good luck with mine so far.

[...]

4 Stars Good watch
This is a good entry level watch for a runner that wants to follow their HR during runs. The watch is only moderately complex. The numbers are legible. The basic kit comes with a strap, the sd kit comes with the footpod.

You really need to buy into the HR zones to get the full function of this watch. Otherwise, it may be a bit of overkill. The polar website has some additional instructions that help with this.

5 Stars Just what I was looking for…
I LOVE this Heart Rate Monitor watch!! It is just what I was looking for in a HR Monitor for running. I would highly recommend it…It is easy to use and loaded with great features for runners/walkers.

Buy/More Info

Related posts:

1. Polar RS300X SD Heart Rate Monitor Watch with S1 Foot Pod Black
2. Polar RS100 Black Running Series Heart Rate Monitor
3. Polar FS2C Heart Rate Monitors Black