Running Watch Reviews » Target Zones

Polar RS800sd Heart Rate Monitor

Running Watch Reviews — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:01:33 +0000

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.

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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)

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Polar F11M Heart Rate Monitor Watch Grey Pepper New Design

Running Watch Reviews — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 01:43:15 +0000

Polar F11M Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Grey Pepper, New Design)

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $179.95

Amazon Price: View Sale Price

People looking for the best training possible for their body needs the best equipment and training program. The Polar F11M Heart Rate Monitor Watch aims to provide both of these needs in a single device.

The F11M is an innovative heart rate monitor that not only tracks your data, but also has functions that enables you to create a workout program. Like any heart rate monitor watches, the Polar F11M is able to provide you with speeds, lap times and splits, calories burned and heart rates. However, it truly shines in the way that it uses these data to make personalized workout program.

The Polar F11M Heart Rate Monitor watch features various innovations to give you the best training that you can get. It has features such as the Keeps U Fit – Workout Program that will help you reach your fitness goals. It has the Ownindex and Owncal feature that determines your fitness level, and counts the caolories and fat that you burn.

With all these features packed into the Polar F11M Heart Rate Monitor Watch, having one is the closes that you get to having your own personal fitness trainer!

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User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Worth the money
I have owned my unit for 2 years now and have loved it. If you want to do the work outs that come with it after you put in your stats, you can do that, it is very helpful and keeps you on task & motivated. If you don’t want to do those, you can silence the beeping and do whatever workout you choose and it still records your stats. I think some people who are saying it was giving strange readings or none at all don’t realize that you have to moisten the sensory pads BEFORE you put it on and some times have to move it to the right spot on your lower chest area. It is extremely easy to adjust the chest strapm, I am not sure what that review was about. I had one time where it kept giving me a strange heart beat reading, I simply took off the strap, ran it under the faucet again, and restarted my workout on the watch and didn’t have another problem. Sending it in to get the battery replaced is a pain, but you can take it to a local jeweler if you don’t care about the waterproofing of the watch. The one feature I wish this watch had was a GPS unit to track your distance. Other than that, I wear this watch/strap for my daily work outs of running, lifting, riding and everything in between and love it.

5 Stars Hate to work out WITH OUT my F11
I lost 60 lbs and have kept it off for 2 years using this F11 Heart rate monitor. The built in trainer is very motivating to me. It lets you know when you need to pick up the pace, and also lets you know when you can back it off a bit and “stride it out.” I love the fact that when you get tired and want to quit you look down at the watch and it looks back at you and says come on man, 6 more min. or 85 more calories. You can do it.

Best tool I have ever bought for myself![[

ASIN:B0009HN5Y2 Polar F11 Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Grey Pepper)]]

5 Stars Polar rules!
So glad to be back with Polar. I used up one of their basic models and then gave Suunto a try. Suunto monitors have big and bold designs and their belts used to be more comfortable than Polar’s but for some inexplicable reason mine got moisture inside it and began a slow dying process. It may be a pain to have to send your Polar monitor away to an authorized service center for simple things such as battery changes but they may have some valid reasoning behind it. The F11M is simply my best HRM so far. Easy to use, very accurate and (thanks to a completely new belt design) very reliable and comfortable. The belt really makes this product. It is soft and most importantly the contact points are of a spongy material that retains moisture and guarantees an uninterrupted transmission to the monitor itself. I am a cyclist and with all my previous monitors I’ve had problems with static and dryness interfering with the belt to monitor communication. No such worries here. It looks great and works great. I’ll never try any other brand ever again.

4 Stars Reliable all around heart rate monitor, but lacking certain features for running
I’ve been using this HRM nearly daily for 5 months and it has proven to be reliable and helpful. I had no complaints, it has worked every time I’ve wanted to use it. I’m using it to run, and in that category it is lacking certain features like laps and the ability to measure speed. Therefore I’m going to a better model which includes GPS features, even though I’m pretty satisfied with the product.

5 Stars Highly Functional
I purchased this on the advice of a well respected personal trainer with many years of experience. It is JUST GREAT! The belt that I wasn’t excited about having to wear is very comfortable and even works when I swim. I can come home and load my information onto my computer with little effort and this helps motivate me more than I realized. When I meet my goals for the week I even get a trophy to look at for the entire week that follows.

Be sure you look at the functions and those of the higher end and more expensive models to make sure you choose the one suited for your needs. The computer program has the ability for me to add in distances and modes of exercise even though it idoes not track distance itself. You can even add in your medical information such as BP, HDL and LDL levels, as well as any particular personal information of your own choosing to track with the computer.

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Timex Ironman Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor Watch Grey Lilac Mid Size

Running Watch Reviews — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:45:53 +0000

Timex Ironman Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor Watch, Grey/Lilac, Mid Size

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $149.95

Amazon Price: View Sale Price

The Timex Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor Watch allows you to keep up with all the advancements in the world of training.

Nowadays, workouts are not just about lifting the heaviest weights, running the fastest speeds, or going the greatest distances. Now, training is about being able to adjust according to how data shows your body’s reaction to the situation. With the Timex Ironman Race trainer heart rate monitor watch, all these training data are made available to you.

The Timex Ironman features a 10-workout memory, 50-lap chrono with average heart rate per lap, five interval timers with individual heart rate target zones, and it’s very own Race Trainer system. These all combine to give runners the figures that they would need to adjust their training workload.

With the Timex Ironman Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor, training just got a whole lot smarter!

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User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Timex Ironman Men’s Race Trainer HRM
I love it. I got it sooner then they said I would. Great service and an outstanding product. I use it 5 days a week. It is accurate and dependable. Highly recommend this Timex HRM and the supplier.

4 Stars Excellent HRM
Purchased one of these guys (w/o the USB data transfer device) about a month ago and am really loving it. It’s very easy to use, accurate, and really helps you make sure you’re working in the zones that you intend. I use it for doing HIIT intervals and it’s great…and fun as well to see how your body adapts and becomes more fit over time. This watch has all the basic features and the fact that you don’t have to send the chest belt back to the factory to change the battery (like you do with the Polar watches) is a plus. The only two things that I would like a bit different that warrant 4 stars, instead of 5, are that the buttons are not always as smooth as I’d like and tend to grab a bit. Also, I wish the watch just had a straight stopwatch in addition to the chronograph. Overall, a good HRM though.

3 Stars Triathlon name is misnomer – but good monitor otherwise
The watch has “Triathlon” below the Ironman label, and the manual states it is a triathlon training tool. However, this monitor will not work while swimming. It is an excellent tool for cycling and running, and the review mode is very helpful in recording workout information. I called Timex when the heart rate monitor failed to function in the pool after re-reading the manual to see if the problem could be pilot error. Instead, Timex warranty personnel told me the watch did not work while swimming and was not intended to and there was nothing they could do about the problem. (Not very courteous in providing that information as well.) He also added none of the monitors will work in water. This is incorrect as Polar monitors work quite well while swimming. At the advertised price on Amazon, this is a very good value, and if you don’t need it for swimming, it is very good. I bought the monitor specifically for cycling and swimming, and I still considered keeping it because the other features of the watch are excellent.

5 Stars better than polar
It looks better than a Polar, is lighter and more user-friendly system, it is very easy to program. Excellent condition. I had a Polar and had trouble because he broke in 2 occasions, also lost its original color.

4 Stars Easy to use heart beat rate monitor
It’s very easy to use. If you just want to see and monitor your heart bit rate, without any alarm, limit etc, this things is very simple to use.

Going further takes some reading of the manual; setting of zone 1-5, or manual limit, alarm, weigh etc.

Wearing this does improve your work out in terms of;

- you can pace your work out more methodically

- you have measurable target for your work out

- barring some hiccups (mentioned below), you can review your work out

- the above normally can be done on tread mill machine only. you get benefit of “measures” tread mill while doing your work out on the read

- overall this gives better motivation on each of your work out.

Draw back;

- I learnt that once in a while during the exercise, communication between sensor and the watch got disconnected. The low limit alarm buzzed off bpm <90 in the midst of my heavy workout (or else I must have been dead . This in spite of sensor properly moisturized and sweat. After a while the bpm count will come back to where it should.

- hence when this happens the “review” mode will not reflect the actual work out.

- label prints on the watch is too small. you have to read manual to guess what’s printed there.

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Timex Ironman Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor Watch Black Grey Mid Size

Running Watch Reviews — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 07:30:12 +0000

Timex Ironman Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor Watch, Black/Grey

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $149.95

Amazon Price: $87.80

The Timex Ironman Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor Watch allows you to keep up with all the latest innovations in advanced training.

Nowadays, workouts need to become more advanced and cutting edge. It is not enough to lift the heaviest weights, run the fastest speeds, or go the farthest distances. Now, training is about being able to adjust according to how data shows your body’s reaction to the situation. With the Timex Ironman Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor watch, all these training data are made available to you. This would greatly help you in improving your traing.

With the Timex Ironman Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor watch, training just got a whole lot more advanced!

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User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Easy to use heart beat rate monitor
It’s very easy to use. If you just want to see and monitor your heart bit rate, without any alarm, limit etc, this things is very simple to use.

Going further takes some reading of the manual; setting of zone 1-5, or manual limit, alarm, weigh etc.

Wearing this does improve your work out in terms of;

- you can pace your work out more methodically

- you have measurable target for your work out

- barring some hiccups (mentioned below), you can review your work out

- the above normally can be done on tread mill machine only. you get benefit of “measures” tread mill while doing your work out on the read

- overall this gives better motivation on each of your work out.

Draw back;

- hence when this happens the “review” mode will not reflect the actual work out.

- label prints on the watch is too small. you have to read manual to guess what’s printed there.

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Timex Ironman Mens Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor with Data Xchanger Watch Black Grey Full Size

Running Watch Reviews — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:52:30 +0000

Timex Ironman Men's Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor with Data Xchanger Watch, Black/Grey, Full Size

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $219.95

Amazon Price: View Sale Price

The Timex Mens Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor Watch allows you to keep up with all the advancements in the world of training.

Nowadays, workouts are not just about lifting the heaviest weights, running the fastest speeds, or going the greatest distances. Now, training is about being able to adjust according to how data shows your body’s reaction to the situation. With the Timex Ironman Mens race trainer heart rate monitor watch, all these training data are made available to you.

With the Timex Ironman Mens Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor, training just got a whole lot smarter!

Specifications:

Five variable intensity interval timers
100-hour chronograph with lap and split
50-lap memory for each workout and average heart rate
100-hour, three-mode countdown timer
Three alarms: daily, weekly, weekly with five-minute backup
Polyurethane integrated strap
Water-resistant 100 meters
Indiglo night-light with Night-Mode feature

Heart Rate Monitor:

10 workout memory
Calories burned
Five linked interval timers with target zones
Average heart rate–for workout and each lap
Time in zone–six selected heart rate target zones
Percentage-of-max heart rate display
Recovery heart rate timer (during/after workout)
Digital transmission protects from cross talk
Data Xchanger USB compatible (included)
Owner-replaceable battery in heart rate sensor

Software Specifications:

Data Xchanger USB provides wireless two-way communication between Race Trainer and computer
Workout data transfers to free online training log, powered by TrainingPeaks
Desktop agent manages watch settings and memory
Training log tracks calendar, performance, personal data, and nutrition

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Polar S625X Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Running Watch Reviews — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 04:55:21 +0000

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

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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)

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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

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

Overpriced

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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

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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.

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Timex Ironman Mens Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor Watch Black Blue Full Size

Running Watch Reviews — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 23:32:59 +0000

Timex Ironman Men's Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor Watch, Black/Blue, Full Size

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $149.95

Amazon Price: $87.29

The Timex Mens Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor Watch allows you to keep up with all the advancements in the world of training.

Nowadays, workouts are not just about lifting the heaviest weights, running the fastest speeds, or going the greatest distances. Now, training is about being able to adjust according to how data shows your body’s reaction to the situation. With the Timex Ironman Mens race trainer heart rate monitor watch, all these training data are made available to you.

With the Timex Ironman Mens Race Trainer Heart Rate Monitor, training just got a whole lot smarter!

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars Easy to use heart beat rate monitor
It’s very easy to use. If you just want to see and monitor your heart bit rate, without any alarm, limit etc, this things is very simple to use.

Going further takes some reading of the manual; setting of zone 1-5, or manual limit, alarm, weigh etc.

Wearing this does improve your work out in terms of;

- you can pace your work out more methodically

- you have measurable target for your work out

- barring some hiccups (mentioned below), you can review your work out

- the above normally can be done on tread mill machine only. you get benefit of “measures” tread mill while doing your work out on the read

- overall this gives better motivation on each of your work out.

Draw back;

- hence when this happens the “review” mode will not reflect the actual work out.

- label prints on the watch is too small. you have to read manual to guess what’s printed there.

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Polar RS800 Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Running Watch Reviews — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 11:00:07 +0000

Polar RS800 Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $389.95

Amazon Price: $335.00

The Polar RS800 Heart Rate Monitor Watch 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 RS800 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 RS800 Heart Rate Monitor watch 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 RS800 Heart Rate Watch 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.

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User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars This watch delivers as promised
This watch is perfect!! You can create your own program either with the software or in the watch directly. I did extensive research and this is the best value I found. The watch is well made and I have had no glitch or funny readings as with some of the cheaper watches I have tried like the Mio or Polar’s lower brands without coded belt. Speaking of which, the coded belt is comfortable and I have gotten zero interference from all the equipment in the gym or anyone else’s hrm. My friends have had this problem with other brands. I spent about 1 1/2 hours reading the manual and playing around and I pretty much can navigate around in the menu with my eyes closed. Best deal I found was from a company which had free shipping and free IRD device..which you need if you want to view your session in the software. I paid $369.

5 Stars RS800
My husband enjoyed his RS800 so much, he purchased two more for friends this Christmas.

3 Stars great features but limited life
I had to work through three of these before I got one that functioned for any period of time. First one quit second time in pool, second one band fell off. Then, after a year, moisture got inside the cover on the third just as I started to like it. I sold it after that. Three was enough.

2 Stars Polar dropped the ball with the IR interface
I have used Polar Heart rate monitors for years and, having become interested in tracking heart rate variability choose to purchase the RS800 so that I could do the analysis.

I’d note that I had the same problem as the other reviewer with Watchsavings, who did not include the IR interface (they claim that Amazon mis-listed the product).

While the watch has excellent features and an easy interface, there’s a major problem: the infrared transmission system (used to transfer the data into the computer software) crapped out after 3 weeks and completely stopped working.

Looking over the web, this is not an isolated incident. People are reporting that they get data off the watch for a day or two, a week or two, one friend I have who bought one never go a single piece of data off his watch. I contacted a local running store and their employee told me that she had an identical problem, the watch stopped transferring data after 2 weeks. Polar kept telling her that the problem was on her end until she returned it for a refund.

Polar refuses to address this, they ignore it in their forums and will not answer emails.

This is unacceptable, the features of the watch (namely the heart rate variability) are contingent on getting the data transferred to the computer. That Polar refuses to admit or deal with the problem only makes it worse.

Given that other products can readily make a physical USB interface work, there’s no reason for Polar to have gone this route and used a technology that is clearly faulty. This is one top of the fact that Polar decided to use a non-standard USB driver for Windows.

I have since replaced the Polar with the SuuntoT6 which went with a physical (clip) USB interface. While their software is not as good as Polar’s at least I can get the data off of the watch.

I will NEVER purchase another Polar product.

Lyle

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Timex Ironman T5J985 Unisex Trail Runner Bodylink Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Running Watch Reviews — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 07:06:50 +0000

Timex Ironman T5J985 Unisex Trail Runner Bodylink Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Overall Rating:

Retail Price: $349.99

Amazon Price: $350.00

The Timex Ironman Trail runner Bodylink Heart Rate Monitor Watch is a great watch for runners who want to utilize GPS location data to improve their training.

The Timex Ironman Trail Runner uses GPS data to provide accurate data on latitude and longitude, altitude/elevation data, exact real-time/average/maximum speed, and pace calculation. This makes it easier for runners to determine whether they are performing up to par with their necessary training standards.

The GPS powered Timex Ironman Trail Runner even provides waypoint recording and directional compass features to further ensure that you are following the proper waypoint.

All these come in an elegantly styled s silver watch face accented with bright yellow, dark gray resin band with buckle closure. The heart rate monitor is chest-strapped and the GPS receiver is made lightweight to ensure that you are not hindered as you train.

It even features the Indiglo lighting system to ensure that you are able to see your data no matter the lighting conditions.

Features of the Timex Ironman Trail Runner include:

Target Zones: Preset your desired heart rate exercise zone. Alarm notification when you are not in zone.
Average Heart Rate: Displays your average heart rate over a period of time.
Time In Zone: Amount of time spent within your selected heart rate target zone.
Recovery Heart Rate Timer: Measure your heart rate after a timed recovery.
Max Heart Rate Zone Calculation: Automatically sets your five training zones; one manual zone.
Digital Transmission: Timex’s system protects your data from other heart rate monitors and most exercise equipment.

This watch also provides:

3-line customizable display
Summary Mode: review navigational, speed, distance and heart rate performance data at end of workout
100-hour chronograph with either lap/split in large digits,
100-lap memory with recall of Bodylink system data
2 linked interval timers
100-hour, 3-mode countdown timer
5 alarms for daily, weekday, weekend or weekly with 5-minute backup
Up to 2 year battery life
Included bike mount

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User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great training aid
This watch is awesome. I had a Garmin forerunner 305, and while that had some small perks over this one such as computer connectivity, it was HUGE, and it needed to be charged all the time. Also, the TIMEX is way easier to use and program.

This watch is fairly small (they have a smaller version but it is hard to read while running) and the battery life is great.

I especially like the dual timers, the fact that all functions can be synd with each other.

I run ultra marathons and am in the Army, and I have started to use this all the time.

The finish timer is great for races, and it helped me to push myself to keep a faster pace than I would have otherwise.

4 Stars satisfied
I received the product as displayed. Had been using since and satisfied with the performance and quality

5 Stars very good product
very good product, I bought it mainly for the heart monitor but it has many other good functions that I’ve yet to use.

5 Stars Simple – Love it!
I read all the reviews here and echo them – this watch is great. It lets you run without worrying about a route…just run and let the GPS calculate how far you’ve gone.

Another neat feature is the hands-free. I set it and it logs the split times at every lap. Great feature.

I checked Ebay, and found one new for $155, so check there if you’re looking for a deal. Ebay, of course, is hit or miss, and there is more risk involved.

1 Star Buy a Garmin Instead!
I bought this item thinking it would be a great training aid. Step one was to insert the battery into the case on the GPS unit. It took me half an hour and very sore fingers to get the battery door shut after inserting the battery! Thinking at least I probably wouldn’t have to do it that often, I then read in the manual it needs to be replaced after 12 hours! No way am I going to do that battle so often. Also, the unit took forever to pick up satellites on the two occasions when I tried to use it and the arm strap for the GPS unit is quite short. Not a user friendly device. I returned it and bought a Garmin Forerunner 305 instead. I love it! It is easy to use, quickly picks up satellites and is very comfortable to wear, even on a small wrist like mine. I’ve used it twice since I received it two days ago, once on a 9.5 mile run and am so happy with it. The computer software works beautifully on my Mac. It is also quite a bit less expensive than the Timex. Buy a Garmin, you’ll be much happier with it.

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