Polar Heart Rate Monitors Reviews @ BEST PRICE

Polar F6 too cool

2009-12-30T04:27:00.000-08:00

This is an awesome HRM. I Love it. I Got the Pink One. It works great and even gives out a report at End, showing calories Burned etc. I never realized just How "OFF" the calorie counter was On My treadmill. This HRM, allows you to enter Height weight etc so You get accurate totals. I LOVE IT. It also beeps if You go below the target heart Rate or Above it so it keeps You in "THE ZONE". Good Purchase Im Glad I got this!

Polar F6 Does exactly what I wanted.

2009-12-29T04:26:00.000-08:00

This monitor is great. It keeps track of your HR and determines your calories burned. Awesome!

Polar F6 reliable

2009-12-28T04:26:00.000-08:00

I never thought a device like this would motivate me to train even harder (and smarter), but it did. Informative display, and the record keeping function which tracks previous workouts, calories burned, etc. is nice feature for comparing and tracking your progress.

Polar F6 First HRM

2009-12-27T04:25:00.000-08:00

I bought this in December 06 to help me with my workouts... I really like it! I am able to see that some work I didn't think raised my heart rate really does and when I do need to work a little harder. An easy to use piece of equipment - my biggest problem - I don't read the manual, I thought once you click ok to exercise you are good... No, you need to go one more step and click Start, then your workout is recorded in the log.

Other than that... no issues at all, no cross signals from my elliptical which has a HRM on it..

Polar F6 A great HR monitor

2009-12-26T04:25:00.000-08:00

I originally purchased a Suunto T1 and had to send it back - too complicated, lousy manual and no customer service from the company (the U.S. division was taking the day off for a European holiday and no one was there to help me set it up). I was really discouraged and my husband suggested I take a look at the F4 and F6. I settled on the F6 because of the size and the many features. It was much easier to set up than the Suunto and I think the pink is just adorable. It's easy enough for even a technophobe like me to use, light weight on my wrist and the chest strap is small enough that it doesn't dig into me the way the Suunto did. Overall, I think there are a lot of good features on this monitor. I haven't used it that much (only got it last week) but so far it's a 5 star purchase.

Polar F6 Exactly what I was looking for!

2009-12-25T04:24:00.000-08:00

This unit was easy to set up and use. It accurately shows my calories burned and beeps at me when I'm out of zone. The chest strap is comfortable. I was worried at first because I have a "hard to hear" heartrate. This unit sometimes has problems picking me up during rest, but never during even the lightest of exercise.

Polar F6 Heart Rate Monitor Watch

2009-12-24T04:24:00.000-08:00

All i can say is excellent! I was impressed with it the minute i activated it.

The manual is easy to read unlike so many other manuals that make what should be a simple action seem like you must know how to read backwards and skip pages frequently.

This monitor has features you can utilize for maximum results such as,
degree of workout intensity, heart rate limits and alarms that will let you know if you are overdoing it and many more than i can describe here.

Do your research carefully and when that is done i bet you'll come back to this one.

Polar F6 Easy to use and good features

2009-12-23T04:23:00.000-08:00

I've used this monitor for a few weeks now. I've had polar HR monitors in the past (many years ago) and this one is definitely the best that I've used. The best feature to me was the ease of set up and use. I read the manual but didn't need to get started with the basics. It also has a number of features that I didn't expect (being able to load your data to a pc via their website services). The color is a bit odd -but better than black. It fits my wrist with out having a lot of extra wrist strap flapping around. I'm very pleased with the unit so far.

Polar F6 great for exercise

2009-12-22T04:22:00.000-08:00

I bought Polar F6 almost 2 months ago. I wanted to increase my exercise intensity but not to over exercise. This devise changed my training. Now I exercise more intensively and feel great. I use the wireless connectivity that F6 has to copy exercises data to Polar site. It helps me to review my progress and plan next step and... to be proud of myself that I make this progress. I lost about 14 lb weight (I have few more pounds to lose). I am not sure if I need more advance model for my need. I do weight resistance training - F6 is great I rest only as long as I need to reduce my heart rate. I do different types of cardiovascular training (bike, elliptic, treadmill). F6 communicates with treadmill and I can see my heart rate on the treadmill's control panel.

Polar F6 An Amzing monitor

2009-12-21T04:22:00.000-08:00

I absolutely love it! I really like that it works with the machines in the gym. It tracks calories burned and even gives you weekly reports on how many calories you have burned and what your average heart rate was! It is so easy to use. I have already recommended it to 3 friends!

Polar F6 HR Monitor a Winner

2009-12-20T04:21:00.000-08:00

This is a great item to have if you're serious about working out and getting the most out of an aerobic activity.
The Polar F6 is easy to program, easy to use, and easy to read. You have the flexibility to follow the standard formula to program your heart rate "zone" or customize it. It even archives your workouts and tracks how many calories you burned in a given time period.

But the best thing is it keeps you alerted if your heart rate is out of your "zone" - either to pick up the pace or ease up - and that mazimizes the full benefits of an aerobic workout.

The lighted display is helpful for those early-morning jogs. And another nice feature is getting the time when you're in "exercise" mode: just hold the wrist receiver to your chest and the time appears on the display, and even illuminates automatically. Pretty cool!

Polar F6 Love, love, love this heart monitor!

2009-12-19T04:21:00.000-08:00

I'm wearing it as I'm writing this review! It's just amazing how much LESS calories you are actually burning at the gym if you guide yourself by the machines and the standard calculations it gives you; it was an eye opener for me. The other thing I was amazed to discover was how much more calories I burn by actually walking instead of using the treadmill. interesting stuff. This watch is easy to use, I recommend it 100%. =)

Polar F6 The watch is great for swimming

2009-12-18T04:20:00.000-08:00

I purchased the F6 watch for swimming. It works great!!

My husband bought me a higher model of the Polar watch for biking and running a few years ago, that I really like. (I can get obsessed with tracking exercise data.) I started swimming and wanted to keep track of my heart rate, but was afraid to ruin my good watch in the water. (I've changed the battery in both the watch and chest strap and thought the seal may no longer be water resistant.)

So, I purchased the F6 watch for swimming. It works great!! The chest strap is comfortable under my swim suit. The heart beat monitor is accurate. I haven't experienced any issues with the watch data. I did change the settings to not beap if I'm above or below the target heart range. The beap was a bit annoying at the gym.
Now, I find that I use the F6 watch more than my original watch. It's smaller and ligher. It also shows the calories burned on the display. My original watch didn't, I had to download the data to see the calories burned.

I haven't tried to download the exercise data to the polar site yet. So, I can't comment on that aspect of the F6 watch.

Polar F6 is great!

2009-12-17T04:20:00.000-08:00

When I decided on purchasing a heart rate monitoring watch, I had a hard time deciding on which one to get. But after using this watch since I got it, I can't imagine a better all in one product than this. If you're looking for an easy watch to use that has a heart rate monitor, timer, calories burned calculator, and workout summary; this watch is for you! I especially like the pink color and it's not too bulky (i was worried it might be too bulky to wear all the time, but it's not), i love it! On my running workouts its great to finally know my heart rate and see how many calories I've burned! Awesome product!

Polar F6 So glad I bought this!

2009-12-16T04:19:00.000-08:00

Before it got here I was starting to have buyer's remorse. I kept thinking, do I really need this?? I knew I wanted it but need it?
I am so glad I got it and can't believe I didn't follow through sooner.

It worked perfectly. Registered all the information perfectly. I found it incredibly motivating and it really only took me about 15 minutes to figure out how to use it. It was easier than I thought.This one is a no brainer. I am grateful to another reviewer who mentioned it comes with the chest strap, because I didn't find that clear. It is fantastic and worked flawlessly.

I am very happy I purchased this.

UPDATE: A few days in now and I wanted to add that I easily added all my HRM data onto polarpersonaltrainer.com and that was very easy. That is another really useful tool. I just found the send feature under file, and it chirped away into the microphone and uploaded it into my account.

Polar F6 does what it says

2009-12-15T04:18:00.000-08:00

I got the F6 to monitor my heart rate and aid in burning calories. Since the watch uses your own heart rate, weight, height, age, and various other information to compute your calories burned you get a much more accurate picture. I found that my treadmill, which tells me the number of calories burned, was nearly 200 calories higher than what I was actually burning per the F6. This is extremely helpful as I aim for a certain amount of calories burned per week and need to be as accurate as I can. The watch is also user friendly, if you just go over the manual first! I looked the manual up online and knew how to use the watch before it even came. It has functioned perfectly for me both in doors and outside in 20 degree weather with four layers of clothing on. I use a treadmill as well as various DVD's and get consistant readouts each time. Knowing your heart rate while you workout can keep you from working longer than you need to get the results you want. By staying in the zone that you set up before each workout you get more out of your workout. If you are looking for a simple watch that can help you stay on track for your fitness goals then I would recommend the F6. I love this watch and would buy it again.

Polar F6 Was happy with this purchase... see edit at bottom.

2009-12-14T04:18:00.000-08:00

I was a bit hesitant to buy this HRM since it was priced high for what I thought I needed. However, after using it for almost a year now, I am glad I did. The chest strap is much more comfortable than the bulky plastic one from my previous HRM and the features of the Polar are nice too. I also think they did a pretty good job on the design of the unit since most look like some sort of Dick Tracy wrist radio and have nerd written all over them (not that I mind being labeled a nerd, but I don't think I need to advertise it). I don't mind wearing this in public at all. Also, the screen is easy to read and most of the information large enough for my waning eyes, which as I get older is important.

One thing I should mention. I changed the batteries on the transmitter strap recently, but I was still getting an intermittent transmission. I went to the Polar site and one of the things they mention is to wash the strap (not the transmitter itself which snaps off) in warm soapy water. I thought I had been washing it enough after use in plain ol' tap water every so often. However, after using warm soapy water, the transmission improved dramatically with no drops at all, just like new.

One last thing... another nice feature is the transmitter strap does send a signal to my Elliptical machine, so I can monitor my workout with the Polar device and the onboard elliptical HRM (nice to compare and they do come close), however my other transmitter straps do not send to the Polar wrist device.

EDIT and UPDATE: My transmitter went and died permanently. I wish I could update my stars. They want $50.00 plus shipping for another transmitter which is just silly since it is obviously a common problem. I went ahead and ordered the top selling Omron HRM (wrist and belt) for around $30. I ended up using the Omron transmitter with the Polar HRM (it looks a bit better) and still have the Omron HRM as backup. I figured even though the Polar transmitter belt is a bit more comfortable, it wasn't worth the extra money to take the chance that it dies again. Polar should be ashamed of themselves. If you don't need the all the extra junk on the Polar, just get the Omron.

Polar F6 great product, easy to use

2009-12-13T04:18:00.000-08:00

Everyone recommended polar for a heart rate monitor when I was looking for one. I received it quickly and it was very easy to set up and customize. Lots of features but not overwhelming. This is the first heart rate monitor I have used and it's been great. The strap is also very thin and I can not even tell that it's on.

Polar F6 GREAT!

2009-12-12T04:17:00.000-08:00

This product is WONDERFUL!! I've been using it for several weeks and LOVE it!! I thought the chest strap would be uncomfortable, but it is a flexible plastic and isn't a problem at all. This watch makes it fun to exercise. I love seeing how many calories I've burned!

Polar F6 Very useful, very motivating!

2009-12-11T04:17:00.000-08:00

I don't know exactly how accurate this device is as far as calories burned, but being able to see the results of my workout makes my routine very dynamic. I'm starting to concentrate less on sets and reps and more on a target heart rate. What's also nice to see is that after working out for an hour my heart rate is elevated by as many as 25 BPM for over an hour after I stop which is burning even more calories than it initially calculates. If you keep the band on for a day you can see how many calories you can burn in just quick exercise sets, like doing 40 pushups and situps after a meal burns over 50 calories and I barely break a sweat. Soldier approved!

Polar F6 Love it!!,

2009-12-10T04:16:00.000-08:00

I love this watch/heart rate monitor!! I bought a different watch that did not have the chest strap and it was not very accurate so I sent it back and ordered this one and I love it. I really like the instant heart rate monitoring and the calorie count. Great watch!!

Polar F6 i always wear my polar heart rate monitor when i work out.

2009-12-09T04:16:00.000-08:00

hello!!! well, i purchased a polar heart rate monitor when i was pregnant with my first child. my doctor suggested that i do not exceed my heart rate over 140 when pregnant, so i bought one just to make sure i knew when to slow it down. its been 6 years and i finally had to purchase a second one because i made the mistake of changing my own battery on my original heart rate monitor. it worked beautifully until i took it swimming last week. i have become accustomed to working out with it because it gives me my target zone on how hard my heart should be pumping, along with the time. I just purchased the F6 model, which also give you a calorie counter, which is an added bonus. i highly recommend this watch to anyone who is wanting to get back into shape, who has flat lined on their workout, who is an athlete, or someone that just wants to track their fitness. it is worth every penny! there are times when i have gone months without working out and then get back in the gym to find out truly how hard my heart is working. a month later, that same workout will result in my heart beating much slower, which means i am getting back into shape! its not what the scale says, its how hard you workout and how quickly you recover. i love the calorie counter too because it allows me to see how much i have burned in that particular session. this is for everyone. buy it and you will see what i am talking about. the watch is slick enough too to wear for everyday, not just for working out. i am relatively small boned and its nice that the watch doesn't overpower my wrist like the older version did. only downside? you need to send it to an authorized polar dealer to change the battery, which only lasts about 1 1/2 years. and they get you on the price...i hope you like it as much i have have enjoyed my 2 watches!!!!
francisca marti. danville, ca.

Polar F6 A wonderful tool for working out better

2009-12-08T04:15:00.000-08:00

I love it. It helps me plan my workouts and work out better. I had been pushing myself too hard. Using the monitor I am better able to stay within a beneficial range. I lost 3 lbs the first week that I used it. This was a big improvement over my usual 1 lb. I highly recommend it. Read the manual first; it took less than 30 mins. Use the File/Log it helps review how much you've done over a daily,weekly, or monthly range. Buy this now.

Polar F6 Absolutely Awesome!!!

2009-12-07T04:15:00.000-08:00

I have had the F6 for about a month and a half now. It's working perfectly. I highly recommend this product for the average user like myself. The ownzone feature gives you your target heart rate while working out. It continuiously / instantly tells you your heart rate. No buttons to push, just look down at the watch and you see your current heart rate. It tells how many minutes you have been working out. My running lap times have already improved from using the F6. It also acts as a regular wrist watch to tell the current time as well. Very handy. The cost is a bit high, but as much as I run, I feel that getting the F6 is well worth the price.
*PS. a helpful tip*
Get the F6 to tell your heart rate. Use the ipod nano with the nike plus system to calculate miles, minutes per mile, how many minutes you have ran, calories burned, your best mile ran, past workout comparisions, and you will have a complete electronic training system. You will see your laptimes and distances improve more quickly. This is my personal experence.

Polar F6 very good

2009-12-06T04:14:00.000-08:00

I have been using this heart rate monitor for two weeks and I'm extremely happy with it. It was very easy to do the initial set up by reading the manual beforehand. I had another polar HRM before this one (one of their more basic models) but I wanted to get one that was coded and tracked calories. I do a lot of group classes so the interference with other HRM's was very annoying. However, if interference isn't an issue for you but you want to track calories I recommend you get the F4 which is basically the same thing but without the coding and a lower price. I've used most of the features on this HRM already and I love them. I haven't had any difficulty understanding how to use any of the features. It is also a very nice-looking HRM (I got the black one). the numbers might be a little small for people with eyesight problems. The fact that it has a backlight is great. One of the things I like the most is that on Sunday night the HRM collects all the data and makes a summary for you. So that night you see a little envelope on your screen and when you click on it it shows you the week's summary. I thought that was excellent. I haven't used the uplink feature or tried the webpage so I can't comment on that. I recommend this HRM to anyone who exercises regularly and is interested in knowing how many calories are burned weekly and daily. It has really improved my performance.

Polar F6 great HRM

2009-12-05T04:14:00.000-08:00

its polar, very rugged and extremely useful in an uncomplicated way...gives you HR, max, average, % of times in zones, calories...and it stores all this stuff for a month. You get a lot of technology for not a lot of $$$, and Polar has the best product guarentee in the business

Polar F6 is the only brand for me

2009-12-04T04:14:00.000-08:00

I always get Polar HRM- they last forever & I usually give my old ones to my sisters to use, because they still work. But when it comes to working out, I am a gadget junkie so I have to have the newest model/color. I noticed the biggest complaint by others is battery replacement. I have never had a transmitter quit working & my batteries usually last a good long while. So... when you go to replace your battery, use your local jeweler. He can order the battery if he doesn't have it on hand. F11, he has on hand usually- F6 or F4, may have to order. BUT it always costs me between $10-15!!! And I know he will put it back together well- no leaks. Don't worry about that waterproofing junk- mine have never leaked even after I replaced the batteries. Polar is the best, hands down- & they have great features & are easy to use!

Polar F6 Exactly what others have written

2009-12-03T04:13:00.000-08:00

This heart rate monitor is better than I expected. It helps one to determine if one is indeed working within the heart rate expected and although it's a bit "large" on a small woman's arm, one doesn't need to really have it on the wrist at all. You can simply have it near the cardio machine of your choice - better yet, the cardio machine picks up your heart rate from the monitor strapped around your chest so you don't even need to have the watch to see how you're doing. Fabulous choice! Buy it.

Polar F6 A great watch!!

2009-12-02T04:13:00.000-08:00

I bought this watch as a backup for my other Polar (625SX) when I sent that one in for maintenance. I love it. It's easy to set up, easy to use and very dependable. While it doesn't have all of the features of the higher-end, more expensive models, it does most of what you'll need for basic exercise (stopwatch, heart rate monitor, calories burned, thresholds, etc.). In addition, it's got a great feature for computing and displaying your weekly totals. For the price, this is an easy decision for the beginner who wants professional-quality equipment or the seasoned cross-trainer who's looking for a backup unit.

Polar F6 Makes Me Work Harder!

2009-12-01T04:12:00.000-08:00

This watch is making the difference in me working out alittle and working out alot. Not only does it give you your heart rate, after putting in your settings of weight, age, resting heart rate plus others, it keeps up with you max and min rate and the % of your max heart rate. It lets you know if you reached your target rate and warns you when you go over or under your target range by beeping, and gives you your average rate also. I think this is the OWNZONE feature.

You can upload your workouts to the polar website and keep a log of how many workouts you have done during a week or month, calories you burn and even the different types of exercises you have done. It motivates me to able to see if I have burned the amount of calories I need to in a week. I also know which exercise gives me the better workout, be it rowing, circuit training, walking, cycling or even hoop dancing.

I have also found a website, podfitness.com, that will mix your music with the voice of your choosen fitness trainer that will design a cardio workout for you to use with this monitor. You download the recording to your computer and mp3 player and it paces you thru your workout where ever you choose to workout. It's great!

I'm really glad that I got this particular model. It will surely help me to reach my goals of losing weight and improving my cholesterol levels. If you are looking for something to give you a push to exercise, and you are independent like me, this may be the thing for you.

Polar F6 Heart Monitors are AWESOME

2009-11-30T04:12:00.000-08:00

I love my heart monitor. The hardest part for me is remembering to put it on when I'm not working out at the gym since it's always in my gym bag. It is very easy to use, and I love the ability to chart your progress. It's also very comfortable, and once you put it on you forget that it's there. I have even been known to fall asleep with it on. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone that is wanting to get in better health. I finally know when I'm not working hard enough or if I'm working too hard.

Polar F6 Women's Heart Rate Monitor

2009-11-29T04:26:00.000-08:00

Purchased the Polar F6 heart rate monitor watch for my wife to use during her Jazzercise class. She has used it for about 3 weeks as of this reporting and finds it very helpful in monitoring her cardiovascular system during her exercise routine. She especially likes the color (Pink Coral; a typical woman's preference. Others in the class have another Polar model that is black in color, purchased through the Jazzercise franchise owner, that has less functionality but cost the same to purchase. The delivery process was flawless.

Polar F6 heart rate monitor

2009-11-29T04:11:00.000-08:00

I ordered this heart rate monitor on Thursday night and it arrived on Monday, so first of all, I couldn't be more happy with the speed of the delivery!

Second, I have been working out at a gym regularly, with a trainer for approximately 1 year. While I can tell I've increased in strength, the weight just isn't coming off. A friend of mine recommended buying a HRM, and owned a polar brand herself. I did a bit of research and settled on the F6. I used it for the first time this morning and could not be happier! Not only did I learn that my workouts were not as effective as I thought (the calories burned calculation on the elliptical machine was off by more than 100 calories in a 30 minute cardio workout!) I was also able to accurately determine by my heartrate how many calories I burned while doing my 30 minutes of strength training! Previously this was a guessing game - and if you're like me, you're overestimating your guess just like I was.

This monitor was super easy to get started with. I find the strap comfortable and was not even aware of it throughout my workout. I have a wider rib cage - about 46 inches, so I was concerned about the strap being too tight but there was plenty of room!

I would strongly recommend anyone looking at getting a HRM to consider and purchase this monitor. Take a step to get control over your workouts!!

Polar F6 Better than expected!

2009-11-28T04:11:00.000-08:00

This is my first HRM watch. Arrived in perfect condition and was user-friendly for initial set up. Chest band that comes with is a Medium, but don't be discouraged if you're a large frame, it is much bigger than I need and I'm 5'9 225lbs. Watch is helpful in all aspects of exercise regime. First, it is easy to use and very helpful while working out. I constantly adjust the treadmill to keep my HR in the zone I'm going for on a given day. Second, and most importantly, it reminds you how often you actually work out. You might find that your mind had been playing tricks on you. For instance, I like to think I easily workout three or four times a week, but that really just isn't the case, unfortunately. It's more like twice a week. That sucks, but it's good to know and gets me a little more motivated when I strap this thing on because the first thing I say after I see it's been four days is - "DAM# IT"...what was I thinking....Anyway,this watch is golden. I use it to run for about 45-60 min three or four, wait, no, twice a week. The best thing it's done for my workouts is make them less painful becuase I know exactly how hard to work to keep my HR in the "zone." It's a lot less work than I thought to keep my HR in a good spot for 45min-1hr. Before owning this watch, I worked out way too hard...Great buy.....

Polar F6 Best Price

2009-11-27T04:06:00.000-08:00

This has helped me immensly with my workouts. After a year of over-exerting myself with nothing to show for it, I bought this and now I work out in my heart rate zone, making the most and the best of my workouts. Its been 3 months and I am seeing the results I had hoped for. I am thrilled!!!

Polar F6 Good for the Heart!

2009-11-26T04:03:00.000-08:00

I use this to run and also at the gym. The Polar transmitter belt works with most treadmills, ellipticals, stair steppers and bikes at the gym so that is really nice to have your heart rate displayed on their screens. I like to be able to set target zones for my heart and it beeps once I've reached that. Helps me to know where I am and how hard I'm pushing myself. The color of the band is not my favorite pink shade and it's not as feminine of a shape as I would like (Nike makes one that looks better, but it doens't work w/ gym equip), but to me the look isn't what's important. It displays the calories burned, avg heart rate, max heart rate, and time of exercise and the end of your workout. Very handy for the workouts!

Polar F6 Best Buy

2009-11-25T04:02:00.000-08:00

I brought this monitor a couple of days ago to attempt to improve my cardiovascular health. So far, I'm extremely happy I brough this. It is very easy to use, but it still has a great user manual that I would reccomend reading. Also, the price might be a little expensive, but it's worth it. Considering the two prices of this watch and Polar's newest watch, F11, which is $50 more, I would definitely buy this watch again- as F11 doesn't seem to have that many new features.

Anyways, if you've had a heart rate monitor before, the strap is pretty much the same as all- it's not comfortable, but it's not annoying either. The strap measures about 33 inches long, so it will fit anyone with a waist ofup to 33 inches.

One feature I absolutely love is the file, which contains your exercise data, including the time the exercise was started, the duration, calories burned, how many calories burned from fat, your heart rate max and average, and your time in your heart rate zone. When the file gets full, you can transfer the data to the Polar Fitness Trainer website using a SonicLink- or you can just delete it.

Your diary is similar to the file, but it shows your totals that week instead of each single exercise. The totals include how many time you exercised, the duration, and calories burned.

Also, this watch is very easy to start exercising with- you just click the same button twice, and then it starts recording your heart rate, duration, calories, etc. It is also easy to see the time while your exercising, you simply bring the watch up to the belt and the clock light up and shows you the time. Also, I guess this could easily be used as a regular watch, as it shows the time and date when not being used, the only con of that is it's not exactly stylish. (Well, from a women's point of view.)

This watch also shows you whether or not your in your HR zone based on age calculations- but what if your more advanced than your age? Well, then it has OwnIndex, which is a test used to calculate your target heart rate for exercising.

My only con, so far,(Well, besides that it's unstylish) is simply that you can't keep the backlight on the entire time while you're exercising, as I exercise in the dark.

Polar F6 Simply the best monitor for doing cardio at the gym

2009-11-24T04:02:00.000-08:00

The Polar F6 is the heart rate monitor of choice if you do your cardio workouts at a gym.

This monitor is very simple to setup and use. It will log your average heart rate and maximum heart rate for a given workout, as well as the time you spend "in the zone" (i.e. cardio zone, fat burning zone, or a custom zone that you set up). It will also calculate the calories burned in a workout. In two minutes I set up a custom zone to track my workouts in the 125-150 beats per minute range and to beep if I fall below that.

If you enjoy group spinning (instructor-led stationary bike) classes, this monitor is a must. The chest strap is coded to only display on your monitor. I've seen people wearing identical Polar F4 monitors (the F4 is the cheaper, "uncoded" version of the F6) and if they sit next to each other on a stationary bike, there is occasional confusion as your neighbor's pulse shows up on your monitor! Not so the F6!

One added benefit is that the F6 chest strap will also display on the heart rate readout of any LifeFitness elliptical or treadmill machines automatically...you do not have to hold the sensors on the machine anymore to get a heart readout.

My single complaint about the F6 is about how you set your body weight. If you are on a weight loss program, you want to update your body weight so that your calories burned are correctly calculated. Unfortunately, every time you want to change your weight you have to go through the entire setup screens again and confirm that your sex hasn't changed, your birthday hasn't changed, etc. It's not a showstopper, it's just a tad annoying that you have to re-confirm about 12 items just to change your weight.

Overall, I strongly recommend this ugly monitor (and other reviewers are right...this is one ugly piece of technology). It is the ultimate cardio workout watch. I've used this for three months and I'm kicking myself for not buying this earlier.

Polar F6 Great Monitor,

2009-11-23T04:02:00.000-08:00

I bought the Polar for my wife and she loves it! It is much more accurate than our treadmil and really allows for a targeted workout. It is very easy to use and is not cluttered with confusing features that the novice user would never use.

Polar CS200 Cycling Computer Heart Rate Monitor

2009-11-22T14:03:00.000-08:00

Product Description

The wireless CS200 is a true cycling computer that gives you all your cycling speed and distance information, along with your heart rate data. With the ability to link to your PC, the CS200 is more than just a cycle computer. Easy to reach button design that mounts on your stem or bars. Option to add on cadence.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #9076 in Sports & Outdoors
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90025635
* Released on: 2007-05-19
* Dimensions: 1.00" h x 2.00" w x 2.00" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

* Affordable handlebar-mounted cycling computer with included heart rate monitor
* Cycling Economy/Intensity enables you to predict your calorie expenditure
* Target heart rate zones with visual and audible alarms; graphical comparison of heart rate and speed
* Wireless cycling measurements: speed (current, average and max); trip; distance
* Wheel size settings for two bicycles, speed sensor installation for different fork shapes

Customer Reviews

Great cycling computer5
I highly recommend this computer, I have used it for about 1000 miles so far. I purchased the cadence package, and among every thing else the wireless cadence works perfect. The wireless speed also works great, and the unit saves alot of info into a file you can access on computer itself or transfer to a pc. The computer saves 7 files max fyi....

As far as heart rate, what can I say, it is a polar... It can pick up a mouses heart rate if you attached the sensor to it, works perfect. I really like the chest strap as it uses cloth sensors, as opposed to my last hr computer that used plastic sensors that did not work well.

For the price range this works great. I picked up mine for about $159 + tax with the cadence, it comes as a bundle. If spending more then $200, I would consider the Garmin series for nav but in this price range this is one of if not the best.

Good HRM at good price4
I have had this HRM for about a year now. It has preformed pretty well for me. I did have a problem that after my first ride, I put the bike in the back of my truck and drove home through a big thunderstorm with the computer getting very wet and highway speed wind and the computuer stopped working. They promptly replaced it and the second one has been working great. Make sure you read the manual and get the wheel size set correctly.

Polar Power Output Sensor W.I.N.D.

2009-11-21T14:02:00.000-08:00

Product Description

The data is wirelessly transferred to Polar CS600 cycling computer. Provides valuable cycling data like power output, cycling efficiency, pedaling index and L/R balance. Can be purchased as an optional accessory or as a complete set with the Polar CS600 with Power cycling computer. With 2.4 GHz disturbance free transmission.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #96509 in Sports & Outdoors
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 91026658
* Released on: 2007-05-26
* Dimensions: 1.00" h x 2.00" w x 12.00" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

* Combines heart rate monitoring and power output measurement in one device
* Compatible with the Polar CS600 cycling computer
* Pedaling Index shows how evenly the power is distributed during one crankarm rotation
* Chain stay sensor (power sensor) calculates the tension of the chain
* Suitable only for road bikes, ridden on tarmac

Polar F6 Works as Prescribed

2009-11-21T04:01:00.000-08:00

This has been a great product. I have used it for 1 month now and found it a great way to monitor my workout. The free web based workout logger has provided a worry free way of tracking my progress.

Polar FT60G1 Women's Heart Rate Monitor Watch with G1 GPS Sensor (Purple)

2009-11-20T14:01:00.000-08:00

Polar F6 Great device!

2009-11-20T04:01:00.000-08:00

If one is serious about doing excercise properly, then you have to have a good heart rate monitor. (See, for example, "Fat or Fit" by Covert Bailey.) If you try to get into an excercise program without instruction or a heart rate monitor, you are going to exhaust yourself and give up.

I have no problems with this product. The watch is waterproof and not particularly uncomfortable while excercising. The chest strap fits me just fine. Both seem to be very durable (I've been using mine for about 3 weeks now and there is no sign of wear-and-tear). The menus are, admittedly, a bit cumbersome, but after a couple of excercise sessions, followed by reviewing the manual, I have no trouble dealing with it. (After all, you only have 4 buttons and about a zillion options overall.)

Probably the best part of all is that the heart rate transmitter (the one that attaches to your chest) is picked up by all the equipment in my local gym: Stair Master, Life Fitness and others. So you don't have to put your hands on the probes that the excercise machine has to get it to tell you your heart rate. All of the machines in my gym have a "constant heart rate" mode, so this is fabulous!

I cannot speak to any other brands, or any other models of the Polar brand. But this device, the F6, is great and does everything I can imagine I would like to do.

I am middle aged and overweight. If you are either one of these, then you gotta get a heart rate monitor!

Polar FT60G1 Men's Heart Rate Monitor Watch with G1 GPS Sensor (Black with Red Display)

2009-11-19T13:58:00.000-08:00

Polar F6 Excellent product. Spotty Customer Service

2009-11-19T04:00:00.000-08:00

I've had my Polar F6 for two years. It's a great product, but the company's customer service could be improved. Recently, I sent the unit to the Polar Dallas, TX service center and requested a new LCD and a new elastic transmitter strap. They returned it with a new battery and new transmitter. Go figure.

People do make mistakes, but my follow-up email was apparently read by the same person who gummed up the original request. A simple repair request has now turned into a time-wasting Tarbaby.

Polar CS100 Cycling Computer Heart Rate Monitor

2009-11-18T13:57:00.000-08:00

Polar F6 work smarter and harder - worth every penny,

2009-11-18T04:00:00.000-08:00

I always knew that I should be hitting 65% to 85% of my maximum heart rate while exercising, and I knew that I was sometimes, but this little gadget showed me how far off the mark I was. I had to double my cardio workouts in order to get into the zone where I needed to be to lose weight. Now, I am seeing real results. That knowledge alone was worth the price. Most of us overestimate how hard we work out, spend a lot of time at the gym, and then get frustrated at the lack of results. With this gadget I am able to make my workouts effective not just long and energy consuming.

The features on the A5 model are numerous enough to make this a great toy, and few enough as not to make it too complicated. This model is reccomended by Polar as one for for people looking to lose weight and increase overall fitness. This is not a model for the serious "data junkie" who wants to store all of their workout data in a spreadsheet. I don't think that this is a model for cyclists either. This is a model for someone who wants to know how many calories they've burned, time in their target workout zone, BMI, % of maximum heart rate being reached, and heart rate. You can also perform a fitness test with this model, and that is an interesting feature.

This model comes with a transmitter. The product specifications were not clear about whether or not it came with one. I was confused about that, and ended up purchasing an extra, albiet better, transmitter. The transmitter that came with the A5 does not look comfy, the front part that goes over your chest is made of flexible rubber and the back part is a fabric strap. The extra one that I ordered (for $45) is a totally fabric model called the WearLink, that has one small plastic piece in the front. So, I would suggest you buy a more comfortable mostly fabric transmitter, if you plan to wear it alot.

Polar CS600 Cycling Computer

2009-11-17T13:50:00.000-08:00

Product Description

The CS600 is for both the professional cyclist and for the cyclist who wants to ride with the best.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #65456 in Sports & Outdoors
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90026447
* Released on: 2007-05-22
* Dimensions: 1.00" h x 2.00" w x 2.00" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

* Handlebar-mounted cycling computer for advanced riders
* Compatible with W.I.N.D. Power Sensor, combining heart rate monitoring and power output measurement
* Large customizable display showing four separate elements of information
* Smooth and aerodynamic case design made from tough reinforced polycarbonates for maximum durability
* Estimated Time of Arrival feature based on your cycling speed

Customer Reviews

This is the best technology there is for cycling4
I've been cycling for over 20 years now... Earlier when I was a lot younger I participated in every kind of competition in every level. Now I just do my cycling to feel good with myself and finish every ride with satisfaction. Don't get me wrong, I still ride several hundred kms per week and the intensity of the rides is very hard.

This little piece of hardware is showing me, with amazing detail, every aspect of training you may imagine, and is totally customizable. You spend some time in the computer every sunday, and plan your week. The computer will then know your training parameters for the session and guide you through it. Showing the appropriate display: If you want to train based on cadence, power, heart rate, speed, time, intervals, you name it, there is an appropriate display for it, and you get to change it at will if you want to concentrate in something different.

At the begining is normal to go by riding and checking all of the displays just to check out all there is to display, you'll get distracted watching the inclination of the terrain vary as you go, or get focused on the time spent on each HR zone during your intervals.

Bottom line, this is the best of the best of what you may get for a cycling computer. A piece of advise though; be sure to know how to train before you start using it. This is not a training guide, or the software is not an advisor. If you start trying different ways to guide your training based on the info you get from it, you'll spend the whole year trying, and getting nowhere. Too much information can also clutter your way to fitness.

2009-11-17T04:14:00.001-08:00

Polar F6 I Have a Geek Toy, I Have a Geek Toy

2009-11-17T04:00:00.001-08:00

Easy to set up, accurate, user friendly. Just took it for a test drive this morning. Shipping was fast and friendly. Nice user manual. Very explanatory.

Put in your vitals, adjust the strap around your chest and put the pedal to the metal.

I burned 511 calories -- 45% from fat. For 49:51 minutes of work, I spent 14:46 minutes in the 144-160 beats per minute range; with my heart rate topping out at 178 (93% of my maximum for the "moderate training zone"). My average heart rate was 151 for the duration (79% of my maximum). The alarm cued me when to step it up and also when to back it down so I could keep on a better training track.

Apparently, I've been working too hard in the past. Because just as the HRM was yelling at me to back down, I was thinking, "Geez, touchy thingie! I can go way harder and higher than this!" But if it improves my stamina, all the better.

I would recommend reviewing the product manual and setting up your customizations the night before if you are an early morning exerciser. Setup and familiarization with the product/material takes about an hour.

Polar S3 Stride Sensor

2009-11-16T13:48:00.000-08:00

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #2546 in Sports & Outdoors
* Size: S3
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 91029854
* Dimensions: .79" h x 3.94" w x 11.81" l, .9 pounds

Features

* Compatible with the RS800, it uses nano technology to accurately analyze your stride to help improve your running technique

Customer Reviews

Great Item5
This is worth adding to your Polar system. I'm actually considering buying another one just to put on a different pair of shoes. I love the whole system.

Polar sustituir SS5
The service is second to none. Excelent in timing and the product just work perfect. Thank you.

Pierre s3 stride5
Amazing stuff ! Together with the RS 800 CX give to you a lot of usefull information. I liked it very much.

Polar Bike Mount (CS Series Twist)

2009-11-15T13:47:00.000-08:00

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #9885 in Sports & Outdoors
* Size: (CS-Series-Twist)
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 91028692
* Dimensions: .4" h x .4" w x .4" l, .2 pounds

Features

* Randall Scott Cycle Company - America's Premier Cycle Company
* The new bike mount can be installed either to stem or handlebar.
* A cycling computer is easy to attach into the mount with the twist locking mechanism.
* Compatible with:
* The Polar CS100b, CS100, CS200 and CS200cad.

Customer Reviews

Works great5
First unit was DOA but Polar replaced within days. has been accurate and easy to use.

Bike Mount5
This does exactly as it says, fits onto the bike very well and allows you to view the computer as you ride

Polar G1 GPS Speed and Distance Sensor for FT60 / FT80

2009-11-14T13:43:00.000-08:00

Product Description

A GPS option for runners to track running speed and distance. A solution for the runner who is looking for a GPS alternative to the s1 footpod. Compatible with FT Series 60 and 80 only. Works for all sports as a speed and distance measurement device for sports that do not exceed 18.3 Mph ex, Kayaking , XC Skiing , Recreational Inline Skating, etc.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #42738 in Sports & Outdoors
* Size: G1
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 91036871
* Released on: 2008-12-01
* Dimensions: 1.00" h x 2.50" w x 2.50" l, .19 pounds

Features

* GPS sensor for calculating speed and distance during low-speed sports
* Compatible with Polar FT60 and FT80 wrist-top training computers
* Ideal for running, kayaking, cross-country skiing, and inline skating
* Battery life of up to 10 hours (regular mode) or 15 hours (low-power mode)
* Speed range of 0 to 18.3 miles per hour; weighs only 2.82 ounces

Customer Reviews

Thrilled with it4
The only issue I have is with the armband itself. The rubber grip tends to separate from the inside of the band, a bit like the tread of a tire when it separates. This does not make the armband useless, merely a bit unattractive when I put it on and take it off. The strap itself remains functional.

The GPS tracker works fine with my FT80 watch and chest strap. I run 8-9 miles twice a week. The trees and forests don't really get in the way. If the signal gets lost, it recovers itself in a few seconds. I'm quite happy with this device.

Polar F11 Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Grey Pepper)

2009-11-13T13:41:00.000-08:00

Product Description

The world's only heart rate monitor that creates a workout program with how much, how hard and how long to exercise to reach your goals.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #15729 in Sports & Outdoors
* Size: One Size
* Color: Grey Pepper - Unisex
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90023381
* Dimensions: 2.00" h x .50" w x 6.00" l, .33 pounds

Features

* Keeps U Fit- personalized exercise program with feedback
* Wearlink Transmitter
* OwnCal- tracks your calories and % of fat burned Heart Touch- button free operation
* OwnZone automatically establishes your personal target heart rate zone
* OwnCode eliminates interference from other HRM's OwnIndex measures your fitness level and track improvements

Amazon.com Product Description
The Polar F11 Heart Rate Monitor is the world's only heart rate monitor that creates a workout program to tell you how much, how hard and how long to exercise to reach your goals. This powerful wrist monitor provides a highly accurate gauge for getting the most from your exercise sessions. The Polar Keeps U Fit Workout Program gives you personal guidance--how often, how hard, and how long you need to exercise to reach your personal fitness goals. It also includes a free-of-charge online component.

The wristwatch-like monitor features a large display that includes 12/24-hour time of day, alarm, and stopwatch. The transmitter includes the Wearlink Coded function, which eliminates interference from other heart rate monitors. The transmitter's electrodes, which pick up the heart signals, are integrated right into the strap for added flexibility and comfort.

The OwnCal feature shows your energy expenditure during one exercise session as well as your accumulated kilocalories during several exercise sessions. It also allows you to set daily and weekly exercise goals in terms of calorie expenditure. The Fitness Bullets feature shows a bullet on the monitor's display for every 10 minutes spent exercising/training in your target heart rate zone. The Coded feature eliminates interference from other heart rate monitors. Other features include:

* Displays heart rate, exercise time, and average heart rate
* Manual and automatic heart rate limit settings
* Large easy-to-read display with backlighting and split screen
* Water resistant to 30 meters (100 feet)

Manufacturer's Warranty
The original purchaser of this heart rate monitor is backed by a limited warranty that states that this product that the product will be free from defects in material or workmanship for two years from the date of purchase.

Note:
Polar heart rate monitors are precision instruments; consumers are not advised to change their own battery. Polar recommends that all service be done by an authorized Polar Service Center which will include a warranty for 90 days on repairs and 6 months for batteries.

About Polar
The first EKG accurate wireless heart rate monitor was invented by Polar back in 1977 as a training tool for the Finnish National Cross Country Ski Team. The concept of "intensity training" by heart rate swept the athletic world in the eighties. By the 1990s, individuals were looking to heart rate monitors not only for performance training needs, but also for achieving everyday fitness goals. Today, the same concept of heart rate training is being used by world-class athletes as well as everyday people trying to lose weight. Polar is the leading brand among consumers, coaches, and personal trainers worldwide and the company is committed to not only producing the best products, but also being the leading educator on the benefits of heart rate based exercise.

Customer Reviews

Polar F11 - Monitors your heartbeat and so much more5
When the transmitter on my old Polar "Smart Beat" started to fail, I had a choice of replacing the transmitter or buying a new monitor. I had never cared for the Smart Beat. The buttons were hard to push, features hard to figure out and the transmitter bulky, so I opted to purchase a new monitor.

The "Smart Beat" was so frustrating to use, that I considered buying just a simple beat and calorie heartrate monitor. But as one who loves the bells and whistles, I thought I would try a more advanced model. If it was as frustraing as my old monitor I would send it back and get a simple one.

Deciding on a heartrate monitor is difficult. I knew I wanted another Polar because of their reputation for quality but which one. Polar makes a ton of monitors. After examining different ones I decided the F-11 would offer me some nice features and meet my needs without being too complicated.

The F-11 has won Polar a number of awards for innovation. The reason is the "Keep U Fit" program. With this progam you input your stats, take a fitness test (which is basically a timed measure of your resting heart rate) and the F-ll will tell you how fit you are. Next you tell the F-11 if you want to improve, maintain or maximize your fitness level. The F-11 then creates a weekly fitness plan for you. It tells you how many hours you should exercise, and how long you should be at each of your heart rate intensity levels. If you succeed you are awarded a digital gold cup - cute huh! If you don't want to follow the program you can just do a regular exercise session.

The F-11 has a lot of great features. It will tell you calories burned, time in exercise and more. You can even pause your exercise session should you need to take a quick break to answer the phone, drink some water or do something else. You can also turn the audible sound off or on to let you know when you are "in" or "out" of your heartrate zone.

The nicest thing about this Polar is it is easy to use. Digital images tell you when you are using the features. For example "Exercise" mode has a little image of a man. "Settings" mode has a view of gears. It will take a while to get used to the features but once you do the visual cues (which were not on my old Polar) will help you to remember whats what.

The F-11 looks like a large oversized watch. It comes in two colors Grey Pepper and Red Chili. I thought the red color was cute but it's so oversized it was a bit gaudy on my wrist so I went with the grey.

The transmitter on the F-11 is much smaller than that on older models. This transmitter is about 1/2 the size of a deck of cards and the electrodes are in a soft strap which is washable.
The strap is sized to fit M-XXL but as a medium woman I thought it was on the smaller size. It does have stretch, but I do not think it would fit an XL and certainly not an XXL. Also the strap is clearly labled M-XXL..this may seem petty, a man may not care but what woman wants to run around with an XXL label sticking out?

Overall, this is a great Polar and sure to bump your fitness up a notch!

The best heart rate monitor I've owned5
I've owned three other monitors, one of them a Polar (which I liked), and this one is the tops.

This is why I gave it five stars:

- It has an easy-to-read display.
- The instructions were extremely clear.
- It can automatically calculate, if you want it to, your target range based on your birthdate.
- It has a weekly status that gives you the total number of calories burned, and the total exercise time for that week.
- There is also a fitness progress report, which shows your improvement, via a chart, over time. Unfortunately, I ignored the first few opportunities to take the quick fitness test, so my report is just recently starting.
- The strap is much more comfortable than the previous Polar monitor's.

I think this is an excellent "mid-range" monitor.

Excellent investment in my health and fitness!5
In my humble opinion, Polar HRM watches, a Finnish company, appear to be in a class all by themselves without worthy competitors. New to HRM watches, I decided on Polar after perusing countless websites (i.e. bike racing, marathon runners, health sites you name it!). I decided on Polar because so often someone would write in about another brand "good watch, but I miss my Polar" "my watch died, should have bought a Polar." I almost gave in at one point tantalized by the beauty and cool design of a different brand, Polar watches are pretty basic looking, but then I would find reviews stating the watch did not function properly or did not have the myriad of features I was looking for.

So why the F-11?

DON'T be afraid to buy the Polar F-11:
1) If you've never owned a HRM watch before-the list of features may appear daunting!
2)If you are not a jock-it may strike you as a watch just for fitness fanatics!

Both 1 and 2 are not true! Yes, the first two weeks I wore my F-11 I was frustrated. Nevertheless, I kept referring to my manual when a question arose and now after using it for a month I have mastered all the features (the learning curve is easier than learning a basic computer program I'd say). If I had purchased a cheaper less complicated model, I probably would have outgrown the features and wanted the watch to do more.

I am glad I chose the top watch (most expensive model) in the Polar fitness category because the "Keep u fit" program has helped me tremendously. I found out that I am not in good shape. No more state of denial for me! But, such knowledge has proven to be highly inspirational. Plus, surely multiple fitness lab tests at the doctors would cost more than the extra $50 or so for this feature, which I will use again and again.

In addition, the "Keep U Fit" program also designed a program tailored to me to either maintain my fitness level, moderately increase, or significantly increase my fitness level. I now push myself when exercising more than ever before! A low beeping noise lets you know if you are above or below your target fitness goal heart rate. No longer are all my workouts leisure nature strolls - not when I see how many more calories I can burn in a shorter period while really working up a sweat. One more thing about the high price, the features of the F-11 have eliminated my need (and the cost) for a personal trainer.

If the F-11 features don't sound like what you are looking for check out Polars outstanding website. In no time at all you can sort through all their watches and find the one that is best for you but beware its written in Finnish, I'm kidding.

I love that now: I can do any exercise anywhere and have important knowledge at my fingertips. The other day I jogged in place while reading the Wall Street Journal on-line and burned 350 calories. I have also done aerobics while watching my favorite sitcoms!

Lastly, I don't agree 100% with another reviewers comments. I agree with 99% of her review, but I disagree that the chest strap probably only fits a size Medium. I am a L to XL sized woman and it fits me fine in fact with room to grow. (although, thank goodness I am shrinking not growing). I find the strap for the most part comfortable and often forget I am wearing it. What would I change? Book binding...the binding on the manual became unglued the first week. Looks...Hey Polar hire some new product designers and create a cutting edge beauty! Besides that, I wouldn't change a thing.

Polar Cardio Sports Bra

2009-11-12T13:59:00.000-08:00

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #13208 in Apparel & Accessories
* Brand: Polar

Features

* Comfortable sports bra with built-in heart rate sensing technology
* Incorporates sensing technology to transmit HR data to monitor
* No-slip shoulder straps, flat seams, and adjustable back closure
* Polyester/Spandex fabric wicks away moisture; machine-washable
* Supports Wearlink transmitter, Polar training computers, and other HR equipment (all sold separately)

Amazon.com Product Description
Do away with uncomfortable chest straps and measure your heart rate the easy way with the Polar Cardio sports bra. Designed to work with the Polar Wearlink transmitter, Polar training computers, and other heart-rate-compatible equipment (all sold separately), the Polar sports bra allows you to incorporate the device directly into the garment by attaching it to the bra with the built-in snaps. In addition, the bra is extremely comfortable, with no-slip shoulder straps, flat seams that minimize chaffing, an adjustable back closure, and a polyester/Spandex fabric blend that wicks away moisture as you exercise. Designed to offer high-impact support for A, B, and C cup wearers--with a seamless cup that's notably smooth under the shirt--the Polar sports bra is even machine-washable.

Customer Reviews

Bought a black and a white one!5
I love not having to wear a chest strap! I needed a 34D, so I purchased a large. The large was too big around my rib cage and didn't keep a consistent heart rate connection. The large is definitely true to size, as it is advertised as 36". I had the closure taken in 2" at the tailor. I ordered a medium, and it fits well. My WearLink transmitter, which I purchased separately, snaps in perfectly, and I have not had any problems keeping a reliable heart rate reading. The equipment at the gym also picks up the transmitter signal, which is nice. I have recommended this product to friends.

Love it!4
I ordered this product because the Polar Chest strap was really irritating to my skin, so much so that I couldn't wear it. I was initially skeptical of this product, but after receiving it and trying it, I'm in love! The heart rate monitor snaps perfectly into place, and I had no trouble picking up and keeping my heart rate on my watch. I will definitely order one (despite the steep price) in white. I ordered a size medium, and it fits just right. I usually wear size medium in my sports bras, and found this to fit snug, but not too tight. Highly, highly recommend this polar product! The only con is the steep price!

Polar G3 GPS Speed and Distance Sensor Set

2009-11-12T13:33:00.000-08:00

Product Description

Athletes who already own an RS800 Training system can purchase the G3 GPS Sensor separately as an accessory. Incorporating the SiRFstarIII¿ chipset, the G3 GPS Sensor talks wirelessly to the RS8000 providing excellent coverage and optimal power consumption. With the G3 GPS (global positioning system) Sensor added to the RS800 , what becomes , is a multisport training system that enables athletes to measure speed and distance for a variety of outdoor sports including running, cycling, kayaking, hiking, canyoneering, in-line skating, cross-country and downhill skiing.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #2708 in Sports & Outdoors
* Size: One Size, G3
* Color: Black
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 91031768
* Released on: 2007-09-05
* Dimensions: 1.00" h x 2.00" w x 3.00" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

* Wireless GPS sensor designed for RS800 wristwatch training system
* Lets athletes take speed and distance measurements for several sports
* Ideal for cycling, Nordic skiing, inline skating, and kayaking
* SiRFstarIII chipset guarantees excellent coverage and fast time to first fix
* Water-resistant to 3 bars; measures 2.36 x 2.44 x 0.94 inches (W x H x D)

Amazon.com Product Description
The Polar RS800 training system gave runners and serious endurance athletes the most complete heart-rate-based training solution yet. Now Polar has take the system a step further by launching the G3 GPS sensor, a compact and lightweight GPS module that communicates wirelessly to the RS800 wristwatch, letting athletes take speed and distance measurements for a variety of sports, including cycling, Nordic skiing, inline skating, and kayaking. Incorporating the SiRFstarIII chipset, the G3 sensor offers excellent coverage, a fast time to first fix, and optimal power consumption. More importantly, the addition of the G3 sensor makes the RS800 the most comprehensive planning and analysis tool available for athletes who train across multiple disciplines. Water-resistant to three bars and weighing only 80 grams (including the battery), the G3 is extremely compact and built to withstand the harshest conditions or the most extreme adventure sports. The G3, which requires a single AA battery for up to 20 hours of continual use, measures 2.36 by 2.44 by 0.94 inches (W x H x D) and includes a strap and storage pouch.

Customer Reviews

Great to chart where I've been5
All too often, I do a ride with friends, think its great but have no idea where we went. With this device, I can now chart the ride I just took so I can repeat it in the future. Great feature.

Works like a charm5
Works like a charm. Just turn it on, wait for it to link with the watch, and run.

Polar FT60G1 Women's Heart Rate Monitor Watch with G1 GPS Sensor (Black)

2009-09-30T03:39:00.000-07:00

Polar CS200cad Cycling Computer Heart Rate Monitor with Cadence (2008 Model)

2009-09-29T03:38:00.000-07:00

Product Description

The triple wireless CS200cad is the complete package, and the most loaded cycle computer for the money. Speed, cadence and heart rate, all wireless. Four lines of data on the display that scrolls automatically. Exclusive Polar features that links to your PC, the CS200cad is more than just a cycle computer.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #43162 in Sports & Outdoors
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90034032
* Released on: 2007-05-20
* Dimensions: 1.00" h x 2.00" w x 2.00" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

* Affordable handlebar-mounted cycling computer with included heart rate monitor
* Cycling Economy/Intensity enables you to predict your calorie expenditure
* Wireless cadence sensor measures your pedaling rate (presented as rpm)
* Wireless cycling measurements: speed (current, average and max); trip; distance
* Wheel size settings for two bicycles, speed sensor installation for different fork shapes

Customer Reviews

Cateye CS200cad Cycling Computer Review3
This computer does everything as advertised. I found it difficult to set up and use all its functions. The learning curve is fairly steep (I've been out of cycling for a while); keep the instruction book handy. I did not have a particularly difficult time setting the sensors. One thing I was disappointed in is the wireless range is very limited. If you want to put the speed sensor on the rear wheel then this unit is not for you. Also the crank arm attachment for the cadence sensor is not very good. The tape provided is not very sticky. I suggest going to your local hardware store and buying electrical tape in a color to match your bike. If I was buying again I would not buy this unit; I would probably buy a wired unit instead. One other thing is if you want cadence on the big display I don't think it can be done. The heart rate monitor worked very well if you follow positioning instructions.

After the setup, works great4
While I understand why, it would be nice if this kit, which is specifically sold as a cadence kit, came with the computer set to have cadence on! Here is why...

Getting this mounted on the bike is a very straight forward process and the instructions walk you through the steps. But, imagine your frustration trying to get the cadence sensor to light up while installing on the bike (first few pages of the manual) when the setting to enable cadence is about 40 pages later. Even if there was a simple line, "Please make sure cadence is enabled before you test your bike installation, details on page X," that would have improved things. The manual does a nice job otherwise.

Once the unit is on the bike and you start riding, this bike computer really shines. There are a lot of settings that you can tweak to your hearts content. With auto start-stop, basically, you go out and ride. I like that I can see speed, distance, heart rate, and cadence all in one view. You have a bunch of choices for your view depending on what you like, and flipping through the views is just a single button during the ride.

Once you are back after the ride, it is very easy to review the workout data. Highly recommend and this would be a five-star rating if they managed to sell it with cadence enabled by default.

Excellent choice5
Product was exactly what I was looking for. It works great on my bike when riding and when I have it on the in-door trainer. The heart rate monitor also works with my Polar watch for walking/running.

Polar CS200-T31C Special Edition Cycling Computer Heart Rate Monitor with T31C Transmitter

2009-09-28T03:35:00.000-07:00

Product Description

This is exactly the same item as the Polar CS200 but with Polar 's T31 Coded transmitter instead of the newest Wearlink Transmitter. Whatever your cycling goals, the Polar CS200 cycling computer can help you achieve them. This useful computer combines body feedback with cycling data to give you a complete picture of your entire performance.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #13394 in Sports & Outdoors
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90035772
* Released on: 2008-10-28
* Dimensions: 1.00" h x 2.00" w x 1.00" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

* Measures your current, average and maximum speed
* Foresee and remedy your calorie expenditure with cycling economy
* Use polarpersonaltrainer.com as your training log to analyze your long term progression and improvement
* Transfer exercise data from wrist unit to polarpersonaltrainer.com via Polar WebLink (SonicLink/Infrared)
* A feature that points out the difference between average speed/pace and actual speed/pace on the display.

Polar CS100B Wireless Cycling Computer

2009-09-27T03:34:00.000-07:00

Product Description

The CS100 combines all the features of a high end cycle computer with a fully functional heart rate monitor. With key features like AutoStart, Autostop and Autolap you'll have everything you need for sport or fitness riding.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #27955 in Sports & Outdoors
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90034017
* Released on: 2007-05-17
* Dimensions: 1.00" h x 2.00" w x 2.00" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

* Affordable handlebar-mounted cycling computer with included heart rate monitor
* New Estimated Time of Arrival feature based on your cycling speed
* Target heart rate zones with visual and audible alarms; graphical comparison of heart rate and speed
* Cycling measurements: speed (current, average and max); trip; distance
* Wheel size settings for two bicycles, speed sensor installation for different fork shapes

Amazon.com Product Description
The handlebar-mounted Polar CS100 combines all the features of a high-end cycle computer with a fully functional heart rate monitor--the Polar T31 coded transmitter. (The similarly featured CS100B offers heart rate monitor compatibility, but does not come with a monitor.) The CS100 provides a full range of cycling computer functions, and adds three new features to Polar's arsenal: the Polar Cycling Coach (a Web-based coaching program and diary), estimated time of arrival (based on your speed), and automatic display scroll, which switches the information on the display according to your preferences. Features include:

* Wireless ECG accurate heart rate with Polar OwnCode (5kHz) to prevent cross-talk from other heart rate monitors
* Target heart rate zones with visual and audible alarms
* Graphical comparison of heart rate and speed
* Heart rate measurements: maximum of total and each lap, average of total
* Cycling measurements: Speed (current, average and max); trip; distance
* Calorie consumption rate per kilometer
* Wheel size settings for two bicycles, speed sensor installation for different fork shapes
* Automatic lap recording (up to 50 laps) with exercise date
* Exercise file info page with date and time
* Semi-automatic backlighting
* Water resistance to 10 meters (protects against rain and splashes)
* SpeedPointer: Points out the difference between average speed/pace and actual speed/pace on the display by up/down arrows.
* Estimated Time of Arrival: Set the distance you are going to ride, and your cycling computer calculates the estimated time of arrival based on your cycling speed.
* Polar OwnCal: Shows your energy expenditure during one exercise session as well as your accumulated kilocalories during several exercise sessions. Because the OwnCal tracks both the energy expenditure during one exercise session and the accumulated kilocalories during a longer time e.g. one week, it helps in achieving both short term and long term goals.
* Compatible with Polar WearLink 31 and Polar T61 coded transmitters

Manufacturer's Warranty
The original purchaser of this heart rate monitor is backed by a limited warranty that states that this product that the product will be free from defects in material or workmanship for two years from the date of purchase.

Note:
Polar heart rate monitors are precision instruments; consumers are not advised to change their own battery. Polar recommends that all service be done by an authorized Polar Service Center which will include a warranty for 90 days on repairs and 6 months for batteries.

About Polar
The first EKG accurate wireless heart rate monitor was invented by Polar back in 1977 as a training tool for the Finnish National Cross Country Ski Team. The concept of "intensity training" by heart rate swept the athletic world in the eighties. By the 1990s, individuals were looking to heart rate monitors not only for performance training needs, but also for achieving everyday fitness goals. Today, the same concept of heart rate training is being used by world-class athletes as well as everyday people trying to lose weight. Polar is the leading brand among consumers, coaches, and personal trainers worldwide and the company is committed to not only producing the best products, but also being the leading educator on the benefits of heart rate based exercise.

Polar F11 Women's Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Blue Glow)

2009-09-26T03:33:00.000-07:00

Product Description

The F11 is an exerciser's dream come true. It's the world's only heart rate monitor that creates a workout program to tell you how much, how hard and how long to exercise to reach your goals. The new, revolutionary Keeps U Fit - Workout Program guides you to your personal goals. OwnIndex? will determine your fitness level, track your improvements, and provide motivation. The OwnCal? feature counts the calories and fat that you burn and the OwnZone? feature will automatically determine each day's target zone. The F11 also features the WearLink? Coded transmitter made from a soft, fabric material. The electrodes, which pick up the heart signals, are integrated right into the strap for added flexibility and comfort. The Coded feature eliminates interference from other heart rate monitors. The F11 is the closest thing to having your own personal trainer.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #9802 in Sports & Outdoors
* Color: Blue Glow - Women's
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90027075
* Dimensions: 1.00 pounds

Features

* Heart rate monitor designed to help you hit training and fitness goals
* Keeps U Fit Workout Program gives you personal exercise guidance
* WearLink Coded transmitter made from a soft, fabric material, eliminates interference from other heart rate monitors
* OwnCal feature shows your energy expenditure during one exercise session
* Large easy-to-read, backlit display with split screen; water resistant to 30 meters

Customer Reviews

Polar F11 - Monitors your heartbeat and so much more5
When the transmitter on my old Polar "Smart Beat" started to fail, I had a choice of replacing the transmitter or buying a new monitor. I had never cared for the Smart Beat. The buttons were hard to push, features hard to figure out and the transmitter bulky, so I opted to purchase a new monitor.

The "Smart Beat" was so frustrating to use, that I considered buying just a simple beat and calorie heartrate monitor. But as one who loves the bells and whistles, I thought I would try a more advanced model. If it was as frustraing as my old monitor I would send it back and get a simple one.

Deciding on a heartrate monitor is difficult. I knew I wanted another Polar because of their reputation for quality but which one. Polar makes a ton of monitors. After examining different ones I decided the F-11 would offer me some nice features and meet my needs without being too complicated.

The F-11 has won Polar a number of awards for innovation. The reason is the "Keep U Fit" program. With this progam you input your stats, take a fitness test (which is basically a timed measure of your resting heart rate) and the F-ll will tell you how fit you are. Next you tell the F-11 if you want to improve, maintain or maximize your fitness level. The F-11 then creates a weekly fitness plan for you. It tells you how many hours you should exercise, and how long you should be at each of your heart rate intensity levels. If you succeed you are awarded a digital gold cup - cute huh! If you don't want to follow the program you can just do a regular exercise session.

The F-11 has a lot of great features. It will tell you calories burned, time in exercise and more. You can even pause your exercise session should you need to take a quick break to answer the phone, drink some water or do something else. You can also turn the audible sound off or on to let you know when you are "in" or "out" of your heartrate zone.

The nicest thing about this Polar is it is easy to use. Digital images tell you when you are using the features. For example "Exercise" mode has a little image of a man. "Settings" mode has a view of gears. It will take a while to get used to the features but once you do the visual cues (which were not on my old Polar) will help you to remember whats what.

The F-11 looks like a large oversized watch. It comes in two colors Grey Pepper and Red Chili. I thought the red color was cute but it's so oversized it was a bit gaudy on my wrist so I went with the grey.

The transmitter on the F-11 is much smaller than that on older models. This transmitter is about 1/2 the size of a deck of cards and the electrodes are in a soft strap which is washable.
The strap is sized to fit M-XXL but as a medium woman I thought it was on the smaller size. It does have stretch, but I do not think it would fit an XL and certainly not an XXL. Also the strap is clearly labled M-XXL..this may seem petty, a man may not care but what woman wants to run around with an XXL label sticking out?

Overall, this is a great Polar and sure to bump your fitness up a notch!

The best heart rate monitor I've owned5
I've owned three other monitors, one of them a Polar (which I liked), and this one is the tops.

This is why I gave it five stars:

- It has an easy-to-read display.
- The instructions were extremely clear.
- It can automatically calculate, if you want it to, your target range based on your birthdate.
- It has a weekly status that gives you the total number of calories burned, and the total exercise time for that week.
- There is also a fitness progress report, which shows your improvement, via a chart, over time. Unfortunately, I ignored the first few opportunities to take the quick fitness test, so my report is just recently starting.
- The strap is much more comfortable than the previous Polar monitor's.

I think this is an excellent "mid-range" monitor.

Excellent investment in my health and fitness!5
In my humble opinion, Polar HRM watches, a Finnish company, appear to be in a class all by themselves without worthy competitors. New to HRM watches, I decided on Polar after perusing countless websites (i.e. bike racing, marathon runners, health sites you name it!). I decided on Polar because so often someone would write in about another brand "good watch, but I miss my Polar" "my watch died, should have bought a Polar." I almost gave in at one point tantalized by the beauty and cool design of a different brand, Polar watches are pretty basic looking, but then I would find reviews stating the watch did not function properly or did not have the myriad of features I was looking for.

So why the F-11?

DON'T be afraid to buy the Polar F-11:
1) If you've never owned a HRM watch before-the list of features may appear daunting!
2)If you are not a jock-it may strike you as a watch just for fitness fanatics!

Both 1 and 2 are not true! Yes, the first two weeks I wore my F-11 I was frustrated. Nevertheless, I kept referring to my manual when a question arose and now after using it for a month I have mastered all the features (the learning curve is easier than learning a basic computer program I'd say). If I had purchased a cheaper less complicated model, I probably would have outgrown the features and wanted the watch to do more.

I am glad I chose the top watch (most expensive model) in the Polar fitness category because the "Keep u fit" program has helped me tremendously. I found out that I am not in good shape. No more state of denial for me! But, such knowledge has proven to be highly inspirational. Plus, surely multiple fitness lab tests at the doctors would cost more than the extra $50 or so for this feature, which I will use again and again.

In addition, the "Keep U Fit" program also designed a program tailored to me to either maintain my fitness level, moderately increase, or significantly increase my fitness level. I now push myself when exercising more than ever before! A low beeping noise lets you know if you are above or below your target fitness goal heart rate. No longer are all my workouts leisure nature strolls - not when I see how many more calories I can burn in a shorter period while really working up a sweat. One more thing about the high price, the features of the F-11 have eliminated my need (and the cost) for a personal trainer.

If the F-11 features don't sound like what you are looking for check out Polars outstanding website. In no time at all you can sort through all their watches and find the one that is best for you but beware its written in Finnish, I'm kidding.

I love that now: I can do any exercise anywhere and have important knowledge at my fingertips. The other day I jogged in place while reading the Wall Street Journal on-line and burned 350 calories. I have also done aerobics while watching my favorite sitcoms!

Lastly, I don't agree 100% with another reviewers comments. I agree with 99% of her review, but I disagree that the chest strap probably only fits a size Medium. I am a L to XL sized woman and it fits me fine in fact with room to grow. (although, thank goodness I am shrinking not growing). I find the strap for the most part comfortable and often forget I am wearing it. What would I change? Book binding...the binding on the manual became unglued the first week. Looks...Hey Polar hire some new product designers and create a cutting edge beauty! Besides that, I wouldn't change a thing.

Polar RS200sd Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Red)

2009-09-25T03:31:00.000-07:00

Product Description

The RS200sd was made for competitive, goal oriented runners who want to enhance their running experience. With the S1 foot pod the RS200sd provides accurate speed and distance data like the S625X so you can combine pace with heart rate data.Use the Event Countdown Timer to manage your training leading up to your next running event. You can even upload your settings to your running computer and then download your workout files to the Polar Running Coach Web Service for analysis. WearLink fabric transmitter included.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #29429 in Sports & Outdoors
* Size: SD
* Color: Red
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90025986
* Released on: 2006-08-01
* Dimensions: 2.90" h x 5.30" w x 6.90" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

* Wrist-style heart rate monitor and stopwatch in red geared for runners
* With included S1 footpad, take advantage of the RS200's Speed and Distance functions
* Polar's OwnZone helps determine an individual exercise zone; calorie counter and goal management
* OwnCal feature shows your energy expenditure during one exercise session and accumulated expenditure
* Dual time zone, alarm with snooze, and water resistance to 50 meters

Customer Reviews

Very close to a 5, but...4
I've had this watch/foot pod combo for 9 months now and have logged over a thousand miles in that time, so I've come to know this system's ups and downs pretty well by now. I'm happy to report it's mostly ups.

In terms of design, the watch (aka "running computer") is exactly what I've been looking for. It's taken Polar a long time to design a watch I truly like, but they've finally done it. What I like most is that its options are almost completely customizable. During exercise, you can set five different screens with three different lines of output (eg, heart rate, pace, total distance, total time, lap time, calories, etc), which is fantastic. In fact, because I can customize each of the five screens, I find that I can put all the relevant info I need on just two and then toggle back and forth between them while I'm running. You can even set the heart-touch function to change screens for you if you wish (whereby, you bring the watch close to the chest strap and it triggers one of three functions - lap conclusion, back light, or screen view).

Aside from output, the watch also has a host of other great features, including fully customizable workout routines (eg, free, basic, interval, and user-created). What I've done is create "Easy", "Long" and "Fast" routines, each with a different heart rate range so that I can easily monitor my effort without having to think.

The watch also has a "sleep" mode, where you can turn off the watch when not in use to conserve battery power, as well as other key features like a fitness test (which measures your resting heart rate (RHR) and VO2max) and even an event countdown calendar. I now know at any moment how many days I have before the San Francisco Marathon (my first). It's a true motivator and really nice touch. Polar really did think of everything with this watch in terms of design. Perfect.

The foot pod is also well-designed. Physically, it's very sturdy and feels like a smooth round rock you might find at the bottom of a stream. It's actually larger and seemingly heavier than I expected it to be, which concerned me at first, but after attaching it to my shoe, I literally could not tell it was there. As a result, it's the best of both worlds: rock-solid sturdy but unnoticeable while running. Another great feature is that the foot pod will automatically turn off after a certain period of inactivity, again conserving battery power. Great.

Not much to say on the chest strap, except that it's infinitely more comfortable than the previous design and seems to work well (I haven't had the problem of having to clean the contacts before every use as one reviewer mentioned; I merely wet it before starting, and then lightly wash it in warm water when finished).

If design were the only issue, this watch/pod combo would earn six stars from me. However, there are a couple of minor concerns of which one should be aware:

1) It took me a LONG time to calibrate the foot pod. Initially, I did as the manual suggested and ran around a track at a medium pace for 1200 meters (three laps). At that time, the calibration read 1.093, meaning that I was covering 1,093 meters for every 1,000 meters the foot pod was detecting. This is quite a margin of error, especially because Polar stated the foot pod should be 97% accurate right out of the box (implying that any calibration should end up somewhere between 0.970 and 1.030). This clearly was not the case for me. Worse still, the resulting mileages were way off when I actually ran known distances. Thinking hills could affect the calibration, I proceeded to recalibrate on a variety of courses and at varying distances (up to as much as 10K/6.1M). Every time, I got a different reading, ranging from 1.004 to 1.027. Finally, through triangulation and a bit of interpolation, I arrived at a manual calibration of 1.010, and it now seems to be accurate within +/- 2 meters per kilometer. Still not perfect, but certainly closer to the 99% that Polar claims you can achieve with individual calibration.

So, what's the moral of the story? If you only need/want approximations of your running distances, the foot pod is great right out of the box. However, if you're competing and need/want more accuracy and precision, expect to make a concerted effort. Incidentally, I recommend calibrating on courses that most reflect what you normally run and at as long of a distance as you can stand while maintaining good form. Doing so should help improve the accuracy. Also acknowledge the fact that changing shoes and/or courses (eg, from asphalt to grass) will affect the mileage output, thus resulting in the need to recalibrate. Fear not, however, because you'll eventually become more efficient at knowing how to find your best calibration.

2) Another niggle is that the watch freezes up or blanks out from time to time (half dozen times over the past 9 months). This is especially annoying during an important training session because you not only lose that day's data, but also because you have to stop what you're doing to reset it. Unfortunately, you cannot simply remove and replace the power source like you can on other electronic devices (eg, pulling the plug on a computer and then replugging it in to reboot); you have to do a "global reset", which involves pushing all four buttons side buttons simultaneously (not an easy trick for the less dextrous among us). In any event, I have since learned to do a preemptive global reset if I have a race or an important training session ahead of me that day, especially if I haven't had an "episode" in many weeks. The good news is, you don't lose any of the data stored previously thank goodness, just that day's.

3) One final (small) annoyance is with the footpod. It doesn't have a (sufficient?) low battery indicator, so you never know when you'll have to replace it's 2 AAA batteries. If it dies mid-run, you're out of luck. Like with the watch freezing, I change batteries if they've been in more than 20 hours of use and I have a big run ahead of me that day.

In sum, I think this is a fantastically-designed watch with a couple of functionality issues, but none enough to dissuade me from buying it. I absolutely love it and wonder what I did for so long without it. Way to go, Polar!

rsd200sd--Awesome 5
I got the watch as a gift in December. I use it 3 to 4 times a week and run approx. 15 miles a week. I have used it in very cold outdoor weather, rain, and in the hot summer with no problems. I use the heartrate monitor when I'm swimming laps in the pool. Free website is excellent. Transfer all your runs to the website and see progress on graphs. Very accurate footpod and heart rate monitor. Watch also looks good on your wrist(not big and bulky).

Lots of features, footpod calibration is a challenge for some3
I bought the rs200sd to assist in my training efforts for the NYC Marathon. It certainly has a lot more interesting and useful features than the other timing equipment I have used in the past. I have to say that it definitely helped with my training.

Being able to switch the screen back and forth from elapsed time to heart rate, etc. and being able to easily record lap times is a plus. I used several features while training and running the marathon. The display is big enough that I could read it without difficulty even while running.

Other reviewers mentioned difficulties with synching the heart rate monitor watch with their computers; I too experienced this and admit that I gave up even trying.

Most annoying to me was that after many attempts, the footpod would not calibrate accurately (including track calibration efforts, hill and flats calibration efforts, etc.) Although there was a lack of precision in footpod calibration, in a "zen" kind of way, I could look at my pace while running and get a feel for my approximate speed and distance. However, in terms of accuracy, my rs200sd recorded that I ran 27.36 miles for the NYC Marathon!

I realize that some people have reported they had little difficulty with footpod calibration. It is possible that some of us have very inconsistent strides which may make it challenging for the footpod to calibrate. Thus, perhaps a GPS-based unit would work better. One last issue with the footpod: after 26.2 miles (or was it 27.36 miles?), it really became a nuisance on my foot. I felt it each step for the last several miles, something that I had not noticed on previous, shorter runs.

Polar Bike Mount Kit for Heart Rate Monitors

2009-09-24T03:30:00.000-07:00

Product Description

Polar Bike Mount Kit, so you can mount your monitor on your handle bars. Works with all Polar Heart Rate monitor, except for models with Stainless Bands.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #1106 in Sports & Outdoors
* Brand: Polar
* Dimensions: 4.00" h x .50" w x 12.00" l, .14 pounds

Features

* Polar Bike Mount Kit, so you can mount your monitor on your handle bars
* Works with all Polar Heart Rate monitor, except for models with Stainless Bands

Customer Reviews

An Inexpensive accessory for your Heart Rate Monitor5

If you already own a Polar Heart rate Monitor that you use for walking, joogging or running, and you want to take advantage of its functionality when training in your bike, this inexpensive accessory will do the trick.

You install the bike mount on the handlebar and you are ready to wrap your watch around the bike mount. Now you will be able to follow your heart rate as you go on the road with your bike.

Easy to review5
Good for oversized bars or handlebars like the spinners or the threadmills or the steppers in the gym. For bike handlebars are big but still work. For road bike polar makes another bike mount.

Polar CS300 Cycling Computer and Heart Rate Monitor

2009-09-23T03:29:00.000-07:00

Product Description

The CS300 is a cycling computer and fitness monitor all in one, providing valuable feedback on or off the bike. Wireless speed, distance and heart rate provides for proper pacing during training, or cardio-focused workouts. Calorie expenditure, fitness test, and automatic target zones based on how the body feels each day makes the CS300 the perfect solution for cross-trainers, beginner tri-athletes, and fitness cyclists looking to stay in shape.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #8828 in Sports & Outdoors
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90025659
* Released on: 2006-09-19
* Dimensions: 1.00 pounds

Features

* Wireless Polar CS speed sensor, SpeedPointer
* Cycling Energy Output,Estimated Time of Arrival
* ZonePointer, Polar OwnCal
* Polar OwnCode, Polar OwnZone
* 2-year warranty

Customer Reviews

Great HRM for Cycling and Exercising5
I feel I really have to write a review... after all, I felt I took a bit of a gamble on this product given some of the negative previous reviews. Yet this HRM had all the features I wanted - an HRM that can be used to keep track of cycling exercises and could also be used independently of the bike at the gym or when running.

I've used this product for about 3 months now. I've biked close to 400 miles and have completed over 40 exercises with it (both biking, gym, and running). I am very happy to say that it has functioned flawlessly in all conditions... it has been used:

- in the rain
- in freezing conditions
- in the city
- in the gym

The watch has not frozen or restarted. I was very afraid of this from a previous review.

I have confirmed the distances it has calculated by GPS - and have used it on 2 of my bikes. Each time after setup it worked well.

I have also used this HRM with the optional cadence sensor which has worked fine as well.

So the roundup:

*** PROS
- Has worked flawlessly in all conditions and during all workouts
- Provides all features as documented
- Intuitive and easy to use interface
- Free Polar web software to track exercises and stats

*** CONS (all minor)
- Wireless data transfer can takes time to setup - It took me a while to get it to work with my laptop. I think I spent about an hour futzing with it, but once I got my setup it works every time.
- Polar website is slow and doesn't export data to CSV or Excel.
- The buttons feel a little cheap (but hey, they work fine).

CS 3004
The product is very good, however, the sound communication with the computer and the software through the internet is defective.

Polar FA20 Women's Activity Computer Watch (White)

2009-09-22T03:27:00.000-07:00

Product Description

Provides 24 / 7, non-stop measurement of daily activity, including calories, active steps, distance covered and duration

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #3660 in Sports & Outdoors
* Color: White
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90033724
* Released on: 2008-09-01
* Dimensions: 3.00" h x 5.20" w x 6.80" l, .40 pounds

Features

* White women's activity watch with several innovative training features
* 24/7 Activity Measurement mode tracks your calories burned during everyday activities
* Recording modes for calculating total distance and calories burned by workout or week
* 12/24-hour clock with alarm and snooze; offers date and weekly calendar indicators
* Includes Polar FlowLink connection for digital information transfer; 2-year warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
The daily movements you make can have beneficial effects on your health. That's one of many reasons to opt for the innovative, easy-to-use Polar FA20 men's activity watch, which tracks your everyday activities to help calculate your overall fitness level. The FA20 is packed with innovative training features to help you toward your exercise goals. The 24/7 Activity Measurement mode registers all the effective active motion you perform on a daily basis and converts it into digital data. After integrating such information as your age, gender, height, and weight, the FA20 then calculates your daily active time, calories burned, active steps, distance, and more. The function is ideal for people who walk or jog a fair amount and want to find out how all their activities add up. The watch also offers a recording option that tracks both your total distance and your calorie expenditure for a single workout, a weekly time period, and as a percentage of your total fat. You can save up to 100 total exercise files with full summaries. And, of course, the FA20 offers all the traditional watch features, including a 12/24-hour clock with an alarm and snooze, a date and weekday indicator, and a low battery indicator.

Customer Reviews

Does what it says it does.4
Small details, does not have flowers on band and is a creamy white. Watch is easy to figure out. Some people complained about sensitivity. This watch has a motion detector not a heart rate monitor so it doesn't register every time you are meandering or slightly moving, rather it is registering actual activity that has bigger movements (where you are actually swinging your arms). It will pick up movement while you are walking, jogging, shopping, etc. It is a reality check, that if you want to consider yourself active you may need to do a little more and this will show you how much you are doing daily so you can improve. This watch is good for becoming active in small ways or for a daily monitor. I'm not sure if the calorie counter is completely accurate because it is simply taking into account the movement. I look forward to buying a more advanced one with a heart rate monitor that will be better for workouts. All in all this is a great watch for motivation to start doing just a little more throughout your day!

does what is is supposed to5
Very simple to use and easy to set up. I've been using this every day for a few weeks now and use the data to keep track of my progress. Not too bulky and the backlight is easy to read. Just wish it came in purple... :) If you are looking for ease of use (and aren't looking for heart rate monitor) then this product will do you just fine.

Polar F55 Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Ice Aluminum)

2009-09-21T03:26:00.000-07:00

Product Description

Polar F55 Heart Rate Monitor Ice-white - Polar 90029873

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #2877 in Sports & Outdoors
* Color: Ice Aluminum
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90029873
* Released on: 2006-08-01
* Number of items: 1
* Dimensions: 1.00 pounds

Features

* Heart rate monitor designed to help you hit training and fitness goals
* Polar Body Workout feature provides basic guidance for muscular strength training
* WearLink Coded transmitter made from a soft, fabric material, eliminates interference from other heart rate monitors
* Keeps U Fit Workout Program gives you personal exercise guidance
* Large easy-to-read, backlit display with split screen; water resistant to 30 meters

Amazon.com Product Description
Because cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and relaxation are essential to maximum well being, the Polar F55 heart rate monitor gives you a complete exercise session by adding new features like BodyWorkout and OwnRelax. This powerful wrist monitor provides a highly accurate gauge for getting the most from your exercise sessions. The Polar Keeps U Fit Workout Program gives you personal guidance--how often, how hard, and how long you need to exercise to reach your personal fitness goals.

Customer Reviews

Great HRM, lousy website4
I love the F55. It allows me to schedule resistance exercise along with cardiovascular exercise, can test my fitness level and let me know if I need to ramp up or ease up on my workouts. It is a great HRM. But I absolutely HATE the website to which the data gets downloaded. The software that Polar sells for their very high end HRMs not only is not included with the F55, it cannot be used with the F55. You cannot download the F55 data to use in other programs like Ultra Coach either.

I am ok with the idea of paying extra for the Polar software or even for having to buy a third-party program. In fact, I was able to use Ultra Coach with my old Polar S410 HRM. The S410 had a sonic interface to Ultra Coach and it was hideous. Most of the time the connection would not be made and if, on your fourth or fifth try, you accidentally hit the wrong button, you would lose all of your data. The F55 has an infra red interface that is much better.

You can create a custom resistance exercise workout, like, for example, bench press x 2 sets, curls x 1 set, etc. You create this on the website and upload it to your F55. When you are in the gym, you simply press a button when you begin the set and press it again at the end. When you have finished the number of sets for that exercise, it moves on to the next one.

But the website is cumbersome and slow. The marketing material mentions that you can use their website, but they do not go out of their way to mention that there is no other possibility. For a $200 HRM and a $60 infrared interface, I at least want the ability to download the HRM files as text or csv files and read them in Excel or, as I mentioned, import them to Ultra Coach, PC Coach, or some other software.

I could have spent $360 to get another HRM complete with the Polar software, but that would have been a cycling or running monitor with no resitance training workouts programmed in. The F55 is what I wanted even if I had an unlimited budge.

Oh well, to sum up a long-winded rant: LOVE the HRM and HATE the website.

Renewed motivation!4
Since a knee injury has kept me from running, I've been doing cardio workouts at the gym 7 days/week for the past 6 months. I got this as a reward to myself after completing the 6 months. At that point, I was so bored with my workouts, I wasn't sure how long I could continue.

But this thing has definitely put the motivation back into my workouts! The fact that the heart rate displays on the gym equipment as I work out is just the beginning (but it's very helpful!). It calculates your VO2 max and as you workout, it keeps track of calories burned. You can program in different workouts for the week (short at a high heartrate, long at a moderate heart rate, etc.) and set goals for yourself - mileage, calories burned, number of workouts/week, etc. If you reach your goals at the end of the week, the F55 displays a trophy on the screen.

But the reason I chose the F55 over the other models was because of the ability to upload the data to the Polar website. I concur with the others that this process is far from perfect, but I can always get it to work within 5 minutes. And being able to view every workout I've ever done with the Polar is the BEST! I can also use the website to program in weights workouts, but I haven't used that feature yet.

For uploading to the website, I highly recommend buying the cheaper irdA usb plug from Amazon.com, rather than the one that Polar sells for twice the price. I have the Cables Unlimited USB1510 USB Acc, USB To Irda Adapter, and it works just as well.

One thing that it took me awhile to figure out was that you need to have the black rectangle at the top of the F55's lcd display facing and right next to the irdA while you're uploading. You may need to restart once or twice, but it literally only takes a few seconds. It's not a big deal at all, and it is SOOOOOOOO worth it! Think of all the typing you're saving yourself!

A couple of other minor points...
- be prepared to spend an hour or two setting the F55 up with your statistics. It's not difficult, but it requires some reading (not bad at all) and patience.
- I tend to work out at an average heart rate much higher than the default range, and it beeps as soon as I get over the range. It is possible to turn off the beeps (I have), but I haven't taken the time to figure out how to change the default range yet
- I lost the data from my first workout because I pressed the button for "Exercise", which displayed my heart rate as I worked out, but I needed to press that button again to "Start" the workout.
- I would only recommend this to someone who is motivated to figure out how to use it. It's not difficult at all, but it takes a bit of patience, as any new technology does. It was easier to get this thing going than it was my iPod.

And speaking of iPod, a note to Polar:
If you want to surpass the coolness factor of the F55, how about getting all the same information to display on my iPod as I work out? Or some other mp3 player? I'm not picky. An mp3 player (with enough storage) that has all the functionality of the F55 would be a must buy!

Great monitor5
Like many of the other higher end Polar monitors, it comes with the new transmitter belt with the changeable battery. It comes with the M-XXL size belt, which should fit pretty much everyone. I'm a bigger guy and it fits me just fine, my girlfriend is petite and it fits her fine too. You do have to wet the underside of the belt where the sensors are in order to get good consistent readings. To me this is no big deal.

This monitor does a lot, including calculating your OwnZone (heart rate zone), OwnIndex (fitness level index) and OwnRelax (relaxation level index). It keeps track of calories, time in your target heart rate zone, time in individual intensity zones (light, medium and hard), total exercise time and more.

The body workout program is extremely basic and pretty useless if you lift weights often and work out different parts of your body on different days. The body workout program options are limited and you can't save more than one program at a time. It would be a lot more useful if you could save more than one program and switch between the different ones on different workout days. This is probably available on more expensive units.

For the cardio, having only one program is fine. I use this program the most and it serves as a weekly guide for overall calories and exercise time along with targets in individual intensity zones. I upload everything to the Polar website using the following optional IR adapter that I bought on here: Cables Unlimited USB1510 USB Acc, USB To Irda Adapter. It was a whole lot cheaper than the one Polar offers and it works just fine. Their website is pretty good and keeps track of all your progress over time.

After using it for a couple of weeks I find it very helpful in maintaining a good heart rate when I'm exercising. The belt is comfortable and doesn't bother me any. The light on the watch works great at night. The watch itself is comfortable and seems to be made out of very durable plastic, especially the band. Overall, I highly recommend it to anyone who is serious about monitoring their exercise routine.

Polar RS300X G1 Heart Rate Monitor Watch with G1 GPS Sensor (Orange)

2009-09-20T03:24:00.000-07:00

Product Description

Now our most popular and top performing running computer is enhanced with GPS speed and distance capability

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #35730 in Sports & Outdoors
* Color: Orange / Black
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90036634
* Released on: 2009-03-30
* Dimensions: 1.00" h x 2.00" w x 2.00" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

* Simple-to-use wrist heart rate monitor/training computer in orange helps you to train at the right intensity
* Includes G1 GPS Sensor for tracking routes and WearLink+ 31 coded transmitter
* Provides metrics for heart rate, speed, distance, pace, and calorie burn
* OwnZone feature for individualized zone training by heart rate or pace, a fitness test, and auto lap splits
* Compatible with S1 foot pod

Amazon.com Product Description
A smart, intuitive training computer for runners and cross-training athletes, the Polar RS300X G1 wrist heart rate monitor helps you to train at the right intensity with personal training zones. This version of the RS300X comes with Polar's G1 GPS sensor, which provides speed/pace and distance measurement for outdoor sports such as running or cycling. It's a great choice for those who mix up their training regimen with cycling, inline skating, paddling, mountain biking or hiking.

Customer Reviews

Love it!5
I love this thing! The custom zones are great. Had my zones and VO2 levels tested at the gym and my trainer was able to set the watch to MY zones. This also allows me to see a more accurate calorie count.

A couple notes that didn't keep me from giving it 5 stars, but just to keep in mind:

1. The orange is MUCH brighter than on my screen. Think, street construction cone orange. It's much more neon orange.

2. The G1 GPS Sensor is AWESOME on most days. I recently ran with it on a very cloudy/rainy day and it completely lost track of the signal. I haven't used the footpod, so can't compare, but I may end up buying it for use on cloudy days.

Polar RS800CX Run Heart Rate Monitor Watch with S3 Stride Sensor W.I.N.D.

2009-09-19T03:22:00.000-07:00

Product Description

Now Introduces mapping / route positioning capabilities when used with the G3 GPS Sensor, enabling users to download their route information to their PC after the training session. RS800CX sd RUN - For the Runner with the running s3 Stride Sensor¿ (MSRP $499.95)

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #6248 in Sports & Outdoors
* Color: Silver
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90033855
* Released on: 2008-09-01
* Dimensions: 3.00" h x 5.10" w x 6.80" l, .55 pounds

Features

* Sophisticated training watch designed for dedicated, multi-sport endurance athletes
* Integrated Polar ProTrainer 5 software lets you create custom GPS routes and maps
* Displays heart rate as percentage of maximum, bpm, and within target zone indicator
* Includes S3 Stride Sensor W.I.N.D. to help optimize daily running workouts
* Built-in altimeter for altitude analysis; 12/24-hour clock; 2-year warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
Are you serious about your athletic training? If so, turn to the Polar RS800CX Run heart rate monitor watch, which offers a complete system for planning, monitoring, and analyzing every part of your training. This particular version of the RS800CX is equipped with a host of valuable tools, including a built-in altimeter, a WearLink W.I.N.D. heart rate transmitter with a soft textile chest strap, a copy of Polar ProTrainer 5 software, and an S3 Stride Sensor W.I.N.D. designed to help you improve your running technique. As a result, there's no better way for runners to create a comprehensive training workout that's efficient and effective. Even better, the watch lets you combine training sessions from different sports into a single file, so you can integrate your running workouts with separate cycling, hiking, and skiing sessions without missing a beat. It's the ultimate multi-sport training watch.

Customer Reviews

RS800cx with S3 Stride Sensor and G3 GPS4
I've owned a couple of Polar HRMs over time and I like this one the best. The watch itself is very nice. I have small wrists and this one fits my wrist nicely and the strap length is better than in the past. The band to hold the excess strap has a bump in it to keep it on the tail end of the strap. It comes with an extension strap for giant arms or over a coat. The buttons and thier function are pretty much the same as my previous Polar instruments. The display has changed although navigating the menus is in the same style. The top of the display is a matrix of dots so images and text can be displayed. This makes the menus easier to get through for me. When in monitor mode there are configurable screens that can be set up with the software the way you like. The functionality/options are pretty much the same as my prior watch s625x. The battery on this watch is easily changeable. Prior versions required skill and patience to change the battery as the entire guts of the watch had to be dissassembled - this new approach is a welcome change.

The stride sensor: the things I was interested in are: cadence (steps per minute for one foot), speed, distance. One has to calibrate the sensor. The watch allows for three calibrations for three pairs of shoes. As with any sensor like this the calibration needs to be done at the speed you use it most for acuracy there. If you calibrate it running it will be off when walking. I'm kind of a data nut so I look at this a bunch and it stays accurate for me at my usual pace. The S3 stride sensor has no switch and the battery is now a coin cell. This is nice to me. Its also smaller than the previous sensor.

The GPS .Polar G3 GPS Speed and Distance Sensor Set , an additional option, is more of a fun option for running and I'll use it this winter cross country skiing. The watch will use both the stride sensor and the GPS at the same time. This is something only the cx version has. If the stride sensor is on (you have to turn it on) the speed, distance, and cadence are all used from it and the GPS data is simply a record of where you went. When using the ProTrainer software you can look at your route in Google earth or a .gpx file viewer - I use Garmin's MapSource. The watch marks a waypoint when laps are set. I've used this to double check distances. I will be running in a city with lots of buildings in the near future so I'll see how well the GPS records there.

The unit does come with the polar usb irda port in the box which I find works well on my Windows XP laptop (Dell). Nothing I could find indicated it was in the box.

The software is very similar to the prior versions to me. The one thing that is a bit wacky is the way the watch settings load. I have an email in to Polar about this. I find I have to be careful when updating the settings via the irda interface as all the settings from the watch are not always loaded when the watch data is read. When you write any of the settings they all get written so this can erase or change settings. So, I have to check all the screens and make sure my data is the way I like before hitting save. I hope this gets fixed. The other wacky thing is the mileage in the exercise dialog is not the same as the recorded mileage from a run. In my software it is always a few miles higher. I just type in the real mileage. Have an email in on this as well.

Overall I really like this Polar watch. I give it four stars because of the bugs in the software

Very Please so far5
I have had this watch now since early January. I upgraded from the rs200sd. My chest strap transmitter didn't work when I first got the watch, but Polar replaced it without question, as I expected they should. What I like most is being able to plan my whole workout session on the ProTrainer and having the watch guide me from warm-up to intervals or tempo runs to cool-down without having to touch anything. It is easy to set up the training goals to heart-rate, pace, or even cadence. This feature is the biggest improvement over the rs200. Before I had the monitor, I thought the post-run evaluation on the ProTrainer software would be more valuable than it is, but it is mostly just fun to look at. I can't say I have seen great opportunities to improve my running based on the neat graphs the software generates. Maybe a trained eye would see something different.

Some of the features that some competitor products don't have: A real altimeter. I imagine the gps models triangulate the altitude which typically isn't the most accurate method. The monitor also has a thermometer so you can see your performance in the heat or cold. My problems is that the watch is usually under the cuff of my gloves so i don't get real accurate readings, but I imagine it will improve in the summer months when the heat is probably more of a factor anyway. The CX models will talk to multiple attachments at the same time, so you could also strap the G3 to your arm and use the foot pod to compare the pace/distance from two sources. I just ordered the speed sensor for my road bike and plan on getting the G3 to use on my mountain bike, mostly for fun. There are so many features I am still going back to the manual to make sure I get the most out of the monitor.

The only down side to this monitor is the cost, but I am a believer in you get what you pay for. I highly recommend this monitor for any runner wanting to set specific goals.

Excellent option, no complaints at all - just a little poor community4
This is as close as you can get to a PC on your arm... It is really complete when it comes to inserting your training tables and monitoring your performance. It comes with an InfraRed transceiver for data exchange with your PC (the ProTrainer 5 software comes with the product).
The S3 Pod is very precise and I can't seem to really need a GPS even when running in the outdoors.
The only con I would mention is that I (still) haven't found it to be into the community hype, like Nike does with its NikePlus product line. But you can find some online tools that create you a file you can upload to your NikePlus account after entering your training data.
These are my 2 cents...

Polar F7 Men's Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Grey)

2009-09-18T03:20:00.000-07:00

Product Description

A complete, all-around training computer for tracking calories, exercising smart and staying motivated; includes Polar's WearLink, a comfortable, soft, fabric chest strap, normally only available with higher-end Polar watches

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #5697 in Sports & Outdoors
* Size: One Size
* Color: Grey
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90033729
* Released on: 2008-09-01
* Dimensions: 3.00" h x 5.10" w x 6.80" l, .50 pounds

Features

* Grey men's heart rate monitor watch with several innovative training features
* Displays heart rate as percentage of maximum, bpm, and within target zone indicator
* Audible and visual target zone alarms; 24-hour clock with day/week indicator
* Polar OwnCal mode tracks energy expenditure for single and accumulated workouts
* Water-resistant to 50 meters; includes SonicLink and UpLink connections; 2-year warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
Stay within your ideal training and intensity range while jogging or working out with the Polar F7 men's heart rate monitor watch. The F7 works by first checking your daily condition, and then guiding you to a suitable intensity for your age and fitness level. Knowing your heart rate not only helps you reach your personal fitness goal, but also improves your physical condition in general, as it's vitally important to train at the appropriate intensity level. If you exercise too hard, you may quit before you reach the real benefit, but if you work out too leisurely, you'll struggle to lose weight at all. The F7 helps overcome these problems by encouraging you to map out a complete fitness routine.

Customer Reviews

Good HRM but a few Buyer Beware Points.4
This heart rate monitor works great. I have no problems getting a reading from the watch or from the gym equipment that support Polar "broadcasts". Having said that, the rest of the review will be about "Buyer Beware" points. Buyer Beware Point 1.) From what I can tell, the F7 offers the same features as the F6. In fact the F7 came with the F6 owners manual. I say this because at the time of this review, you can purchase the F6 on amazon for around $96 vs the $119 for the F7. The F7 does though come with a material elastic chest band for the monitor where as the F6 comes with a plastic chest band. The elastic is supposed to be more comfortable and this is why I justified paying the extra $25 for the F7. Buyer Beware Point 2.) You have to wet the connectors of the chest band to get it to read your heart beats. Now many of you may already know this. Being a first time buyer, I didn't. So I can imagine how gunky this thing is going to get over time. They recommend rinsing and wipe it down after every use and after 3 to 5 weeks of use to wash it in the washer machine in a washer bag and limited detergent (NO BLEACH!). The probes on the strap are a material mesh and look like if I were to repeatedly wipe it down as suggested, will fray. Buyer Beware Point 3.) The battery in the watch is stated as lasting approximately a year. It will be shorter if you use that backlight. In order to have the battery replaced, Polar advises that you have to send it to an authorized Polar service center or it will no longer be under warrantee (which I believe is 1 year so if the battery lasts that long, you are in good shape) and it will no longer be water resistant. I live in the NY City area and there are no Polar service centers near me. In fact, the Polar web site only lists 4 of them in the USA. So when the battery dies, I will be left without my heart rate monitor for days if not weeks while it travels to and from the Polar service center. Given, all of this, I still recommend the product as it works great. I just have to adjust my expectations that this may not last for years and years which is what I was hoping for.

Accurate and dependable. 4
A personal trainer had recommended that I get a Heart Rate Monitor watch with a chest strap, and after researching them, this is the one I choose.
Great choice! This product is easy to use, comfortable to wear, and extremely accurate.
Helps you monitor your heart rate while you workout, track calories burned, build a target zone, and see your weekly progress.
There are a few negatives, but the positives greatly outweigh them.
First, the product has a "Send" feature. This is supposed to upload your results to a program you download from the Polar website. My first problem is that it is not Mac OS compatible. OK, so I'll try my Windows PC. Tried several times, never got it to work. Not really a big deal, but I'd like to see how the program helps me track my progress.
The other issue I have is with the crystal (the glass on the face of the watch). SO EASY to scratch. Maybe a "premium" version with a Sapphire crystal could be available. I scratched this on week two. I can still see everything fine, but the scratch is there and noticeable.
Even with those little issue, this is a very fine product.
I have greatly increased the value of my workout in being able to hit the target heart rate zones. I also find a lot of value in knowing how many calories I've burned each workout. It gives you a weekly report, showing you how many hours you've worked out, how many calories burned, how many minutes your heart rate is "in the zone", your high and low heart rate. All kinds of good info.
The chest strap is soft and very comfortable. This is where I thought I'd have a big problem. I HATE anything touching the center of my chest, but this is no problem. I barely notice it.
I'd strongly recommend this product to anyone that is looking for a heart rate monitor. It is well worth the investment.
Just try wearing the watch with the face on the inside of your wrist, it really helps prevent those little scratches!

love this watch5
I purchased this watch after reading many of the reviews, decided to go with polar, a lot of reviews say that it is difficult to program but instead of reading the manual, go to [...]on the home page you will find, video tutorials, there you will find very detailed videos step by step instructions on how to program the watch. Overall the watch is very nice, accurate HR, has all the functions you will need. It was a little more money than I had originally thought on spending but after looking up information on monitors and learning that the strap makes for more accurate HR, the F7 comes with a better more comfortable strap. Overall great monitor.

Polar Wearlink+ W.I.N.D. Transmitter (M-XXL)

2009-09-17T03:18:00.000-07:00

Product Description

Comfortable textile transmitter with 2.4GHz transmission, which is disturbance-free from all other electronic devices. Compatible with the Polar RS800sd and Polar RS800 Running Computers and CS600 Cyclocomputer.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #12300 in Sports & Outdoors
* Size: Medium to XXLarge
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 92027817
* Released on: 2007-05-27
* Dimensions: 1.00" h x 3.00" w x 1.00" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

* Chest strap heart rate monitor for sizes M through XXL
* 2.4 GHz disturbance free transmission
* Clip-on mechanism ensures quick and easy wear
* Delivers up to two years of use exercising 10 hours a week
* Compatible with Polar RS800sd and RS800 running computers and the CS600 cycling computer

Amazon.com Product Description
Get the most out of your cycling training with the wireless Polar Wearlink Sensor W.I.N.D., a heart rate monitor that offers 2.4 GHz disturbance-free transmission. This Wearlink is made for sizes medium (M) through double-extra-large (XXL), and it's compatible with Polar RS800sd and RS800 running computers and the CS600 cycling computer. The transmitter consists of an electrode strap and a connector. Its new clip-on mechanism ensures quick and easy wear--the belt is easy to put on and take off. The WearLink transmitter has a changeable battery and it delivers up to two years of use exercising 10 hours a week. The transmitter is water resistant up to 30 meters and it is ECG accurate.

Customer Reviews

It is a good replacement4
I lost my original belt after a half marathon run. The replacement was easy to link with my polar watch. It seems you can have multiple chest belt transmitters to a watch great if you are running multiple times in a time and hate wearing a wet belt :-)

Polar FT40 Men's Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Grey)

2009-09-16T03:15:00.000-07:00

Product Description

New EnergyPointer feature significantly simplifies exercise by graphically displaying your exertion in one of two zones - either fat burning or fitness improvement - helping people to exercise smart and reach their goals (see image above)

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #6272 in Sports & Outdoors
* Size: Men's
* Color: Grey
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90032305
* Released on: 2008-09-01
* Dimensions: 3.00" h x 5.10" w x 6.80" l, .55 pounds

Features

* Grey men's heart rate monitor watch with several innovative training features
* Displays heart rate as percentage of maximum, bpm, and within target zone indicator
* Audible and visual target zone alarms; 12/24-hour clock with day/week indicator
* Polar OwnCal mode tracks energy expenditure for single and accumulated workouts
* Offers EnergyPointer and ZonePointer modes; water-resistant to 30 meters; 2-year warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
Stay within your ideal training and intensity range while jogging or working out with the Polar FT40 men's heart rate monitor watch. The FT40 works by first checking your daily condition, and then guiding you to the ideal training intensity for your age and fitness level. Knowing your heart rate not only helps you reach your personal fitness goal, but also improves your physical condition in general, as it's vitally important to train at the appropriate intensity level. If you exercise too hard, you may quit before you reach the real benefit, but if you work out too leisurely, you'll struggle to lose weight at all. The FT40 helps overcome these problems by encouraging you to map out a complete fitness routine.

Customer Reviews

A bodybuilder's perspective4
This is a good adjunct if you are prone to overtraining. If you are doing cardio to lose fat, the energy bar provides a visual cue to keep you from pushing too hard and breaking down muscle for that particular cardio workout based on how well rested you are. Of course we are relying in Polar's secret formula regarding heart rate variability to do this; but this seems to correlate well with other markers of overtraining to include HR recovery and change in morning resting heart rate. Using it with the flowlink is a great way to keep track of calories burned as well as to troubleshoot any lack of progress.

Regarding looks, it's no uglier than a generic timex, but looks better and calls less attention than the 1st generation polars. Not to crazy about he unisex green detailing. The lack of looks costs it one star. I covered the face with a screen protector, as deep scratches from training had been a problem with my previous heart rate monitors, and this seems to work well.

Regarding the chronograph function, I didn't like how the face setting with "time only" does not have seconds. This made it unusable in my line or work where I need to measure things in beats per minute. In order to display seconds, you have to also display the "polar FT40" graphic, which cuts the font size of the watch from an 18, down to about a 10 to fit everything on the screen. Not a deal breaker, just annoying.

I would recommend this for strength and power athletes who have a tendency to lose muscle while trying to lose fat due to overtraining. If overtraining is not a problem, you don't need to shell out the extra cash for the polar energy bar.

Polar FT404
Polar FT40 Men's Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Grey)
Basic setting is easy to perform. Wrist unit and menu are clear and easy to manipulate. Burn fat and fitness zones are great features in this watch; easy to see and understand what your body and heart are doing during training. Needles to say that training functions (heart calories, time, fat burn and fitness) are easy to see and follow.

Another outstanding feature is the review of training data and transfer of these data to the website which helps the individual to have his record and to plot a graph.

A salient feature is the Polar fitness test, which is able to show the progress of your physical fitness after few days or weeks of training.

As a watch, it can used 24 hours with most of the features of other watches, in addition to being a sport watch, which can be used even for diving.

The only drawback in that watch is its strap which is thick and difficult to close and difficult to open
J M Bareeq

Nice product...nice price.5
Large LED with great backlight and audible alerts. Very user friendly with step-by-step on screen programming. Numerical and graphical information available about previous workout statistics.

Very comfortable to wear, both the watch and the chest strap.

The watch is solidly constructed with large buttons and a wrist band perforated the entire length. This watch will truly fit 99.9% of the population. I'm a big guy and there is plenty of room to spare.

I would not wear this watch to work or in public. The design is not casual or dressy...it is encased in rubber/pvc throughout. It's made to exercise with; not for flash!

The newly designed chest strap is great! Easy to wear, easy to clean and it's soft! The electronic wearlink monitor "snaps" into the wearlink belt with a breeze. I have the older model transmitter and the new one is smaller and more comfortable.

This system is great for beginners. Easy to use, comfortable and enough information displayed to get you through your workouts on a daily basis.

I would not hesitate to buy this unit again if I broke it or it was lost.

Good luck and happy shopping!

-PD

Polar WearLink+ Coded Transmitter and Belt Set (X-Small-Small)

2009-09-15T03:14:00.000-07:00

Product Description

Polar WearLink is the first and only soft transmitter. The WearLink combines Superior Polar Technology with a fabric design. The electrodes, which pick up the heart's signal, are engineered right into the fabric strap.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #2296 in Sports & Outdoors
* Size: X-Small-Small
* Color: Black
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 92032553
* Released on: 2005-03-01
* Dimensions: 2.00" h x 4.00" w x 11.00" l, .25 pounds

Features

* Soft, comfortable HRM transmitter with electrodes, engineered right into the fabric
* Compatible with all Polar Heart Rate Monitors
* Coded to eliminate interference from other HRMs
* Machine washable
* User replaceable battery--up to 2-year battery life

Customer Reviews

A lot More Comfortable and Less Expensive in the Long Run5

One big improvement from the original transmitters (T31 or T61 transmitters) is that with this model (the Wearlink) you only have to buy a new battery and replace it once they ran out and your transmitter is ready to use again. With the original ones you have to buy a new transmitter every time the battery dies, since the whole structure is sealed. So if your Polar wrist watch came with the T31 or T61, wait until the battery is finished and buy the Wearlink transmitter instead, you will save a lot of money over the years (compare the 39.95 US$ that the T31 or T61 cost vs the cost of a replacement battery).

The other big advantage is that the Wearlink transmitter is more confortable to wear, since it adapts better to the shape of your body since even the electrodes are flexible and are embedded in the fabric. Being flexible and all makes it easier to storage it your pocket when your finish training or if you are traveling.

In summary a great product for your Polar HRM, and a smart improvement if it is time to replace your old transmitter. Don't buy another T31 or T61, buy this one instead.

I run with my Polar six days a week, and probably train about ten hour a week with it. I used to have the T31 with my first Polar (the M61) so I can tell you first hand the Wearlink is far better. In summary more confortable, easier to wash, and a money saver. I was more than happy to trow the old one away after I bought this one.

Great transmitter5
This is much more comfy than the band that came with my heart rate monitor watch. I strap it on and the equipment at my gym picks it up. I'm very pleased. I'm a 5'9 woman and weigh 145lbs and this size is right at the edge of being too small. I'd say it was a perfect fit.

Please check your size!4
This is a fantastic Heart Rate strap for multi-purpose exercisers. Because the unit is so small, and user servicable for batteries, it is unlikely to be a problem for most people to use it for years. The only reason I have to take a star away is clarity of sizeing. The Med-XL band states that it is for 27" - 54"; the XS-S labels itself for 22" - 32". My measurement is 30"; so in theory I could use either band; but in reality, I'm about as large as you can go on the XS-S band; if you truly were trying to wear it as a 31.5" range, it would be performing chest compression; not just measuring your heart rate. If you really have a 31" or above span that you need to cross, do yourself a favour, and get the larger band!

Polar RS300X Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Orange)

2009-09-14T03:13:00.000-07:00

Product Description

Now our most popular and top performing running computer is enhanced with GPS speed and distance capability

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #4252 in Sports & Outdoors
* Color: Orange / Black
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90036628
* Released on: 2009-03-30
* Dimensions: 1.00" h x 2.00" w x 2.00" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

* Simple-to-use wrist heart rate monitor/training computer in orange helps you to train at the right intensity
* Provides metrics for heart rate, speed, distance, pace, and calorie burn
* Tracks your latest 16 training sessions and your last 16 weeks of training
* OwnZone feature for individualized zone training by heart rate or pace, a fitness test, and auto lap splits
* Includes Polar WearLink+ 31 coded transmitter; compatible with S1 foot pod and G1 GPS Sensor

Amazon.com Product Description
A smart, intuitive training computer for runners and cross-training athletes, the Polar RS300X wrist heart rate monitor helps you to train at the right intensity with personal training zones. It's compatible with Polar's S1 foot pod and G1 GPS sensor (both separately available), enabling you to combine heart rate with speed and distance and truly make sense of your training. Committed runners will find the most value in the real-time pace and distance measurement of the S1 foot pod, while those who mix up their training regimen with cycling, inline skating, paddling, mountain biking or hiking will be best served with the speed and distance G1 GPS Sensor. It comes with the Polar WearLink+ 31 coded transmitter (with changeable battery).

Customer Reviews

Great tool for success!4
I bought this when I started losing weight to get a more accurate measure of my calorie burn since the machines in the gym always seem to be inflated! It has helped me ensure that my cardio puts me in the right heartrate zone and tracks my calorie burn for a week which lets me know if I am behind or ahead for weight loss that week so I can alter my program along the way! I love it!

Wonderful Product5
I purchased the Polar RS300X when I started my workout, and what a great idea it was. This watch is very easy to setup, and it really adds a lot to my workout. I love the way it tells you how many calories you burn in a single workout.

Polar FT60 Men's Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Black with Red Display)

2009-09-13T03:12:00.000-07:00

Product Description

Helps improve fitness and keeps users motivated with the new Polar STAR training program, which adapts to the user's personal exercise habits, providing weekly feedback and updated goals

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #3521 in Sports & Outdoors
* Color: Black with Red Display
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90032301
* Released on: 2008-09-01
* Dimensions: 3.00" h x 5.10" w x 6.80" l, .55 pounds

Features

* Black men's heart rate monitor watch with several innovative training features
* Displays heart rate as percentage of maximum, bpm, and within target zone indicator
* Polar Star personalized training program delivers feedback and weekly training targets
* Polar OwnCal mode tracks energy expenditure for single and accumulated workouts
* Offers ZonePointer and Polar OwnZone modes; water-resistant to 30 meters; 2-year warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
The smartest way to better fitness, the Polar FT60 men's heart rate monitor watch helps you stay motivated and improve your conditioning. The FT60 works by first checking your daily condition, and then guiding you to the ideal training intensity for your age and fitness level. Knowing your heart rate not only helps you reach your personal fitness goal, but also improves your physical condition in general, as it's vitally important to train at the appropriate intensity level. If you exercise too hard, you may quit before you reach the real benefit, but if you work out too leisurely, you'll struggle to lose weight at all. The FT60 helps overcome these problems by encouraging you to map out a complete fitness routine.

Customer Reviews

Great Monitor, hard to see display4
I have mixed feelings about this product right now. The functionality is excellent with this monitor. It does everything as well as or better than my previous two Polar heart Rate Monitors (both F11's).

My complaint is the red background. If you workout outside it's great and I'd give this a full 5/5 rating. Unfortunately I work out in group fitness classes and the display is hard to read sometimes. The red background is great in direct light and OK in moderate light. In very low light the light function works great. It's the "in between" low light conditions that are sometimes difficult to read.

If you workout in moderately low light conditions, get the white background not the red. The display may look nice in the pictures but it's hard to read without good lighting and the "light" function only works when the space is dark enough. In retrospect I would have preferred to have gone with the regular background for visibility during my workouts though.

It didn't look new but it works3
The watch arrived even earlier than scheduled and it's great. I'm giving 3 stars because the package (outside and inside) didn't seem to be brand new (maybe used? Maybe old and used for display?). There was no protective plastic on the glass and there was data already plugged in. The battery was very low and needed to be replaced after only one time of use! The warranty says that you need to bring it to a Polar store to get the battery replaced otherwise you loose the warranty. There was supposed to be a protection on the battery cover but there was none.
We did replace the battery and now we love it. For almost 200$ we expected to buy something new (as the store advertise!).

Polar RS300sd Running Computer

2009-09-12T03:11:00.000-07:00

Product Description

You want to go for a run and know how speed and distance can aid your performance. Without heart rate, you can only get so far. The RS300X combines these three to give you a true understanding of the effort you put in. And on top, all the essential heart rate features come along RS300X, on the run and online. The Polar RS300X Running Computer measures your heart rate combined with speed and distance and helps you to train at the right intensity with personal training zones. It displays how many calories you've burned, tracks your latest 16 training sessions and your last 16 weeks of training and transfers training data to polarpersonaltrainer.com with optional Polar FlowLink.

Customer Reviews

So far So good4
Just like to comment on the buttons of the 300sd. The up/down buttons & the red button are abit fragile. U may need to press it hard for it to function. I dunno whether other user faces the same issue. Nevertheless, everything is ok. Delivery was fine since i bought the watch from singapore a month ago.

Polar RS300X SD Heart Rate Monitor Watch with S1 Foot Pod (Orange)

2009-09-11T03:10:00.000-07:00

Product Description

Now our most popular and top performing running computer is enhanced with GPS speed and distance capability

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #12780 in Sports & Outdoors
* Color: Orange / Black
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90036631
* Released on: 2009-03-30
* Dimensions: 1.00" h x 2.00" w x 2.00" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

* Simple-to-use wrist heart rate monitor/training computer in orange helps you to train at the right intensity
* Includes S1 foot pod for real-time pace and distance measurement and WearLink+ 31 coded transmitter
* Provides metrics for heart rate, speed, distance, pace, and calorie burn
* OwnZone feature for individualized zone training by heart rate or pace, a fitness test, and auto lap splits
* Compatible with G1 GPS Sensor

Amazon.com Product Description
A smart, intuitive training computer for runners and cross-training athletes, the Polar RS300X SD wrist heart rate monitor helps you to train at the right intensity with personal training zones. The RS300X SD comes with Polar's S1 foot pod, which accurately measures your running speed/pace and distance. Committed runners will find the most value in the real-time pace and distance measurement of the S1 foot pod. And even though it attaches to your shoe laces, it's so light that you'll forget it's even there, which means it won't affect your running performance.

Polar F11 Women's Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Pink Fizz)

2009-09-10T03:09:00.000-07:00

Product Description

The world's only heart rate monitor that creates a workout program with how much, how hard and how long to exercise to reach your goals.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #2707 in Sports & Outdoors
* Color: Pink Fizz - Women's
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90031434
* Dimensions: 2.00" h x .50" w x 6.00" l, .33 pounds

Features

* Keeps U Fit- personalized exercise program with feedback
* Wearlink Transmitter
* OwnCal- tracks your calories and % of fat burned Heart Touch- button free operation
* OwnZone automatically establishes your personal target heart rate zone
* OwnCode eliminates interference from other HRM's OwnIndex measures your fitness level and track improvements

Amazon.com Product Description
The Polar F11 Heart Rate Monitor is the world's only heart rate monitor that creates a workout program to tell you how much, how hard and how long to exercise to reach your goals. This powerful wrist monitor provides a highly accurate gauge for getting the most from your exercise sessions. The Polar Keeps U Fit Workout Program gives you personal guidance--how often, how hard, and how long you need to exercise to reach your personal fitness goals. It also includes a free-of-charge online component.

Customer Reviews

Polar F11 - Monitors your heartbeat and so much more5
When the transmitter on my old Polar "Smart Beat" started to fail, I had a choice of replacing the transmitter or buying a new monitor. I had never cared for the Smart Beat. The buttons were hard to push, features hard to figure out and the transmitter bulky, so I opted to purchase a new monitor.

The "Smart Beat" was so frustrating to use, that I considered buying just a simple beat and calorie heartrate monitor. But as one who loves the bells and whistles, I thought I would try a more advanced model. If it was as frustraing as my old monitor I would send it back and get a simple one.

Deciding on a heartrate monitor is difficult. I knew I wanted another Polar because of their reputation for quality but which one. Polar makes a ton of monitors. After examining different ones I decided the F-11 would offer me some nice features and meet my needs without being too complicated.

The F-11 has won Polar a number of awards for innovation. The reason is the "Keep U Fit" program. With this progam you input your stats, take a fitness test (which is basically a timed measure of your resting heart rate) and the F-ll will tell you how fit you are. Next you tell the F-11 if you want to improve, maintain or maximize your fitness level. The F-11 then creates a weekly fitness plan for you. It tells you how many hours you should exercise, and how long you should be at each of your heart rate intensity levels. If you succeed you are awarded a digital gold cup - cute huh! If you don't want to follow the program you can just do a regular exercise session.

The F-11 has a lot of great features. It will tell you calories burned, time in exercise and more. You can even pause your exercise session should you need to take a quick break to answer the phone, drink some water or do something else. You can also turn the audible sound off or on to let you know when you are "in" or "out" of your heartrate zone.

The nicest thing about this Polar is it is easy to use. Digital images tell you when you are using the features. For example "Exercise" mode has a little image of a man. "Settings" mode has a view of gears. It will take a while to get used to the features but once you do the visual cues (which were not on my old Polar) will help you to remember whats what.

The F-11 looks like a large oversized watch. It comes in two colors Grey Pepper and Red Chili. I thought the red color was cute but it's so oversized it was a bit gaudy on my wrist so I went with the grey.

The transmitter on the F-11 is much smaller than that on older models. This transmitter is about 1/2 the size of a deck of cards and the electrodes are in a soft strap which is washable.
The strap is sized to fit M-XXL but as a medium woman I thought it was on the smaller size. It does have stretch, but I do not think it would fit an XL and certainly not an XXL. Also the strap is clearly labled M-XXL..this may seem petty, a man may not care but what woman wants to run around with an XXL label sticking out?

Overall, this is a great Polar and sure to bump your fitness up a notch!

The best heart rate monitor I've owned5
I've owned three other monitors, one of them a Polar (which I liked), and this one is the tops.

This is why I gave it five stars:

- It has an easy-to-read display.
- The instructions were extremely clear.
- It can automatically calculate, if you want it to, your target range based on your birthdate.
- It has a weekly status that gives you the total number of calories burned, and the total exercise time for that week.
- There is also a fitness progress report, which shows your improvement, via a chart, over time. Unfortunately, I ignored the first few opportunities to take the quick fitness test, so my report is just recently starting.
- The strap is much more comfortable than the previous Polar monitor's.

I think this is an excellent "mid-range" monitor.

Excellent investment in my health and fitness!5
In my humble opinion, Polar HRM watches, a Finnish company, appear to be in a class all by themselves without worthy competitors. New to HRM watches, I decided on Polar after perusing countless websites (i.e. bike racing, marathon runners, health sites you name it!). I decided on Polar because so often someone would write in about another brand "good watch, but I miss my Polar" "my watch died, should have bought a Polar." I almost gave in at one point tantalized by the beauty and cool design of a different brand, Polar watches are pretty basic looking, but then I would find reviews stating the watch did not function properly or did not have the myriad of features I was looking for.

So why the F-11?

DON'T be afraid to buy the Polar F-11:
1) If you've never owned a HRM watch before-the list of features may appear daunting!
2)If you are not a jock-it may strike you as a watch just for fitness fanatics!

Both 1 and 2 are not true! Yes, the first two weeks I wore my F-11 I was frustrated. Nevertheless, I kept referring to my manual when a question arose and now after using it for a month I have mastered all the features (the learning curve is easier than learning a basic computer program I'd say). If I had purchased a cheaper less complicated model, I probably would have outgrown the features and wanted the watch to do more.

I am glad I chose the top watch (most expensive model) in the Polar fitness category because the "Keep u fit" program has helped me tremendously. I found out that I am not in good shape. No more state of denial for me! But, such knowledge has proven to be highly inspirational. Plus, surely multiple fitness lab tests at the doctors would cost more than the extra $50 or so for this feature, which I will use again and again.

In addition, the "Keep U Fit" program also designed a program tailored to me to either maintain my fitness level, moderately increase, or significantly increase my fitness level. I now push myself when exercising more than ever before! A low beeping noise lets you know if you are above or below your target fitness goal heart rate. No longer are all my workouts leisure nature strolls - not when I see how many more calories I can burn in a shorter period while really working up a sweat. One more thing about the high price, the features of the F-11 have eliminated my need (and the cost) for a personal trainer.

If the F-11 features don't sound like what you are looking for check out Polars outstanding website. In no time at all you can sort through all their watches and find the one that is best for you but beware its written in Finnish, I'm kidding.

I love that now: I can do any exercise anywhere and have important knowledge at my fingertips. The other day I jogged in place while reading the Wall Street Journal on-line and burned 350 calories. I have also done aerobics while watching my favorite sitcoms!

Lastly, I don't agree 100% with another reviewers comments. I agree with 99% of her review, but I disagree that the chest strap probably only fits a size Medium. I am a L to XL sized woman and it fits me fine in fact with room to grow. (although, thank goodness I am shrinking not growing). I find the strap for the most part comfortable and often forget I am wearing it. What would I change? Book binding...the binding on the manual became unglued the first week. Looks...Hey Polar hire some new product designers and create a cutting edge beauty! Besides that, I wouldn't change a thing.

Polar T31 Replacement Elastic Strap (Large)

2009-09-09T03:04:00.000-07:00

Product Description

Polar Chest Straps. Replacement straps available in sizes XS thru XXL.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #1155 in Sports & Outdoors
* Size: Large
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 82017735.01

Features

* Fits chest sizes 27"-63"

Customer Reviews

Exact replacement5
This is not a "compatible" strap for a Polar, but the real thing. The only difference from the original is its size; most Polars are shipped with a "Medium" size strap that is adjustable and fits most people, but this "Large" could be better for those who found the "Medium" tight even at its maximum length. Since I had lost the original one, I needed a replacement. The "Large", which goes from 27" to 63", was a better fit for me.

Polar Elastic Strap5
It's a great strap that replaces the original (my cat peed on my original strap).

Polar heart rate monitor replacement strap5
Polar supplies a medium size strap with its heart rate monitor. Unfortunately, I'm not medium. Finding a source to supply a larger strap was daunting, especially since very few outlets carry them. Amazon provided one of those outlets, and I had what I needed within a week, with minimum postage. Can't ask for any more from a vendor. Thanks, Amazon.

Polar F55 Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Bronze Rock)

2009-09-08T03:03:00.000-07:00

Product Description

The Polar F55 provides you with the ultimate fitness experience. Because cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and relaxation are essential to maximum well-being, the Polar F55 gives the modern fitness enthusiast a complete exercise session by adding new features like Body Workout and OwnRelax. Body Workout, a muscular strength-training guide can be adjusted according to the exerciser's progress, provides basic guidance for strength training. The new OwnRelax feature, checks the body's state of relaxation, and helps exercisers listen to their bodies, an essential component of fitness. Polar Keeps U Fit - Own Workout Program Polar OwnRelax Polar Body Workout Target zones with visual alarm HR-based target zones with audible alarm Average heart rate of total exercise Exercise Date ZonePointer Transfer exercise data from wrist unit to Polar Personal Trainer web service via Polar WebLink (SonicLink/Infrared) Transfer logos from Polar web site to wrist unit (UpLink) Edit wrist unit settings with Polar UpLink Tool and transfer them to your Polar product (UpLink) Internal / external non-Polar IrDA port Time in target zone Target zone limits Average heart rate Maximum heart rate Last OwnIndex Heart rate (displayed as bpm) Heart rate (displayed as % of maximum heart rate) Visual and audible alarm in target zones HeartTouch, button-free operation of wrist unit Sound volume level setting Time of day (12/24h) with alarm Date and weekday indicator Automatic exercise reminder (visual) Exercise reminder (visual/alarm) Polar T31 coded transmitter Polar WearLink 31 coded transmitter (changeable battery) Polar T61 coded transmitter Keylock

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #1313 in Sports & Outdoors
* Color: Bronze Rock
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90027019
* Dimensions: 6.00" h x 9.00" w x 9.00" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

* Heart rate monitor designed to help you hit training and fitness goals
* Polar Body Workout feature provides basic guidance for muscular strength training
* WearLink Coded transmitter made from a soft, fabric material, eliminates interference from other heart rate monitors
* Keeps U Fit Workout Program gives you personal exercise guidance
* Large easy-to-read, backlit display with split screen; water resistant to 30 meters

Amazon.com Product Description
Because cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and relaxation are essential to maximum well being, the Polar F55 heart rate monitor gives you a complete exercise session by adding new features like BodyWorkout and OwnRelax. This powerful wrist monitor provides a highly accurate gauge for getting the most from your exercise sessions. The Polar Keeps U Fit Workout Program gives you personal guidance--how often, how hard, and how long you need to exercise to reach your personal fitness goals.

Customer Reviews

excellant product5
I have used this monitor for just a week and already find it the best addition I have ever made to my fitness program. Simply put, this unit will automatically take care of the M&M's of personal training. Measure and motivate. Very simple learning curve. Once your up to speed on the buttons the Polar does the rest. Want to see how many calories you have burned? No problem. Want to maintain your cardio level. Simply done.
Using this monitor will take anyone seriously interested in their fitness to the next level. I would rate it higher then 5 stars if possible.
Also the Polar personal training web-site is a very good resource to track your data and progress. The nice part is that the Polar personal trainer comes along at no additional charge.

Excellent product, well worth the price5
I have been using the Polar F55 about a week now, and at this point think it's a great product, though it has many features I do not use.

First off, the basic functionality is great - the strap is comfortable, and after adjustment I can wear it without really feeling it or having it come loose even when I'm doing weights. Both the wrist unit and the gym equipment I've used it on (elliptical and treadmill) read my heart rate without interruption.

The advanced functions are... advanced. I had to read the instructions to figure out how to work the unit, but was able to figure (almost) everything out after doing so, the remaining exception being my inability to figure out how to rename exercise sessions. The features I found most useful were the fitness test, which calculates your VO2, and the personalized exercise program. There's also a body workout which I thought fairly useless, as all it does is show you muscle group and sets (it's also a single program, you can't have two different programs for alternate days).

One thing I was curious about was the accuracy of the calorie expenditure calculation; I was initially puzzled by how it could figure this out just from my heart rate and statistics. I did some googling, however, and found that heart rate is proportional to oxygen use; it turns out several groups, including some sponsored by Polar, have researched how to derive energy expenditure from heart rate and the calculation is fairly accurate overall. I checked the calculated calories on the F55 against the calories calculated by an elliptical machine (which knows energy use) on a 45-minute workout and the Polar was within 4% of the elliptical.

I think the best feature for me is the ability to continuously calculate and record heart rate and energy expenditure; without the F55 I only knew how many calories I was burning when I was on the cardio equipment, now I can record this during my weight sessions and other exercises. This, along with the ability to upload and keep track of my exercises and fitness level, will make the F55 used long after I get bored with all the extra bells and whistles it has.

Edit: Two months later, I am still using it and loving it - it keeps me honest when doing weights and records my last 26 sessions so I can keep track of my workouts on the polar web site. Still puzzled as to why some features were included (lunar phase indicator? why? so people who need the moon to run can plan their running during the day?) but I just ignore the things I don't use.

BEST ADDITION TO MY FITNESS PRORGRAM EVER!5
I got my Polar F55 a week ago and LOVE IT! I will admit I am a big gadget person however I can't imagine anybody not loving and seeing all the benefits this device has to offer! It also is an excellent motivating tool! You can check up on your exercise time, calories burned, and HR zones from your previous workouts individually or look at them a week at a time. I love to watch the numbers climb and see myself reach my goals in real time as I exercise. Also it calibrates the heart rate zones at the beginning of each session so it is always customized to YOUR BODY! Also all through your workout you can see where your heart rate is compared to the limits for that zone so you can be sure you are getting the most our of your workout. You can tell it if your goals and it will work out a cardio program to help you reach those goals. It also works with every piece of cardio equipment at my gym and I have used it solid for a week and not receive any interference. The WearLink strap it comes with is EXTREMELY comfortable and doesn't even take you 15 minutes to get used to wearing. I wear it swimming, playing racquet ball, lifting, and any cardio you can imagine. I also wear the watch as my full time watch as I just am obsessed with checking out how I am doing as far as my weekly goals are concerned. I would say this is an absolute MUST for any person serious about their fitness level and it will easily keep you on track getting to that next level whether it is losing weight or strengthening your cardio prgram. The only negative I have to say is that the BodyWork out that is to do with lifting isn't that great of help unless you are a complete novice and then it would be a great starting point as it suggests reps, sets, and movements. If you are already in a lifting routine or know about lifting you proabably will not find it that great but the cardio part is PERFECT!

Polar Speed Sensor W.I.N.D.

2009-09-07T03:00:00.000-07:00

Product Description

New wireless Polar speed sensor W.I.N.D.. and cadence sensor W.I.N.D.. provide highly consistent and accurate speed and cadence measurement.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #6666 in Sports & Outdoors
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 91026655
* Released on: 2007-05-25
* Dimensions: 1.00" h x 2.00" w x 2.00" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

* Measures cycling speed and distance via a magnet rotating on wheel
* Compatible with the Polar CS600 cycling computer
* 2.4 GHz disturbance free transmission
* Easy attachment and aerodynamic design
* This feature is built into the Polar Power Sensor W.I.N.D.

Amazon.com Product Description
Get the most out of your cycling training with the wireless Polar Speed Sensor W.I.N.D., which offers 2.4 GHz disturbance-free transmission. Compatible with the Polar CS600 cycling computer, it measures cycling speed and distance via a magnet rotating on the front or the rear wheel. If you have the Polar Power Sensor W.I.N.D. (either purchased with the CS600 or separately), speed measurement as already built into its wide range of tracking features.

Polar CS400 Cycling Computer

2009-09-06T03:32:00.000-07:00

Product Description

The CS400 is the choice for the cyclist with the competitive attitude. Track your ride with wireless sensors, prepare your detailed training program with the Polar ProTrainer 5¿ software and use the Incline measurement to adjust your cycling effort accordingly.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #35231 in Sports & Outdoors
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90026433
* Released on: 2007-05-21
* Dimensions: 1.00" h x 2.00" w x 2.00" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

* Handlebar-mounted cycling computer for advanced riders with included heart rate monitor
* Measures incline with uphill or downhill steepness in percentage or grades
* Cycling Economy/Intensity enables you to predict your calorie expenditure
* Wireless cycling measurements: speed (current, average and max); trip; distance
* Estimated Time of Arrival feature based on your cycling speed

Customer Reviews

Great upgrade from the CS2005
I first purchased the CS200 and tried it for 3 weeks and upgraded to the CS400 [...].

So this review is somewhat a comparison of the two.

The biggest difference is that the CS400 records information every 5 seconds such as speed, cadence, HR, and altitude. While the CS200 only stores the trip information, max/min/avg speed, max/min/avg cadence ...

For HR monitoring the CS400's every 5 second recordation (this can be adjusted to every second, or to longer intervals) allows me to see visually how long I lasted at peak output as well as a visual graph of escalating HR in comparison to speed and cadence. The CS400 has 5 HR zones. The CS200, on the other hand, records the amount of time in 3 zones (above target zone, target zone, below target zone).

The CS200 only stores its limited amount of information for the last 7 rides. The CS400 stores up to 99 rides worth of information or 14 hours of information when recording every 5 seconds. I commute to and from work and often ride at lunch, so I was having to be sure to upload the information every 2 days or lose the data. With the CS400 i do not have to upload except every 14 hours of riding ( for me thats every other week or so).

The polar personal trainer 5 software that comes with the CS400 is far superior to the webtrainer that comes with the CS200. There are visual graphs, excellent calendering, and the information stays resident on the local computer instead of polar's servers (which makes the whole process slower).

Additionally, I found the IR method of transfering information from the cyclometer to the computer much better than the sonic system used by the CS200. After trial and error I found the "sweetspot" of angle and distance and settings to get the sonic system working - but I would say it was only successful 75% of the time, and then I would have to retry. (the sonic system passes information only in 1 direction cyclometer to computer, so if the computer misses the start of the transmission you have to restart). The CS400's IR method is 2-way so if the Computer misses the start of the transmission it sends a restart command to the cyclometer.

Installation of both products on the bicycle was exactly the same. In fact I left the sensors that came with the CS200 on my bike when I upgraded and only replaced the cyclometer.

There are many other differences, most did not matter at all to me.

I would note that I have not found the altimeter of the CS400 to be very accurate, for instance if you ride a loop you will find your start and stop points to have different altitudes even though it is the same spot. But it does allow you to see relatively that you were climbing or descending and track the correlative speed HR and cadence related to the ascent/descent.

I installed the Polar IR USB module and the polar personal trainer 5 on both XP and Vista computers with no problems.

So. In summary I found both products worked as advertised. But I found the features of the CS400 worth the extra expense.

CS400 as a mountain bike and commuter bike computer4
I really like the CS400...I have had the unit almost a year now and use it almost daily. The first unit I had died almost immediately but Polar sent me a replacement promptly which has worked perfectly to date. I really like the ability to commute for a week, ride a mountain bike trail on the weekend and then download all of the data to my computer to see the weeks activity. Perhaps the best feature is the understanding of heart rate to exertion and the personal ability to sustain effort at various exertion levels. I have been able to use the real time heart rate data to grind through long climbs better than any other time in my life...I have enjoyed the CS400 and have recommended it to many people.
I give the CS400 my highest recommendation...I would have given it five stars except a friend bought one shortly after me and it, too, died. Polar, again, replaced the unit and the replacement has performed well.

Polar F4 Women's Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Black Amber)

2009-09-06T02:59:00.000-07:00

Product Description

The F4 is the first women's-specific product offering from Polar. Featuring all of the heart rate necessities with all of the comfort of a smaller woman's sized watch.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #5196 in Sports & Outdoors
* Size: One Size
* Color: Blk Amber - Women's
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90023326
* Released on: 2005-03-01
* Dimensions: 2.90" h x 5.20" w x 6.80" l, .70 pounds

Features

* Automatic and manual options to track target heart rate zone
* Displays maximum and average heart rate of total exercise session
* Zone Pointer function allows you to track the intensity level of your workout
* Includes T31 chest transmitter and strap
* Full-function watch includes time of day, date and weekday indicator, stopwatch; water resistant to 30 meters

Amazon.com Product Description
Featuring a new, slim design, the F4 is Polar's first heart rate monitor designed specifically for women. It's packed with innovative training features to help you toward your exercise goals, including:

* Zone Pointer: A visible and audible feature on the display of your heart rate monitor showing your target heart rate zone and where your current heart rate is within that zone.

* Polar OwnCal: Shows your energy expenditure during one exercise session as well as your accumulated kilocalories during several exercise sessions. You can set daily and weekly exercise goals in terms of calorie expenditure with the OwnCal feature. Because the OwnCal tracks both the energy expenditure during one exercise session and the accumulated kilocalories during a longer time (e.g. one week), it helps in achieving both short-term and long-term goals.

* Fitness Bullets: Shows a bullet on the monitor's display for every 10 minutes spent exercising/training in your target heart rate zone. The Time in Target Zone feature calculates the amount of total exercise time spent in your personal target zone. You can use this feature together with the Total Exercise Time to determine the effectiveness of your exercise program.

Key Features:

* Display of heart rate, exercise time, and average heart rate
* 24-hour clock with day/week indicator and stopwatch
* Large easy-to-read display with split screen
* One-year average battery life
* Water resistant to 30 meters (100 feet)

Customer Reviews

Simple and easy4
This watch is simple to use. The instructions are very easy to follow. It's fun being able to see my heart rate while I'm exercising. It works with the heart rate monitors on the equipment at my gym. I don't have to hold on to their handles. The signal is transmitted from this heart rate monitor to the treadmill, elyptical, or whatever, and shows up on the screne.
I wish the watch had a stopwatch and a light. No such luck.

Straps get yellowish, buttons cracked.3
I received this watch as a Christmas present in 2005. I have been using it for the past 6 months (average 2x per week). I spotted this exact watch but with yellowish straps at an expo from Polar after I got my watch for only 2 weeks and was diligent about keeping it clean, but to no avail, it turned yellowish after about 2 months and now it just looks dirty and old, the face is still the original "ice blue". If you are thinking about this watch, buy the black one.

After I started using it, I wished I went with another model since this one doesn't store any previous data. I track all my runs and sometimes I forget to record before my next run and I lose all my previous data once I press "start". In addition, it doesn't have a stopwatch. Once you press stop, it thinks you're done with your workout instead of just a pause or break so you can't track your actual total workout time. I just let it run even when I am at stoplights or water break. If lap feature is important, go with another model. Another complaint about this watch is that there's no backlight. I have to wait till I run under a street light to see my data. The data sheet said it has a backlight but I can't manage to find it.

Today both the buttons cracked and fell off my watch. Now it's useless.

I still have the most basic model from Polar (bought in 2000 and it's discontinued) that only monitors my HR and that thing still works because there's no buttons to push. Polar makes good HR monitor and I would still buy another one from them. Just not this one.

Great watch5
This is a great heart rate monitor watch for the money. I've been using Polar watches for quite some time and think this is the best I've owned. I recently tested/compared this watch (F4) to Polar's M61. The F4 provided more accurate numbers regarding my calories burned (which is the most important thing for me--heart rate and calories burned). I wear an Apex Body Bug that also monitors my calories. When compared to the Body Bug (which is extremely accurate) the F4 was on the money. The M61 only showed that I burned about 1/2 of what the F4 and the BodyBug showed. I also wear my F4 while swimming (which I cannot do with the BodyBug). So far, this was held up great to all conditions. I'm considering purchasing another as a back up or in case Polar for some unknown reason discontinues the watch. Great product!!!

Polar FT60 Women's Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Black)

2009-09-05T22:46:00.000-07:00

Product Description

Helps improve fitness and keeps users motivated with the new Polar STAR training program, which adapts to the user's personal exercise habits, providing weekly feedback and updated goals

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #14277 in Sports & Outdoors
* Size: One Size
* Color: Black
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90033469
* Released on: 2008-09-01
* Dimensions: 3.10" h x 5.10" w x 6.90" l, .60 pounds

Features

* Black women's heart rate monitor watch with several innovative training features
* Displays heart rate as percentage of maximum, bpm, and within target zone indicator
* Polar Star personalized training program delivers feedback and weekly training targets
* Polar OwnCal mode tracks energy expenditure for single and accumulated workouts
* Offers ZonePointer and Polar OwnZone modes; water-resistant to 30 meters; 2-year warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
The smartest way to better fitness, the Polar FT60 women's heart rate monitor watch helps you stay motivated and improve your conditioning. The FT60 works by first checking your daily condition, and then guiding you to the ideal training intensity for your age and fitness level. Knowing your heart rate not only helps you reach your personal fitness goal, but also improves your physical condition in general, as it's vitally important to train at the appropriate intensity level. If you exercise too hard, you may quit before you reach the real benefit, but if you work out too leisurely, you'll struggle to lose weight at all. The FT60 helps overcome these problems by encouraging you to map out a complete fitness routine.

The FT60 is packed with innovative training features to help you toward your exercise goals. First off, the watch includes a Polar Star personalized training program that adapts to your workout habits. By giving you weekly training targets and providing constant feedback, the watch guides you without being too strict, helping you reach your goals more efficiently. The watch also displays heart rate info in several ways, including as a percentage of your maximum heart rate, as beats per minute, and within a graphical target zone indicator. And should your heart rate exceed or dip below your target zone, the FT60 will sound an alarm that helps you return to form.

Users will also love the variety of proprietary Polar functions, including ZonePointer, Polar OwnZone, and Polar OwnCal modes. The ZonePointer is an audible and visual feature on the display of your FT60 that shows you where your current heart rate sits within your target heart rate zone. The Polar OwnZone mode, meanwhile, provides a customized target zone for individual exercise sessions. Finally, the Polar OwnCal mode shows your energy expenditure during one exercise session, as well as your accumulated kilocalories during several exercise sessions. You can also set daily and weekly exercise goals in terms of calorie expenditure, helping you achieve both short-term and long-term goals.

Other features include support for the G1 GPS sensor (sold separately); a built-in fitness test that measures your aerobic fitness at rest in just five minutes; a ZoneLock mode that lets you activate a target zone in the midst of training with the press of a button; an OwnCode mode that prevents crosstalk from other heart rate monitors nearby; a recording mode that tracks your average and maximum heart rate, calorie expenditure, distance, and total exercise time, and then puts it in an exercise file (with 100 total files); water resistance to 30 meters; a 12/24-hour clock with a day/week indicator; a built-in backlight; an alarm with a snooze; a low battery indicator; and a Polar FlowLink connection for transferring data between the FT60 and a computer. Sporting an attractive black housing, the watch carries a two-year warranty.

Customer Reviews

In zone 2!4
Overall, the FT60 is great - it truly helps me keep track of my workouts and let's me aim for a tangible goal.
The only thing that irks me is that I can't see my time remaining/time completed for the week unless you've just finished a workout. It would be nice to see it when needed so workouts could be planned.

Great Buy5
This is a great heart rate monitor. Very complete to help you achieve your goals. Worth the money

Great HRM5
I'm very glad I finally decided on purchasing the FT60 vs another Polar model I had been considering. I use it daily for my walks/workouts and it keeps me motivated. Very easy to understand and the band across the chest fits very comfortably (I tend to forget I have it on). I would definitely recommend it. I thank the people who wrote their reviews because that helped me take the plunge and purchase it.

Polar Cadence Sensor W.I.N.D.

2009-09-05T22:43:00.000-07:00

Polar WearLink+ Replacement Strap (Medium-XX-Large)

2009-09-04T22:42:00.000-07:00

Product Description

Replacement WearLink Strap. This is a replacement strap for the Wearlink transmitter (The plastic transmitter is not included). Comes in three sizes XS-S and M-XXL and XXXL.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #646 in Sports & Outdoors
* Size: Medium-XX-Large
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 91032556
* Dimensions: .4" h x .4" w x .4" l, .2 pounds

Features

* Replacement strap for the Wearlink Transmitter
* 27"-60" Chest
* Transmitter not included

Customer Reviews

more comfortable than the rubber model4
I bought this transmitter because I did not know that the Polar Heart Rate Monitors came with a transmitter included in the box. I could not find anything that specified this, so I ended up purchasing an extra transmitter.

That being said, this transmitter is super comfortable. The rubber model that comes with the heart rate monitors does not have any comfort issues over this one. The electrodes are sewn inside the fabric of the strap, and they are soft. The only hard piece on this is the plastic transmitter part that is not that big in the front. If you are doing something that involves a lot of body motion, like aerobics, tennis, dance or lifting weights, this fabric model is a better alternative to the rubber model. This fabric strap transmitter might also be a better option for women, who may already be dealing with an underwire bra at the gym.

As far as functionality goes, you won't really need a coded transmitter unless you are using the HRM in a crowded environment where EVERYONE is using monitors. Like at my gym, where the personal trainers sell the Polar brand of HRMs, hold weekly training classes about them, and encourage everyone to buy them. If you don't find yourself in this type of environment, but you find the regular transmitter to be uncomfortable, than this is for you. If the regular transmitter does not hurt you, then you don't really need this.

One problem with this transmitter is the clip mechanism that you use to snap it shut. The little plastic points that clip in look like something I am going to break in about a month. Everytime I snap it open or closed I feel like I'm breaking it.

A lot More Comfortable and Less Expensive in the Long Run5

One big improvement from the original transmitters (T31 or T61 transmitters) is that with this model (the Wearlink) you only have to buy a new battery and replace it once they ran out and your transmitter is ready to use again. With the original ones you have to buy a new transmitter every time the battery dies, since the whole structure is sealed. So if your Polar wrist watch came with the T31 or T61, wait until the battery is finished and buy the Wearlink transmitter instead, you will save a lot of money over the years (compare the 39.95 US$ that the T31 or T61 cost vs the cost of a replacement battery).

The other big advantage is that the Wearlink transmitter is more confortable to wear, since it adapts better to the shape of your body since even the electrodes are flexible and are embedded in the fabric. Being flexible and all makes it easier to storage it your pocket when your finish training or if you are traveling.

In summary a great product for your Polar HRM, and a smart improvement if it is time to replace your old transmitter. Don't buy another T31 or T61, buy this one instead.

I run with my Polar six days a week, and probably train about ten hour a week with it. I used to have the T31 with my first Polar (the M61) so I can tell you first hand the Wearlink is far better. In summary more confortable, easier to wash, and a money saver. I was more than happy to trow the old one away after I bought this one.

Be Careful and Choose the Right Size5

My shirt size is "M" and this strap fits fine on me, considering that I used it totally extended, so don't be fooled by the XXL size. Buy only the X - XS only if you are really skinny.

Also be aware that this replacement strap can't not be used with the old transmitters (T31 or T61), I know is obvious, but just in case.

If your Polar wrist watch came with one of the old transmitters, you should seriously consider changing it for the Wearlink. One big improvement from the original transmitters (T31 or T61 transmitters) is that with this model (the Wearlink) you only have to buy a new battery and replace it once they ran out and your transmitter is ready to use again. With the original ones you have to buy a new transmitter every time the battery dies, since the whole structure is sealed. So if your Polar wrist watch came with the T31 or T61, wait until the battery is finished and buy the Wearlink transmitter instead, you will save a lot of money over the years (compare the 39.95 US$ that the T31 or T61 cost vs the cost of a replacement battery).

The other big advantage is that the Wearlink transmitter is more confortable to wear, since it adapts better to the shape of your body since even the electrodes are flexible and are embedded in the fabric. Being flexible and all makes it easier to storage it your pocket when your finish training or if you are traveling.

In summary a great product for your Polar HRM, and a smart improvement if it is time to replace your old transmitter. Don't buy another T31 or T61, buy this one instead.

I run with my Polar six days a week, and probably train about ten hour a week with it. I used to have the T31 with my first Polar (the M61) so I can tell you first hand the Wearlink is far better. In summary more confortable, easier to wash, and a money saver. I was more than happy to trow the old one away after I bought this one.

Polar CS Series Cadence Sensor

2009-09-04T02:57:00.000-07:00

Product Description

A Polar accessory that measures the speed at which you turn the cranks of your bicycle (i.e. cadence), measured in revolutions per minute (rpm).

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #4131 in Sports & Outdoors
* Color: CS Series
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 391027824/391026636
* Released on: 2006-09-21

Features

* Compact cadence sensor for Polar CS Series cycling computers
* Lets you monitor pedal cadence during high-spin workouts
* Downloads cadence graph, heart rate, and speed to computer
* Includes magnet, rubber mount, and Polar tape for installation
* Compatible with CS100, CS200, and CS300 models; 2-year warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
The perfect accessory for cycling enthusiasts, the Polar CS Series cadence sensor lets you monitor your pedal cadence while on the road. Then, once you've completed your workout, you can download your cadence graph to one of Polar's CS Series cycling computers for further analysis. The data, which includes heart rate and speed graphs, helps you make the most of your high-spin workouts. The cadence sensor comes with a magnet, rubber mount, and Polar tape and is backed by a two-year warranty.

Customer Reviews

Works fine4
Mounts easily and works well, though it must be mounted on the down tube for the signal to be picked up. I'd prefer to mount it further back on the chain stay so it is less visable, but the signal can't be picked up.

Exactly at advertised5
I added this to my Polar CS300 and the cadence function works fine. Having the bike computer and the heart rate monitor in one unit is much more efficient. Adding the cadence should improve my riding efficiency when I get back on the bike regularly. Great price and fulfillment from Amazon.

It's good to go for training with a "Tachometer"4
Easy to install and godd instant response. It's good to add another variable in my training controll, it helps to save some energy for the moments that will be needed.

the only thing I didn't ,liked it's that take a little to much time to re start the reading when you stop to pedalling, but for all the rest it's fine.

Polar T31 Replacement Elastic Strap (Small)

2009-09-03T22:37:00.000-07:00

Product Description

Polar Chest Straps. Replacement straps available in sizes XS thru XXL.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #2291 in Sports & Outdoors
* Size: Small
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 82017733.01

Features

* Fits chest sizes 23" to 47"

Customer Reviews

Great replacement strap5
When my Polar T31 strap broke after 6 1/2 years of use I was afraid I'd have to spend a lot of money to replace the whole strap. I was thrilled to discover that I could replace just the elastic part. The replacement elastic strap is a bargain.

it fits -- finally!5
great-- now my heart rate monitor fits! usually the Polar monitors are sold with a Medium or Large strap and even adjusted, they are too big for folks who are neither size. The Small strap fixed everything! Sounds so simple, right? Yet I had to go through the extra step of ordering it..

Great fit5
My wife was finally able to use her polar because the medium strap was too big for her. I received it on time and without any problems.

Polar F7 Men's Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Blue)

2009-09-02T22:36:00.000-07:00

Polar WearLink+ Replacement Strap (X-Small-Small)

2009-09-01T22:35:00.000-07:00

Product Description

Polar Chest Straps. Replacement straps available in sizes XS thru XXL.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #12525 in Sports & Outdoors
* Size: X-Small-Small
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 91032555
* Released on: 2007-12-01
* Dimensions: .4" h x .4" w x .4" l, .2 pounds

Features

* Replacement strap for the Wearlink Transmitter
* 21"-38" Chest
* Transmitter not included

Customer Reviews

more comfortable than the rubber model4
I bought this transmitter because I did not know that the Polar Heart Rate Monitors came with a transmitter included in the box. I could not find anything that specified this, so I ended up purchasing an extra transmitter.

That being said, this transmitter is super comfortable. The rubber model that comes with the heart rate monitors does not have any comfort issues over this one. The electrodes are sewn inside the fabric of the strap, and they are soft. The only hard piece on this is the plastic transmitter part that is not that big in the front. If you are doing something that involves a lot of body motion, like aerobics, tennis, dance or lifting weights, this fabric model is a better alternative to the rubber model. This fabric strap transmitter might also be a better option for women, who may already be dealing with an underwire bra at the gym.

As far as functionality goes, you won't really need a coded transmitter unless you are using the HRM in a crowded environment where EVERYONE is using monitors. Like at my gym, where the personal trainers sell the Polar brand of HRMs, hold weekly training classes about them, and encourage everyone to buy them. If you don't find yourself in this type of environment, but you find the regular transmitter to be uncomfortable, than this is for you. If the regular transmitter does not hurt you, then you don't really need this.

One problem with this transmitter is the clip mechanism that you use to snap it shut. The little plastic points that clip in look like something I am going to break in about a month. Everytime I snap it open or closed I feel like I'm breaking it.

A lot More Comfortable and Less Expensive in the Long Run5

One big improvement from the original transmitters (T31 or T61 transmitters) is that with this model (the Wearlink) you only have to buy a new battery and replace it once they ran out and your transmitter is ready to use again. With the original ones you have to buy a new transmitter every time the battery dies, since the whole structure is sealed. So if your Polar wrist watch came with the T31 or T61, wait until the battery is finished and buy the Wearlink transmitter instead, you will save a lot of money over the years (compare the 39.95 US$ that the T31 or T61 cost vs the cost of a replacement battery).

The other big advantage is that the Wearlink transmitter is more confortable to wear, since it adapts better to the shape of your body since even the electrodes are flexible and are embedded in the fabric. Being flexible and all makes it easier to storage it your pocket when your finish training or if you are traveling.

In summary a great product for your Polar HRM, and a smart improvement if it is time to replace your old transmitter. Don't buy another T31 or T61, buy this one instead.

I run with my Polar six days a week, and probably train about ten hour a week with it. I used to have the T31 with my first Polar (the M61) so I can tell you first hand the Wearlink is far better. In summary more confortable, easier to wash, and a money saver. I was more than happy to trow the old one away after I bought this one.

Be Careful and Choose the Right Size5

My shirt size is "M" and this strap fits fine on me, considering that I used it totally extended, so don't be fooled by the XXL size. Buy only the X - XS only if you are really skinny.

Also be aware that this replacement strap can't not be used with the old transmitters (T31 or T61), I know is obvious, but just in case.

If your Polar wrist watch came with one of the old transmitters, you should seriously consider changing it for the Wearlink. One big improvement from the original transmitters (T31 or T61 transmitters) is that with this model (the Wearlink) you only have to buy a new battery and replace it once they ran out and your transmitter is ready to use again. With the original ones you have to buy a new transmitter every time the battery dies, since the whole structure is sealed. So if your Polar wrist watch came with the T31 or T61, wait until the battery is finished and buy the Wearlink transmitter instead, you will save a lot of money over the years (compare the 39.95 US$ that the T31 or T61 cost vs the cost of a replacement battery).

The other big advantage is that the Wearlink transmitter is more confortable to wear, since it adapts better to the shape of your body since even the electrodes are flexible and are embedded in the fabric. Being flexible and all makes it easier to storage it your pocket when your finish training or if you are traveling.

In summary a great product for your Polar HRM, and a smart improvement if it is time to replace your old transmitter. Don't buy another T31 or T61, buy this one instead.

I run with my Polar six days a week, and probably train about ten hour a week with it. I used to have the T31 with my first Polar (the M61) so I can tell you first hand the Wearlink is far better. In summary more confortable, easier to wash, and a money saver. I was more than happy to trow the old one away after I bought this one.

Polar RS300X G1 Heart Rate Monitor Watch with G1 GPS Sensor (Black)

2009-08-30T22:34:00.000-07:00

Product Description

Now our most popular and top performing running computer is enhanced with GPS speed and distance capability

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #14613 in Sports & Outdoors
* Color: Black / Grey
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90036625
* Released on: 2009-03-30
* Dimensions: 1.00" h x 2.00" w x 2.00" l, 1.00 pounds

Features

* Simple-to-use wrist heart rate monitor/training computer in black helps you to train at the right intensity
* Includes G1 GPS Sensor for tracking routes and WearLink+ 31 coded transmitter
* Provides metrics for heart rate, speed, distance, pace, and calorie burn
* OwnZone feature for individualized zone training by heart rate or pace, a fitness test, and auto lap splits
* Compatible with S1 foot pod

Amazon.com Product Description
A smart, intuitive training computer for runners and cross-training athletes, the Polar RS300X G1 wrist heart rate monitor helps you to train at the right intensity with personal training zones. This version of the RS300X comes with Polar's G1 GPS sensor, which provides speed/pace and distance measurement for outdoor sports such as running or cycling. It's a great choice for those who mix up their training regimen with cycling, inline skating, paddling, mountain biking or hiking.

Customer Reviews

Bitter-sweet experience3
I consider myself a beginner when it comes to running. After looking around for several options, I decided to get the Polar RS300X G1 because of its multisport capabilities. I could easily run or ride my bike with it, and I would be able to measure distance and pace with the same device, without having to install/uninstall things to my bike every time I wanted to change excersices. After considering the Garmin 305 I decided to go for the Polar because of the extremely big and uncomfortable size of the Garmin. Everything looked nice in the website, but the story changed after only a few weeks I've owned the training computer.
1) The watch itself is incapable of transmitting data to the Polar site (or any other running website) which makes it a little boring for you as a user to log in and "manually" enter your data every time you complete an excersise. I was very sad to know that in order to do this automatically I have to separately purchase an extra device (Polar Flowlink @ $55.00).
2) I have been experiencing some problems with the accuracy of the distance. Since I just got my watch a few weeks ago, I entered in several forums to see if any other user was experiencing what I was going through, and to my unpleaseant surprise, yes... they were. Basically, the battery life of the G1 GPS Sensor is so short that you can only use it for up to 8 hours. More than that and you will start getting incorrect data from your runs. What is the purpose of a GPS sensor if you can get accurate data from it? Now I will have to constantly purchase batteries just to keep my distances correct.

Very sad that Polar hasn't come with better solutions for this issues. I saw several users unhappy about this same thing in their own web site.

Good Stuff5
I've been using the RS300X since I got it two weeks ago.
The heartrate is very easy to see and use. The GPS works fine, just be aware that if you end up running on trails/trees, it's going to have some difficulty staying in close contact with so be ready for your time to get a little wacky. I treat the GPS as a tool to use and figure the average is going to be just fine.

Polar FT40 Women's Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Beige)

2009-08-30T22:31:00.000-07:00

Product Description

New EnergyPointer feature significantly simplifies exercise by graphically displaying your exertion in one of two zones - either fat burning or fitness improvement - helping people to exercise smart and reach their goals (see image above)

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #3596 in Sports & Outdoors
* Color: Beige
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90033477
* Released on: 2008-09-01
* Dimensions: 3.00" h x 5.10" w x 6.80" l, .55 pounds

Features

* Beige women's heart rate monitor watch with several innovative training features
* Displays heart rate as percentage of maximum, bpm, and within target zone indicator
* Audible and visual target zone alarms; 12/24-hour clock with day/week indicator
* Polar OwnCal mode tracks energy expenditure for single and accumulated workouts
* Offers EnergyPointer and ZonePointer modes; water-resistant to 30 meters; 2-year warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
Stay within your ideal training and intensity range while jogging or working out with the Polar FT40 women's heart rate monitor watch. The FT40 works by first checking your daily condition, and then guiding you to the ideal training intensity for your age and fitness level. Knowing your heart rate not only helps you reach your personal fitness goal, but also improves your physical condition in general, as it's vitally important to train at the appropriate intensity level. If you exercise too hard, you may quit before you reach the real benefit, but if you work out too leisurely, you'll struggle to lose weight at all. The FT40 helps overcome these problems by encouraging you to map out a complete fitness routine.

Customer Reviews

Outstanding vaule and easy to use.4
My wife and I each have one of these. It provides a lot of valuable feedback for the price. The controls and intuitive and the display is very easy to understand. It calcuates calories burned, tracks your current and max heart rate and duration. During the workout, you can easly page through the information. I love the ability to pause the workout, too. The fitness test was simple and seemed accurate. I would definitely recommend this to a friend.

The only thing that keeps this device from being 5 stars is that you need to choose between beats per minute and percent of max heart rate. Although you can switch between them easy enough you seemingly must do so before you work out and not during. I don't know why these two numbers are not on the display together.

A minor problem is the wrist band. My wife reports that it's much more comfortable than the FS1 that we had, but I think it's a little stiff. Another small item is the wearlink seems a little harder to manage than the FS1. Polar recommends that you rinse it after every use and wash it after 5, plus you need a wash bag to keep it together and to use a detergent without bleach or fabric softener. I rinse mine, but don't wash it.

We also bought the flow link. I was a bit disappointed with the results although it does give you a place to store your history.

I really like this device!4
4 stars only because it is expensive I think but I do like the technology.
I have used this watch for 4 months now. You do have to be a little smart both with computers and in running this device properly. Once you go through the setup this device has helped me watch how my VO2 has improved while my weight has decreased over time. You must manually change your weight which I choose to update on a weekly basis. I also perform my fitness test weekly. I purchased the available weblink device so I can upload to the polar website. (It is called Flowlink which is sold separately and was about $55) This allows me to see a graph of my progress and label which sports I have been doing so I can look back over time and identify workouts and caloric demands. You must personally set up the website with your own personal sports. This website also is a great resource to help you with workouts if you choose to go that route. I am a physical therapist who has fallen a little off the fitness side since getting older and raising a family. Now I am on a mission! You must really play with this watch to get it set up just the way you like it. I like the display that is on this page display with the heartrate showing and then during a workout I only have to briefly bring the watch near the chest strap and it will change to time quickly so I can see the time of day. Then it reverts back to the heartrate setting. I bought the beige which is easily cleaned with soap and water. The lense has not scratched yet. I only get teased over the display size but these are by non-athletes. Note: You can also attach it to your handlebars during biking workouts. I am trying to work in certain zones and so I like to see where I am with my heartrate but you can set alarms to tell you this.

Easy...5
Easy.
I always thought the polar difficult to use.
This, however, surprised me!
Easy to use, beautiful and with all functions necessary for a good cardio vascular monitoring.
I recommend!

Polar T31 Coded Transmitter and Belt Set

2009-08-30T22:28:00.000-07:00

Product Description

Polar Chest Strap and Transmitters sold as a set.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #1677 in Sports & Outdoors
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 920135
* Dimensions: .4" h x .4" w x .4" l, .2 pounds

Features

* Coded transmitter unit
* Works with current models except CS600 and RS800 but only eliminates interference (cross-talk) when used with a coded wrist or head unit
* Set includes sealed coded transmitter and elastic strap(M)

Customer Reviews

A good buy4
I was frankly a little concerned that, despite the product description and picture, the item might not include the elastic strap with the transmitter, since Amazon listed the strap as an item frequently purchased with this item. In case anyone else is concerned, yes, it does come with the elastic strap!

The transmitter works well in general, although I've noticed it gives me trouble when running near power lines -- I don't know if anyone has found a way to prevent that yet.

A "Must Have" 5
It's a excelente product. In my spinning class i always had a interference problem with other's people monitor. With this belt the problem are gonne. Excellent !!!

Effective but a bit uncomfortable in warm weather4
This Transmitter works very well. I use it for spinning. It is effective in giving you feedback about your workout. The drawback is that wearing a band around your abdomen is a bit uncomfortable in warm conditions. The discomfort is worth it, though, since it allows your to work out more efficiently.

Polar Insulated Water Bottle

2009-08-30T11:42:00.000-07:00

Product Description

Combining the thermal properties of an insulated vacuum bottle with the lightweight, flexible features of a plastic bottle, the Polar Bottle® is the ideal choice for active people. Simply fill with liquid and ice and hit the trail. For even longer cooling power, fill your Polar Bottle® and store it in the freezer before use. Either way, it will keep liquids cold twice as long as conventional water bottles.

Product Details

Amazon Sales Rank: #9 in Sports & Outdoors
Brand: Polar

Features

Double-wall construction: a thermal barrier of air keeps heat out and cold in.
Polar Bottles do not contain Bisphenol-A (BP-A), a potentially toxic compound.
Fits standard bicycle water bottle cages
Wide mouth allows ice cubes easily into the bottle and makes cleaning easy.
Dishwasher and freezer safe.

Customer Reviews

Please read this if you are concerned with leaching chemicals!
These bottles are all my family uses. To the other reviewers who have posted that this bottle leaches chemicals, I would ask that they do a little research before posting. First, you should wash the bottles in your dishwasher or hot water before using, this is just common sense and will remove any plastic odor (though I have never noticed any). These bottles are made from LDPE#4, which according to multiple studies, does NOT leach toxic chemicals into your water. On the other hand, Lexan, ie Polycarbonate ie Nalgene bottles have been shown to leach Bisphenol-A or BPA into water. You can feel safe buying and drinking from these bottles made of FDA approved LDPE#4.

The only real problem is fit. They almost work too well.
Normally, thermal bottles are too hard to squeeze to get fluid out of them, and they don't insulate very well at all. These are the first I've tried that actually worked, and they're just as squeezable as regular water bottles.

PROS and TESTIMONIAL: First time using these I froze them both, put them on the bike, went riding out in the heat of summer, and couldn't get a drop out of them because they remained frozen hard as bowling balls the more than two hours of that particular ride out on the open road. I finally had to open one and drink at least the one sip's worth of fluid that had melted. This was an absolute first. I've used other thermal water bottles over the years, but I tossed them all pretty quickly. None of them worked until these.

Second ride I refrigerated them and put ice cubes in before heading out. The ice melted but the contents remained fairly cool for hours or riding, again in the heat of summer.

Third time I came up with a brilliant idea. I filled them halfway and stuck them in the freezer, then filled them the rest of the way with refrigerated fluid just before heading out. This worked the best of the options I've tried so far.

One rider in my riding club had a great idea--freeze one bottle and fill the other one with fluid and ice. He says by the time he's ready for that second bottle it's melted enough that he can drink out of it. I go through two bottles in under three hours in the summertime, so I'm not sure this will work for me, but I plan to try it out on the next long ride.

In any case, they are absolutely freezer safe. Go ahead, fill them and freeze them, then see how long it takes before you can drink out of them.

FLAVOR: I've had absolutely no problem with the bottle affecting the flavor of the fluids I put in my bottles. Some have complained about this, but it seems more likely that they didn't thoroughly wash the bottles before use. There maybe some shipping wax in there, or just some residue from the manufacturing process. Just two drops of dish soap; any more will have your fluids tasting soapy for several rides; wash out those bottles good even before the first use, and you wont have a problem.

CON--the 24 oz bottle might be too big for your bike frame: I measured the 24 oz bottle height at 10.5 inches with the cap closed and 10.75 with it open, the caviat being that before you order two of these bottles, make sure they will actually fit on your bike. One on the downtube definitely will, but you might have to go with the smaller ones if it wont fit under your top tube when inserted in the upright cage mounted on your seat tube. Mine just barely clears the top tube when inserted in the upright cage on my 54cm Trek road frame; if my frame were only 2cm smaller, I imagine it might not fit. I've included a couple of pictures of my 24 oz bottles in the cages of both my road and mountain bikes for reference.

I've seen several riders with a 24oz on the downtube and a smaller one on the upright, but the only problem there is grabbing and reinserting the bottle in the upright cage while riding. Personally, I used up the one on the downtube and then switch them, but many recreational rider never have gotten into the habit of taking a drink from their water bottle while riding anyway.

In any case, if you have even the slightest doubt about that second bottle fitting, buy one, see if it fits, and if it does then order a second one.

BOTTOM LINE: If they were normal water bottles I would buy them just for the size. Having 48oz of water on you without having to wear a Camelbak is nice.

The fact that the thermal technology works in this make and model is just miraculous, as I've tried several thermal bottles before and none of them seemed to do a damn thing to keep cold liquids cold and hot liquids hot--in the winter.

And lastly, every other thermal bottle I've tried was difficult to impossible to squeeze one handed while riding, so they were too inconvenient to be useful on a bike ride. Especially on a road ride near a major city, it's tough to get those precious seconds for a quick drink, so it really needs to work--and these do.

Tested much better at keeping cold than a standard bottle.
Well, I saw the other reviews and decided to buy 5 of these for a trip to Hawaii with the family. I received them today and they weren't exactly what I had expected. The outside is a frosted clear plastic and the inside is a pure white hard plastic. Can't tell if they are molded together or just pushed into one another. They don't rotate so perhaps they are glued or fused in some way. There is a layer of air between them as well as what looks like a foil wrap or sock that has the words and coloring on it. The wrap is very loose fitting and looks rather cheap. However, I didn't want to loose hope so I decided to come up with a test to see how well the double walled bottle worked, since, after all it was getting good reviews. I decided to pit it against a standard squeeze bottle that people normally put on a bicycle, and one of those hard plastic, wide screw mouth bottles that people are always carrying around work. I put 10 ice cubes in each of the bottles and left them in a hot room (between 85 and 90 degrees). I didn't want the color to be a factor so they were not put in the sun. I waited until the hard plastic bottle's ice had melted by about 1/2 then I proceeded to measure the amount of water in each of the bottles. The hard plastic bottle had 11 teaspoons, the standard squeeze bottle had 8 teaspoons and the polar bottle had 4 teaspoons. So from this I think it's fair to say that the polar bottle was much better at keeping things cold than the others. The other thing I did was put a napkin under each of them. The polar bottle was the only one that didn't get wet underneath. The other bottles both sweated quite a bit. I think the double wall would not have stopped the sweating so the foil liner must be adding some benefit of some kind. The foil, by the way, does go around the bottom of the bottle as well, not just the sides. Overall, I think it will work out well and I am going to bring them on our trip. I hope this helps others in their decision.

Polar F6 Men's Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Black Coal)

2009-08-28T13:00:00.000-07:00

Product Description

The F6 is a stylish model with advanced features previously found on products over $150.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #18272 in Sports & Outdoors
* Size: One Size
* Color: Black Coal - Unisex
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90023352
* Released on: 2005-03-01
* Dimensions: 6.00" h x 9.00" w x 9.00" l, 2.00 pounds

Features

* Automatic/Manual Target Heart Rate Zone
* OwnCal / OwnZone
* OwnCode
* Zone Pointer
* Full watch functions/Stopwatch/Exercise time/Backlight

Customer Reviews

*I Have a Geek Toy, I Have a Geek Toy*5
Easy to set up, accurate, user friendly. Just took it for a test drive this morning. Shipping was fast and friendly. Nice user manual. Very explanatory.

Put in your vitals, adjust the strap around your chest and put the pedal to the metal.

I burned 511 calories -- 45% from fat. For 49:51 minutes of work, I spent 14:46 minutes in the 144-160 beats per minute range; with my heart rate topping out at 178 (93% of my maximum for the "moderate training zone"). My average heart rate was 151 for the duration (79% of my maximum). The alarm cued me when to step it up and also when to back it down so I could keep on a better training track.

Apparently, I've been working too hard in the past. Because just as the HRM was yelling at me to back down, I was thinking, "Geez, touchy thingie! I can go way harder and higher than this!" But if it improves my stamina, all the better.

I would recommend reviewing the product manual and setting up your customizations the night before if you are an early morning exerciser. Setup and familiarization with the product/material takes about an hour.

great product....but polar will getcha in the end3
So, I purchased the F6 in October of 2006. I use it for cycling and on aerobic machines and it really works great. No complaints about performanace at all and it does a nice job of tracking exercise. I paid $99.95 for the product, which seemed sorta high, but I wanted a reliable product from a good name. Well...in August 2007, the transmitter stopped working. Despite the "2 year" warranty stated above, that does not cover batteries, which apparently was the transmitter problem. So, I sent it back to Polar to fix it...but they can't fix it, they can only replace it. All said, it cost me $52 plus my shipping costs to fix. The "replacement" was clearly not new. I'm not sure if it was mine, but it definitely was not new. So, in less than a year, I've had to shell out about $160 and, if the battery dies again six months from now, I guess I'll have to go through this again. I would not but another Polar product.

work smarter and harder - worth every penny5
I always knew that I should be hitting 65% to 85% of my maximum heart rate while exercising, and I knew that I was sometimes, but this little gadget showed me how far off the mark I was. I had to double my cardio workouts in order to get into the zone where I needed to be to lose weight. Now, I am seeing real results. That knowledge alone was worth the price. Most of us overestimate how hard we work out, spend a lot of time at the gym, and then get frustrated at the lack of results. With this gadget I am able to make my workouts effective not just long and energy consuming.

The features on the A5 model are numerous enough to make this a great toy, and few enough as not to make it too complicated. This model is reccomended by Polar as one for for people looking to lose weight and increase overall fitness. This is not a model for the serious "data junkie" who wants to store all of their workout data in a spreadsheet. I don't think that this is a model for cyclists either. This is a model for someone who wants to know how many calories they've burned, time in their target workout zone, BMI, % of maximum heart rate being reached, and heart rate. You can also perform a fitness test with this model, and that is an interesting feature.

This model comes with a transmitter. The product specifications were not clear about whether or not it came with one. I was confused about that, and ended up purchasing an extra, albiet better, transmitter. The transmitter that came with the A5 does not look comfy, the front part that goes over your chest is made of flexible rubber and the back part is a fabric strap. The extra one that I ordered (for $45) is a totally fabric model called the WearLink, that has one small plastic piece in the front. So, I would suggest you buy a more comfortable mostly fabric transmitter, if you plan to wear it alot.

Polar RS800CX Heart Rate Monitor Watch

2009-08-28T12:59:00.000-07:00

Product Description

Now Introduces mapping / route positioning capabilities when used with the G3 GPS Sensor, enabling users to download their route information to their PC after the training session

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #33330 in Sports & Outdoors
* Color: Silver
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90033453
* Released on: 2008-09-01

Features

* Sophisticated training watch designed for dedicated, multi-sport endurance athletes
* Integrated Polar ProTrainer 5 software lets you create custom GPS routes and maps
* Displays heart rate as percentage of maximum, bpm, and within target zone indicator
* Compatible with complete range of W.I.N.D. sensors for tracking speed and distance
* Built-in altimeter for altitude analysis; 12/24-hour clock; 2-year warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
Are you serious about your athletic training? If so, turn to the Polar RS800CX heart rate monitor watch, which offers a complete system for planning, monitoring, and analyzing every part of your training. The RS800CX is equipped with a host of valuable tools, including a built-in altimeter, a wireless WearLink W.I.N.D. heart rate transmitter with a soft textile chest strap, several proprietary Polar functions that help optimize your daily workouts, and a copy of Polar ProTrainer 5 software, which makes it easy to analyze your workouts and create custom training routines. Perhaps more importantly, the watch lets you combine training sessions from different sports into a single file, so you can integrate running, cycling, hiking, and skiing into your training routine without missing a beat. It's the ultimate multi-sport training watch.

Customer Reviews

Awkwardly documented versatile device5
The Polar RS800CX is my fifth or sixth Polar HRM. I have slowly worked my way up to what I consider to be Polar's best offering. The features available on this unit are absolutely splendid. Every exercise creates a new digital object that one can study to chart one's progress but you can also just gather them as digital remembrances. I can pin point the moment in time when I injured my IT band, the time of the run when my heart rate raced to 194 (against my "theoretical" limit of 170) and the Iyengar yoga class when it sank to 26.

My biggest gripe about all Polar products is the awkwardness of the documentation they provide. All the statements are grammatically correct and all the information is there somewhere but it is organized in an odd manner and I find myself wrestling with "them" to find answers to obvious questions. To unlock all the features, you need to have the units themselves, a computer to get on the web, the paper documentation the unit shipped with, the on line documentation for the Polar ProTrainer software and then you need Google to find the needle in the haystack.

The RS800CX reigns supreme within the Polar family. It is the only unit that can sample, record and export your heart rate, as a time series, at a user selectable sampling frequency, down to once every second. It is currently the only unit that can measure Heart Rate Variation (HRV). HRV provides a measure of your state of relaxation. More precisely, HRV measures how well your parasympathetic nervous system is asserting itself over the sympathetic nervous system. The larger the HRV the greater the degree of relaxation.

The practices of Yoga (asanas, pranayama and meditation) activate parasympathetic influences while activities like running activate the sympathetic nervous system. The beauty of the RS800CX unit is that it actually allows you to track the HRV of different practices. It can measure not only how hard you are exerting but also how deeply you are relaxing. The calories you burn in most styles of Yoga barely rises above the base metabolic rate. But the outlook changes when you look at HRV. When I am running at say 8.1 MPH my HRV is down to 2.1 ms and when I let myself into and hold a posture, like trikonasana, for an extended period of time, in an Iyengar Yoga session, I have seen numbers as high as 90 ms. The RS800CX manual is mostly silent on the value of this feature. I actually track the effect of different styles of Yoga by looking at the HRV they induce in me. I can even tell which teacher, studio and style is right for me! For example, last week during a 90 minute Iyengar Yoga session I expended 167 cal, and ran up a HRV standard deviation of 147, the next day during a 90 minute Ashtanga Yoga session I expended 275 cal and logged HRV standard deviation of 107. Most of us need to burn plenty of calories and also learn to let up and relax. Nearly everyone knows how to burn calories but how does one actively relax. Now you can plan and track relaxation quantitatively. I hear many Ashtanga practitioners say that Iyengar doesn't work for them because they "don't break a sweat" or "nothing is moving". If only they had a RS800CX on they could see the difference in real time!

If you take the trouble to traverse through a somewhat non-intuitive sequence you can get the RS800CX to display any of two dozen measures it tracks in real time right on your watch dial. The hoops to jump through to do this require that you first fire up the Polar ProTrainer application and link your watch to your computer. On most laptops with built in IR ports, this requires that you use one hand to position the watch correctly, so that it can link up with the IR port. With the other hand you must bring up the "Edit Polar Product Setting" menu, and let it sync up. Once it has synced up you can drop the watch and click on the "Product" tab of a menu screen that pops up after the syncing. On the screen that comes up you see a button labeled "Customize Display Sets" which you click on and then a panel pops up drop with this smorgasbord menu of 23 different real time readouts organized around four or five display panels that get activated depending on what accessories you have associated with the RS800CX. So there is more confusion here. If you don't have the cadence or speed sensors accessories, the settings under those tabs will not register on the the wrist unit. Once you make your choices, hold up the watch again to the IR port and click on the sync icon to download to the watch and you are all set.

My last RS800SD died recently- the screen went blank afte about six months. The retailer gave me a full refund and so I bought myself a new RS800CX. Others have said this before, but the RS800CX is significantly better than the RS800sd even though they share accessories. I am surprised they continue to sell the RS800sd. You have to wade through some additional confusion when you try to figure out which RS800CX to get. The main point to remember is that the wrist unit is RS800CX and common to all the bundles that currently exist. You can attach stride sensors, bike sensors or GPS sensors at any point in time to obtain the additional capabilities. If you run on a treadmill a GPS sensor will do you no good, you need the S3, if you bike you need the cadence and speed sensors for bikes. These are little devices that physically attach to your bicycle frame and crank. They will do you no good if you are trying to log data from elliptical machines and stationary bikes in gyms. If you do your panting outdoors or practice multiple activities you likely want the GPS unit to track the route and speed. If you want all three, make sure you are not duplicating accessories by buying packages.

My transition from the RS800sd to the RS800CX took a few hours of persistence. But for the markings the two look identical but work quire differently! I finally managed to figure out how to get an old S3 stride sensor to transmit stride length and cadence data to my RS800CX unit. I was trying to get the old S3 to work with the new RS800CX and although I could easily get the RS800CX to learn the S3 sensor, the cadence and stride length data were not getting transmitted to the RS800CX.

The trick was to (1) Hit the red START button to go into the exercise mode the unit starts to search for the heart rate data then (2) hold down the the upper left "LIGHT" button to bring up a new SETTINGS menu that lists the shoe sensor that had previously been learned by the RS800CX. You can now activate it. When this has been correctly done r1 (or r2 or r3) displays next to where the heart rate normally shows (bottom right of display). r for run even though these features are sometimes grouped under shoes. Once done, the RS800CX seems to remember the association. It was quite frustrating to not find a way to complete this association through the settings menu that one steps through by hitting the up/down buttons. The manual does explain it but this critical feature is awkwardly placed behind a button labeled "LIGHT".

Even though the Polar manuals aggravate me, this unit has changed my attitude towards exercise and wellness by bringing a level of rigor and accuracy that is very addictive. I have spent over a thousand dollars so far buying their stuff and I think it is one of the best investments I have ever made in my health.

Great Unit, worth buying instead of cheaper units.5
I also have had three other Polar products. For people who are considering one of their $200 units, I would recommend they make the jump up to this one. It really is great having your speed, cadence, heart rate, altitude, pace and average stride graphed at 1 second intervals. The speed/pace etc. comes if you have the s3 foot pod, which I also recommend. You'll also want the associated GPS pod as well!

The one complaint that I have relates to the heart rate strap. Some polar products that I have used in the past have their sensors and transmitters as a single unit. One product had a button strap that would click into the transmitter. These worked fine. The s3 W.I.N.D. transmitter however has a button-on transmitter that attaches to the strap--while its attached to you. This design allows that strap to stay affixed to you, while the transmitter is removed.

The comment below didn't happen! I still rubberband the sensor, but it didn't come off that day.

[Unfortunately, on a recent run, the transmitter popped off without me knowing it. After I pay the $65 (!) for a new unit, I will fix this problem by attaching the unit with a rubber band. This problem should not dissuade you from buying the unit--but you should use the rubberband trick.]

Polar RS800G3 Multisport GPS Computer Heart Rate Monitor Watch with FREE USB 2.0 Interface

2009-08-28T12:58:00.001-07:00

Product Description

Polar's RS800 training system was initially launched with the s3 stride sensor for runners. With the introduction of the G3 GPS (global positioning system) Sensor to the system, the new RS800G3 multisport training system enables athletes to measure speed and distance for a variety of outdoor sports including running, cycling, kayaking, hiking, canyoneering, in-line skating, cross-country and downhill skiing.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #2517 in Sports & Outdoors
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90031765
* Released on: 2007-09-05
* Dimensions: 1.00" h x 2.00" w x 12.00" l, 2.00 pounds

Features

* Multisport training system with wristwatch computer, GPS sensor and FREE USB 2.0 Interface
* Lets athletes track speed and distance in variety of active pursuits
* Highly accurate wireless heart rate gauge, interval trainer, and more
* Lightweight, water-resistant GPS sensor talks wirelessly to wristwatch
* ProTrainer 5 software for uploading up to 21 planned training sessions

Amazon.com Product Description
Boost your training regimen with Polar's RS800G3 multisport training system, the most comprehensive planning and analysis tool for athletes who train across multiple _disciplines. The RS800G3 bundle includes a wristwatch, a heart rate transmitter, a software CD, and a GPS sensor, and is ideal for multisport athletes who want the ability to track speed and distance measurements in a variety of active pursuits, such as running, cycling, hiking, kayaking, cross-country skiing, and inline skating. By employing the RS800G3's integrated information setup, athletes can plan their routines, measure their bodies' response, and analyze their performance against personal goals. And because the RS800G3 provides the data that helps athletes avoid over- and under-training, users can train in the most efficient manner possible to achieve peak performance and fitness.

Customer Reviews

Great system, slightly better than the Garmin 405 for my purposes but . . .4
I was somewhat disheartened by the two earlier reviews, sounds like the first person didn't even have one but felt compelled to share I guess . . . I purchased one anyway and have been using it for a few weeks. My first run with it was the Country Music Marathon in Nashville. 26.08 miles was the final reading. Not too bad for right out of the box. Pace did seem to jump around but I have changed the record rate to 3 seconds and it seemed to fix the problem. I wore the receiver on the back of my shorts (where I usually wear my ipod) - probably not the best location and maybe why the marathon distance was off, but I haven't got around to trying the arm band yet. The receiver is only slightly bulkier than my Nano, not really noticeable when clipped to shorts. Takes 20-40 seconds to lock.

I had an rs200 that really worked well so I was familiar with the menu structure. It does take a while to get used to but with all of the display and measurement options, I was able to find a setup that gives me exactly what I am looking for. I was using the web based software for recording my data from the rs 200 and haven't used the PC based software that came with this new watch yet. Too bad Polar doesn't support Mac . . . The WIND heart rate strap is coded so it doesn't interfere with other monitors but as mentioned before, it doesn't work with most gym equipment either but you can still just wear the watch to check your HR. I am thinking about getting the footpod for gym workouts. Once every other day or so, I will accidentally hit the start button but I always hear the beep and turn it off. Has a function where you can identify the shoe (up to 3) you are running in that day - great if you alternate between shoes and want to track mileage on each.

All in all a good system. I wear the watch daily - it's not nearly as large as the Garmin 405 (the other option I considered). I would have gone with the Garmin if it was able to be worn as a regular watch and you didn't have to recharge the battery periodically. 4 stars for lack of Mac support.

Hope this helps.

Polar Multisport GPS Computer Heart Rate Monitor Watch RS800CX G3

2009-08-28T12:58:00.000-07:00

Product Description

Silver case. Silver and Black bracelet. Digital dial. Fixed bezel. Quartz movement. Water resistant to 30m / 100ft. Includes a wristwatch, a heart rate transmitter, chest strap, a software CD, IrDA USB 2.0 Adapter + Software, and a GPS sensor. Wireless ECG accurate heart rate monitor. Polar Sport Zones. Polar OwnCal. Polar Fitness Test. Polar OwnZone fitness trainer. Route elevation/altitude profile. Programmable Interval Trainer.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #23121 in Sports & Outdoors
* Brand: Polar
* Model: RS800CX G3

Polar F4 Men's Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Black Thunder)

2009-08-27T22:45:00.000-07:00

Product Description

The F4™ Black Thunder heart rate monitor from Polar® combines all the necessary heart rate features with a new, slim design. It includes the popular Zone Pointer feature that helps keep you in your Target Zone and OwnCal® to track the calories you burn during your exercise. With a stopwatch and convenient button-free operation, the F4™ is a valuable fitness tool. A T31 Coded™ transmitter is included.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #3338 in Sports & Outdoors
* Size: One Size
* Color: Black Thunder - Unisex
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 90033748
* Released on: 2005-10-02
* Platform: Windows
* Format: CD
* Dimensions: 3.00" h x 5.00" w x 7.00" l, .50 pounds

Features

* Slim heart rate monitor watch with a sleek design is ideal for monitoring your heart rate while exercising
* Zone Pointer mode displays where you heart rate fits within target zone
* OwnCal function shows your energy expenditure during 1 or many sessions
* Time in Target Zone calculates amount of total exercise time spent in zone
* 24-hour clock with day/week indicator and stopwatch; 2-year warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
Featuring a new, slim design, the F4 is packed with innovative training features to help you toward your exercise goals, including:

* Zone Pointer: A visible and audible feature on the display of your heart rate monitor showing your target heart rate zone and where your current heart rate is within that zone.

* Polar OwnCal: Shows your energy expenditure during one exercise session as well as your accumulated kilocalories during several exercise sessions. You can set daily and weekly exercise goals in terms of calorie expenditure with the OwnCal feature. Because the OwnCal tracks both the energy expenditure during one exercise session and the accumulated kilocalories during a longer time (e.g. one week), it helps in achieving both short-term and long-term goals.

* Fitness Bullets: Shows a bullet on the monitor's display for every 10 minutes spent exercising/training in your target heart rate zone. The Time in Target Zone feature calculates the amount of total exercise time spent in your personal target zone. You can use this feature together with the Total Exercise Time to determine the effectiveness of your exercise program.

Key Features:

* Display of heart rate, exercise time, and average heart rate
* 24-hour clock with day/week indicator and stopwatch
* Large easy-to-read display with split screen
* One-year average battery life
* Water resistant to 30 meters (100 feet)

Manufacturer's Warranty
The original purchaser of this heart rate monitor is backed by a limited warranty that states that this product that the product will be free from defects in material or workmanship for two years from the date of purchase.

Note:
Polar heart rate monitors are precision instruments; consumers are not advised to change their own battery. Polar recommends that all service be done by an authorized Polar Service Center which will include a warranty for 90 days on repairs and 6 months for batteries.

About Polar
The first EKG accurate wireless heart rate monitor was invented by Polar back in 1977 as a training tool for the Finnish National Cross Country Ski Team. The concept of "intensity training" by heart rate swept the athletic world in the eighties. By the 1990s, individuals were looking to heart rate monitors not only for performance training needs, but also for achieving everyday fitness goals. Today, the same concept of heart rate training is being used by world-class athletes as well as everyday people trying to lose weight. Polar is the leading brand among consumers, coaches, and personal trainers worldwide and the company is committed to not only producing the best products, but also being the leading educator on the benefits of heart rate based exercise.

Customer Reviews

Simple and easy4
This watch is simple to use. The instructions are very easy to follow. It's fun being able to see my heart rate while I'm exercising. It works with the heart rate monitors on the equipment at my gym. I don't have to hold on to their handles. The signal is transmitted from this heart rate monitor to the treadmill, elyptical, or whatever, and shows up on the screne.
I wish the watch had a stopwatch and a light. No such luck.

Straps get yellowish, buttons cracked.3
I received this watch as a Christmas present in 2005. I have been using it for the past 6 months (average 2x per week). I spotted this exact watch but with yellowish straps at an expo from Polar after I got my watch for only 2 weeks and was diligent about keeping it clean, but to no avail, it turned yellowish after about 2 months and now it just looks dirty and old, the face is still the original "ice blue". If you are thinking about this watch, buy the black one.

After I started using it, I wished I went with another model since this one doesn't store any previous data. I track all my runs and sometimes I forget to record before my next run and I lose all my previous data once I press "start". In addition, it doesn't have a stopwatch. Once you press stop, it thinks you're done with your workout instead of just a pause or break so you can't track your actual total workout time. I just let it run even when I am at stoplights or water break. If lap feature is important, go with another model. Another complaint about this watch is that there's no backlight. I have to wait till I run under a street light to see my data. The data sheet said it has a backlight but I can't manage to find it.

Today both the buttons cracked and fell off my watch. Now it's useless.

I still have the most basic model from Polar (bought in 2000 and it's discontinued) that only monitors my HR and that thing still works because there's no buttons to push. Polar makes good HR monitor and I would still buy another one from them. Just not this one.

Great watch5
This is a great heart rate monitor watch for the money. I've been using Polar watches for quite some time and think this is the best I've owned. I recently tested/compared this watch (F4) to Polar's M61. The F4 provided more accurate numbers regarding my calories burned (which is the most important thing for me--heart rate and calories burned). I wear an Apex Body Bug that also monitors my calories. When compared to the Body Bug (which is extremely accurate) the F4 was on the money. The M61 only showed that I burned about 1/2 of what the F4 and the BodyBug showed. I also wear my F4 while swimming (which I cannot do with the BodyBug). So far, this was held up great to all conditions. I'm considering purchasing another as a back up or in case Polar for some unknown reason discontinues the watch. Great product!!!

Polar CS Series Speed Sensor Set

2009-08-27T22:44:00.000-07:00

Product Description

Wireless sensor that provides current, average, and maximum speeds. Easy attachment and aerodynamic design.

Product Details

* Amazon Sales Rank: #9767 in Sports & Outdoors
* Brand: Polar
* Model: 91026629
* Released on: 2006-09-21

Features

* Compact speed sensor for Polar CS Series cycling computers
* Lets you monitor speed and distance during high-spin workouts
* Measures current, average, and maximum speeds, plus distance
* Includes handy bike mount for easy installation
* Compatible with CS100, CS200, and CS300 models; 2-year warranty

Amazon.com Product Description
An ideal accessory for cycling enthusiasts, the Polar CS Series wireless speed sensor measures cycling speed and distance via a magnet rotating on the front or rear wheel. Then, once you've completed your workout, you can download the information to one of Polar's CS Series cycling computers for further analysis or goal development. The data, which includes current, average, and maximum speeds along with total distance completed, helps you make the most of your high-spin workouts. The sensor is shipped with a Polar bike mount for easy installation and is backed by a two-year warranty.

Customer Reviews

Speed Sensor5
Works perfectly and is great to view your speed and distance after a ride. IN the set comes with bike mount too, make sure you don't do as i did and order another mount separately

El complemento ideal para el pulsometro CS200 Polar5
El producto fue entregado a plena satisfaccion, y cumple con todas mis espectativas de compatibilidad con el equipo Polar CS200