Strengths: Cheap for Polar (I have never seen it at £70 - I think I paid about 50-60 Euros in France). Brand Leading reliability. Lightweight and comfortable.
Weaknesses: No independent stopwatch function. No Heart rate recording function. In fact... no special functions!
Overall: I am a religious HRM user for almost all the different fitness-based sports that I enjoy (running, cycling, rowing, x-training etc.) and I have had several different HRMs over the years (three from Cardiosport and then this one).
This model is a simple and useful training tool if (and only if): 1) you are familiar with heart-rate training target bands, recommended durations & max-min determination so don't need preset programs etc. 2) are happy to do without many of the functions sold in up market models (calorie burn, heart rate memory, PC interface, coded signal to avoid interference etc.) 3) are looking for brand-leading quality and 4) can still find this on sale!
For me its biggest drawbacks are lack of recording function and lack of independent stopwatch (both of which were on the first and much cheaper Cardiosport model I had in 1995!). It has a light which automatically triggers when you bring the watch close to the chest strap (as you must do if you wish to see the time whilst using it!). It has upper and lower range alarms and a preset time alarm. It records time in use and time in band. And that’s about it! The interface is a bit fiddly (setting modes etc.) You can't change the chest strap battery (as you could in older models by Polar and Cardiosport) so when that dies you'll probably find it cheaper to replace the whole unit than buying a new strap. However it is compatible with the older straps if you have one.
Overall I am not stunned by this model which is a step backwards in function and a step forwards in price from those available 10 years ago (even adjusting for inflation). It seems that Polar took out a lot of the useful functions of their original models and put them into only the more expensive models currently available now that HRMs are more popular. Oh well... guess it makes them money!
But it's needed only one battery change in two years of very regular use so I have had good value from it and I would conditionally recommend it to others.
Performance
40%
Reliability
80%
Value
60%
Overall Rating
60%
MY REVIEW
You need to be a member to post a review. You can join here free.
Average Rating: 3 out of 5
