Cycling Computers Reviews

Polar RS800sd Heart Rate Monitor Watch with Free IRDA USB 2 0 Interface

The Polar RS800sd Running Computer is a complete system for planning, monitoring and analyzing your training. It provides an optimum combination of features for elite level athletes and their coaches. With the new Polar WearLink transmitter W.I.N.D., the Polar RS800sd is part of the world’s first integrated training system together with adidas running gear. It also comes with the new Polar s3 stride sensor W.I.N.D. for detailed speed/pace and distance tracking, and is compatible with Polar G3 GPS Sensor W.I.N.D. It provides information about your heart rate, exercise history and goals, running and cycling speeds and distances, as well as weather, time, geographical bearing, and more! Array of helpful weight management features Altimeter Weather, temperature and barometer Compass Clock with day/month, alarms and stopwatch Computer connectivity and data transfer capability

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Excellent Acquisition
RS 800 is really a complete device offering all the important information during and after training. It is really better than I expect. It is possible to have information of pace, distance, calories, etc. You can keep data on memory and can go back and verify how was your training in the previous day or week.

I really enjoyed the product.

4 Stars Very Satisfied
I have this product for three weeks now and I am still using mostly the heart rate monitor function alone. Last week only I synced it with my laptop and transfered all the workout information. It took me a while to connect to laptop but the transfer was seemless. I would recommend this product if you are seriously planning to work on a training schedule otherwise this is way expensive for any other purpose.

4 Stars RS 800
So far a good product both on and off of the treadmill. I run about 30-50 miles per week. I enjoy using this product and I have had no problems with the recording of my exercises. The program is very similar to old polar programs and it was easy to start using the program from my previous polar watch. I do have one button that does not work well it is the light button. Not sure if I will send it back to have this fixed or not, but a little annoyed that I enjoy the product but have this glich that should not be there.

1 Star Don’t waste your money
This is one of the worst products I have purchased in the last 5 years. The one I bought never worked properly. The heart monitor would not pick up, the stride-pod never could be properly calibrated, the watch could never seem to connect with the computer and when it did the software was defective because it would not let you adjust the downloaded workouts to fix errors in distance recorded by the defective stride-pod. On top of everything else, the thing eats batteries like they were candy. I finally gave up and just tried to use it as a $400 stopwatch. Putting in a new battery for the fourth time in less than a year, I got a “error” with a code 169 on it. The Polar site user site says to send it in for service. I’m going to send it to the trash can instead. This is an expensive piece of junk. Save your money and buy something else

2 Stars I love polar – just too many problems with this one
Polar heart rate monitors have helped keep me in shape (and get me back in shape when I fall behind). I like the data this product collects, but the battery dies too quickly and the IRDA/Vista problem is just too much to rate this product highly. IRDA works fine with XP, but once I went to Vista, I found myself fighting with the watch to transfer the data. It never seemed to transfer on the first try (shutting down the program, restarting – even restarting the machine was required). I have a great computer (so that’s not the problem) – just Vista…

Also, whenever I left data in the watch too long, the battery died. Also, the Stride Sensor (W.I.N.D.) also had battery problems — it should last much longer than it does.

So, I will have to get back in the market for another product (I just wish that, for the price, I had purchased a HRM that would last longer for me).

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Polar F6 Mens Heart Rate Monitor Watch Black Coal New Design

Are you getting the most out of your gym workouts? The Polar F6M is the optimal heart rate monitor watch for group exercises like spinning and dance classes. Coded transmission prevents crosstalk with other monitors so you’ll get a personalized workout, even in a class environment. More than just a stylish model, the F6 is an excellent exercise motivator. It includes guidance with OwnZone to automatically establish your personal target heart rate zone, and feedback with OwnCal to track your calories and percentage of fat burned, making it a perfect exercise companion. It also displays the time of day! Zone Pointer Fitness Bullets for every ten minutes in target zone Maximum heart rate of total exercise Average heart rate of total exercise Exercise Date SonicLink, exercise data download from wrist unit to Polar web service or SW Polar Precision Performance analysis SW Exercise file info page with date and time Exercise Time (total) Time in target zone Target zone limits Average heart rate of total exercise Calorie expenditure (Exercise/Total/Fat%) Fitness Exercise Diary Heart rate (displayed as bpm and % of maximum heart rate) Visual and audible alarm in target zones Heart touch, button-free operation of wrist unit Heart rate sets – pre-program favorite exercise settings Manual target zone (% / bpm) Automatic age-based target zone (% / bpm) Time of day (12/24h) with alarm Display text in English Polar T31 coded transmitter Polar WearLink 31 coded transmitter (changeable battery) compatible Polar T61 coded transmitter compatible

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars transmitter problems
I love this thing but I certainly didn’t get the life I was expecting. The transmitter no longer works and I have to get a new one rather than replacing the battery. I only got it in April and this is June. I am not even sure I can find where to get one! IU actually have two of them, plus an older one

5 Stars love it my first heart rate monitor
I love my polar black dimond heart monitor!

If this is the first heart monitor you will love it…the strap seems uncomfortable but is not! At the end of the day I barely notice since I put under my sports bra. And the cool thing is that it does send the information to the treadmill and you don’t have to watch on you wrist instead.

Also I like the fact that I can download my work out to the polar site and track how many calories I have burned. Is pretty easy.

I didn’t buy from amazon because they don’t have the best price yet.. I paid $ 94 because the site I bought price match jomashop site. 5/2009

I am only 5f short and not a super petite skinny girl.. and I like the way the watch looks!

1 Star Intermittent Operation – Disappointed
The Heart Rate Monitor worked okay for about two months then became unreliable. The heart rate goes in and out of lock. Wetting the chest band helped in the beginning. The watch display started to fade after about one year. I was so disgusted with the reliability I decided to try replacing the watch battery myself….don’t try it. I disposed of the watch/waste band in the trash…….no loss. The watch/chest band must be retured to a dealer for battery replacement. After reading HRM reviews I decided to buy the Timex Heart Rate Monitor at Costco for $39 (user replaceable batteries). All I need is a HRM that will show I have reached my target HR, I do not need all the bells and whistles, it’s on the workout equipment.

4 Stars Easy to Use & Helpful
I purchased Polar F6 because my trainer told me it was one of the best HRMs in the market, so I took his word for it! For a beginner, as myself, the Polar F6 was easy to use and program, it is VERY helpful with monitoring my HR during my workouts and I feel the benefits of working within zone. The F6 provides easy to access data and keeps a record of your workouts to note progress. Overall is a good quality HRM and I am sure I am not using it at its full capacity…but for my basic needs, the F6 was a great investment.

3 Stars Ok Product
I really liked this Heart Monitor but had major problems with the chest strap. I had to tuck it under my sports bra for it to stay in place and not end up around my waist. I had it the tightest it could go, if it could have been a little tighter maybe I would have kept it. However, after reading into the Motiva Mio heart monitor I realized that to get an accurate reading you need the chest strap. So I might purchase this one again….

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Polar Bike Mount CS Series Twist

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Polar CS200 Cycling Computer Heart Rate Monitor

The handlebar-mounted Polar CS200 combines all the features of a high-end cycle computer with a fully functional heart rate monitor–the Polar Wearklink 31 coded transmitter. It 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. The CS200 also adds a number of additional sophisticated functions, including memory of your last seven rides, downloading ride date to a PC via microphone, indication of whether you’re above or below your average speed, and the ability to predict your calorie expenditure. 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
• Wireless 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.
• Cycling Economy/Intensity: Enables you to foresee your calorie expenditure and secure sufficient intake on a long ride. This feature is also useful for comparing and analyzing the loads of various training types.
• Compatible with Polar T31 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.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Excellent Product!
Owned since it first came out a few years ago, still performing well. Does everything it should and does it well.

5 Stars Works exactly as advertised
I have had the CS200 for a couple of months. It performs exactly as it says it will in the owners manual. Very impressive!

1 Star beware of non polar dealers with super low prices
yes your getting a great price but polar wont honor warranties from non polar authorized dealers. these people buy from 3rd parties thats why the price is so low. so if some tech prob goes wrong just throw it in the garbage because you wont be able to fix the problem.

5 Stars Did the research … and it paid off
This is a great product for those who are simply looking for a reliable, wireless computer that efficiently tracks timing, mileage, speed, and heart rate. As I am training to both compete as a road cyclist and maintain cardiovascular fitness, this product seemingly had all the details I required. Like all products/investments, I researched several computers and read countless reviews. Every product has its share of negative feedback. It all comes down to what you what parameters you require, and whether or not you want additional cables/wires vs. a wireless setup. If you seek the aforementioned parameters, I would highly recommend this computer. Great product! 400 miles to date.

1 Star Never worked
I bought this to replace a old but functional Echo W-1 that doesn’t have heart rate monitoring capabilities. Installation was as expected, though the mounts for the CS200 are cheap and cannot be adjusted after the unit and sensors are installed. This is disappointing considering that much cheaper cycling computers have better mounts. I was never able to get the speed sensor to work. The computer never got a reading, despite spending an hour trying different mount configurations.

Ultimately, I chose to return this. Lots of message boards complain about broken/erratic Polar speed sensors, so I’ve remounted my old but reliable bike computer.

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Polar RS400 Heart Rate Monitor Watch

Designed for the active endurance athlete who wants to improve his or her performance by planning, monitoring and analyzing training data, the Polar RS400 wrist heart rate monitor helps you to easily and accurately measure your heart rate to help you get to just the right intensity or your exertion level. The RS400 has one of the largest displays in the industry and a fully user-configurable exercise view with countless combinations. And it comes with Polar’s ProTrainer 5 software–the most advanced and dynamic training, planning and analyzing software on the market. Easily prepare a detailed training program and transfer your daily training plan to the RS400 via a wireless infrared connection.

With the optionally available S1 foot pod, you’ll be able to take advantage of the RS400’s Speed and Distance functions, such as speed, distance and pace per kmph/mph, target pace (with alarms and differential), trip odometer, run distance, totals for mileage, calories and time training, and summaries for distance and speed/pace.

Heart rate monitoring includes maximum heart rate (fitness test-based and age-based), maximum/average of total exercise and of each lap (up to 99 laps), three target zones, and audible alarms. It also offers such timing features as time of day (12/24-hour display), dual time zone, day and date display, stopwatch, and alarm with snooze. It features an oversized display, easy to manipulate buttons while on the run, and a comfortable WearLink fabric transmitter. It also includes the following exclusive Polar features:

• Polar Sport Zones: Polar sport zones provides an easy way to select and monitor the intensity of your training and to follow Polar’s sport zones based training programs. The training is divided into five zones based on percentages of your maximum heart rate: very light (50-60%HRmax), light (60-70% HRmax), moderate (70-80%HRmax), hard (80-90% HRmax) and maximum (90-100% HRmax).
• Polar OwnCal: This feature 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.
• Polar OwnZone: This feature guides you through an appropriate warm-up routine and automatically determines a safe and effective exercise heart rate zone–your OwnZone–while taking into account your current physical condition.

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.

User Ratings and Reviews

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

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

3 Stars Excellent watch
Excellent watch, the main problem is that when running in the gym with the Life Fitness machines, the heart rate lectures vary drastically.

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

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

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

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