Both Garmin and Polar have a healthy competition for some time now in the heart rate monitor market. Although the company had an upper polar hand over all their competitors, Garmin has quickly become a force reckoned with. Arctic since the first ECG monitor had been in 1977. By the early 90s, they had people running for their products. Garmin on the other side were originally in the GPS market, but haveconcentrating its resources in this industry, and it was worth it. This year alone, they are releasing two new heart rate monitors, the Garmin FR60 and 310XT. The following is a brief overview of the Garmin 310 and the Polar FT80 Heart Watch.
Garmin 310 data
The Garmin screen will swim as the first proof-heart rate monitor with GPS capabilities. It revolutionized the world of the heartMonitors. It shows just training and heart rate data in its huge screen. The other great thing about this monitor is that reading is both cycling and running data. This makes it an ideal tool for triathletes that need all the data that they can get. It also fits comfortably on the handlebars of bicycles.
Polar FT80 Overview
The FT80 Polar Heart Watch is a stunning piece of engineering. His revolutionaryDesigns set him above most other competitors. The FT80 is definitely not an ordinary heart rate monitors with innovative features such as the integrated console. This helps the user to get the maximum efficiency of their workouts to ensure no time and energy is wasted. It has to monitor the heart rate target zones, on average, and has Polar's "unique OwnZone and ZonePointer functions. These make sure that you stay within your training. In some respects it is a security measure.
Downside
The drawback to both the Garmin 310 and the Polar FT80 Heart Watch is the price. Both are wearing quite a price tag. The other problem will receive the user who is big. Both the heart monitors look like oversized watches. These are not design flaws.
Overall Assessment
Overall, the 310 and FT80 are all big dials and either one will certainly get your> Heart pumps. The FT80 Polar Heart Watch is a perfect indoor training tool, while the 310XT works perfectly in the open. So if you are looking for strength, quality and durability, only one of these Garmin or Polar monitors go well for you.
I agree that this unit, the one with a replaceable battery, is the only way to go. This transmitter unit works just as I wanted it to with my receiver. It seems like it is made well, and of quality materials. Only time will tell, but I have used it frequently since I got it about a month ago, and I am very pleased.
I got the Medium-XXLarge size, and it fits me well. But I'm a guy 5 foot 8 and 180 pounds. So I'm not skinny, and I'm not fat. I'm kind of medium build. And the belt doesn't have much more adjustment available to get larger. So if you are large, you might want to see if there is a larger size available.
Polar's coded technology ensures that the user picks up only their heart signal, and not the signal of another heart rate monitor nearby. With millions of HRMs in use today, there's a good chance that someone working out next to you may also have one on. Interference from any other HRM is now eliminated and an accurate signal is ensured.
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.
The RS800sd adds in running speed and distance, and our newest feature, running cadence, with the new S3 Stride Sensor W.I.N.D. The RS800sd can be fully integrated into the adidas adistar running tops and shoes, to create the Worlds First Integrated Training System.
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.
In order to reach your fitness goals, you need to exercise at the right intensity. Designed for goal-oriented runners, the Polar RS200sd 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. It's great for both beginning runners or more experienced runners preparing for competitions. With the included S1 foot pod, you'll be able to take advantage of the RS200'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. Use the Polar Sports Zones and the Event Countdown Timer to manage your training for that key 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. The RS200 offers up to 16 exercise files with summaries, date and time, and total calorie expenditure. This model features a red and gray face and strap, but it also comes in black.
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's a great choice for using in large groups, where other exercisers might be using wireless training gear that could interfere with your own signal. The RS100's coded transmission prevents crosstalk with other monitors so you'll get a personalized workout--even in a class environment. It also includes the following exclusive Polar features:
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 Review: Polar RS200sd
It's a very practice and functional product. It has a very friendly software, with every function you need to monitorize your trainning. Why for stars? Because of the SonicLink system that bring me some connections problems.
Customer Review: great heart monitor with lap feature.
had a polar f6 before, fulfilled my need for a lap feature. the foot pod was larger than i thought it would be, have not used it yet. would recommend this hr to a friend.
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.
 The RS300X helps you to train at the right intensity with personal training zones. |
 This RS300X G1 comes with the G1 GPS Sensor. |
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Features include:
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 Review: Love it!
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.
