Customer Reviews

Polar S725X Pro Team Tour de France Edition Heart Rate Monitor Watch with Free Cadence Sensor

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I purchased the s725 as single device to replace my heart rate monitor and bike computer. The s725 seemed to offer all the cycling features, in addition to being a full featured heart rate monitor. While it was certainly not cheap, I am satisfied with my purchase.

In terms of cycling features, it offers everything you would expect: speed, altitude, temperature, cadence and power (both with optional sensor). Both the speed and cadence sensors are wireless and have worked very well despite my worries (I don't own the power sensor, so I can't comment on how well it works). The only time I have encountered interference is when I'm using my HID headlight, and even then it doesn't happen very often. My only gripe here is that both the speed and cadence sensor are kind of big and ugly. Also, the speed sensor can only be mounted on the front of the bike (or so they say). I'd like to have the option to mount it on the rear wheel so I can record speed and distance while using an indoor trainer.

The more general features of the s725 really set it apart from other HRMs. First, each type of data, including heart rate and all of the cycling data can be recorded for the duration of your workout. You can select a sampling rate of every 5, 10, or 15 seconds to ensure the s725 has enough memory for your workout. I record every piece of data except power at 5 second intervals and can usually store about 8 hours of exercise. This is very convenient since you don't have to download your data after every workout.

While I'm on the topic of data recording, I should mention the included software since it is a key piece the s725's appeal. Using an infrared link you can download and manage your workouts using Polar's software. It keeps track of your workouts using a calendar view and allows you to see (and customize) graphs for each of your training sessions. Additionally, you can program the watch (intervals and other options) using the software, saving yourself the fumbling with the small watch buttons.

Anyway, back to the main functionality. During your workout the screen shows three rows of data, which you can rotate using the various buttons on the watch. I like to keep heart rate in the large middle row and then rotate among cadence, time and other pieces of information in the top row as my workout progresses. If you go outside any heart rate bounds you have set the watch will warn you by blinking the heart rate display or emit an audible signal.

So what's wrong with it? My biggest gripe is that the interval training functionality is very inflexible. An interval is defined in terms of heart rate or time, an optional recovery period after each interval and the number of interval repetitions. This means that every interval must be exactly the same. Unfortunately, I have some interval workouts where each interval is a different length. There is no way to program this into the watch so I have to punch the "lap" button every time I begin/end one of these intervals and monitor the lap time throughout the interval. An HRM in this price range should really have more flexible interval configuration.

Before I wrap up, I should mention that the chest strap is vastly improved and much more comfortable than prior models. All but one short segment, which sits in the middle of your chest, is entirely flexible, even the electrodes.

Maybe it's an unfair comparison. You can find the S150 online at lots of places for about $80; the S725X is a lot more (although I found it for $250 at Colorado Cyclist). In many ways I was happy with the S150: it appeals to my cheapskate heart, lets me record avg and final HR during intervals (which I simply counted off as laps). Gave me HR AVG and Max for the workout. I never used the cycling functions. Not as nice as my cyclecomputer and the limited data recording didn't really give me any incentive to hassle with that aspect of the HR.

Why I upgraded: S150 only records ONE training session. If you press the wrong button and start a new recording session you lose your data. Interference. The bike path runs under high power lines. Suddenly your heart rate is 220 or just disappears. First off this ruins the HR Max function (no, my heart rate didn't hit 220). Secondly, I often ended up having to cancel and restart the session to get it to start working again, which meant erasing the data (and sometimes feeling like I was trying to guess the size of the fish that got away--the erased data must have been for my most awesome interval set ever!). And of course, the S150 doesn't let you download your data via IR into your computer.

On to the S725X. First, the screen has FAR better contrast and legibility than the S150. I found the menus more intuitive and the manual easier to read, but perhaps this is because my familiarity with the S150 helped me to follow Polar's logic. THis baby is packed with features. You will need to read the manual several times before feeling comfortable with all the functions. I found it very easy to configure, install the speed sensor and roll out the door. Interference from the high power lines is less of a problem (the coded transmitter may help somewhat), but it remains a problem and what is worse, is that it affects reception of speed and distance data as well. I suppose I may just put the wired cyclecomputer back on, but that means I give up being able to plot HR vs. Speed on the Polar Software. (or will I end up having the cyclecomputer and polar measuring speed simultaneously). Because the S725s can be set up to record data every 5 sec, those gaps while cycling on the path are less problematic than losing all data with the S150. In any case, you can record multiple training sessions, so even if you end up starting a new session (say, after you stop for a coffee), you won't lose the one you just closed out.

The nicest feature of the unit is downloading workout info to the software. If you don't have IR on your computer, you can save some money by buying a USB IRDA (I got one for $5) rather than shelling out the $50 that Polar charges.

It also does some interesting tests which purport to give you an indication of your current fitness (an estimate of VO2Max) and of your recovery (based on comparing resting to standing HR). Because the unit tracks those values over time, it can give you an idea of how your training is progressing.

Bottom line: If you don't regularly ride under high-power lines and you can forego the fancy plotting capabilities of the S725X, you could save a bunch of money and go for the older model. It is a good value. If you have the cash to spend, the S725X will help you measure and track your training with geek-like precision. I HIGHLY recommend Joe Friel's Total Heart Rate Training book too. Lots more detailed info than in his Training Bible, much more clearly presented than in recent books by Sally Edwards.

I have used a number of different Polar HR monitors and they seem to be getting better. I use the S725x for mountain bike training, road bike, interval training on a trainer, and for running. The altitude function is nice to have, so is the temperature readings. Once, I repeat only once, I was able to get the date downloaded to my Mac using a special serial adapter I had to purchase. I used this with iSmartTrain software (a great training aid).

Polar engineers would be well advised to figure out the battery problems. (There must be one old engineer at Polar who is stubborn and does not want to face the facts that batteries wear out, and we customers do not want to send the watch back to pay for the batteries to be replaced). By the way, I go through a lot of batteries, both in the watch and the strap. I just replace them myself, and things seem to work fine. I dont like the fact though that the warranty is supposedly void if you change the batteries yourself. Their is a thin o-ring like gasket on the backside of the watch, when you replace the battery you have to be careful with this.

Range of the wireless signal is not that impressive. I purchased the cadence pickup and the bike wheel speed/distance pickup. Nice that they are wireless, but the range from the receiver to these transmitters must be close, and this matters when you want to record indoor training on a trainer (rollers would read off the front wheel of course..).

Alarms: When using the HRM in bike mode, there is some reason, that I forget now, that the S725x can not sound alarms for out of range pulse rates. This is frustrating, since I have to watch out and listen for a PSVT attack.

Interference from bike lights. I use a Light in Motion Li-Ion light for night rides. These pack a lot of power and I am not surprised that when I use it, it interferes electro-magnetically with the S725x and basically I cant use the HRM when I use the light.

Overall, it is a good training tool. I just have a bad attitude towards Polar for (1) the poor battery replacement issues, and (2) no Mac capability.

It's not the be-all-and-end-all of training, but it's by far the most useful thing I've bought for my training in a long time. I'm a veteran of heart rate monitors, having used them for nearly 20 years now. I've used Nike, Timex and Polar HRMs, and Polar is the only one with which I've had consistent results. They're the most expensive, and you pay through the nose for features which should be nearly free, but the base function, your heart rate, is rock solid.

I wouldn't recommend getting this without the foot pod (mine came with), speed sensor and cadence sensor, based on what sort of training you do. I'm a triathlete, so I have all three, and they're highly useful. With the infrared interface and included, easy-to-use software, you never need to record the basics of your workout. This greatly simplifies record-keeping, which has been proven to be part of improving fitness level or athletic ability. Simply enter the information you want, the rest is recorded automatically.

Calibration can be slightly tricky (hint: use a GPS), but installation of the foot pod and sensors is trivial. The user interface is not the best in the world, but most people will likely become used to it shortly.

I don't train without this useful piece of equipment anymore!

I have been an avid fan of heart rate monitors ever since I got my first Polar HRM about seven years ago. It was a basic model that just showed heart rate. Very helpful, and it still works. I'll be passing that one off to a family member soon. After that Polar, I upgraded to a Timex 5F011 Bodylink System. For that review, check out:

Timex Ironman T5F001 Unisex 100-Lap Target Trainer Heart Rate Monitor Watch

And look here for the rest of the Bodylink System:

Timex T5G751 Data Recorder 2

Timex GPS Speed & Distance T5F891

I recently upgraded to the Polar s725x, which is marketed primarily as a cycling computer, but will also work as a running computer, much like its sister watch, the Polar S625X Heart Rate Monitor Watch, which comes with the running S1 Foot Pod.

A couple of reasons why I bought this particular HRM:

1) It counts calories fairly conservatively and -- I think -- fairly accurately

2) It's a multisport watch

3) It is compatible with my VidaOne Diet & Exercise software for Windows (www.vidaone.com)

4) It will download workout data to my Palm Tungsten T3 with VidaOne Palm software installed (see my old review of the T3) PalmOne Tungsten T3 Handheld

5) It has a huge amount of memory

6) It has a Fitness Test that calculates your max heart rate and your VO2 Max.

Back to the issue of calories... I used to get really excited when I would work out on the rowing machine and see the huge calorie count, only to find that I had gained a pound the next day. Most calorie counters just base their calculations on weight. The Polar series watches take into account not only your weight, but your sex and your age.

This watch is a multisport watch... It has five programmable Exercise Sets, plus the Basic Set which has no predetermined zones. I've used it for rowing, aerobics, walking, etc. Though, as one reviewer said, the interval training feature could use some improvement.

The watch is compatible with my diet and fitness software... I use VidaOne software for my weight loss, mostly because of its huge functionality with the Palm OS system. If you just want something basic, there's Weight By Date [...], but that is more nutrition-based than it is both nutrition AND fitness. If you want something more comprehensive, you can go with CrossTrainer 6 [...]which has a robust analysis software for Windows, but is severely lacking the Palm OS department. Both CrossTrainer and VidaOne can import Polar HRM data files directly, but only VidaOne will allow you to download your Polar data via IRDA directly to into the VidaOne software.

VidaOne also has Polar HRM software for both the Palm and Pocket PC, so you can download the data directly after a work out and do your analysis. This is really important if you're cycling (or hiking) and rest for the night and want to see how you did that day.

The Polar s725x has a huge memory capacity. I can log 14 hours of work outs, which have heart rate, work out time, zones, altitude, and temperature. Your memory will be less if you activate the speed & distance and cadence features, but even then, most people aren't away from their computer that long... I always download my data daily, so I haven't run into that problem. The default setting of the watch is to take a sample every 5 seconds, but if you increase it to 15 seconds or 60 seconds, you can store tons of exercises!

Finally, I like the Fitness Tests as well. They tell me if I've fully recovered and how my health is.

I really like this watch and recommend it or its sister watch the s625x, which is basically the same thing. I'll miss my Timex Bodylink watch with all of its features, especially the GPS, but this new watch is now my training tool and I'm happy to have it along on my journey towards improved health and increased fitness.

WOW. I was about to get the Garmin 305, but after looking closely, I rarely get lost and have Google maps on my Cell Phone. If you are looking to really track your fitness, the s725x if for you. I have heard the complaints of no pause, and yes there are versions that don't include that, but the new software enables you to view, cut and paste to cut out what you don't want. I like the HR to continue when I stop so that I can judge my recovery and conditioning. If I want just my riding or running, I just cut out the down time which is simple in the software. Great tool that really makes training fun! I also just purchased foot pod and it seems to work very well too!

The product works well. I love the included software, as it really gives me the motivation I need.

I have found that the product, like your training will give you as much as you put in. The more time I have spent learning the capabilities and how optimize the set up for my needs the better the product seems.

For the poster who commented on attaching the speed sensor to the rear wheel, I made the switch to the rear wheel a few weeks ago when I shifted my training indoors and have had no problems

The S625x or S725x are still the best option for heart monitors. Robust, reliable and accurate. I already owned several suunto and Polar devices after I sold my S625x but I had to return to them.I just bought the S725x pro and this is again a great product, very nice looking and contains all the features to improve your performance. Go for it!!!!

This is my second Polar computer. The first, a Polar S720i I had for several years and worked great. Control functions are all easy to program and use, as well as the software to load up all data onto your PC after a ride. The only 2 drawbacks is Polar's failure to acknowledge that some people have Mac's and therefore the software needs to be able to support both Mac and PC. Second is the fact that customers need to be able to change their own battery instead of sending it in. Once they fix the design error with the battery and the software problem I will mark this item as 5 stars.

I purchase this item with great expectation especially after all the rave reviews given.

I got my item about 2 weeks back and happily installed the cadence and speedometer on my bike. However, it is sad to note that it does not seems to work.

I verified that the device got the signal as light was blinking everytime the magnet went pass the receiver but the watch was receiving the information very slowing , like about 3 secs after I spin the wheel and did not even stop until about 5-10 secs after the wheel stop spinning.

Speed reading is also erratic and wrong. For example, Speed reading from the watch suggest that speed was increasing from 15km/hr to well above 20km/hr even though I only spin the wheel once and it is visibility slowing down.)

Having said that, the HRM function was very good and it also works well with the G1 Polar GPS I purchase separately.

Anyone can advice what is happening on the bike ?