Customer Reviews

Polar FT80 Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Black)

5 star:		(21)
4 star:		(15)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(9)
1 star:		(21)

 

 

Sadly I must report quite a bit of disappointment with this product:

1) The screen is so poorly contrasted it's nearly impossible to read except in the best of light and the backlight only makes it tolerable -- and only for 5 seconds in a row.

2) I've unfortunately fallen victim to a problem that has affected hundreds of people as represented on the Polar forums -- the inability (over time, randomly) to synch to the web service. This bug is a software/synch. issue between the watch, windows software and the web service. It prevents the upload of your training results and if you're using the STAR program means you don't get the adaptive training routine downloaded to your watch. Further, it means you don't have access to the snazzy zone/interval graphs.

3) The feature set is misleading as it comes to being able to use certain functions; the realtime graph and rest interval display is really only available in the strength training routines and not for general aerobic activity as defined by the training program you choose on the web service.

4) There's no basic interval timer.

5) The buttons are difficult to operate and the bottom button requires more force than the top to push.

If you're a runner or cyclist, this is probably a fine watch, but the FT60 looks like a much better unit that you can actually *see*

Some of these might seem like minor issues, but I am basically left with a watch that does less than my $80 Mio Drive watch that doesn't require a chest strap for the pulse reading.

I'm very disappointed with this purchase.

Be very, very sure what sort of activity you wish to monitor for this price...and the screen absolutely sucks.

I can't see how this would be released as a saleable product. That picture to the right is NOT an accurate representation of the display...

I purchased an FT-80 just prior to Christmas. Whilst I was fairly happy with it for the first couple of weeks (the dim back-light and anemic audio tones notwithstanding), I came across a significant bug in the workout data tracking that renders it useless. There is clearly an issue with the firmware or the memory - after my Monday workout the stats for the week switched to 255 sessions, 65535 calories burned and 99:59:59 hours of exercise. Anyone familiar with computers will realize the significance of these numbers - it looks like the entire data slot got corrupted.

I thought this might be an isolated incident until I checked the Polar forums for the FT80. The posts are full of people complaining about this same issue, along with a host of other issues. There has been no official response from Polar, which is extremely poor. I contacted Polar technical support and have not heard back yet.

I strongly suggest anyone considering this model checks the Polar forums here:
[...]

Figured I would expand on my review now that I have used the product now for quite some time.

Overall I think the FT80 is worth the price, and is a fantastic tool that has completely transformed my life and motivated me to workout more. I will outline the the pros/cons below and hopefully I can shed some light on some other reviews as well from having the product for so long now.

What I love : The star training program and fitness test have worked as my complete motivator and those two features combined have helped me get back in shape after a longish layoff. The star program helped me not overtrain and burn myself out in the begining which was very important and the improvements shown in ownindex kept me motivated along with the trophies.

The design is great and I get complimented on it all the time. I have never had an issue with the display, yes it is reverse black/white but once I got use to it I actually prefer this now.
It was dimmer, but now the contrast is even brighter.(more on this later)

The transmitter is very comfortable. VERY. I have used every transmitter on the market, this is the most comfortable. I also have a Numetrex Tshirt with the strap built in I wear all the time. This GETS RID OF THE STRAP COMPLETELY for you users who are new to HR transmitters and feel you won't like it.

Polar's customer service here in the states is phenomenal. Unfortunately I had to talk to them though:(. I was one of the first people in the US to buy the Ft80, I worked in electronics for a long time, and I knew the risks of buying a 1st release. Software always has issues, in fact every OS I have had since the inception of computers have had problems that updates have fixed -- this computer was no different. After 6 weeks of using the star program the software in the watch froze up and gave me some crazy numbers and wouldn't let me download. Next morning I called Polar and got right through , spoke to a guy who was super nice and confirmed the problem to be a bug in the software that required a firmware update - no problem that is what I figured. But wait - I can't just update it from my computer? They have to do it?? Ugh..

So the nice cs guy walked me through a repair ticket thingy on their website and off it went back to Polar.. I was slightly annoyed I had to send it back because I have grown so fond of using it every day. So I went to the post office, sent it back(polar gave me a free label) and off it went this was a Monday. I get an auto email next day from Polar telling me they got the package, great.. That night I got home to find another email- this time a funny one telling me its on its way back and I don't have an excuse for not exercising now..lol. I laugh because they were right, I wouldn't workout without it hehe. I got the package back Thursday afternoon with everything fixed. DISPLAY brighter and a hand written thank you and I'm sorry card with little Polar hearts on it..

Afterwards I spoke with a rep at a local marathon - and he confirmed that the first version of FT80 had a bug and he guaranteed everything was fixed entirely and some even brought back from stores for the firmware to be updated.

So in all, I have used it about 5 months since the update and it has become an essential part of my training.

The product would have got 5 stars from me if:::

1)The Firmware at that point and in the future could be updated by me, automatically from my flowlink when I download.

2) The strength training was more versatile. And I could save my own workouts instead of using the preset ones.

3) If the Website could have an upload feature so I can share my workouts of Facebook.

I sincerely hope this helps peoples buying decisions.

I can't believe how stupid i was to purchase the Polar FT80 without researching any reviews of this product. Now that i've learned my lesson thanks to Amazon, no more purchases without first checking Amazon reviews.

My previous Polar HR monitor was an Accurex. I had this for nearly 20 years and it was flawless, but is not Mac compatible and finally the serial port transmitter stopped working. Time for a new unit! The Polar marketing literature on the FT80 makes it look so cool and functional. But the FT80 is really another story.

The display is extremely difficult to read, and in fact impossible to read in many lighting conditions. It is a low contrast negative display and it does not have a "brightness" adjustment. Can you believe it!?! Who would design such a thing. So you are screwed if you want to brighten up the very dim dingy yellow green graphics (that's right, they are not white as every picture would indicate!!!) Every picture i have seen of the FT80 marketing literature, and from Polars web site, shows this unit as bright white numbers and graphics. Nothing could be further from the truth! The display can't be read UNLESS you are in a very well lit room or sunlight.

AND then in well lit rooms or sunlight, you have to contend with the immense glare from the face of the polished plate glass. Really, you are screwed in either direction.

When I called Polar to ask if there was a way to adjust the brightness, the rep was curt and said the information was on their web site. To her defense, she must be very tired of handling they myriad of calls each day of complaints about this product display.

Then a few calls later, i finally received the instructions to enter into the diagnostic mode. Believe me when i say the keypress sequence is so tricky, that you will literally have to try over and over for an hour to get the "timing" of it just right so that you can even enter into the diagnostic mode...but a little determination you will succeed. I digress!

In the diagnostic mode you can adjust the LCD contrast. All this does is change the BLACK background to less black. This does nothing for the already near impossible to read display and actually makes it more difficult to read. After talking to Polar again, i learn that the factory has optimized the display settings before they send it to you. The moral of this frustrating experience is "don't waste your time trying to adjust the contrast as it will only frustrate you more".

What Polar forgot to design in was a "brightness" control. What really upsets me is Polar's marketing literature which has obviously "tweaked the product photos of the display" to indicate a beautiful bright white graphic display. Anybody ever hear of truth in advertising? BUYER BEWARE. Polar's direct sales are final sales and can not be returned. Although, I will try as the advertising pictures and literature is dishonest!

I rely on Polars superior product performance. Imagine your on a run and trying to stay within various HR limits, and then the HR data goes all screwy and chaotic - loosing transmission, then wrong HR, then settling down back to what you would expect. How could the transmitter be all screwed up in the FT80 - but apparently it is.

The G1 - can't begin to describe how disappointed I am in this performance or difficulty of use to get even a signal. It's not what you would expect in a GPS so please research the features carefully before you purchase the G1. It appears to my shock to only provide average speed and distance...huh? There does not appear to be any mapping, or terrain, or area covered with the details of routes and speed, no way points - nothing!

The "user" manual that comes with the FT80 is hardly "useful" and not worth the paper its printed on. It's very sparse on the exact steps and explanations of features. There are so many features of the FT80 and website interaction that are not documented, that it will leave you researching and making calls for days on end until you get it figured out, and i doubt you will get it all figured out.

I still believe in Polars superior products overall, but the FT80 is a waste of money and time.

Sadly, the unit is near un-useable due to the display alone, not to mention the erratic behavior and poor GPS integration -- anybody want to purchase my "new" FT80G1? Its your for a song!

I just received this watch and have only worked out with it once, but so far, it is great. I did a bit of research on this watch, and the biggest complaint seemed to be the screen. A lot of people were complaining that theirs was too dim and they couldn't see it inside. I had absolutely no issues with it; perhaps it could have been a little brighter, but at no point during my jog did it require more than a quick glance.

The reason I got this watch was the strength training aspect. The idea of having something monitor your rest period really intrigued me. I have to say, it seemed to work as well as one could hope. You can create workout programs through Polar's website, although the site is still clearly geared toward runners. They have a very limited number of pre-set lifting exercises; however, it is extremely easy to create your own on the site.

The watch works extremely well while using it for cardio. It works with the cardio equipment at my gym. It also breaks your rate into three different zones and makes it very easy to see which zone you are in.

Synching the watch with the computer is very easy. It comes with a USB device that allows you to synch easily.

The watch fits really well, although I have a slight issue getting the watch off due to the clasp. It's not a big deal, but I do feel that could have been designed better. The watch looks good enough to wear in casual situations.

I'll try to update this review as I use it more; I just wanted to get a review up here. I was trying to gather as much information on this watch as I could, and I was struggling to find any reviews on the web. So far, I'd recommend getting this watch if you want to use it for cross training. You may want to see it in person if you are concerned about the screen's brightness.

1. Screen Face
a. Okay, let's get the controversial characteristic addressed first. I will admit I waited to buy the FT80 because the black face had so so much negative reaction to it in reviews and blogs. I never saw the black face product in person, but I do own the white face version now. I see no issues with the contrast and ability to read the display-indoors or out. One may argue the size of some of the characters or symbols, but let's be realistic; there is only so much room to display so much information, and old age is old age. That is not a fault of the watch. I will admit those who commented on the reflection of the highly polished watch face have a valid point. A sexy good look has its drawbacks. It is possible to have reflection obscure viewing the readout, but it is definitely manageable and in no way a deal killer.
2. WebSync
a. This is the software and device that transfers data from the watch to the computer. I am not yet completely comfortable with this yet. I had the F55 and the IrDa infrared system before. That just worked- no thinking or tinkering. It just worked. It was consistent and reliable. You could watch the process unfolding. I hope with time I get accustomed to WebSync as well. It does work, but I encountered several times where I got half way through synchronizing and it hung up. Eventually it went through with repeated attempts. If you suffer with this, I did a number of things- including re-installing the software, but what seemed to work was changing a few screens on the watch and it seemed to be happier. I would be happier if it just loaded and went through. I don't want to tinker with it. I just want my hard work and earned data transferred quickly so I can analyze it. This is annoying and I give it a push.
3. Ease of Use
a. Ease of use is relative. If you have owned Polar products before, then you understand how Polar organizes information and how the selection trees work. It took me some time to figure out my F55 initially, but once I did, we became great friends. The FT 80 is much improved for user friendliness. I am also an individual who reads everything before doing anything. I read the manual in advance- so by the time I got my watch, I was already very familiar and prepared to jump right in.
b. Polar, in my opinion, does a very weak job of explaining how to get workouts in to the watch from the computer. I was stymied for a while, but here is your answer- create the workout(s), put them in your favorites, drag them to the calendar to any day in the future, sync the watch, and if you don't want those workouts on the days you dragged them to, just delete them, but the workouts will be in the watch- even after you delete them from the calendar. Quirky, but also not a deal killer and I grade it as a push too.
4. Polar Training Software
a. My F55 did not have enough features or capability to really require much software to give you meaningful feedback. For all intents and purposes the software was just a data repository, but for the FT80 there is much more capability. I will sum it up to say this; there are some really nice features, analysis, and graphs, but they are buried in different levels and screens. Looking at it now, it appears Polar had developers create different features and loosely cobbled them together. My advice is to dig into each section, each screen and look around. There are little nuggets and tid bits scattered throughout the program, but not immediately obvious. With a little work it could be so much better. What would be really cool is if they could get the FT80 added to the list of compatible devices with Training Peaks. Hello Polar, are you listening?
5. Final Comment
a. Working with the Strength Training feature- where the device tells you when to start the next rep is an interesting feature. Admittedly I have not worked with this very much, but I have a theory. The feature does work, but it appeared to stop working for me. I came to the conclusion that on my subsequent reps I wasn't using sufficient intensity to drive my heart rate high enough to create sufficient stress. I then moved from weight training to skipping rope. I found it much easier to drive heart rate to get the feature to work. My suspicions were confirmed when I viewed the graphs. During the weight lifting reps the graphs had sharp peaks and were closer together and not as high as skipping rope. The rope graphs were higher, well formed peaks, but more rounded and very smooth. My speculation is weight training drives the heart rate quickly as opposed to skipping rope where it more rolls on and is slightly more sustained. Expectedly, the recovery time is a function of the same behavior- spiked heart rate= short recovery, and longer more sustained effort = longer recovery allowed. I think I will have to lower my weight, but concentrate on pushing reps later in the set with more intensity so I can drive the heart rate longer and higher. I really wonder how this feature might help those who want to bulk up using high weight and few reps.....
6. Conclusion
a. It's sexy, sleek, powerful and an awesome tool. Like any tool, it has a purpose and requires the user to apply it correctly. I think I learned from this device right from the first use. I had long suspected my weight lifting intensity was too low, and I think this device exposed that immediately. I'm going to put ego aside and what I think I know about perceived exertion and take a more scientific approach to my training and put trust in this product. That which gets measured gets done, and we know the results by the outcome. Putting this product on your wrist won't change anything, but it will tell you how to change your behaviors so you can get the results you desire. Keep in mind diet, rest, and proper attitude are the other ingredients that compliment workouts to be successful. I believe this product will help newbies, but will also help folks like myself who have used HRM for years and closely monitor many aspects of their fitness. I'm looking for an edge and more efficiency, and I need a device to give me important feedback on aspects I cannot determine or know myself. I recommend the product. Buy it if you know what you want from it.

I purchased the FT80 back in December of 2008. The first few months were horrendous.

I like most who were early purchasers ran into the issue with the bad firmware version which caused issues with the Star program. And like most I ended up having to send it back to them for service on my own dime. Initially I'd called customer support and they had given me the wrong info about what was wrong with it, even though there were litterally 100's of people on the forums having the exact same issue. It was incredibly frustrating having spent 350 dollars on a HRM.

This bring to my biggest current gripe about this HRM. There is no way to update the firmware remotely. The only way to update the firmware is to send the unit in. In this age where I can update my stereo receiver firmware from 5 years ago remotely. It is unfathomable that a product that is marketed as a heart rate computer, does not have a method to have its firmware updated remotely.

My next biggest gripe is that there is no way to export the data to a computer readable format so that 3rd party applications can read the data. This is another thing that should be basic to an HRM at this level.

My next gripe, is that they label this a computer, but there is no way to load 3rd party applications to it which would be a godsend. The ability to create an interval app for it would be wonderful. If you are going to label something as a "Computer" it needs to have basic computer functionality.

My next gripe is that the face scratches super easily. This I remedied by buying a Zagg plastic cover ($20). Definitely worth it if you wish to protect your investment. But I don't understand way a $350 model would scratch so easily.

Now that I've had the firmware updated and bought the cover for the face. It's been running as designed for about 5 months now. I could not imagine working out without a HRM. But I still get so frustrated since it was such a good start to a concept but so terribly implemented, and worse so poorly supported after initial release. They make Toyota's Customer Service issues look mild by comparison.

Hopefully some HRM maker will shortly realize the value in creating a true Computer HRM that will allow custom apps to be created for it, and will allow full export of workout data for use in other applications. Polar would be served well to go to fewer models and simply limit the memory for apps and let people upload whatever they want to them. They would sell so many more than this business model of trying to maintain 30+ products that only do things slightly differently.

Hopefully they will learn at some point.

IMPORTANT NOTE: As of 2/18/2010 many resellers are still shipping watches with a firmware that is over a year old that was fixed with a new firmware update over a year ago. MAKE SURE you call and get a watch with the latest firmware update or you will end up having to send it in for repairs on your own dime to get it fixed. Not to mention if you buy from the seller that Amazon points you to on this product, its not even covered under the Polar Warranty. Amazing that Polar has still not dealt with this issue. My info is based on a couple of posts on the Polar FT80 forum in the last couple of days. BUYER BEWARE!

Update 11/2/2011 - Going to leave my review at a 3 star review. I had one more issue before the warantee ended. One of the buttons just fell off. Thankfully I found it at the gym and was able to get it fixed. It's been plugging away since then. I did have to replace the chest strap after 2 years, but that seems reasonable. But note, you can buy just the chest strap for 20 bucks. No need to buy a new transmitter also. Thankfully it is still working. If I had it to do over, I'd probably go with the FT60. But at this stage its working well, and I can't complain. Hopefully it will work for a few more years yet, to make up for all of the initial problems.

Great watch... except for the display, its fatal flaw. Outside during the day it looks great, with almost as much contrast as you see in the product picture. However, indoors it definitely is less legible than normal black on white watches. Furthermore, the crystal is very reflective - not a problem outside with only the sun, but in the gym the display is made harder to read by the multitude of reflections from the various lights. It's not illegible, but you have to work to make it out. Also, the largest time display (which is very large and easy to read) leaves out the seconds ; there is a display mode that shows the seconds but this one wastes half the screen space with an FT80 logo.

On the bright side, the battery is user replaceable, as in all the new FT watches, so you don't have to send it away for replacement as recommended with the older Polar watches. Furthermore, it's actually a very thin watch, almost 50% thinner than my old Polar F55 and a Timex Ironman watch I had, so it's comfortable to wear as a normal watch.

If it weren't for the display and crystal, this would be a great watch. If they come out with a firmware update that lets it display the normal black on white I'd recommend it without reservations. As it is, the FT60 might be a better buy - it's legible, and is missing only the stopwatch, OwnRelax, and strength training functions from the FT80 (according to Polar's comparison site).


Update after two weeks:

It's grown on me. I still wish it had a normal display mode, but the lack of contrast makes it more decorative. I wear this as a normal watch, which I didn't with my FT55 due to its appearance and thickness.

I've discovered one annoying additional quirk - if you don't set it to autolock you actually have to press two buttons to make it lock.

I also started using the Flowlink attachment - it's super cool. Basically you can just set your watch down upside down on it when you get on your computer and it'll upload your training sessions automatically - a very convenient feature, it's no longer a big production to do this.

There used to be many more reviews for this watch in the 3-4 range, the all disappeared along with mine so I'm rewriting it.

I've had the FT-80 for 3 months, using it an average of 5 days per week and the Wearlink+ strap that came with it has started to fail by intermittently showing heart rate of 0 or 200+ when I'm not even exercising. I believe the problem has occurred because I like the strap tight - otherwise it has a tendency to slip down. Over the course 3 months of continual use something inside has probably started to pull apart from the tension. If you have an hourglass shape (i.e. chest/lats much broader than your waist) this will probably happen to you, so make sure you get an extra strap when buying this product.

Aside from the strap issues I've found the FT-80 to be pretty good at helping me to stay in the heart rate zone than I'm targeting. It's great for cardio workouts, HIIT, or any workout where you really need to make sure you are pushing yourself. I initially purchased this one over the FT-60 because it has a weight training program, but frankly I'm not sure it's worth the extra $$. Unless your heart rate varies significantly between reps and rest it will not always detect the end of a set. This can sometimes happen if you are working a small muscle like triceps. You can always increase your intensity, but this does not always help. Also, I've noticed that the weight training program does not differentiate between heavy weight sets and light weight sets and will tell you to start a new set too early sometimes. So, say you are doing a heavy weight set. Obviously you will need a longer rest than if you just did a low weight set. But the FT-80 will tell you to start again based on your heart rate - not your muscles actual readiness, so be mindful of your muscle's actual state of readiness otherwise you could seriously hurt yourself (drop a bar on yourself) if you try to start another heavy set before you are ready.

I give the 3 stars because of the lack of durability of the strap and because I don't think it delivers enough extra value (weight program) to justify the higher price than the FT-60.

*****UPDATE: downgraded to 1 star because the watch is dead 9 months after purchase. It froze and nothing I did would get it unfrozen, so I had to remove the battery. Upon putting it back in it never restarted (blank screen with faint glow). Resetting does nothing. It's a paperweight now and I'm pretty sure it's past any kind of warranty. Do not buy.

My Polar FT80 arrived about a week ago. Since then, I have used it daily to track my workouts. It is fairly easy to begin to use with just a few buttons to learn their function. Within 10 minutes of looking over the monitor, I was out running with it. My training is for playing ice hockey. I have used the watch while playing hockey with great success. Initially I didn't see why I would need the G1 GPS device. However, almost as soon as the watch arrived I realized that I needed to order the G1. The G1 tells me not only the distance that I have run, but it gives me the speed too. All of my workout data is automatically imported into the Polar Personal Trainer website. My heart rate is shown on a graph and I can see what zones my training took place in. Having my information for each workout gives me great incentive to keep working. Using the Flow Link is very easy. Plug the Flow Link into a USB port, set your watch on the pad and it downloads all your training data in seconds. To use the GPS G1 device, you set your watch/monitor to receive the G1 signal, push a button on the G1 and you are ready to run. I am looking forward to trying this system for monitoring my workout while kayaking, rock climbing, skiing and mountaineering.

I have read that the watch screen is too dark. Indeed it is. It would be better if the watch screen was the inverse color scheme. However, with a little eye strain the watch/monitor is viewable. It's not a fatal flaw. The device is both easy to start using and more complicated to really know. I find that a good thing because I was able to get started easily yet over the next few weeks, there are many new things I can learn about training and how to use this device. It's a shame that one can't use a GPS indoors. Isn't there a way Polar can design a way to get distance information indoors? I would like to know the distance I skate in a hockey game. Probably my most serious problem with these devices is that there are a number of things to keep up with. Suddenly jogging requires a somewhat clunky arm band (gps), the watch/monitor and the chest strap. Then to download I need the Flow Link. To me, it is worth dealing with all the technology, especially when I can view my workouts in detail. You might even find yourself wearing the monitor on a hot date...just to see your hearts response!

The FT80 was chosen by me because I wanted to upload my training data so that I could track and motivate myself. The FT60 was considered, but I would have to add the Flow Link anyway. In the end, the price difference was small. If possible, get the G1 GPS device, it will really add to the information that you get from your monitor. I found mine afterwards for $119. If you like technology and want it to help you with your workouts, you will love this heart monitor. Even if you are not so wild about electronic gadgets, this one is simple to use and provides incredible data. It has become as important to me as my skates, stick and running shoes.