Polar RS800G3 Multisport GPS Computer Heart Rate Monitor Watch with FREE USB 2.0 Interface

by Polar

Product Features

• Multisport training system with wristwatch computer, GPS sensor and FREE USB 2.0 Interface
• Lets athletes track speed and distance in variety of active pursuits
• Highly accurate wireless heart rate gauge, interval trainer, and more
• Lightweight, water-resistant GPS sensor talks wirelessly to wristwatch
• ProTrainer 5 software for uploading up to 21 planned training sessions

Product Description

Amazon.com Product Description

Boost your training regimen with Polar's RS800G3 multisport training system, the most comprehensive planning and analysis tool for athletes who train across multiple _disciplines. The RS800G3 bundle includes a wristwatch, a heart rate transmitter, a software CD, and a GPS sensor, and is ideal for multisport athletes who want the ability to track speed and distance measurements in a variety of active pursuits, such as running, cycling, hiking, kayaking, cross-country skiing, and inline skating. By employing the RS800G3's integrated information setup, athletes can plan their routines, measure their bodies' response, and analyze their performance against personal goals. And because the RS800G3 provides the data that helps athletes avoid over- and under-training, users can train in the most efficient manner possible to achieve peak performance and fitness.

Although all of the items are important, it's the wristwatch that acts as the heart of the system, with such features as a highly accurate wireless heart rate gauge, a built-in fitness test, an interval trainer, a host of calculating options (including average and maximum heart rate, altitude and ascent details, and a countdown timer), and the ability to record 99 exercise files. In effect, the watch serves as a digital personal trainer, helping guide an athlete through detailed workouts of his or her own design.

When combined with the G3 GPS sensor, however, the system is even more robust. Incorporating the SiRFstarIII chipset, the G3 GPS sensor talks wirelessly to the RS800 watch to let athletes easily measure speed and distance for a variety of outdoor sports. The G3 GPS sensor is also water-resistant and weighs only 80 grams, making it tough and light enough to withstand training in the harshest of conditions. Simply strap the GPS sensor to your arm, a belt, or the top of a backpack and you're set.

Finally, Polar's ProTrainer 5 software--a Windows-based application for training planning and analysis--lets athletes and coaches easily create and share specific training plans and analyze recorded data. Users simply transfer the data between the computer and the wristwatch via a wireless infrared signal. The software can upload as many as 21 planned training sessions to the wristwatch, along with insightful graphs to track performance.

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.

Product Description

Polar's RS800 training system was initially launched with the s3 stride sensor for runners. With the introduction of the G3 GPS (global positioning system) Sensor to the system, the new RS800G3 multisport training system enables athletes to measure speed and distance for a variety of outdoor sports including running, cycling, kayaking, hiking, canyoneering, in-line skating, cross-country and downhill skiing.

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 12 x 2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B000VRACXM
• Item model number: 90031765
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #119,321 in Sports & Outdoors (See Top 100 in Sports & Outdoors)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

32 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great system, slightly better than the Garmin 405 for my purposes but . . ., May 6, 2008

By 

Travelling Architect (Tennessee) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Polar RS800G3 Multisport GPS Computer Heart Rate Monitor Watch with FREE USB 2.0 Interface (Sports)

I was somewhat disheartened by the two earlier reviews, sounds like the first person didn't even have one but felt compelled to share I guess . . . I purchased one anyway and have been using it for a few weeks. My first run with it was the Country Music Marathon in Nashville. 26.08 miles was the final reading. Not too bad for right out of the box. Pace did seem to jump around but I have changed the record rate to 3 seconds and it seemed to fix the problem. I wore the receiver on the back of my shorts (where I usually wear my ipod) - probably not the best location and maybe why the marathon distance was off, but I haven't got around to trying the arm band yet. The receiver is only slightly bulkier than my Nano, not really noticeable when clipped to shorts. Takes 20-40 seconds to lock.

I had an rs200 that really worked well so I was familiar with the menu structure. It does take a while to get used to but with all of the display and measurement options, I was able to find a setup that gives me exactly what I am looking for. I was using the web based software for recording my data from the rs 200 and haven't used the PC based software that came with this new watch yet. Too bad Polar doesn't support Mac . . . The WIND heart rate strap is coded so it doesn't interfere with other monitors but as mentioned before, it doesn't work with most gym equipment either but you can still just wear the watch to check your HR. I am thinking about getting the footpod for gym workouts. Once every other day or so, I will accidentally hit the start button but I always hear the beep and turn it off. Has a function where you can identify the shoe (up to 3) you are running in that day - great if you alternate between shoes and want to track mileage on each.

All in all a good system. I wear the watch daily - it's not nearly as large as the Garmin 405 (the other option I considered). I would have gone with the Garmin if it was able to be worn as a regular watch and you didn't have to recharge the battery periodically. 4 stars for lack of Mac support.

Hope this helps.

42 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars WARNING - Great Sports Watch, but no GPS logging, November 14, 2007

By 

Runner "Runner" (SFO) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Polar RS800G3 Multisport GPS Computer Heart Rate Monitor Watch with FREE USB 2.0 Interface (Sports)

Great improvement over the Polar S625X as far as usability and relability of the telemetry HR is concerned, but

- the GPS only tracks speed and distance, but you cannot download logging data to map where excactly your run or bike got you to and

- the Infrared interface is pretty much a design fault, as you have to hold the receiver directely over the watch în an uncomfortable postion, as it is IR end on the watch is so badly located.

In conclusion:

If you have already a Polar Watch like the 625, save the money.

If you want a top-of-the line Polar with improved usablity, this is an option (except IR interface)

If you want to visualize your run or bike on Google Earth, get a Garmin Forerunner 305 (rather bulky and HR difficult to read).

16 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars RS800G3, March 18, 2008

By 

Pedro (park city, ut) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Polar RS800G3 Multisport GPS Computer Heart Rate Monitor Watch with FREE USB 2.0 Interface (Sports)

I normally train for races w/ both a heart rate monitor and a gps watch(garmin 201). I have used a Polar F11 for a few years and it finally died on me(partially my own fault). I was psyched to see that polar now offered a combo unit so I ordered the watch.

The heart rate function is for the advanced user and is very good. The watch is completely programmable and takes some time to figure out, not a big deal. My one complaint about the HR function is that it's not compatible w/ cardio equipment at the gym. During nasty weather days or for speed work, I'll sometimes hit the treadmill. The HR strap uses a different freq, so it doesn't show up on the treadmill readout. The polar f11 didn't have this incompatibility problem.

My biggest complaint is with the GPS function. Having used gps watches extensively, I am familiar with their limitations. Unfortunately this unit seemed much more susceptible to errors due to terrain and other factors. In fact the pace function was mostly unusable, bouncing between a 12min/mi to a 5min/mi while at a steady 8min/mi pace. Later, while running a race with a buddy who was using the garmin 305, we continually compared readouts. Again my watch was all over the place while his was very consistent.

I ended up returning the watch and will wait for the new garmin forrunner 405. I sent an email to Polar with the same critique and hope they will be able fix these issues.