Customer Reviews

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

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(6)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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.

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).

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.

Bought this in the springtime to go along with my SX627/725. I do like the GPS sensor, it wasn't important to me to be able to download my routes. What I especially like is that paired with the Polar software I can create a very varied set of phases/intervals for my runs. The software is a tad tricky to use, but I like being able to load in my walking warm-up, a running warm-up then speedwork intervals of miles at a certain pace followed by a 1/2 mile recovery jog and then a final running and walking cooldown. Mine came with the new footpod, too. Much lighter and easier on your foot when you need to use it. As for the not working with cardio equipment in the gym/fitness center, I didn't care about that either. The new WIND heartrate strap is much more reliable than the old strap for talking to the watch, with the 625 I did experience heart rate dropouts at various times. I've had good battery life with the G3 GPS sensor. If you keep up with updating your program in the provided software you'll get a battery life indication for your speed sensor(s), watch and heart rate strap. Can't wait to see what Polar comes up with next.

So, unlike the other reviews I've read, I've been using the RS800G3 for several weeks now without any problems. So people state that their results are choppy, mine are consistently accurate.

The device isn't intuitive, but doesn't take much effort to learn. Utilizing the online help via Polar's site, I was able to figure out everything I'd need.

I run 64bit Vista Ultimate on my computer at home, there was no need to install drivers for the infrared link. In addition, while mildly annoying, it needs to have line-of-sight to the watch face for accurate transfer. But Polar conveniently added a USB extender cable so I could place it on top of my desk.

Overall, besides the lack of documentation, I'd give the product a 5 out of 5. However, my bike and running routes are open urban trails... I'm not sure how the G3 GPS sensor would function between buildings in New York.

I bought this to use for training for the NY marathon '07. Although the instructions were very badly written and the software is poorly set out I think with some messing round most people will be able to figure out how to use it. It was a great way to track my progress on the watch as I trained although the infra red download features do not work with Vista or a Mac (only old versions of Windows). It was also useful to keep my heart rate steady during the race when adrenaline had me champing at the bit, the large screen made it easy to see the key measure. These can be adjusted to show speed, HR, cadence time or various other measures. The GPS sensor is ok as an averaging speed /distance tool over the whole run but not great for your current pace or if you want to extract your gps coordinates also it only has a battery life of around 7hrs. If you want to use it a lot then I suggest you get some rechargeable batteries. I would recommend this watch as a useful tool but do not buy it if you think your going to be downloading data into you computer and tracking your progress in detail on screen.

I don't run a step without it anymore. The watch is great, the GPS unit not too big. You don't have the battery problem like with Garmin or others and every important data you need is handled. I am finally happy with a Polar product.

This is the fourth Polar HR monitor I've owned, and I upgraded to try to get the GPS features. While the watch (receiver) is good and the HR function is good and I've had no problems downloading as others seem to have had, the GPS is terrible. The unit eats batteries (when it works) and usually doesn't seem to work. It hates rechargeable batteries and new, fresh batteries (non-rechargeable) only give it about five or six hours (when it works).

I gave up on the GPS and tried to get a speed sensor for the bike, but I couldn't get that to sync with the receiver -- I worked on it for a while, and eventually returned the speed sensor. Anyway, basic functions are good, the watch is attractive and relatively small, and on the odd occasion when I can get the GPS to work, it's a cool toy.

Not the easiest heart rate monitor to use. I had to read the manual multiple times. I still have not figured it all out and I can't seem to store my files.

It does all I want it to and more, but it is not intuitive. Plan to spend quite a bit of time reading through and practicing with it to get what you want.

Good but no for Bicycle. The Cadence doesn't work with RS800, only work with RS800CX.