Customer Reviews

Polar S410 Heart Rate Monitor Watch

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It's a discontinued model and Polar tech support is null. The word on the street is that Sonic Link through PC Coach software does not work, or at least reliably, with Vista or Windows 7. I write this only in case you want some info on the watch.

The heart rate monitor itself is fine, but they all work fine now. The problem with this one is that the Sonic Link feature used to upload your work outs into the computer simply does not work with anything close to practical reliability. Period. I've spoken with a tiny number of fortunate souls who've had luck with theirs, but the overwhelming majority of people I've run into, like me, pull their hair out every time they try to make it work. Every time I have to use it I basically have to sequester myself into some quiet room in the house, hold my breath, suround everything with pillows and soft materials, pray for mercy and then . . . usually within 12 or 13 tries it works. It's absolutely ridiculous.

I've called Polar numerous times to discuss and they have always told me it's not the HRM but my computer settings. The problem with that convenient response is that I've tried it on 5 different computers in the past couple of years and with at least as many microphones, always adjusting the audio controls as I go, and the results don't vary. It doesn't work, Polar doesn't care, and I spent several hundred $ extra for an HRM that really doesn't do anything more than your basic $79 unit. Avoid this thing like the plague. And avoid Polar as well if you have any hopes for customer service. Truly the most disappointing piece of equipment I've ever owned!

This is an excellent Heart Monitor and training aid. I upgraded to the S410 from S210 which I used for 5 yrs. Both are excellent monitors, but the ability to upload your exercise info to your computer is well worth the extra $20-30. All you need to upload is a computer with a sound card and some type of microphone. I use the microphone on my headset and it works great. Seeing your workout graphed is quite helpful. For me the most important feature of the both the S410 and the S210 is they work virtually flawlessly in the water. If you are willing to invest a little time in reading the manual and setting it up correctly, you will not be disappointed.