Customer Reviews

Polar S610i Heart Rate Monitor Watch

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

 

 

This is my third heart rate monitor; I decided to upgrade to a model that could upload workout data to a PC, and this was the least expensive Polar model with that ability. Specialized versions that can double as bicycle computers cost only a little more, but I don't ride much anymore, and my road bike already has a computer, so I decided those capabilities were worth nothing to me.

Pro:
* The s610i works. Period.
* The "WearLink" chest strap is more comfortable than other chest straps I have used.
* It comes with logging and training software, and you can upload performance data to a website run by Polar for comparing with friends.
* It works with either "sonic" or infrared connection to your PC or PDA. I use infared. Transferring data for a one-hour workout takes only a couple of seconds, and the watch can store many workouts between uploads.
* You can set the watch's time, date, and other variables from the PC, which is much more convenient than trying to program it with the buttons on the watch itself.
* It is easy to get extra parts, so that you can keep a heart-strap at home, and another in the gym, for example.
* Though I will never be a competitive athlete, I find that this monitor, and the knowledge that it logs all my workouts, help me stay motivated. I work out harder and more often, as I feel the watch is looking over my shoulder, and I don't want to leave a blank spot in the automatic training diary.

Anti:
* The watch's software design is terrible. You have to click buttons over and over again to get anything done, and it's not always clear which button will have what effect.
* The documentation was clearly not written by a native speaker of English, and many passages are opaque. You will end up figuring out how to use features of the watch by trial and error. I failed to log most of my first workout entirely because of bizarrely phrased directions about how to pause the monitor.
* The watch is garish and looks silly with a suit.
* The software is PC only and doesn't seem to export everything if you want to analyze your heart rate data in other software, or on another machine (it will export some of the information that was recorded, including heart rates, but not others, including time stamps or workout descriptions).
* Polar's USB/Infrared adapter, which costs extra, is completely incompatible with Macintosh. You can buy software that will analyze Polar's data on the Mac, but you can't use this adapter to move the data over. Instead, you need to buy a serial to infrared adapter, and a USB-serial adapter, and connect them together. This is slower and somewhat maddening.

Would be 5 stars, but battery replacement has to be by Polar.

I had the S610 (no "I") for 4+ years. I use it 30-45mins 3-5 days a week depending on my cardio schedual.

Then the battery needed replacing. No jeweler would replace battery. They didn't want the liability. So I replaced the battery to my old s610 myself..and I could not IR my data back to my PC, everything else worked. Something I did, or just age caused my IR not to work.

So if you have this watch, do NOT attempt to change the battery. Send it back to polar unless you want to spend the $$$ to buy a new one. That is why I had to purchase the s610i, to replace my old s610

What can I say about the S610i? it is a great HRM. The "wearlink" or whatever they call the hrm chest sensor that now comes with it is a HUGE improvement over the old sensor.

At one time CardioSport was ahead of polar in HRM's. That is no longer the case. I looked all over to find something similar to the S610 and couldn't. Great HRM, buy it you won't be disappointed

I have owned my S610i monitor for just under a year now and I firmly believe that this heart rate monitor has delivered the features exactly as described by the Polar company. The bundled software, though basic in nature, does allow you to view several informative charts and graphs, which gives you an extensive workout history to base your progress. To realize the full potential of the S610i monitor, you definitively will need to read and reread the owners manual, as well as the software's help section. Alas, such are the torments of technology.

I like the S610i monitor for several reasons, one being the large amount of exercises you can track, another being the 50-meter water resistance, and finally the multiple user features. However, the dim display leaves a lot to be desired for an old pair of eyes like mine, hence the four stars rating out of five. As far as any durability concerns, I have only had to replace the red button, which was expeditiously sent to me free of charge by Polar after a simple Customer Service e-mail. Nonetheless, this is a very solid performing monitor and a basic level scientific device that gives you some invaluable information on your overall health and provides tangible feedback to achieve your exercise goals.

My exercise plans now take me to another level, which include the incorporation of jogging and then running. The S610i monitor is not really geared for that type of workout, so I will upgrade to the S625x monitor in 2007. The S610i monitor will go to my wife, not that the blue color pleases her, but we workout at home so it should go unnoticed.

I've been using the Polar s610i for about 6-7 years now, off and on. I started using the watch in college, where I was an endurance athlete. I recorded many of my competitions. Its pretty neat to be able to load those heart rate recordings on my computer now, where I can directly compare my fitness with myself many years ago. The receiver itself (the part that goes on your wrist) is bulletproof. I've been wearing it since 2003 or 2004. I've had the battery changed twice, by Polar service. The strap has had some issues.. I've gone through about four of them. You really gotta wash the thing after you use it, and even then, they seem to wear out. I'm currently borrowing my brothers strap, until I get the nerve to bite the bullet and pay $50+ for a new one. All in all, its a great training device. I wish the software were just a little bit easier to use. Also, the diary feature could use some tweaking. Hopefully Polar will fix this. I look forward to buying a similar model from Polar once this once reaches the end of it's life.

I received a Polar S610 as a gift nearly three years ago, and am back for another: I'm buying one for my husband, who finally thinks it's something he'd like to have, too. I use it religiously--if I forget it when I go for a workout, I feel I'm not 'getting credit' for my exercise. I upload (with a Polar IR receiver--not included with the watch) all of my workouts and set weekly goals for time and caloric expenditure that I can easily track on the calendar.

Having had mine for three years, I sent it in for a new battery and replacement of a button I had knocked-off about a year ago (local watch shops won't guarantee water-tightness if they change the battery), and bought a new chest strap/transmitter a couple of months ago, but it continues to work very well.

I have been using a Polar s610 for some time. When everything is working it is a wonderful device. However, it is difficult to keep it running smoothly. For example, when I upgrade to a new computer I go through hell getting the software to work again. Polar customer service is useless. Most recently I have been unable to upload data from the monitor to my PC via USB for months. I do not believe I will be able cure the problem without PURCHASING new software + the software dose NOT include the USB connection software. That is sold seperately. Polar will not provide replacement software unless you purchase it on CD. The rest of the world will provide software and upgrades to registered users online.

Bottom Line - the product is pretty good. However in terms of user friendly Polar is a total failure.

Sorry folks - why not get a Garmin 305 - I am