Customer Reviews

Polar S625X Heart Rate Monitor Watch

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(11)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

I LOVE my Polar S625X Heart Rate Monitor... and I'm VERY picky about the design and implementation of techno gadgets. There are only three things I've thought of that it could do better.

First, the temperature sensor is on the wrist side of the watch. So, when I was running and the air temperature was about 16 degrees fahrenheit, the sensor reported 65 degrees. Since I know of no good reason for this design decision, I have to call this a silly and unfortunate design error.

Second, the accelerometor could probably very easily provide a pedometer reading, i.e., "How many steps did that run require?" It doesn't... at least as far as I can tell.

Third, the menu system appears to be inaccessible during a recording session. That is, you have to stop the recording session to look at or change file information or user information, etc.

But, other than these 3 things, I'm very impressed. (I'd be very very impressed if the pedometer and menu shortcomings mentioned above could be fixed via an EPROM upgrade via the Infra Red port.)

The Polar S625X Heart Rate Monitor is a complex tool. Plan on spending between 4 and 6 hours of concentrated study to learn to use it to its full capability.

And finally, I'd like to add that PC Coach/Biometrics, Inc. shipped on time and provided EXCELLENT technical support when I asked them questions about this HRM. I highly recommend them.

20080608 Update:
The original battery is still working! That's about 3.5 years of regular usage 2 to 5 times per week!! I'll soon have to replace it. But I'm very happy with the S625X's battery life.

There is one thing I hope the folks at Polar will do for me, however. Wouldn't it be cool if Polar would make a bathroom scale that would interface via wireless to the S625X so that the watch could gather my weight and body mass index info, too?!! ;-)

I trained for the 04 Atlanta half marathon with this device.
It gave me alot of useful information before the race, like
- My max sustainable heart rate is 180.
- My mind convinces me that I am tired at mile 9 eventhough my body is capable of more output. I realize this when I see my heart rate at only 160.
- Exactly what mileage I run and the pace DURING the run, together with the heart rate. This information is all on the screen without you having to fiddle with buttons during the run. The watch also automatically beeps every 1 mile and tells you your pace!
- The watch's distance measurement did not need any calibration before the first use! Other devices are normally very off before the first use. I verified this with a treadmill and with the mile markers during my race.

The download to computer feature is very easy to use. It chronicles all my runs in a very user friendly program. The data is stored in a text file in case if you wanted to graph it differently.

The heart and distance sensors are very unobtrusive. I especially surprised by how comfortable the heart sensor was.

I already convinced 2 other work mates to buy it and they swear by it.

My only wish is that the watch logged temperature! Temperature has a substantial effect on my run and I would have like the ability to analyse it.

[Note that my first half marathon was done in 2:02:35. I don't consider my self a runner and I feel that this watch together with alot of sweat made it possible.]
Look at the profile of the half marathon run at
http://www.parasram.com/marathon.jpg

Every once in a while, a new technology comes along that completely changes the way we behave. Some obvious examples over the past 10 years have been the web and pocketable cellphones. And now for the runner, it's a device like the Polar s625x.

There are two really enjoyable aspects with using this three-piece watch, heart rate monitor, foot pod combo. The first is while you run: you can actually see your approximate pace together with your heart rate. You can also toggle between a few different displays on the fly, such as distance covered, calories burned, speed, lap time. Before, all this stuff was complete guesswork. I never really knew how far I ran and I always tended to average up. For me, this watch forced reality to set in.

Perhaps equally as fascinating is the after-run. When you get home, you can easily load up the data gathered during your run to your PC via an infrared link (If you don't use a laptop, you'll probably need to buy the IR accessory although there also seems to be some way to transfer the data via a sound emission from the watch.) It's truly amazing to view a chart with your running data such as heart rate, pace, altitude and temperature. So you see in an Excel-style line chart how your heart rate speeds up as you are working up a hill. Or how your body responds as the temperature increases. Over time, you can track your progress. And you can even e-mail the data so you can easily transfer it to another PC. The Polar software installed easily and works well. And you can use the Windows PC program (no Mac version available it seems) as an interface for the watch, so you can input things such as date, time, and personal info using the PC and upload it back to the watch. This way you can avoid using the watch's little one-inch screen to put this data in.

It's almost not fair to complain about the device considering what a leap in technology it's been for me. I would have killed to have something like this when I was running high school track way back during the Reagan administration. But the device is not perfect.

While it is solidly built -- I would say it's almost of military-grade quality: big, bulky and solid --, I do have an immediate complaint. When I needed to replace the battery on the heart rate monitor for the first time (this is the belt-like item that you strap around your chest), the cover was on so tightly that I stripped down the groove on the cap with a coin. I then had to pry it off with a small screw driver damaging it further. It shouldn't cost much to replace the battery cap, but you never know with parts*. Anyway, it's still working fine.

The foot pod is bigger than I wish. It's not something that you would walk around with while shopping for example. Fortunately, it's easy to remove and put back on as you can leave on the bracket that holds the pod. This bracket sits underneath the shoelaces. The weight of the foot pod is not noticeable, at least to me. I wear various styles of the Asics Gel shoes, but perhaps with a much lighter shoe, the contrast would be greater.

The biggest issue I have is the accuracy of the device. Out of the box you will get about 95% accuracy, but for some reason, I just wasn't able to calibrate it to get more accurate results. I ran around a 400-meter track a number of times with the watch in calibration mode. It showed each lap as 390 meters (although I know at times it showed I was running too much) and then it should have figured out the formula to adjust that up to 400 meters. But then the distance measurement was even further off. After a few attempts of doing 1.2 kilometer runs on the track to calibrate the watch, I tried a manual adjustment given the distance I knew was covered and distance the watch thought was covered. That didn't help either. It seems like 94 - 96% accuracy is something at least I'm going to have to live with. This does make quite a difference when you are checking your pace at a race. I was really hoping that the device could monitor my lap times with great accuracy, for example, at one kilometer, one mile, or even 400 meter intervals. Note that when you move the pod to another shoe, it will change to accuracy of the device again.

The usability of the device is also something that can use some tweaking. First, the manual is written as if people don't have anything else to do with their lives other than use the watch. It's full of terms which at least are unfamiliar to me. For example, here is something that was highlighted as being important in the manual: "Your choice of HR, % of HRmax or Pace limit type in limits 1 determines the way they will be displayed in all other limits. Only one limit type can be selected in an exercise set." I've had the watch for a number of months now and have actually read the manual a few times, but I have no idea what that means. There was a glossary in the back listing these terms, but it was all so much work to understand. On the watch, you are never quite sure what the buttons are going to do. It's really takes some figuring out. But the real basic functions, the ones that people really want to use, were easy to get going right out of the box.

Some practical advice: As anyone who's seen the movie "The Green Mile" knows, the conductivity power of water can't be underrated. You really have to wet down the electrode areas to get the heart rate measurement. A few times I forgot to do this and the monitor didn't transmit anything to the watch. When the device shows no heart beat, I was thinking like one of the Marx Brothers: either I'm dead or the heart rate monitor isn't working.

Other devices you might want to check out include the Garmin Forerunner 301 Trainer, which uses GPS technology for better measurement accuracy (if you run in open areas), and cool devices from Suunto, who seems to be the other leading maker of cool HRM watches. There must be something about the cold arctic Finnish air that give Polar and Suunto the edge in making these devices.

(*UPDATE: After contacting Polar support about the damaged battery holder, they quickly sent me a replacement part without any questions.)

The Polar S625X does everything I have wanted a HRM to do for some time now. I am a triathlete and always wonder: "How far have I run?". Now you know. It does everything that the S725 does with the added running info.

There is nothing wrong with the build quality or the interface (if you are willing to read the manual).

Only buy it if you are going to use all the features. Without connecting it to a computer and following a well structured training programme it is definitely not worth it. Rather then opt for a cheaper model and upgrade when you see the need.

The Polar 625X Running Computer is simply Awesome. I bough this watch about a year ago and I love it.

Once you star using it, you will be so hooked-up to all the useful information you receive during your running, walking, or any kind of training or workout that you embrace, that will never go out again without it.

Its the perfect complement to your desire to get in shape, improve your health or competitive level.

The watch is easy to use, especially if you have owned a Polar Heart Rate Monitor before. This model comes with the Polar food pod (a small device that you install in your shoe laces to measure distance and speed), the transmitter (this is the device with the chest strap), and a computer software that allows you to view, in a graphic representation, important information for each workout (Heart Rate, Pace, Distance, Speed, Temperature, and Elevation).

As soon as you star training and exercising with this magnificent watch, you feel as if you have a coach or a training partner with you.

If you are an athlete, an enthusiastic runner, a hobbyist, or just conscious about your shape and health, you will definitely love this watch. I do. I have owned different HRM from Polar, and without any doubt this is the very best for running.

This powerful running computer enables you to record personal performance, running and cycling data plus training conditions like altitude or temperature, then analyze your performance when you download via Infrared technology directly to your PC using the included Polar Precision Performance (PPP) 4.0 software. You'll get total feedback on your training sessions by reviewing a variety of graphical summaries, trends and analysis on the computer. I really love the software, I believe the Polar Precision Performance (PPP) 4.0 software alone is well worth the price of this set.

Train and rest in the right balance. The OwnOptimizer test tells you whether you have recovered enough for your next training session. Based on the test, you are provided with a nice-scale description of your personal training status.

The OwnCal feature shows your energy expenditure during one exercise session as well as your accumulated kilocalories during several exercise sessions. It also allows you to set daily and weekly exercise goals in terms of calorie expenditure. The OwnIndex feature will determine your fitness level, track your improvements, and provide motivation. Polar's OwnCode technology blocks unwanted signals from other heart rate monitors, ensuring disturbance-free transmission of your heart rate data.

Additionally you could add the bike mount (it's really inexpensive, I got it for about 6 US$), an accessory that will allow you to take advantage of s625x running computer functionality when training in your bike. You install the bike mount on the handlebar and you are ready to wrap your watch around the bike mount. Now you will be able to follow your heart rate as you go on the road with your bike. The s625x offers the ability to enter two different wheel sizes, enabling you to train on two different bikes.

Prepare yourself to atart getting the best results from your training.

I have been using this watch for about 2 years, mostly for training and for during trail ultramarathons. I have mixed feeling about this product. I had the opportunity to trade it in for another unit and decided to keep it. Part of the reason I kept it was that it took me some effort to figure out how to download the data using the IR device. I did not want to restart the process with the microphone/speaker system. The manual is poor. Let me comment separately on each component/feature.

Wrist unit: It is big and ugly, but you can see that from the photos. However, it sits comfortably on my wrist. For a while, I used a cheap Sigma HRM that slid down my wrist and chafed my skin. I have used my Polar in several 100 mile runs with good comfort. The display is great. It provides heart rate plus two configurable fields. These two fields can read time of day, total stopwatch time, lap time, elevation, total elevation gain, etc and are easily changed. The elevation features work quite well. The controls are easy to use but difficult to learn how to configure.

Chest strap: This is the most comfortable chest strap I have used. It does not slide or rub. If I wet it before putting it on, it always works right away. My old Sigma had problems with slipping and starting. The battery is easy to replace

Foot pod: The foot pod distance readings vary by about +/- 10% on the same route on different days. It seems to vary most with running speed. It goes through batteries rather quickly and has problems when the battery voltage drops just a little bit. It would not work with my rechargable batteries. I don't use it. If accurate distance is important, I suggest looking at GPS units.

IR download device: I bought a cheap IR interface on ebay for about $7 including shipping. It works well.

Software: The software is clunky and difficult to use. The documentation is not helpful. It took me a rather long time to figure out how to download the data from the wrist unit. (Note that I am a highly trained engineer and natural nerd.) The software tries to upgrade everytime I run it. If the computer is not connected to the internet, the software throws errors. If I am connected to the internet, the upgrades always fail. Thus, I make sure to disconnect before starting the software. The graphs on the software are usable, but poor. If I really want to look at the data closely, I export it to another program.

I have not used the limits features or testing options

Have owned this for 2 years - and would simply not live without it. Compare with previous HRMs this is both simpler to use, in particular since all settings can be managed from the PC via the interface - and a lot more fun.

Please notice: S625X is really the jack of all trades - as it can be used for both running, biking as well as other sports (swimming for example). The distance measurement is fairly accrurate - and certainly useful when pacing yourselv

You do not need anything else. If you are a frequent runner or want to train correctly for your next race, this is the one. The only thing: it is a litle complicated, you have to spend some time reading the owner's manual. It has so many functions. Don't get me wrong. Easy to use once you know how to do it.

The Polar 625X Running Computer is simply Awesome. I bough this watch about a year ago and I love it.

Once you star using it, you will be so hooked-up to all the useful information you receive during your running, walking, or any kind of training or workout that you embrace, that will never go out again without it.

Its the perfect complement to your desire to get in shape, improve your health or competitive level.

The watch is easy to use, especially if you have owned a Polar Heart Rate Monitor before. This model comes with the Polar food pod (a small device that you install in your shoe laces to measure distance and speed), the transmitter (this is the device with the chest strap), and a computer software that allows you to view, in a graphic representation, important information for each workout (Heart Rate, Pace, Distance, Speed, Temperature, and Elevation).

As soon as you star training and exercising with this magnificent watch, you feel as if you have a coach or a training partner with you.

If you are an athlete, an enthusiastic runner, a hobbyist, or just conscious about your shape and health, you will definitely love this watch. I do. I have owned different HRM from Polar, and without any doubt this is the very best for running.

This powerful running computer enables you to record personal performance, running and cycling data plus training conditions like altitude or temperature, then analyze your performance when you download via Infrared technology directly to your PC using the included Polar Precision Performance (PPP) 4.0 software. You'll get total feedback on your training sessions by reviewing a variety of graphical summaries, trends and analysis on the computer. I really love the software, I believe the Polar Precision Performance (PPP) 4.0 software alone is well worth the price of this set.

Train and rest in the right balance. The OwnOptimizer test tells you whether you have recovered enough for your next training session. Based on the test, you are provided with a nice-scale description of your personal training status.

The OwnCal feature shows your energy expenditure during one exercise session as well as your accumulated kilocalories during several exercise sessions. It also allows you to set daily and weekly exercise goals in terms of calorie expenditure. The OwnIndex feature will determine your fitness level, track your improvements, and provide motivation. Polar's OwnCode technology blocks unwanted signals from other heart rate monitors, ensuring disturbance-free transmission of your heart rate data.

Additionally you could add the bike mount (it's really inexpensive, I got it for about 6 US$), an accessory that will allow you to take advantage of s625x running computer functionality when training in your bike. You install the bike mount on the handlebar and you are ready to wrap your watch around the bike mount. Now you will be able to follow your heart rate as you go on the road with your bike. The s625x offers the ability to enter two different wheel sizes, enabling you to train on two different bikes.

Prepare yourself to atart getting the best results from your training.

Though I sometimes question the accuracy of the distance (and hence pace) there's no doubt that this has helped my training. I'm aiming for a marathon and usually use it in pace and distance mode. This helps me to know if I'm on target for 7.00 min mile; the autolap give me the time for the last mile and the time so far. If I'm running a new route I know precisely (~1% out) how much I've run and the heart rate monitor tells me if I'm actually over-exerting myself or just feeing lazy.
I still have a lot to learn - I haven't spent any time using the zones function but I'll do that after the marathon.

Honestly though, I never seem to analyze my runs on my PC - my main use for this equipment is Pace/speed and distance.

I'm also considering purchasing the Nokia 5140 phone (I need to change my mobile anyway), though since I don't do much post run analysis on my PC there's not much need.

(One weird thing is that a run given as say, 7 miles on the watch is given as 6.5 on the PC.) To elabourate on the accuracy, the last race I did the watch was reading 4.04 when I crossed the 4 mile line on the road, however remember that this line was drawn by someone who measured using a car - they would have driven closer to the middle of the road and therfore possible covered less than I actually did.