Customer Reviews

Polar G1 GPS Speed and Distance Sensor for FT60 / FT80

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

 

 

Polar G1 GPS Speed and Distance Sensor for FT60 / FT80
The unit works well when it comes to measuring the total distance of your run and the average speed. It does not work well when it comes to functioning as a "speedometer" during the run (e.g. showing the current speed), as it is fluctuating too much. It was a bit heavier than I had expected, but the elastic band works well and after a while I did not notice wearing it. My main objection against recommending this unit would be that you can get a combined GPS / heart rate monitor (i.e. eliminating the need for a separate GPS unit) from Garmin for about the same price (e.g. Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor).

The only issue I have is with the armband itself. The rubber grip tends to separate from the inside of the band, a bit like the tread of a tire when it separates. This does not make the armband useless, merely a bit unattractive when I put it on and take it off. The strap itself remains functional.

The GPS tracker works fine with my FT80 watch and chest strap. I run 8-9 miles twice a week. The trees and forests don't really get in the way. If the signal gets lost, it recovers itself in a few seconds. I'm quite happy with this device.

About 6 months ago, I purchased the G1 GPS and a Polar FT80. The GPS device works well and is easy to use. The only negative is the clip that attaches it to you is a little weak and not able to adapt to many unusual situation. However, I have been impressed with how well the device picks up signals. I have clipped the device to my hockey jersey and obtained the distance I have skated and the maximum speeds indoors while playing ice hockey. Often I use the device while skiing and I have used it while kayaking. It seems that for this price more could be offered. For example, the gps will not show you where you have been. Once, the clip broke that holds the device to your clothing. Polar promptly replaced the clip at no charge. To sum it up, the device does everything that it is advertised to do both well and simply. It has been a big benefit to my training.

Sadly, the G1 goes through batteries at a rate of about 10 hours for a AA, and that's if your battery doesn't get cold. If you do much endurance training, you can eat a battery a week. Also, sometimes reception gets spotty. If I had to do it over again, I might try a garmin or other gps/HRM.

Also, reception can be spotty, and the data can seem inaccurate. It is also capped at 18 miles per hour, so can get real wonky while cycling.

Not accurate when it does decide to work. Goes through batteries like crazy. I live in a rural area but it drops the signal 2-3 times a trip. Stops working altogether on a whim. Bad investment.

I can't believe how stupid i was to purchase the Polar FT80G1 without researching any reviews of this product. Now that i've learned my lesson thanks to Amazon, no more purchases without first checking Amazon reviews.

The G1 - can't begin to describe how disappointed I am in this performance or difficulty of use to get even a signal. It's not what you would expect in a GPS so please research the features carefully before you purchase the G1. It appears to my shock to only provide average speed and distance...huh? There does not appear to be any mapping, or terrain, or area covered with the details of routes and speed, no way points - nothing! it would be just as easy to enter the data to the PPT web site manually and save the money.

The Polar marketing literature on the FT80G1 makes it look so cool and functional. But the FT80 and G1 is really another story.

The display is extremely difficult to read, and in fact impossible to read in many lighting conditions. It is a low contrast negative display and it does not have a "brightness" adjustment. Can you believe it!?! Who would design such a thing. So you are screwed if you want to brighten up the very dim dingy yellow green graphics (that's right, they are not white as every picture would indicate!!!) Every picture i have seen of the FT80 marketing literature, and from Polars web site, shows this unit as bright white numbers and graphics. Nothing could be further from the truth! The display can't be read UNLESS you are in a very well lit room or sunlight.

AND then in well lit rooms or sunlight, you have to contend with the immense glare from the face of the polished plate glass. Really, you are screwed in either direction.

When I called Polar to ask if there was a way to adjust the brightness, the rep was curt and said the information was on their web site. To her defense, she must be very tired of handling they myriad of calls each day of complaints about this product display.

Then a few calls later, i finally received the instructions to enter into the diagnostic mode. Believe me when i say the keypress sequence is so tricky, that you will literally have to try over and over for an hour to get the "timing" of it just right so that you can even enter into the diagnostic mode...but a little determination you will succeed. I digress!

In the diagnostic mode you can adjust the LCD contrast. All this does is change the BLACK background to less black. This does nothing for the already near impossible to read display and actually makes it more difficult to read. After talking to Polar again, i learn that the factory has optimized the display settings before they send it to you. The moral of this frustrating experience is "don't waste your time trying to adjust the contrast as it will only frustrate you more".

What Polar forgot to design in was a "brightness" control. What really upsets me is Polar's marketing literature which has obviously "tweaked the product photos of the display" to indicate a beautiful bright white graphic display. Anybody ever hear of truth in advertising? BUYER BEWARE. Polar's direct sales are final sales and can not be returned. Although, I will try as the advertising pictures and literature is dishonest!

I rely on Polars superior product performance. Imagine your on a run and trying to stay within various HR limits, and then the HR data goes all screwy and chaotic - loosing transmission, then wrong HR, then settling down back to what you would expect. How could the transmitter be all screwed up in the FT80 - but apparently it is.

The "user" manual that comes with the FT80 is hardly "useful" and not worth the paper its printed on. It's very sparse on the exact steps and explanations of features. There are so many features of the FT80 and website interaction that are not documented, that it will leave you researching and making calls for days on end until you get it figured out.

I still believe in Polars superior products overall, but the FT80 is a waste of money and time.

Sadly, the unit is near un-useable due to the display alone, not to mention the erratic behavior and poor GPS integration -- anybody want to purchase my "new" FT80G1? Its your for a song!

My G1 GPS is great!!!! It motivates me to improve with every workout. I like the fact that I can ck the speed I am walking. It is definitely worth having. I really like that it changes zones automatically and then when I log my info I actually see which zone I spent more time in. I also like that it shows the % of fat burn. All in all it is a GREAT product. Thanks Polar!!!!

Pros: easy to use; easy to connect to Polar, comfortable to use; nice battery life.
Cons: always lose satellite signal; take a long time to be prepared; speed is not measured in real time.

Dear,

I'm Chilean and bought the FT80, WearLink with GS1 and the truth is that it is a fantastic product I had a Timex but now I have clear is the leader in watches POLAR heart rate has been very supportive and personal trainer in my training.

EXCELLENT PRODUCT

This item didn't perform as hoped. It had trouble picking up the satellites. It was somewhat large and heavy for what it provided. Only in open areas free from all buildings would it pick up a signal and then only after standing still for over 2 minutes. Not worth the effort if you ask me.