Customer Reviews

Wearlink 31 Transmitter by Polar

5 star:		(71)
4 star:		(21)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(12)
1 star:		(22)

 

 

I bought this transmitter because I did not know that the Polar Heart Rate Monitors came with a transmitter included in the box. I could not find anything that specified this, so I ended up purchasing an extra transmitter.

That being said, this transmitter is super comfortable. The rubber model that comes with the heart rate monitors does not have any comfort issues over this one. The electrodes are sewn inside the fabric of the strap, and they are soft. The only hard piece on this is the plastic transmitter part that is not that big in the front. If you are doing something that involves a lot of body motion, like aerobics, tennis, dance or lifting weights, this fabric model is a better alternative to the rubber model. This fabric strap transmitter might also be a better option for women, who may already be dealing with an underwire bra at the gym.

As far as functionality goes, you won't really need a coded transmitter unless you are using the HRM in a crowded environment where EVERYONE is using monitors. Like at my gym, where the personal trainers sell the Polar brand of HRMs, hold weekly training classes about them, and encourage everyone to buy them. If you don't find yourself in this type of environment, but you find the regular transmitter to be uncomfortable, than this is for you. If the regular transmitter does not hurt you, then you don't really need this.

One problem with this transmitter is the clip mechanism that you use to snap it shut. The little plastic points that clip in look like something I am going to break in about a month. Everytime I snap it open or closed I feel like I'm breaking it.

I bought a new heart rate monitor and this transmitter came with it. I have had to replace the battery after about 9 months which was no big deal. Since than I have had so many problems with the transmitter stopping in the middle of a run. I have replaced the battery so many times that the cover now is stripped which means I have to replace the entire sensor since Polar does not just sell a cover. I would probably not buy another Polar. I am disappointed in their lack of reasonable support of the product. I thought having a replacement battery was a positive however the design flaws make the device unstable after the cover and battery is removed.

One big improvement from the original transmitters (T31 or T61 transmitters) is that with this model (the Wearlink) you only have to buy a new battery and replace it once they ran out and your transmitter is ready to use again. With the original ones you have to buy a new transmitter every time the battery dies, since the whole structure is sealed. So if your Polar wrist watch came with the T31 or T61, wait until the battery is finished and buy the Wearlink transmitter instead, you will save a lot of money over the years (compare the 39.95 US$ that the T31 or T61 cost vs the cost of a replacement battery).

The other big advantage is that the Wearlink transmitter is more confortable to wear, since it adapts better to the shape of your body since even the electrodes are flexible and are embedded in the fabric. Being flexible and all makes it easier to storage it your pocket when your finish training or if you are traveling.

In summary a great product for your Polar HRM, and a smart improvement if it is time to replace your old transmitter. Don't buy another T31 or T61, buy this one instead.

I run with my Polar six days a week, and probably train about ten hour a week with it. I used to have the T31 with my first Polar (the M61) so I can tell you first hand the Wearlink is far better. In summary more confortable, easier to wash, and a money saver. I was more than happy to trow the old one away after I bought this one.

I bought this belt to replace the one that came with my Polar watch (720i) since the one the watch came with did not have a replaceable battery (you are supposed to send the belt in and get a replacement belt for about $10 less than this belt - but you still can't replace the battery). So I figured I can buy this one and by the simple act of replacing the battery I can save myself a decent amount of money.

This band is very comfortable (I am a big guy at 6'4" with a large build and it fits me no problem). it is more comfortable than my original one and works great. And when I need to replace the battery, the belt came with several replacement battery gaskets so that I can ensure each replacement remains water tight.

One big improvement from the original transmitters (T31 or T61 transmitters) is that with this model (the Wearlink) you only have to buy a new battery and replace it once they ran out and your transmitter is ready to use again. With the original ones you have to buy a new transmitter every time the battery dies, since the whole structure is sealed. So if your Polar wrist watch came with the T31 or T61, wait until the battery is finished and buy the Wearlink transmitter instead, you will save a lot of money over the years (compare the 39.95 US$ that the T31 or T61 cost vs the cost of a replacement battery).

The other big advantage is that the Wearlink transmitter is more confortable to wear, since it adapts better to the shape of your body since even the electrodes are flexible and are embedded in the fabric. Being flexible and all makes it easier to storage it your pocket when your finish training or if you are traveling.

In summary a great product for your Polar HRM, and a smart improvement if it is time to replace your old transmitter. Don't buy another T31 or T61, buy this one instead.

I run with my Polar six days a week, and probably train about ten hour a week with it. I used to have the T31 with my first Polar (the M61) so I can tell you first hand the Wearlink is far better. In summary more confortable, easier to wash, and a money saver. I was more than happy to trow the old one away after I bought this one.

This is a fantastic Heart Rate strap for multi-purpose exercisers. Because the unit is so small, and user servicable for batteries, it is unlikely to be a problem for most people to use it for years. The only reason I have to take a star away is clarity of sizeing. The Med-XL band states that it is for 27" - 54"; the XS-S labels itself for 22" - 32". My measurement is 30"; so in theory I could use either band; but in reality, I'm about as large as you can go on the XS-S band; if you truly were trying to wear it as a 31.5" range, it would be performing chest compression; not just measuring your heart rate. If you really have a 31" or above span that you need to cross, do yourself a favour, and get the larger band!

I've used both the older plastic and the newer fabric Wearlink transmitters. I much prefer the new Wearlink model. I've used my Wearlink transmitter for 1.5 years with absolutely no problems. I wash the fabric strap in the washing machine (delicate cycle) occassionally after removing the hard plastic transmitter. I quickly rinse the transmitter in cool running water to remove accumulated salt build up. I still haven't had to change the battery out even after 200+ hours of triathlon training and exercise bootcamps. However, I pulled the battery out just to see how easy it was. Very easy! I use my transmitter interchangeably between 2 different models of polar heart rate monitors. My strap has never torn or seemed difficult to remove. I can say from first hand experience that the soft Wearlink transmitter is much more comfortable when wearing an underwire sports bra. The hard plastic model frequently skipped and lost contact when paired with my underwire sports bra. I've never had that issue with the soft Wearlink model. The Wearlink also works well in water. Chlorine doesn't seem to bother it but I rinse the strap and transmitter in cool running water after each swim.

I have been a user of polar heart rate monitors for quite some time and when I needed a new transmitter strap I got this one. It's performance has been a disappointment. It has been difficult to get to work at all, requiring frequent rewetting and then intermittently stops transmitting data. It has failed in the field and failed in the gym. I never had this problem with the previous models

The battery on my T-31 Coded chest transmitter went out, so I decided to spring for the Wearlink. Even though it was more expensive, I figured I could save money in the long run by being able to swap out the batteries myself. Instead of just replacing the entire chest transmitter (T-31),I figured this would be a nice advantage, and a cost cutting measure.

I had read the reviews on Amazon.com about this product, and noticed that many people were grousing about the readings being unreliable. I decided to purchase the product anyways, and make up my own mind.

For starters, the chest strap is very nice. It fit comfortably and snugly, and didn't slide up and down my sweaty chest as the T-31 had before. Even though my T-31 never lost contact when I was wearing it, it was always in the back of my mind. I was constantly having to readjust it, while in the midst of a workout. The Wearlink posed no such problem.

Secondly, I never had to avail myself to the option of being able to change out the batteries. I owned the Wearlink for just under a week, but used it heavily during that time. I never removed the back cover from the unit, so I can't speak as to the degree of difficulty, etc, that is involved in undergoing such a task.

Once I employed the chest transmitter during the workouts, I became dismayed very quickly. The inaugural workout went off without a hitch, and was about what I expected. However, with each subsquent workout the readings became more erratic and unreliable. By the time that final day rolled around, I was half tempted to throw the Wearlink on the ground and stomp on it LOL. Fortunately for me, cooler heads prevailed in this situation.

I called up the company that sold it to me and insisted that they send me a T-31 Coded unit. They did, and I sent back the Wearlink. Since that time, I have had nary any problem with accuracy and reliabilty. The T-31 Coded chest transmitter has worked like a charm, and is the best model that Polar has to date IMO.

The old adage, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," applies here. I had always been happy with the performance of the T-31, but thought I would try something new. However, the Wearlink has sent me scrambling back to the original,the T-31.

If I was in the market for a chest trasmitter again, knowing what I know now, I would just plunk down the $35-$45 to replace the T-31 each time the batteries went out. You may spend more money, but the aggravation it would save you would be well worth the expense.

My wife and I both bought Polar FT60 heart rate monitors in 2009. We like the FT60 watch unit, but the Wearlink transmitters have caused us so many problems that we went back to using the T31 transmitters from our old Polar heart rate monitors. I've replaced the batteries several times and even after that I have constant problems receiving the heart rate. The T31 transmitters are much more reliable and we finally threw away our Wearlinks. If you need a replacement transmitter, I highly recommend buying the older style T31 tranmitter.