6 responses so far ↓

• 1 Ploos

  The product works well. I love the included software, as it really gives me the motivation I need.
  I have found that the product, like your training will give you as much as you put in. The more time I have spent learning the capabilities and how optimize the set up for my needs the better the product seems.

  For the poster who commented on attaching the speed sensor to the rear wheel, I made the switch to the rear wheel a few weeks ago when I shifted my training indoors and have had no problems

• 2 Allison

  This is my second Polar computer. The first, a Polar S720i I had for several years and worked great. Control functions are all easy to program and use, as well as the software to load up all data onto your PC after a ride. The only 2 drawbacks is Polar’s failure to acknowledge that some people have Mac’s and therefore the software needs to be able to support both Mac and PC. Second is the fact that customers need to be able to change their own battery instead of sending it in. Once they fix the design error with the battery and the software problem I will mark this item as 5 stars.

• 3 Day

  I have been an avid fan of heart rate monitors ever since I got my first Polar HRM about seven years ago. It was a basic model that just showed heart rate. Very helpful, and it still works. I’ll be passing that one off to a family member soon. After that Polar, I upgraded to a Timex 5F011 Bodylink System. For that review, check out:
  Timex Ironman T5F001 Unisex 100-Lap Target Trainer Heart Rate Monitor Watch

  And look here for the rest of the Bodylink System:
  Timex T5G751 Data Recorder 2
  Timex GPS Speed & Distance T5F891

  I recently upgraded to the Polar s725x, which is marketed primarily as a cycling computer, but will also work as a running computer, much like its sister watch, the Polar S625X Heart Rate Monitor Watch, which comes with the running S1 Foot Pod.

  A couple of reasons why I bought this particular HRM:

  1) It counts calories fairly conservatively and — I think — fairly accurately
  2) It’s a multisport watch
  3) It is compatible with my VidaOne Diet & Exercise software for Windows (www.vidaone.com)
  4) It will download workout data to my Palm Tungsten T3 with VidaOne Palm software installed (see my old review of the T3) PalmOne Tungsten T3 Handheld
  5) It has a huge amount of memory
  6) It has a Fitness Test that calculates your max heart rate and your VO2 Max.

  Back to the issue of calories… I used to get really excited when I would work out on the rowing machine and see the huge calorie count, only to find that I had gained a pound the next day. Most calorie counters just base their calculations on weight. The Polar series watches take into account not only your weight, but your sex and your age.

  This watch is a multisport watch… It has five programmable Exercise Sets, plus the Basic Set which has no predetermined zones. I’ve used it for rowing, aerobics, walking, etc. Though, as one reviewer said, the interval training feature could use some improvement.

  The watch is compatible with my diet and fitness software… I use VidaOne software for my weight loss, mostly because of its huge functionality with the Palm OS system. If you just want something basic, there’s Weight By Date [...], but that is more nutrition-based than it is both nutrition AND fitness. If you want something more comprehensive, you can go with CrossTrainer 6 [...]which has a robust analysis software for Windows, but is severely lacking the Palm OS department. Both CrossTrainer and VidaOne can import Polar HRM data files directly, but only VidaOne will allow you to download your Polar data via IRDA directly to into the VidaOne software.

  VidaOne also has Polar HRM software for both the Palm and Pocket PC, so you can download the data directly after a work out and do your analysis. This is really important if you’re cycling (or hiking) and rest for the night and want to see how you did that day.

  The Polar s725x has a huge memory capacity. I can log 14 hours of work outs, which have heart rate, work out time, zones, altitude, and temperature. Your memory will be less if you activate the speed & distance and cadence features, but even then, most people aren’t away from their computer that long… I always download my data daily, so I haven’t run into that problem. The default setting of the watch is to take a sample every 5 seconds, but if you increase it to 15 seconds or 60 seconds, you can store tons of exercises!

  Finally, I like the Fitness Tests as well. They tell me if I’ve fully recovered and how my health is.

  I really like this watch and recommend it or its sister watch the s625x, which is basically the same thing. I’ll miss my Timex Bodylink watch with all of its features, especially the GPS, but this new watch is now my training tool and I’m happy to have it along on my journey towards improved health and increased fitness.

• 4 McDowell

  I purchase this item with great expectation especially after all the rave reviews given.

  I got my item about 2 weeks back and happily installed the cadence and speedometer on my bike. However, it is sad to note that it does not seems to work.

  I verified that the device got the signal as light was blinking everytime the magnet went pass the receiver but the watch was receiving the information very slowing , like about 3 secs after I spin the wheel and did not even stop until about 5-10 secs after the wheel stop spinning.

  Speed reading is also erratic and wrong. For example, Speed reading from the watch suggest that speed was increasing from 15km/hr to well above 20km/hr even though I only spin the wheel once and it is visibility slowing down.)

  Having said that, the HRM function was very good and it also works well with the G1 Polar GPS I purchase separately.

  Anyone can advice what is happening on the bike ?

• 5 Eichelberger

  WOW. I was about to get the Garmin 305, but after looking closely, I rarely get lost and have Google maps on my Cell Phone. If you are looking to really track your fitness, the s725x if for you. I have heard the complaints of no pause, and yes there are versions that don’t include that, but the new software enables you to view, cut and paste to cut out what you don’t want. I like the HR to continue when I stop so that I can judge my recovery and conditioning. If I want just my riding or running, I just cut out the down time which is simple in the software. Great tool that really makes training fun! I also just purchased foot pod and it seems to work very well too!

• 6 Niederman

  Polar S625X Heart Rate Monitor Watch
  This is a short but simple review . The device is amazing I have had it for almost two years and still have not figured it out fully and even so I know it has helped me .
  I am not a super athlete but some that is coming back from having a stent put in and I had a real fear about going back to workout . the Polar hash helped me track my fitness level and in doing so I have been able to create my own workouts based on HR so that I can live a full and healthy life.
  FOr those elite athletes that need all the bells ad whistles this is great but I can speak for the mature population that needs to stay healthy fit and also get to work this is a lifesaver .
  I wish there were some better youtube videos to watch for this product but I finally got to know what I need to know and how to get it from the Polar .
  This is an impartial motivator and guide for your training and that is what you want from something like this .
  A definite buy . Just do not try to get all of the features down at one sitting .

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