T31c Replacement Strap (EA) Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)This is not a "compatible" strap for a Polar, but the real thing. The only difference from the original is its size; most Polars are shipped with a "Medium" size strap that is adjustable and fits most people, but this "Large" could be better for those who found the "Medium" tight even at its maximum length. Since I had lost the original one, I needed a replacement. The "Large", which goes from 27" to 63", was a better fit for me.

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Polar Wearlink Strap Review

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(More customer reviews)
My shirt size is "M" and this strap fits fine on me, considering that I used it totally extended, so don't be fooled by the XXL size. Buy only the X - XS only if you are really skinny.
Also be aware that this replacement strap can't not be used with the old transmitters (T31 or T61), I know is obvious, but just in case.
If your Polar wrist watch came with one of the old transmitters, you should seriously consider changing it for the Wearlink. 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.

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Polar RS800cx Pro Team Edition Limited Edition with Bike Speed and Cadence and USB IrDA adapter Review

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(More customer reviews)I bought the Polar RS800CX for the purposes of training myself on my road bike as an average cyclist. I will divide my review in two parts: 1. Documentation and setting up; and 2. The Polar computer.
Polar can definitely do better in terms of documentation for the Polar computer, the Speed Sensor and the Cadence Sensor. The illustrations were tiny and not clear in the manual. In the process of setting up the Speed Sensor, I had to key in the size of the wheel. Instead of using standard nomenclature for wheel size, one is expected to key in the wheel size configuration in mm. There was no literature that I could find in the manual on keying in the right size. I had to call the local Polar agent to key in the right number.
Then, I tried attaching the Polar heart rate sensor on the chest strap which has two clip buttons to secure the heart rate sensor. After buttoning the heart rate sensor, I removed it from the chest strap and one of the buttons (the female piece) broked from the strap. Fortunately, it took me 1 minute to have a "one-for-one" exchange from the Polar agent with no questions asked, not withstanding that I bought the product online.
The Polar Computer - Pro Trainer Software
If you guys are on Mac - good luck! The software is compatible on Windows OS only. Lucky me, I have both OS on my Mac and managed to load the Pro Trainer Software. It is pretty cool in terms of what it records but I wished it has some cookie cutter training programs that I could export to the Polar Computer. I had to design my own training program, if I were to venture beyond the "My Own Zone" program, which just tells you that you are thrashing yourself beyond your heart rate zone.
So, for a premium heart rate model, Polar can do better!

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Suunto M5 Men's Heart Rate Monitor (Clamshell) Review

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(More customer reviews)It's everything you are looking for in a training watch.
Pros:
Design
Functions
Heart rate belt
Coach
Training programs
Cons:
It's light is too dimm

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VDO Z2 Heart Rate Monitor and Cycle Computer Review

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(More customer reviews)This is not an inexpensive computer; and if a good definition of quality is to meet expectations, then I have been let down.
It works well enough but the bugs it has are quite annoying. Maximum speed and maximum heart rate are important metrics, yet sometimes when I push hard I see a speed or heart rate on the display and then I find that the maximum recorded is a couple of units below it. That's simply not good. If the computer captures a top rate well enough to display it, it should not be a problem to record it as the maximum. It's the easiest thing to do in software.

Also, ergonomics could be better. To start the next lap, for instance, you have to press two buttons at the same time. It is error prone and in the heat of the ride it is easy to fail to do it, so you do it a few times and then find that it skipped two laps. It's quite annoying.
I have emailed customer support about this complaints and I got no answer, so there you go. So much for German engineering...


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Elegantly designed, the wrist-style VDO Z2 cycle computer will keep track of your training with integrated heart rate monitoring as well as calorie consumption and fully digital wireless transmission for speed, heart rate, and cadence (with optional accessory). It also features ANT+Sport wireless signal coding that transmits to your computer without interference from other training computers nearby. It's backed by a five-year warranty.
Features
Current speed and distance; average speed
Real time comparison of actual and average speed, indication by arrows showing speed difference of +/- 1 km/h
Second, individually programmable distance counter; either forward or backward counting possible
Cadence Data (optional, with cadence sender equipment installed)
Two presettable wheel circumferences (wheel sizes)
Six selectable timers
Current trip timer (up to 24 hours)
Current heart rate (permanently displayed), ECG-precise measurement
Average/maximum heart rate
Current heart rate in % of personal maximum heart rate
Time in % of total training time:
within the preset heart rate limits (Limit Zone)
below the preset heart rate limits (Limit Zone)
above the preset heart rate limits (Limit Zone)

Calorie-consumption on current trip
Recovery time or recovery heart rate measurement (adjustable time or heart rate)
Lap-timer for 50 laps with data for lap time, average speed and average heart rate
Audible signal if current heart rate is above or below limit settings.
Personal data presettable (age, weight, sex, personal maximum heart rate)
Automatic calculation or manual setting of upper/lower limits for each of the three training zones
Current time, selectable 12- or 24- hour display
Alarm function

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Cateye CC-TR300TW Triple Wireless Cadence and Heart Rate Bicycle Computer Review

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(More customer reviews)I purchased this primarily to keep track of the mileage I put into my bicycling workouts. Installation was rather straight forward but I would suggest dry mounting the magnet on the pedal first - perhaps using a short strip of electrician's tape. Once you're sure it's positioned correctly, then apply as suggested in the manual, or glue it in place with an epoxy product. The little mounting straps get nudged by your shoes when pedaling and throw the tempo readings out of whack.
The best feature of this is the included heart rate monitor. I paid more for a bottom tier Polar Pacer heart rate monitor with wrist band display than I paid for this unit. With the integrated heart rate monitor the bicycle computer calculates your calories burned - a great motivator!
Sínce I'm on the other side of 40, I certainly would appreciate a larger display, a better written owner's manual and larger control buttons. The larger numbers on some of the display screens are adequate, but the time for example is displayed in a smaller font and not easy to read if you need reading glasses. I'm a computer geek and normally never even bother with a manual, but this programming this unit is not intuitive. The manual requires careful reading to figure out how to step through the programming menu. You have to negotiate buttons on the front and back of this unit to program it. Once learned, you should be okay - just don't lose the manual.
I don't need or want all the lap functions, since I mostly ride on bicycle trails and not on a track, but if you want to keep track of distance, speed, heart rate, calories burned and total miles of your bike rides, then this is the unit for you.
One last word... You will need to set the wheel circumference on a course with mile markers. Using the default settings in the manual get you close, but to nail it, you may need to add or subtract a few mm at a time.

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Featuring Cateye's exclusive ID-coded double wireless system, this bicycle computer provides three windows displaying four readouts. In addition to displaying the rider's heart rate, functions offered are the following: current cadence; average cadence; maximum cadence; total pedal revolution; resettable total distance; resettable distance unit; lap number; lap timer; lap distance; lap average cadence; lap average speed; current speed; average speed;second average speed; maximum speed; split timer; elapsed time; second elapsed time; total time; clock time; trip distance; total distance; second trip distance. The single user-friendly transmitter mounts on the left chainstay.Like all Cateye bicycle computers, this one is ultrasonically welded and water-resistant.
About Cateye Founded in 1946 in Osaka, Japan, CatEye is the leading manufacturer of cycle computers, lights, and reflectors to cyclists in the world. In 1964, CatEye was the first in the industry to create a flashing lamp for bicycles, followed by their first battery headlamp in 1982, and the very first bicycle head lamp using white LEDs in 2001. The company's Opticube lens and reflectors make the brightest and most efficient LED headlights. while their LD500 remains the only rear safety light that can meet the rigorous CPSC standards for reflectivity.

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Timex 5F891 Navman II 3D GPS Sensor Review

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(More customer reviews)Ironman Triathlon BodyLink System Heart Rate/Speed/Distance The Timex BodyLink System was great in it's day. I only bought the SF891 to replace a unit that I had lost so I could sell a complete Timex Bodylink system on ebay. The associated software was also great in it's day. However, it has not kept up with Garmin line, and the 405CX carries out all the same functions in a single watch that required three components for the Timex system. The Garmin also comes with great software. The Garmin's GPS antenna is far more sensitive than the Timex, and can synchronize with the satellites indoors in areas where the Timex lost contact, an extremely valuable feature for cold-weather running. I got a better price for the Garmin 450CX on ebay than was available on Amazon.

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Garmin Forerunner 310XT Replacement Band (010-11215-01) Review

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(More customer reviews)My title says everything. I hate to buy replacement items, mainly when you spent a lot of money to buy the product, in this case the Garmin 310 XT. The original band didn't resist so much time, even in a regular use. I hope (and pray) that I won't need in the next future to buy one more band.

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Garmin Forerunner 405 Sport Watch with Heart Rate Monitor Kit - Black Review

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(More customer reviews)This is the first review, ever, I have written about a product but I am so happy with it that I want to encourage others to buy it.
I bought the Garmin Forerunner 405 package (watch, USB connector and Heart rate monitor (HRM)) in July 2009 and it is one of the best purchases I've ever made.
At the time, I had just committed to yet another attempt to get in better shape and thought being able to track my runs (distance, time and HRM) would be an effective way to keep myself motivated. I'm a nerd when it comes to gadgets and I love keeping track of everything (e.g. I love MS Money) so this watch was just perfect for me.
Here are some cools things about the watch that I am particularly happy about:
1) the HRM (which you snap around your chest): starting from the poor shape I was in, it really helped having something in addition to the time and distance of each workout: while I kept running at a slow pace and at the same speed, I could quickly see progress in terms of a lower HR.
2) the fact that my runs gets imported into Google earth. After each run, all I need to do is approach my desktop and the watch starts sending the details of the run (speed, GPS locations, time etc) to the computer. Thereafter, a neat little program shows me the run (speed, HR etc) in Google earth.
3) it allows you to "lock in" the GPS location of a particular spot and then use that as a guide to find your way back. I use this when I travel. Upon arriving at a new hotel (in a new city), I lock in the hotel's location. The watch then has a feature called "go to location" that will guide you back to a particular location you have stored (i.e. it brings up a little compass that will guide you back to the hotel from whereever you might end up later in the day).
4) the optional footpod is convenient to have if you run on treadmills (inside where the GPS won't work). I also attach it to my shoes when I play squash to see how much of a workout I'm getting (as I said, I am a nerd when it comes to measuring things).
Here are some things which are not superb about the watch:
a) the battery in the food pod had to be replaced within 6 months
b) sometimes it can take up to 5 minutes for the watch to locate satelites. This is frustrating! The problem is particularly severe if you have moved from one country to another. Usually, when I run the same routes (within a country), it "remembers" the satelites and it connects within a minute or two.
I hope this was useful. Best, Lars

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Suunto M2 Heart Rate Monitor w/ Dual Comfort Belt - Women's Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm posting this coz I couldn't find any reviews when I was trying to choose one myself. I hope this helps!
So I deliberated for ages...the polar? the garmin? the suunto? And then which model?
They all have great features... but I think the Suunto M-series are the better looking watches and yes, I am that shallow.
It's my first HRM and I found it very easy to use...
Pros:
- large face, easy to read
- nice looking
- pause function, apparently the session ends if you don't restart after pausing for one hour
- can enter your year of birth and weight (I guess it works out your calories based on this information)
- 4 weeks of cumulative information
- can view details of your last previous workout
- tells you if you are in zone 1, 2 or 3 and beeps when you move between them. Also shows you when you are below zone 1 and above zone 3
- gives you stats on calories burned, time and time spent in each zone
- shows you calories on the fly (apparently some HRMs only show you after the workout)
- strap and watch are very comfortable
- reasonably priced
- very motivating!
Cons:
- No back light
- can't program "zones"
- doesn't take your height into consideration when estimating calories
- does not connect with the other suunto products, ie footpod, bikecomputer and usb data collector (to plug into your computer). Even if it did, they are very expensive.
- no fitness test or workout program
- only gives you details of one previous workout. Thought it does provide you with a summary of workouts in total. (Not sure how this works yet) I personally would love to scroll through each individual workout. Perhaps no HRMs provide that function. I don't know.
- doesn't show all information at once, you have to scroll through. It shows you two pieces of information on each screen though, ie heart rate plus calories burned (I can't remember the other couplings coz I mostly kept it on that setting). Scrolling through doesn't bother me at all. I think that's what you get for having the heart rate so large on the screen, which I really like.
Honestly, as much as I like it I am wondering whether to exchange it for the M4 which is only $30 more and it will give me a backlight and some of the other features...
My only issue is that I don't think you get the beeps and zone information with the M4. Whether I decide to upgrade or not, I'll be happy with this one... just wondering whether I'll be happier with the other one.
Oh, and if you're trying to decide between Suunto HRMs, the manuals are available on their website so you can read through them to find out what features they have or don't have - it might help you make a decision.
Oct 26 Update:
So, I've been using this watch for over a month now and I've concluded the following:
1. It REALLY bugs me that it doesn't have a back light. In this day and age you'd think it would be standard. SUUNTO, Listen up!
2. It is VERY attractive. I like the way it looks so much that I wear it everyday. (This is doubly why the lack of light bothers me because it doesn't function like a real watch). I receive many compliments about it.
3. Soooo many times I have accidentally deleted the workout I'm currently on after hitting the pause button. The Question it asks you is: "Stop?" And you have to select "yes" or "no". Not so hard, but if you get stopped by someone asking you the time, you might accidentally press "yes" thinking, yes I want to pause. Doh! I wish it had no question and just gave you the "Continue" or "Stop" options. That could just be me... but I've stuffed that up at least 3 times and deleted my workout info unintenionally. Also, it's meant to pause for up to an hour. I hit pause for about half and hour, restarted it then hit pause again thinking the hour would start again but it stopped after probably around half an hour without my asking it to and with no warning. That was frustrating. Because it doesn't save details of more than your last workout, if you're on the go, like I was you might again accidentally delete your hard work with no recompense. (If it saved all your previous workouts, that wouldn't be a problem).
I think this watch could be really fantastic if it just had a couple of those additional features. I recommend it to those of you who know how to press buttons properly. I notice it's $50 cheaper since I purchased it.


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Timex Ironman T5G311 Midsize Bodylink System Heart Rate Monitor Watch Review

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(More customer reviews)I've had other heart rate monitors but have always had trouble with them which I attributed to my small frame. But this not only works beautifully, the GPS has added a whole new dimension to my training. It works great outdoors though admittedly did not get a signal on a run in the woods. In clear spaces on the road or on the water (I row) it works like a charm.

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Combining speed-and-distance data with heart rate monitoring, the svelte Timex Ironman Triathlon Bodylink System (model T5G311) is a great choice for serious and professional runners, providing accurate speed and distance information as well as heart rate feedback. This mid-sized watch offers a hardened resin case with a silver bezel mounted atop a two-tone gray resin strap with a thin, tapered profile. This Speed and Distance system will track your speed (real-time, average, and maximum), pace (real-time, average, and best), and overall distance. This model also offers target alarms that will notify you when you reach preset upper and lower limits for either speed or distance. This watch also provides:
3-line customizable display
Summary Mode: review speed, distance and heart rate performance data at end of workout
100-hour chronograph with either lap/split in large digits,
100-lap memory with recall of Bodylink system data
2 linked interval timers
100-hour, 3-mode countdown timer
5 alarms for daily, weekday, weekend or weekly with 5-minute backup
Up to 2 year battery life
Included bike mount

The Indiglo night-light uniformly lights the surface of the watch dial using patented blue electroluminescent lighting technology. It uses less battery power than most other watch illumination systems, enabling your watch battery to last longer. The Night Mode feature allows you to illuminate the Indiglo night-light for 3 seconds with any button press, regardless of the mode or function. The watch is water resistant to 50 meters (165 feet)--suitable for swimming but not for diving--and the GPS sensor is splash resistant. All Timex heart rate monitor sensors have batteries that can be replaced by consumers without requiring them to be returned to the manufacturer.

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Casio Men's CHR200-2V Heart Rate Monitor Watch Review

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(More customer reviews)For the price it's missing lots of functions needed on a runners watch:
The BIG error is on the "Twin Timer" which the doc claims supports "interval training" (CASIO Guide 3073)
You can only set to within 10 seconds !! so if you need a 00"26 second interval or a 3"26 you would have to round up or down to "20 or "30 seconds!!!
But it is capable of setting up to 99 99 hour 59 minutes and 50 (not 59 remember) seconds intervals - great.
Next time Casio produce a runners watch perhaps they should ask a runner.
adrian.perkins@neuf.fr


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Enhance your fitness regime with this multifunction heart rate monitor watch from Casio. The sporty ergonomic case has a slim profile and an asymmetrical shape designed to allow for a larger display without a lot of bulk. The crisp digital display dial gives you the day and date, the time in both 12 and 24-hour formats, an hourly chime, three daily alarms, and world time in 31 cities.
Operating in conjunction with a slim and comfortable chest strap transmitter, the heart rate monitor displays its calculations based on your heart rate and personal data. It will display your heart rate or intensity in either a numerical or a graph format, so you can easily chart the flow of your workout, and it will record and store the data for future review and comparisons. It also displays calories burned and has an alarm that lets you know when you've reached your target heart rate zone.
Chronograph functions include two countdown timers that measure up to 100 hours in increments as small as 1/10 second, and a 1/100 second stopwatch that measures elapsed time and lap/split time, with a 300 lap capacity. An impressive measuring and memory capacity allows you to chart your fitness level improvements by tracking and comparing run times, heart rate data, and intensity data over several workouts.
All the functions of the watch are easily accessed with well-integrated function buttons and an easy-to-learn navigation. An electroluminescent backlight with afterglow adds nighttime visibility to the highly legible display, and a smooth and durable weather-resistant rubber strap provides long-lasting wear. This watch is rated water resistant to 50 meters.

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Suunto t6d GPS Pack t6d Wristop Computer (Black Smoke) Review

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(More customer reviews)Looks cool but I tried two different purchases and had to return both as they didn't work even with battery replacement.
Customer service was nice but just told me to return after the battery attempts failed.

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Suunto Regatta Marine Watch Review

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(More customer reviews)I've had this watch about 2 months now and I really enjoy it. My only complaint is it's a little big, but I can live with it. I had to use the compass function a few days ago, and it's very easy to use and understand.
I did have to contact their customer support concerning a read-out I couldn't see in the "Sail" mode. Well according to their customer service the Regatta doesn't have a sail mode! I never did convice the rep that I was emailing back and forth with that the Regatta did have a sail mode. Fortunately, I figured the problem out myself. That concerns me some, what happens if I have a major problem?
But overall, I would buy this watch again. If you shop around, you can find it cheaper than Amazon.

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USB ANT™ Stick Review

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(More customer reviews)Although it works OK
I lost my first one
Garmin should be able to make something that does not require another small part

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Suunto t3d Heart Rate Monitor and Fitness Training Watch(Black) Review

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(More customer reviews)I've owned several suunto watches for different purposes. I've never been disappointed at all. Most of the complaints are about the scratching of the face. I buy face protectors and I never have an issue. I'm currently using this watch with the foot, bike and pc pod and I love it. It tracks all my running, biking and weight training states. Get a suunto and you will love it.

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The Suunto t3d gives you the edge to efficiently take your workout to the next level. The included Suunto Dual Comfort Belt accurately monitors your real-time heart rate, calorie consumption, and Training Effect: a quick and accurate measurement of how hard your body is working at any given moment, so you can easily find that sweet spot for getting the most out of each workout. Optional Suunto PODs take your Suunto t3d one step further by calculating your speed and distance in all your sports, in addition to your cycling cadence. View your personal stats in the training logbook to help you follow your progress and reach your targets.

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Nike Unisex Watch WR0139-021 Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)I'm a new runner and really just wanted a water/sweat resistant watch to help with my timed runs. This watch is not too heavy on my wrist, is easy to read (and I'm blind w/o my glasses), is good quality, and a great price.

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