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 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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Garmin Forerunner Quick Release Kit Review

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(More customer reviews)This kit contains a velcro wrist strap with a sturdy plastic mounting clip. The original strap pieces are permanently removed using the supplied tool, then the strap pins are replaced into the 305 body. The pins can then clip into the mount on the velcro strap, or the identical part of the bike mount. Removing the unit from the bike and putting it on your wrist, or vice-versa, takes less than 5 seconds.
The reviewer who said you have to take several minutes to re-attach the original wrist straps after taking the 305 off your bike seems to have failed to grasp the concept; the velcro strap *permanently* replaces the original straps.
The only potential downside I can think of is that the clip on the velcro wrist strap could hang up on long sleeved clothing, like a wetsuit, so triathletes will want to put the strap on during T1. Other than that, this is a very handy piece of kit!


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Timex Ironman Triathlon BodyLink System Heart Rate/Speed/Distance Review

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(More customer reviews)I have trained for 2 marathons and 2 half marathons with this equipment. Can't run without I need the feed back to keep a steady pace. Satellite lock up is good. When you couple the heart rate monitor and date sensor you can keep an accurate running journal. Every time I think maybe the equipment has reached it life span a new battery in the watch and one in the heart rate monitor has got me right back on track.
I do wish Timex would add topology capability. After reading reviews on other brands I am going to buy my wife a Timex Bodylink.


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Timex IronMan Global Trainer GPS Watch with Heart Rate Monitor Review

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(More customer reviews)I'm sending this watch back for several reasons. Here they are:
1. GPS Accuracy - It's not that great. When I run on the track I always run in the outside lane. However, this watch has me anywhere from the soccer goals in the infield to the street beyond the bleachers. When I'm running through town, there are times it's half a block off. From the map created with the GPS data, I couldn't tell if I was running on the street or in an alley. I don't expect a GPS watch to pinpoint my location exactly, but this was totally unacceptable.
Also, it takes forever to acquire a signal. Sometimes I'll be in my front yard for 5 minutes waiting for a signal. It's frustrating to be ready to run & have to wait. Once it locks on though, it doesn't drop it.
2. The Software - You must use this watch with TrainingPeaks ([...]) software. It's OK, but there are tons of other options out there. Being tied to one vendor is a recipe for disaster. TrainingPeaks is OK, but the really good stuff requires a paid membership. Not cool Timex.
3. It only records data every 2 seconds. Garmin watches record every second.
4. The elevation feature is a joke. There's a 5k route I take around town. I start/stop at my house, so the elevation gain/loss should be even. Nope, not according to Timex. Sometimes I gain hundreds of feet, sometimes I lose hundreds of feet. It's never the same, or even close.
5. Can't use a Foot Pod (or similar device) with it. No treadmill running during the winter.
Some good things...
I have a feeling a lot of this will be fixed in firmware updates (I'm running the latest firmware), but I'm not going to suffer through it. The watch it very sturdy; I never worried about hurting it. Also, it's more customizable then any watch I've ever used. - great for the geek in me.
Perhaps in 6 months or a year this watch will kick ass. However, as for right now, I ordered a Garmin Forerunner 310XT.

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Timex Global Trainer Triathlete Bundle (Heart Rate Monitor + Speed/Cadence Sensor) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is without question the worst product on the market I have yet experienced. The bottom line: take your chances with a different manufacturer.
If you want a watch that DOESN'T sync with the cadence monitor, DOESN'T sync with the heart rate monitor and rarely finds a GPS signal, then this watch is for you. If however you are a serious athlete, or just expect to get what you pay for, then you will be very disappointed in the Timex Global Trainer.
If you plan on taking your chances by purchasing this device and need to ship the watch back to Timex for repair, count on a 4 week inconvenience of being without the training device. The lousy warranty, return policy and customer service is Timex's way of saying thank you for being a sucker and buying our product.
In addition, data loaded from the watch to the Timex Device Agent software is out of sync. Loaded times, distances, etc. are off by a few seconds, feet, etc. The only explanation is poor firmware/software design and development. One more frustration you can look forward to if you purchase this product.
The Timex Global Trainer is a great concept, but unfortunately Timex failed to bring a reliable product to market, and more importantly, failed to understand the market itself. A training aid like this can be invaluable, when it works. If it doesn't work it's just an extreme annoyance embedded in an already demanding schedule.
I will never buy Timex products again. I don't like flushing money down the drain, and I have enough to worry about juggling work, training and family without troubleshooting what is suppose to be a simple piece of technology.
Spend your money with a company that "gets" athletes' and builds reliable products.

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Garmin Forerunner 310XT Waterproof Running GPS With USB ANT Stick Review

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(More customer reviews)I felt compelled to write a review, because I am disturbed with what some other reviewers are publishing. This is the best watch of it's kind I have owned, and as long as a purchaser understands what it does, and it's limitations, I think they will be more than satisfied. It may be that this watch will not meet their needs, but it should not be a cause to deliver a poor rating.
I have owned the Forerunner 305, the 201, the Timex GPS and a Polar, so I have years of experience. Since I do triathlons, I was most looking forward to the waterproof controls, and 20 hour battery. The charger is a bit funky design, but for me it seems to work just fine. My battery has been lasting at least 16 hours--I haven't tested it further before recharging. One issue that I had with the 305 also, though: the watch should be TURNED OFF while you are charging. If not, as soon as you disconnect the charger, since the watch is ON, it will start "discharging" (as it does normally while it is on. I have been caught several times with a depleted battery on my 305 because of this quirk--I think the watches should be programmed to automatically turn themselves off when the charger is connected).
I have used the new watch swimming, biking and running and hiking, and I am pleased with the performance for each sport. One reviewer pointed out that there should be a "swim" mode--I agree, but I think Garmin may have avoided that mode because the GPS does not work well in the water. Several reviewers complained about that, however Garmin does write on their website AND in their manual that the GPS does not work well in the water (I don't know that I would blame that on Garmin--probably the technology is just not there yet--besides, GPS signals do not penetrate water.) In fact, I did NOT get an accurate GPS distance reading for open water swimming, but it did map my COURSE correctly, albeit with a lot of zig-zags (I know I can't swim in a straight line, but I am not THAT bad).
The biking portion works great. The Garmin matches pretty closely with the distance measured on my bike computer (I don't have the Garmin bike sensor--I want that and the quick-release mount for my next birthday). Of course it also tracks speed, altitude, heart rate, etc. (I used the heart monitor strap from my 305).
Running works well also, basically same as biking although I do set up the display screens differently.
Other, useful new features I have noticed:
1. The watch locks onto satellites more quickly than my 305
2. The watch vibrates, although I wonder how this affects battery life. For instance it vibrates every lap (if I set it) so I know I have completed an autolap without having to look at the watch.
3. The software is more refined (lots of small fixes. For instance the settings function lets me know what sport mode I am in--although I think this could still be made easier and less confusing. And the time zone can be put on automatic--I always wondered why they couldn't do this before--the watch knows where it is for gosh sakes. And there are extra custom screens if you want them--statistic hounds take note.)
4. Wireless data upload. Very nice! Their new "Garmin Connect" site is also pretty useful, and the data can be uploaded directly to the Internet.
5. The 310XT is not much smaller or lighter than the 305 (according to the specs), but it FEELS MUCH smaller and lighter.
6. There is a progress bar for the battery charging. I would like to be able to see how much time is LEFT in my battery--I wish Garmin would add this.
In summary, I think this is far and away the best GPS watch Garmin has made, and is especially appropriate for triathletes (despite the swimming issue). You DO need to become accustomed to using the watch. Although I do not think it is hard to use, you SHOULD read the manual. At least you do not have to keep RE-reading the manual like I do for some other gadgets. I do think this watch is way overpriced, but I am a gadget freak, and I'm sure the price will come down over time, like it did for the 305 (which is a great deal, now, btw, if you don't need a 20 hour battery-life and a waterproof stopwatch :)

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Finally, a GPS-enabled training device that isn't afraid of the water. The rugged Forerunner 310XT is the triathlete's indispensable training tool--a GPS-enabled, swim-proof trainer that tracks bike and run data and sends it wirelessly to your computer. This multi-sport device has up to 20 hours of battery life, tracks distance, pace and heart rate (optional), and goes from wrist to bike in seconds.
Time Your Swim The swim-proof Forerunner 310XT is waterproof to a depth of 50 meters, so you can wear it in the pool or the lake to time your swim. And its slim design and flexible wristband mean Forerunner is easy to wear in any conditions.
Transition Effortlessly When you're ready to jump out of the water and onto the bike, Forerunner 310XT moves easily from wrist to bike with the optional quick release and bike mounts, making the transition between sports effortless. Forerunner 310XT categorizes multisport activities in one workout and can also log transition time in the process, so you can analyze your performance from start to finish.
Collect Workout Data Forerunner 310XT tracks your position precisely with GPS satellite data and records distance, pace, heart rate (optional), power data (from ANT+-enabled third-party power meters) and more. High-sensitivity GPS and HotFix satellite prediction mean Forerunner acquires satellites quickly and tracks your movement even near tall buildings or under tree cover. And using innovative ANT+ wireless technology, Forerunner 310XT connects seamlessly to an optional heart rate monitor, foot pod and cadence sensor.
When paired with the optional wireless heart rate monitor, Forerunner 310XT continuously tracks beats per minute and uses heart rate data in advanced calorie computation. Train in a certain heart rate zone to improve fitness and monitor your level of exertion.
Run, Sync, Store and Share Once you've logged the miles, innovative ANT+ wireless technology automatically transfers data to your computer when Forerunner is in range. No cables, no hookups. The data's just there, ready for you to analyze, categorize and share through our online community, Garmin Connect or our optional Garmin Training Center software. You can even plan workouts on your computer and then send them to your Forerunner.
What's in the Box Forerunner 310XT, USB ANT stick, AC charger, Charging clip, Owner's manual on disk, Quick start guide

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Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor (Factory Refurbished) Review

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(More customer reviews)I like this thing quite a lot. I've had it for about three weeks, and have used it on 12 workouts so far. I use it primarily for running, with biking a secondary usage. The main reason I wanted it was for the instantaneous readout of distance, running pace and heart rate, the latter needed for the speed work I want to do this running season.
The core functionality (distance and heart rate monitoring) works perfectly. There's none of the signal drops I've had with other heart monitors. Once the satellites are initially acquired, I've only had one dropout when I was outside. The initial acquisition of the satellites can be quirky and can take some time. The accuracy (according to the readout) is +/- 25ft, depending on how many satellites can be found. I've compared the distance measurement on the GPS with a known, measured distance on one of the trails I run on (the Chicago lakefront path). The GPS always increments a mile when I'm within 5 or 10 feet of the mile marker sign on the path. Well, I guess that's the least I should expect from a $350 GPS unit! Of course it's bigger than a normal running stopwatch, but that hasn't bothered me at all. The heart rate strap is also very comfortable and well-designed.
The display is crisp and has one outstanding feature: The information presented on the various pages can be completely user-customized. The default screen layout is rather poor, but in just a few steps I could replace it with the information I wanted to see while I run. There are almost 40 different data fields you can choose from for display. Examples: current pace, average lap pace, average run pace, heartrate, distance.
The only disappointment is the point-in-time (instantaneous) pace measurement: It varies wildly during a run. I see swings as big as +/- 3 minutes/mile. I'm a marathoner and I know my pace is fairly consistent during a run. I just looked at my run today, and according to the data the first mile varied from 5:57/mile to 12:06 mile. I suspect the problem is either in the averaging algorithm (too short a distance?), or in the uncertainty that results from different satellites coming in and out of view. The variations seem to get worse under tree cover compared with an open area. Luckily there's a lap-average pace that can be presented, and at least that value is useful and more accurate. The bottom line is that you can't look at the watch and say "right now I'm running 9 mins/mile". There is the ability to specify a pace smoothing factor, but I have it maxed out and still see the variations. The elevation readout also seems inaccurate, but that isn't important to me.
Upload of workout data to the PC software (Training Center) is transparent. The PC software is very good for presenting time/distance/pace/heartrate/calorie data. However the maps it shows are very crude. I've worked a bit with one of the online, subscription services (MotionBased). That looks really good and provides some additional functionality beyond the included Training Center software, although I still haven't decided if it's worth the $$$ yet for long-term data storage. MotionBased allows export to Google Earth, and it's tremendously cool to see your running path superimposed on a satellite image. You can recharge the unit through the USB port on your computer, although it's slower than using the dedicated recharger.
I had hoped that owning this device would prove motivational for me, and indeed it has. I can't imagine running or biking without it. Updating my training log is trivial now: Plug this thing into my computer, and it's done. My hope is that a future software update will do something about the pace calculation (maybe a few additional levels of smoothing?). If so, the Forerunner 305 would earn 5 stars+++.Positives:
Flawless heart rate sampling
Great distance measuring and lap-average pace calculation
Seamless integration with a PC
Fully-automatic training log update
User-customizable displayNegatives;
Wildly-varying pace readout.


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