Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I LOVE my Polar S625X Heart Rate Monitor... and I'm VERY picky about the design and implementation of techno gadgets. There are only three things I've thought of that it could do better.
First, the temperature sensor is on the wrist side of the watch. So, when I was running and the air temperature was about 16 degrees fahrenheit, the sensor reported 65 degrees. Since I know of no good reason for this design decision, I have to call this a silly and unfortunate design error.
Second, the accelerometor could probably very easily provide a pedometer reading, i.e., "How many steps did that run require?" It doesn't... at least as far as I can tell.
Third, the menu system appears to be inaccessible during a recording session. That is, you have to stop the recording session to look at or change file information or user information, etc.
But, other than these 3 things, I'm very impressed. (I'd be very very impressed if the pedometer and menu shortcomings mentioned above could be fixed via an EPROM upgrade via the Infra Red port.)
The Polar S625X Heart Rate Monitor is a complex tool. Plan on spending between 4 and 6 hours of concentrated study to learn to use it to its full capability.
And finally, I'd like to add that PC Coach/Biometrics, Inc. shipped on time and provided EXCELLENT technical support when I asked them questions about this HRM. I highly recommend them.
20080608 Update:
The original battery is still working! That's about 3.5 years of regular usage 2 to 5 times per week!! I'll soon have to replace it. But I'm very happy with the S625X's battery life.
There is one thing I hope the folks at Polar will do for me, however. Wouldn't it be cool if Polar would make a bathroom scale that would interface via wireless to the S625X so that the watch could gather my weight and body mass index info, too?!! ;-)
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The Polar S625X provides runners, triathletes, and coaches with a complete tool to measure performance and workout intensity. With the optional cycling and power sensors and enhanced training tools like the Polar OwnOptimizer recovery test, plus altitude and ascent for route profile, the S625X lets you cross train and put the power of information to work for you. It includes the S1 foot pod, a shoe-mounted sensor that continually relays computed velocity and distance information to a specially-adapted, wristwatch-based display. You'll be able to get data on total speed and distance, speed displayed in pace or kmph/mph as well as a distance-based interval timer.
It comes with the S625X wrist receiver, a transmitter that's worn comfortably around your chest, and an elastic strap to hold the transmitter in place. The wristwatch-like receiver features a large display that includes 12/24-hour time of day, alarm, and stopwatch. It provides readings of maximum heart rate of total exercise, average/maximum heart rate of each lap, recovery measurement (by either heart rate divided or time), and interval timers.
You can also better assess your training data using the included Polar Precision Performance (PPP) 4.0 software when you transfer data from the monitor to the PC via a wireless infrared (IR) connection. This feature requires a PC with an IR window or you will need a separate Polar IR interface.
The OwnCal feature shows your energy expenditure during one exercise session as well as your accumulated kilocalories during several exercise sessions. It also allows you to set daily and weekly exercise goals in terms of calorie expenditure. The OwnIndex feature will determine your fitness level, track your improvements, and provide motivation. Polar's OwnCode technology blocks unwanted signals from other heart rate monitors, ensuring disturbance-free transmission of your heart rate data.
The S625X's visual and audible alarms alert you when you reach your target heart rate zone. The Time in Target Zone feature calculates the percentage of maximum heart rate or beats per minute in your personal target zone. You can use this feature together with the Total Exercise Time to determine the effectiveness of your exercise program.
Feature Detail:
Displays your heart rate as beats per minute and percentage of maximum heart rate, average heart rate, and exercise duration
S1 foot pod shoe-mounted sensor that continually relays computed velocity and distance information to monitor
Runners' data including total speed and distance, speed displayed in pace or kmph/mph
Wirelessly sends exercise data to PC via infrared connection
Allows you to set 5 exercise sets for interval training with HR target zones and recovery calculation
Records a complete file and five summary files of the exercises
Predicts your maximal oxygen uptake
Reduces possible interference from other heart rate monitors
Target heart rate zones with audible and visual alarm
UpLink feature enables download of exercise set from Polar web site
Large easy-to-read display with backlighting and split screen
24-hour clock with day/week indicator and stopwatch
1.5-year average battery life
Water resistant to 30 meters
What's in the Box? S625X heart rate monitor watch unit, S1 foot pod, wireless transmitter, elastic strap, battery (built-in CR2032 lithium cell), Polar Precision Performance (PPP) 4.0 software, printed instructions
Manufacturer Warranty 2-year limited warranty
Note: Polar heart rate monitors are precision instruments; consumers are not advised to change their own battery. Polar recommends that all service be done by an authorized Polar Service Center which will include a warranty for 90 days on repairs and 6 months for batteries.
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