Gear Review
Polar RS800G3 Heart Rate Monitor
After 15 years, I'm switching to Suunto
By Hyperphil
Ranked #1130 - Running Watches
August 17, 2009
I have had three of these watches. Long story; one I broke in the Army (not in a situation where it should have broken), one got badly scratched, and the third is also badly scratched. I started using Polar back in 1993, and have ALWAYS used a Polar HRM in my 23 100 mile races I have done since then. No one could compete. But now, two issues have arisen.
First, this watch just is not durable. It is designed for marathoners who will take it off except when working out. It is a "road watch." No rocks, sand or dirt allowed. Second, all of my 800s have had issues with communicating with the W.I.N.D. chest strap. I even bought some bah-bump cream to help out, and I still get wildly erratic readings in the first twenty minutes of my workout (tried all the tricks, spit, water, etc). 180 to 60 in ten seconds. Gah! Who needs that at the start of the Wasatch 100?
The older 600s and my wife's 625x is a better watch. Now that Suunto is a legitimate competitor, I am switching over. Can't sell the watches, but I do have two extra G3 units I'll eBay.
View Details: Polar RS800G3 Heart Rate Monitor
Helpful Votes: 0 Yes | 0 No
Tech Specs:
- Material:
- [Housing] metal, plastic; [Strap] rubber
- Altimeter:
- Yes
- Barometer:
- No
- Heart Rate Monitor:
- Yes, wireless
- Chronograph:
- Yes
- Thermometer:
- No
- Digital Compass:
- No
- Adjustable Declination:
- No
- Low Battery Indicator:
- Yes
- PC Compatible:
- Yes
- Waterproof:
- Water resistant to 60ft (20m)
- Backlight:
- Yes
- Alarms:
- Multiple, including workout, heart rate, and general
- Battery Type:
- [Watch] LiIon; [GPS] AA w / optional LiIon
- Battery Life:
- [GPS] 10 hrs
- Size:
- Large
- Recommended Use:
- Serious multisport training and racing
- Manufacturer Warranty:
- 2 Years
- Country of Origin:
- China
Change me.