Polar RS800cx Multi Features

• Heart rate monitor (obviously)
• Soft-touch WearLink heart rate belt
• G3 GPS device and armband
• Advanced tracking (map, fitness, weather, altitude)
• Altimeter and barometer measurements
• Thermometer
• Complex training management
• OwnIndex fitness test
• MSRP: $439.95-$519.95 (depending on package)

Polar RS800cx Multi (HR & GPS) Review

The RS800cx is a training watch for serious athletes. While watching the Winter Olympics earlier this year, I couldn’t help but notice that nearly every cross country skier or biathlete was sporting this watch with its huge face giving them detailed performance data on-the-fly. Comparing my training to their training would be akin to trying to compare a Chevrolet to a Lamborghini. In other words, we’re in different worlds. That said, can an everyday athlete take advantage of all that the RS800cx has to offer? I think so… lets dig in.

One of the most impressive features of the RS800cx is its overall comfort. This is achieved via a lightweight design that’s built ergonomically so as not to cause a fuss during activity. I’ve worn this watch backcountry skiing, running, trail running, road biking and mountain biking and it has never once felt bulky or awkward. It’s lightweight design simply disappears.

For over 8 months, I wore this watch every day as my regular timepiece and the subdued styling fits in just fine for casual wear. Well, casual wear for a known athlete. Some people would feel odd, but I had no issues wearing it day-in/out. The only downside of using it for regular wear is that the standard “home” screen features a huge dot-matrix area that takes up nearly half of the screen with a POLAR logo. There’s no way to change that other than creating a custom image of your own, but no workout data can populate that section of the screen while in time mode (kind of lame and the biggest negative aspect of this watch).

The initial workout does require acquiring all devices that you wish to use. For my tests, I used the WearLink heart rate band and the G3 GPS unit. Finding the devices is a fairly simple process — all you have to do is enable GPS in the workout settings, turn on the GPS and wait 15-20 seconds for it to acquire the signal. Once acquired, each device is represented by a small icon on the screen so you know it’s working.

The RS800cx can track many important metrics of your workout. For me, one of the primary reasons to have this watch is its ability to compare both speed/distance data with altitude changes. For all my typical activities, altitude ascent/descent plays a HUGE role in the overall workout and is sometimes critical to awareness during races.

While I have now used this watch hundreds of times for my training, the value of it was most apparent during the RAGNAR Wasatch Back race where I depended on it to help me maintain a proper pace for the long-haul. Personally, I like knowing my distance for training but for race day, I’m going to pace myself using my heart rate, so distances weren’t as important. I ran with the GPS for my first leg, then without it for the final two, which again confirmed my personal preference not to need GPS during the actual race.

With all the data captured via this device, even a screen as large as the one on this device can’t display everything all at once. You have several screens that can be scrolled through by the simple click of a button. While in workout mode, there were a few data points I felt were missing and the most obvious one was the total descent. You can view the total ascent, but not the total descent on-the-fly. It’s available post-workout, but not during the activity — I guess sacrifices have to be made somewhere and that appears to be one of them.

After the workout, you can view gobs of data and then download that data to your PC using Polar ProTrainer 5 (included) for further analysis. This brings up another major flaw… no Mac support. While Polar has introduced Mac support to use PolarPersonalTrainer.com, it’s not yet compatible with this device (a complete bummer). I was able to find an old PC and download my workout data via the IR device, but it takes forever and the connection has been problematic. I’ve been just fine with the summaries provided by the watch, but if you are a serious athlete, you’ll want to get familiar with Polar’s training software for analysis and workout creation/management.

The beauty of this device for serious athletes is the ability to create set workouts and then send them to the device. This is an obvious feature for Olympic athletes or serious training. While I train hard for races and events, my training is a bit more free-form and not all that regimented. I’m OK with that and the watch continues to track my progress in spite of not being militant about my workouts.

Good RS800cx

• Measures every imaginable performance metric
• Locking barometer option to normalize ascent/descent should weather change mid-activity
• Analyzes your workout to an amazing level of detail
• Watch wears well and is comfortable enough for daily use
• Soft heart rate strap is comfortable to wear
• Can measure performance via Polar software — including GPS map overlays (too bad it’s PC only)
• Hard-core athletes will rejoice in all the data
• GPS can be worn with the armband or in a pocket (rear cycling jersey pockets are great)
• Some folks complained about the watch face scratching easily, but I’ve beat this thing up for months and don’t have any noticeable scratches

Bad RS800cx

• All software is PC-only
• Large RS800cx logo on home screen can’t be changed to anything useful and takes up a ton of screen real estate
• Wearing multiple units (watch, heart rate strap, GPS) can get old over time
• Start/stop button is easily pushed when wearing around (button lock feature comes in handy)
• Altimeter/barometer reading is only viewable during activity mode
• Descent rate not visible during workouts — only ascent
• The band is a bit stiff near the watch body and can break if stuffed into a tight space (like carry-on luggage… yup, happened to me)

Bottom Line: Polar RS800cx Multi

With this kind of watch, there’s bound to be a huge list of good and bad aspects. While the RS800cx delivers on hard-core performance training, it does miss the mark on PC-only compatibility and the other gripes are really minor inconveniences (being realistic). If you are nuts about tracking details and eat up your workout data for breakfast, you will love this watch. If not, you’ll still love it, but may feel like you’re using an elephant gun when a .22 is all that’s required.

Buy Now: Search for the Polar RS800cx Watch

I’m never satisfied with a run-of-the-mill watch that just tells the time and date, It takes much more than that to get me jazzed about a watch. I’m talking about watches that can nearly guess your next move, can track your entire ski day or, in this case, one that can help you make smarter workout decisions. The Polar FT60 has been my training partner for a couple of months now and I’m amazed how far heart rate monitors have come… this one is definitely one of the most useful workout tools I’ve used.

About the Polar FT60 Training Watch

With a sea full of heart rate watches, the original and market-leader can’t sit still while innovation happens around them. Suunto and Polar are  neck-and-neck in the training watch market–each with their versions of training watches. Both happen to be Finnish companies and both have a long history of producing some of the most advanced watches on the market.

The FT 60 raises the bar on training watches by simplifying measurements that were previously left only for Ph. D’s. Detailed workout analysis is now available on your wrist. And with the ability to personalize your workouts and track your performance based on your characteristics and fitness level, the FT60 can truly be your personal fitness coach.

Watch the Polar FT60 overview video on YouTube.

Features of the Polar FT 60 G1:

• WearLink heart rate transmitter
• Automatic age-based target zones
• 30m water resistant
• G1 GPS armband
• Compatible with optional S1 Footpod
• Target zones
• Historical workout summaries (100 files)
• Polar OwnCal tracks calories burned (Workout, Total, Weekly, Fat %)
• Polar Fitness Test with OwnIndex measures VO2 Max
• Polar STAR Training Program
• Alarm
• Dual Time
• Compatible with PolarPersonalTrainer.com
• Colors: Pink or Black (Women’s), Black/Silver/White or Black/Silver/Red (Men’s)
• MSRP: $239.95 (Watch and HR) / $139.95 for G1 GPS

Polar FT60 Training Watch Review

Out of the box, I noticed two things: 1) This watch is very stylish and clean looking, and 2) It had an intuitive setup wizard that guided me through the initial setup process for goof-proof setup. The initial setup wizard is refreshing in a world of uber-complicated training watches.This process takes you through your key stats (ladies… don’t lie about your age and weight), workout goals, fitness level and basic setup.

Like anything, the most important step is always the setup and preparation. With the FT60, you get everything configured right off the bat so you can get on with your workouts in a jiffy.

The large dot-matrix display is awesome and can display a ton of data and graphs. Unlike many designs, the entire screen uses the same display style. Some try and mix-and-match dot-matrix with LED-style and it just looks awkward. All controls are super-simple to understand and buttons are clearly marked during each function. I’ve never once referenced the manual to use all the functions–that’s how clear and logical everything is on this watch.

After some quick tightness adjustments on the WearLink heart rate transmitter, I was ready to head out. The WearLink transmitter design is a 360-degree soft band for unparalleled comfort and transmission quality. Wearing this heart rate band becomes second-nature and works well under a hydration pack.

The G1 GPS pod is comfortable to wear and is easy to use. A single button turns it on and if the watch is configured for GPS mode, the signal is picked-up in about 15 seconds. Like any GPS device, you’re always limited by the quality of the view of the sky. While trail running through mixed trees, I found it to lock onto the satellites very well, but while on a mountain bike in mixed trees, it tended to lose the signal much more often. Comfort of the G1 is excellent and can be easily adjusted on-the-fly. You can choose to wear it on your arm or waistbelt. Tossing it in your pack may or may not work–it all depends on the distance from your wrist.

Working out is where the FT60 shines. Training mode is easy to start and you’ll immediately have access to your heart rate, elapsed time, calories burned and speed and distance at the touch of a button. I wish it had an auto-scroll function to scan through all of the above, but as it stands, you’ll have to tap the button to switch views. While trail running or mountain biking, this was sometimes difficult since the buttons weren’t as tactile as I’d like.

At the end of your workout, the stored memory will give you a one-line summary of your performance.  Did you overtrain? Did you improve performance? Did you improve fitness? Did you not work hard enough? The one-line workout summary will tell you–that alone is awesome! The rest of the summary data is to be expected with min/max heart rate, time in each heart rate zone, min/max speed, distance, calories burned (total and fat%) and elapsed time. Workouts are automatically grouped by week for a weekly summary.

The STAR training program offers the additional ability to have a guided workout routine with alarms (audible and on-screen) to keep you on track. It’s like having your own personal trainer on your wrist that can cater the workout to your height, weight, age and fitness level.

I used the FT60 for indoor workouts, trail running, hiking, road cycling and mountain biking and was able to track my performance effectively and easily. I loved seeing the calories burned and was often-times surprised at how much I did burn during my workouts. In the past, every heart rate watch I’ve used has quickly lost its luster, but the FT60 continues to deliver–so much so that I haven’t exercised without it.

Good FT60

• Stylish and comfortable enough for daily wear
• Separate GPS device reduces bulk
• Lightweight
• Very intuitive design
• Initial setup wizard is great
• Ability to connect HRM, GPS or Footpod
• Smart training programs analyze your workouts
• Simple review of previous workouts and performance
• Comfortable HRM
• Tracks VO2 max over time

Bad FT60

• Buttons can be hard to press while running or biking
• No auto-scan feature to see rotating activity data (you have to push a button to view different data points mid-activity)
• No lap tracking
• G1 GPS tends to lose signal in the trees
• Can be cumbersome to wear multiple devices, but you don’t wear the GPS on every workout

The Bottom Line on the Polar FT60

With catered workout measurement and on-the-fly training, the Polar FT60 has been an awesome workout partner that has truly helped me maximize my workouts. If you are looking for a heart rate monitor and training watch that actually delivers, the FT60 is hard to beat. Ditch “Hans the Trainer” and switch to the Polar FT60 to measure your workout performance.

Buy Now: Search GEAR.com for Polar FT60

I then stepped up to the Suunto Vector (a.k.a. the Hockey Puck). The Vector was by far the most advanced altimeter watch of the day, but it came with a price–it’s HUGE size. This thing is behemoth, but it’s still one of Suunto’s top selling watches because despite it’s size, it’s super light and comfortable to wear. And, it works great!

Since the Vector, I’ve thoroughly tested and owned several of the latest altimeter watches from Polar, Timex, Origo, HighGear and Suunto. They all work essentially the same way; translating barometric pressure changes into altitude changes. Yes, an inexact science, but it’s the best there is (aside from cumbersome GPS watch technology, but we won’t go there). Lets dig into the technology behind altimeter watches and why you would want one in the backcountry.

I caught up with Ryan Hamsho, International Sales Manager for HighGear to get some specific information on how altimeters work and why you should have one. I’ve include some of his thoughts below.

How Altimeter Watches Work

Lets first get into how altimeter watches work. The simple explanation is that the higher you go, the less atmosphere is above you, the lower the air pressure is, so the higher the altitude. Altimeter watches use the atmospheric pressure as the method to modify the altitude up or down. Most current altimeter watch models track altitude changes in 3 ft. (1 meter) increments.

Because altimeter watches rely on the actual pressure reading for altitude measurement, most altimeter watches display both the adjusted-for-sea-level pressure reading and absolute air pressure–so as not to confuse you too much when you compare readings to what you see on TV or in the paper, which is adjusted for sea level.

Ryan Hamsho of HighGear, shared the following on how altimeter watches work:

An altimeter does not actually measure altitude directly, but rather just atmospheric pressure. So an altimeter is actually a barometer created for a specific purpose. The altimeter uses the changes in atmospheric pressure to determine the changes in altitude. Why does pressure change with altitude? Simply put, the pressure at any given point in the atmosphere around the earth is a result of the weight of the atmosphere above it (pulled down by gravity). For this reason, the higher in the atmosphere you are, the less atmosphere you have above, and the less pressure exerted on you.

He went on to say that the best way to calibrate an altimeter watch is to adjust your reference altitude on a regular basis–daily if you want it as accurate as possible. The best way to know your exact altitude anywhere in the world is by using Google Earth. Google Earth provides the most accurate altitude readings by searching and clicking in your exact location. See below for the exact altitude of the base of Main St. in Park City, UT (7040 ft.).

Keep in mind that altimeter watches are not scientific instruments. They are merely gauges to give you the best estimate on the current altitude. If kept properly calibrated during a day that has fairly stable weather, they should prove to be very accurate overall. In varying weather conditions, you will see some variation. Again, it’s essential to know the reference altitude to get back on track.

As a side note, I once had a customer purchase a Timex altimeter watch from the now defunct FeedTheHabit.com Online Store. He was a real estate agent from Florida and he wanted to measure exact variances in altitude to know which properties were more desirable. Remember… he was in Florida where every foot counts. I wish I would have known that before he made the purchase. Needless to say, he returned the watch because it wasn’t consistently accurate without daily user calibration. And, that’s not the intended purpose of an altimeter watch.

Why Should You Have an Altimeter Watch?

Today’s outdoor enthusiast wants to know all the details of their adventures. Handheld GPS units and altimeter watches are now commonplace in the backcountry and with good reason. They can be helpful tools when navigating mountain peaks or cross-country travel because most of them also feature a digital compass and thermometer–all handy features to help you analyze your surroundings and keep track of where you are as well as the current and upcoming weather.

Lets go back to Ryan from HighGear to answer this question from his perspective:

We are an information and curiosity-driven society. Therefore, there are several reasons one might want a wrist or hand-held altimeter (besides the obvious: that they need a time piece) and each reason is based upon a specific application (such as Hiking, Climbing, Mountain Biking and Skiing). Examples of these applications can have varying levels of seriousness. For the hiker, it may be for reasons such as monitoring the altitude for curiosity sake to carefully monitoring the barometric pressure for reasons that may be tied to seeking shelter before the next front begins to move in. In this case, the altimeter could be used as a weather station in addition to its many other functions (time, alarm, chronograph etc.).

For the climber, the altitude is relevant to determine the amount of vertical ascent or descent surmounted in minutes and hours leading to the determination of whether or not they will make an ascent/descent before the sun goes down. Further to that, there is the ability to track total ascent/descent in a 24 hour period of time.

The applications are similar for the skier and mountain biker, but the numbers accumulate in a much quicker fashion. It may be as well that a skier or biker is interested in their vertical speed. The altimeter in cooperation with the chronograph will provide this feedback. All feedback can then be logged and reviewed for future reference.

So, depending upon the type of outdoor activity, the usefulness of the altimeter watch can vary from simple curiosity during an afternoon hike, to a matter of life and death for an alpinist trying to summit a high-altitude peak within a certain time window.

Why I Use an Altimeter Watch

I like using my altimeter watch to track my backcountry skiing and mountain biking travels. It’s interesting to track your vertical ascent/descent on a mountain bike ride, or your overall vertical ascent/descent during a 3-hour backcountry ski trip. And, most models allow you to track your total ascent/descent over a period of time–say, the ski season. A few years back, during the FeedTheHabit.com Dueling Vert Contest our own Kendall Card skied 40,000 vertical feet in a single day. All tracked with his handy-dandy Suunto altimeter watch.

For me, it’s more about knowing how fast and how much–not so much a matter of life and death.

What to Look For in an Altimeter Watch

I’ve used many altimeter watches in my day and have found Suunto watches to be the best in the business as far as durability, functionality and looks. HighGear is a relative newcomer to the industry (started in 1999) and has made huge inroads in the altimeter watch market with plenty to offer at great pricepoints. All HighGear models all feature a Swiss pressure sensor to ensure the most accurate barometric pressure calibration.

If you’re in the market for a new altimeter watch, there are many models to choose from. Here are a few tips to keep in mind before buying one.

My Altimeter Watch Tips:

• Head to your local REI to try them on–they are typically much larger than you think (this goes for women especially).
• Even though some may seem quite large, they all wear pretty well (e.g. you won’t notice their size so much over time).
• Get one with a mineral glass face to avoid scratching.
• I prefer those with rubber straps for use in all outdoor activities. I like to run, bike, hike and ski with my altimeter watch, so I don’t need a bulky metal band to get in my way.
• Unless you are really into analysis, don’t spend extra money on one that allows you to download data to your computer. None of them work on a Mac (my biggest gripe) and you likely won’t use it as much as you think.
• Suunto and HighGear are the market-leaders and are the safest bets as far as quality, durability and functionality. The Suunto Core and HighGear Altis Ti are the latest models.
• If you’re looking for one that also features heart rate functionality, the Polar AXN is a great option.

The latest models from Suunto and HighGear are pictured above. The Suunto Core ($249 – $599) and the HighGear Altis TI ($300) are great options for anyone looking for a nice looking, everyday watch that is also a highly-functional wrist-top computer/altimeter.

BUY NOW: Find the Latest Suunto and HighGear Altimeter Watches at Backcountry.com

Polar’s AXN watch line is aimed at casual to hard-core outdoor enthusiasts. The AXN line consists of three models, each with more features as the number increases: The AXN300, AXN500 and AXN700. More importantly, these watches offer excellent functions specifically for mountain bikers, climbers and skiers.

Polar AXN300 Details

The entry-level Polar AXN300 model is anything but entry-level when it comes to features. The $229 MSRP of the AXN300 puts it inline with similar models from Suunto, but in a smaller package with more features than the popular Suunto Vector.

The AXN300 is packed with many features not found on other watches in this price-point. One of the best features of the AXN300 is something that’s very simple for Polar–the heart rate functionality. Because the AXN300 includes heart rate functionality, it eliminates the need to have multiple watches to track your outdoor activity. With one watch, you can track your fitness level, get an understanding of your training improvement, and understand your surroundings (altitude, barometric pressure, temperature) with the utmost precision.

The altimeter is accurate to one foot increments (can switch between english and metric settings) and the Action Log Files allow you to view your activity and performance after a day skiing, mountain biking or hiking. The Action Logs track the following: duration, average heart rate, maximum heart rate, time in, above and below heart rate zone, calories burned, slope count (number of ski runs), total ascent, average and max ascent/descent rate and maximum/minimum altitude during the action.

Polar’s first foray into the outdoor-specific watch category appears to be well-planned and completely in tune with the needs of outdoor enthusiasts.

The Review of the Polar AXN300 Watch

I’m a pretty tech-savvy guy and out of the box, the AXN300 didn’t seem difficult to me–especially compared to the initial learning curve needed for other altimeter watches. The AXN300′s interface is very straightforward and intuitive. Honestly, I was expecting the face of the watch to be just a tad smaller–more along the lines of the Suunto X6hr–but, it’s still considerably smaller than the hockey puck-sized Suunto Vector.

The initial configuration of the AXN300 was a cinch. I input my personal data (height, weight and activity level), then configured the watch display units, time and date. Setting the altitude was also very easy. Thanks to Google Earth, I’m able to pinpoint the altitude of my house and calibrate the altitude on a daily basis.

Polar’s fitness test, OwnIndex™, allows you to do a sitting fitness test which takes a couple of minutes. This test is based on your resting heart rate and uses your height, age and weight as the basis for your fitness level. Once the fitness test is over, it spits out your VO2 max, or your maximum oxygen uptake. This effectively measures your body’s own ability to carry and utilize oxygen. Lance Armstrong’s VO2 max is at least 85 ml/kg/min, while mine is currently a measly 49 ml/kg/min… Thanks to Polar, my hopes of the Tour de France are now shattered. The bottom line is that I’ve got room for improvement and the AXN300 is a great tool to help me track and maintain a high level of fitness.

A great feature of the altimeter is that it measures in one-foot increments. Most other altimeters measure in three-foot or greater increments, so that’s a great feature for this particular watch. Both the barometer and altimeter screens include small graphs to show your progress. What’s great about the graph in the altimeter mode is that you can change the scale from 1 feet to 10 feet to 100 feet for a clearer view of ascent/descent profiles.

One note on the thermometer. I have yet to find a thermometer that is unaffected by body temperature. That’s just the nature of wrist thermometers. Please understand that you must take the watch off your wrist for several minutes to achieve an accurate temperature reading. This applies to EVERY watch with a thermometer on it–not just the Polar AXN300.

I’m really impressed with this watch overall. I’ve tested several Suunto, Timex and HighGear altimeter watches over the years, and I’d have to say that the Polar is near the top of the list with the Suunto X6hr and Suunto t6 in overall usability. It does offer some features that Suunto does not, like the OwnIndex™ fitness test feature, but it also lacks some great features that those Suunto models offer. In the end, you’ll have to decide which features are most important and what price you’re willing to pay.

I found the smallish buttons surprisingly easy to use–even with gloves on. And, the log files feature is awesome! When you start the timer for an “Action”, a detailed summary of your data during that activity is stored for later retrieval. Data such as total ascent, average rate of ascent, maximum heart rate and maximum altitude are all stored for later viewing. Heck, you can even view your data during an activity. This function works great for skiing and even includes a run counter to finally know how tram laps you really made at Snowbird.

For all the good things about the AXN300, it does have some relatively minor hiccups. The first one I see is the inability to display anything other than time and date on the main screen. Every other altimeter watch I’ve used has the ability to pull relevant data such as altitude, heart rate, speed, etc. onto the main time screen, or select what you want displayed on the other screens. You can see the data, you just have to scroll through the menus. It does seem useless that you can pull in a POLAR logo onto the main screen in place of the current date, but nothing else. I’m also not too keen on the convex shape of the glass face because it greatly reduces the viewable angle of the watch. Also, for some people, the AXN300 may be a bit large, but I found it completely acceptable and inline with similar watches.

The Bottom Line on the Polar AXN300 Watch

Polar’s initial foray into the outdoor watch market is clearly a winner in overall functionality and price. Out of the box, the AXN300 is user-friendly and extremely versatile. I found the watch to be comfortable enough to wear all day and not cumbersome during outdoor activity. Polar is the most trusted name in heart rate monitors and there is no doubt in my mind that this watch will accurately track my performance and help me increase my level of fitness in the outdoors. With only a few minor gripes, the AXN300 is truly an excellent value in the market as compared to similar models from other manufacturers. At a typical market price of $199, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a comparable watch without spending hundreds more.

BUY NOW: Search for Polar Watches