Comments on: My New House Guest: Polar RS800CX http://thebullrunner.com/2009/05/16/my-new-house-guest-polar-rs800cx/ Sun, 12 Feb 2012 03:37:09 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Dave Ruedeman http://thebullrunner.com/2009/05/16/my-new-house-guest-polar-rs800cx/#comment-35065 Dave Ruedeman Tue, 09 Aug 2011 20:00:11 +0000 http://thebullrunner.com/?p=3230#comment-35065 I just bought a 310XT and will retire my RS800CX. I have always bought Polar in the past as I live near Polar America. I figured if there is a problem I could easily get it fixed there. Unfortunately I've had it repaired at least 5 times and I am tired of bringing it back to Polar America. Unfortunately, what finally did it for me is that their GPS unit is so terrible. (I have the G3 unit. The G5 unit is smaller and is said to be compatible to the RS800). Besides being a separate unit which is large and bulky, it sometimes refused to sync to the satellites. Even when it was synced it would repeatedly send me “zero” speed readings. This is after returning it to Polar America twice for repair. I always replaced the battery whenever I went for a ride or a run. This is particularly disturbing as it means that the importer does not know how to test the GPS unit for proper functioning. RS800CX Pluses: Built in fitness tests and calibration. Watch battery lasts ~ 2 years. This device can double as a watch for casual use. I will miss that after I sell the RS800CX. Protrainer software is better than Garmin Training Center. Right now I like the Polar desktop software better as I am more familiar with it. I believe that most Garmin users are utilizing third party software like training peaks etc. I happen to like their soft strap better. (I mean the strap itself , not the sensor which is not compatible as Polar and Garmin use different systems. And guess what? The soft strap works with the Garmin Sensor.) RS800CX Minus-- Can't connect a power meter. This is a big deal for some triathletes. My Tri coach demands that his students get a power meter for their bikes. No Mac version of the software. When I traveled with the RS800CX I installed Windows XP via boot camp on my Mac book pro just so I could upload the data. GPS issues (see above!). I could go on and on about this. The 310XT provides some visual feedback about syncing up to the satellites just like my old Garmin GPS V did. The RS800CX just has a couple of blinking LEDs. The RS800CX watch crystal is incredibly soft and fragile! If you just bought one , put the HRM in a plastic bag, wrap it in soft tissue and order a Zagg invisibleshield for it. I finally had Polar America replace outer case as I had problems seeing through the scratches. Finnish Software makes me cry! Think Nokia vs iPhone. It took me much too long to traipse through the menus to learn the HRM. One example is that they have a “Features” selection that exists in different places and mean different things! I just bought a 310XT and will retire my RS800CX. I have always bought Polar in the past as I live near Polar America. I figured if there is a problem I could easily get it fixed there. Unfortunately I’ve had it repaired at least 5 times and I am tired of bringing it back to Polar America.

Unfortunately, what finally did it for me is that their GPS unit is so terrible. (I have the G3 unit. The G5 unit is smaller and is said to be compatible to the RS800). Besides being a separate unit which is large and bulky, it sometimes refused to sync to the satellites. Even when it was synced it would repeatedly send me “zero” speed readings. This is after returning it to Polar America twice for repair. I always replaced the battery whenever I went for a ride or a run. This is particularly disturbing as it means that the importer does not know how to test the GPS unit for proper functioning.

RS800CX Pluses:
Built in fitness tests and calibration.
Watch battery lasts ~ 2 years. This device can double as a watch for casual use. I will miss that after I sell the RS800CX.
Protrainer software is better than Garmin Training Center. Right now I like the Polar desktop software better as I am more familiar with it. I believe that most Garmin users are utilizing third party software like training peaks etc.
I happen to like their soft strap better. (I mean the strap itself , not the sensor which is not compatible as Polar and Garmin use different systems. And guess what? The soft strap works with the Garmin Sensor.)

RS800CX Minus–
Can’t connect a power meter. This is a big deal for some triathletes. My Tri coach demands that his students get a power meter for their bikes.
No Mac version of the software. When I traveled with the RS800CX I installed Windows XP via boot camp on my Mac book pro just so I could upload the data.
GPS issues (see above!). I could go on and on about this. The 310XT provides some visual feedback about syncing up to the satellites just like my old Garmin GPS V did. The RS800CX just has a couple of blinking LEDs.
The RS800CX watch crystal is incredibly soft and fragile! If you just bought one , put the HRM in a plastic bag, wrap it in soft tissue and order a Zagg invisibleshield for it. I finally had Polar America replace outer case as I had problems seeing through the scratches.
Finnish Software makes me cry! Think Nokia vs iPhone. It took me much too long to traipse through the menus to learn the HRM. One example is that they have a “Features” selection that exists in different places and mean different things!

]]> By: The Bull Runner » My New Toy: Polar RS800 Pro Team Edition http://thebullrunner.com/2009/05/16/my-new-house-guest-polar-rs800cx/#comment-10128 The Bull Runner » My New Toy: Polar RS800 Pro Team Edition Wed, 19 Aug 2009 15:37:11 +0000 http://thebullrunner.com/?p=3230#comment-10128 [...] never did get back to you regarding my choice between the Polar RS800CX and the Garmin Forerunner 310XT.  Reason being, it took me a full three months to decide on my [...] [...] never did get back to you regarding my choice between the Polar RS800CX and the Garmin Forerunner 310XT.  Reason being, it took me a full three months to decide on my [...]

]]> By: The Bull Runner » Run for Home Globe-Ayala City Run Report http://thebullrunner.com/2009/05/16/my-new-house-guest-polar-rs800cx/#comment-9182 The Bull Runner » Run for Home Globe-Ayala City Run Report Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:59:21 +0000 http://thebullrunner.com/?p=3230#comment-9182 [...] decided to die on me. (It’s been very naughty ever since I toyed with the idea of getting a Polar RS800CX or Garmin 310XT) Good thing I had backup: Nike+ Sportsband on the other wrist and JunC, my run [...] [...] decided to die on me. (It’s been very naughty ever since I toyed with the idea of getting a Polar RS800CX or Garmin 310XT) Good thing I had backup: Nike+ Sportsband on the other wrist and JunC, my run [...]

]]> By: dave http://thebullrunner.com/2009/05/16/my-new-house-guest-polar-rs800cx/#comment-8419 dave Wed, 17 Jun 2009 12:25:09 +0000 http://thebullrunner.com/?p=3230#comment-8419 Hows the test going? I'm leaning towards the Polar, however would like to hear your thoughts on Polar vs. Garmin. Hows the test going? I’m leaning towards the Polar, however would like to hear your thoughts on Polar vs. Garmin.

]]> By: josh http://thebullrunner.com/2009/05/16/my-new-house-guest-polar-rs800cx/#comment-7935 josh Thu, 28 May 2009 10:04:28 +0000 http://thebullrunner.com/?p=3230#comment-7935 I've had my Garmin 305 for about 4 years now. It still works fine, actually better than when I got it with the software update they had a couple years ago. I love the GPS and will get the 310xt over the Polar because I don't like the idea of the separate GPS unit, and damn it is expensive. The cadence/stride feature is pretty cool, but not enough. Has anyone compared the accuracy of the heart rate monitors on both? My Garmin 305 seems to be pretty accurate. And I guess the new Garmin 310xt is going to have a more comfortable strap, although I haven't minded their current one. I’ve had my Garmin 305 for about 4 years now. It still works fine, actually better than when I got it with the software update they had a couple years ago.

I love the GPS and will get the 310xt over the Polar because I don’t like the idea of the separate GPS unit, and damn it is expensive. The cadence/stride feature is pretty cool, but not enough.

Has anyone compared the accuracy of the heart rate monitors on both? My Garmin 305 seems to be pretty accurate. And I guess the new Garmin 310xt is going to have a more comfortable strap, although I haven’t minded their current one.

]]> By: Oliver http://thebullrunner.com/2009/05/16/my-new-house-guest-polar-rs800cx/#comment-7746 Oliver Fri, 22 May 2009 17:28:59 +0000 http://thebullrunner.com/?p=3230#comment-7746 Go polar! I wanted the RS800 as well but I settled for the the RS400sd because it was cheaper, around 350$ online, almost half the pricre. Never regreted the purchase. I think the footpod is better suited for running than the GPS and it can be used indoors. I've tried the Garmin and sometimes had problems getting signal. Go polar! I wanted the RS800 as well but I settled for the the RS400sd because it was cheaper, around 350$ online, almost half the pricre. Never regreted the purchase. I think the footpod is better suited for running than the GPS and it can be used indoors. I’ve tried the Garmin and sometimes had problems getting signal.

]]> By: dave http://thebullrunner.com/2009/05/16/my-new-house-guest-polar-rs800cx/#comment-7698 dave Wed, 20 May 2009 11:52:48 +0000 http://thebullrunner.com/?p=3230#comment-7698 Like others, I have been struggling with the very same question. Polar RS800cx run or garmin. As a HR junkie I am thinking polar but look forward to your update and comments. Like others, I have been struggling with the very same question. Polar RS800cx run or garmin. As a HR junkie I am thinking polar but look forward to your update and comments.

]]> By: Carina http://thebullrunner.com/2009/05/16/my-new-house-guest-polar-rs800cx/#comment-7670 Carina Tue, 19 May 2009 13:30:43 +0000 http://thebullrunner.com/?p=3230#comment-7670 Hi Jaymie, Good timing for Polar test. I've been thinking which training gadget I will buy. Garmin, Polar or Suunto. I even print the features of different Polar watches and compare it to garmin. Still, I haven't decided which watch will I buy. Your review will help me decide what to buy :) FlyingBoar Hi Jaymie,

Good timing for Polar test. I’ve been thinking which training gadget I will buy. Garmin, Polar or Suunto. I even print the features of different Polar watches and compare it to garmin. Still, I haven’t decided which watch will I buy. Your review will help me decide what to buy :)

FlyingBoar

]]> By: mikey http://thebullrunner.com/2009/05/16/my-new-house-guest-polar-rs800cx/#comment-7653 mikey Mon, 18 May 2009 23:26:08 +0000 http://thebullrunner.com/?p=3230#comment-7653 I just made inquiries with garmin support, the guy said that in the event your F305 conks out, they"ll be happy to replace the item with an overhauled unit at a cost of 79 USD. A fair shake! I just made inquiries with garmin support, the guy said that in the event your F305 conks out, they”ll be happy to replace the item with an overhauled unit at a cost of 79 USD.

A fair shake!

]]> By: weennee sambrano-lagdameo http://thebullrunner.com/2009/05/16/my-new-house-guest-polar-rs800cx/#comment-7648 weennee sambrano-lagdameo Mon, 18 May 2009 07:17:57 +0000 http://thebullrunner.com/?p=3230#comment-7648 hi jaymie! nice polar...been struggling with the thought of buying a garmin vs. polar. looking forward to your post. polar has a fantastic service office here in manila. you can take it to any toby's store and they will send it to the office in pasig. thanks and looking forward to how your new house guest rates this week! weennee hi jaymie! nice polar…been struggling with the thought of buying a garmin vs. polar. looking forward to your post.

polar has a fantastic service office here in manila. you can take it to any toby’s store and they will send it to the office in pasig.

thanks and looking forward to how your new house guest rates this week!

weennee

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