More Information
 On: 2007-05-13
I highly recommened upgrading from the Polar T31 or T61 transmitter to the Wearlink. It feels more like a piece of clothing than the older rubber type straps. Plus, it has a replaceable battery. That alone will save you money in the long run, since the T31 and T61 batteries are not replaceable. The Wearlink feels great and works like a charm!
On: 2006-09-16
Ive used both the older plastic and the newer fabric Wearlink transmitters. I much prefer the new Wearlink model. Ive used my Wearlink transmitter for 1.5 years with absolutely no problems. I wash the fabric strap in the washing machine (delicate cycle) occassionally after removing the hard plastic transmitter. I quickly rinse the transmitter in cool running water to remove accumulated salt build up. I still havent had to change the battery out even after 200+ hours of triathlon training and exercise bootcamps. However, I pulled the battery out just to see how easy it was. Very easy! I use my transmitter interchangeably between 2 different models of polar heart rate monitors. My strap has never torn or seemed difficult to remove. I can say from first hand experience that the soft Wearlink transmitter is much more comfortable when wearing an underwire sports bra. The hard plastic model frequently skipped and lost contact when paired with my underwire sports bra. Ive never had that issue with the soft Wearlink model. The Wearlink also works well in water. Chlorine doesnt seem to bother it but I rinse the strap and transmitter in cool running water after each swim.
 On: 2006-09-05
This transmitter is very comfortable. However the main problem arises when, just about over a year from the date of purchase, one has to change the battery of the unit. The lid does not open! One can easily turn the lid to the full "open" position; but, doing so does not produce the desired result at all. The lid remains locked and does not pop out! Good luck to anybody buying this unit thinking that he/she will be able to change the battery when it goes dead!
The way the strap is connected to the transmitter is also poorly designed. Disconnecting the strap from the transmitter requires a lot of care so that breakage of the locking mechanism does not happen.
by: david_desousa On: 2006-08-02
One big improvement from the original transmitters (T31 or T61 transmitters) is that with this model (the Wearlink) you only have to buy a new battery and replace it once they ran out and your transmitter is ready to use again. With the original ones you have to buy a new transmitter every time the battery dies, since the whole structure is sealed. So if your Polar wrist watch came with the T31 or T61, wait until the battery is finished and buy the Wearlink transmitter instead, you will save a lot of money over the years (compare the 39.95 US$ that the T31 or T61 cost vs the cost of a replacement battery).
The other big advantage is that the Wearlink transmitter is more confortable to wear, since it adapts better to the shape of your body since even the electrodes are flexible and are embedded in the fabric. Being flexible and all makes it easier to storage it your pocket when your finish training or if you are traveling.
In summary a great product for your Polar HRM, and a smart improvement if it is time to replace your old transmitter. Dont buy another T31 or T61, buy this one instead.
I run with my Polar six days a week, and probably train about ten hour a week with it. I used to have the T31 with my first Polar (the M61) so I can tell you first hand the Wearlink is far better. In summary more confortable, easier to wash, and a money saver. I was more than happy to trow the old one away after I bought this one.
On: 2005-10-11
Very comfortable, but from the start I felt uncomfortable about that
latch. It was hard to open and made very strange sound, like breaking. I used the strap 2-3 times a week for a 1.5 hours. After 10 months I tried to open the left side to wash the strap and the metal button from the strap tore away.
On: 2005-08-29
Im happy to throw away my original polar belt; this one is much better.
On: 2005-07-27
This is the 3rd transmitter I am buying. I lost the other 2 - left them in hotel rooms while traveling.
This transmitter is comfortable. Even though its "coded", I still have an occassional problem with picking up signals from someone on a piece of equipment next to me.
Although this transmitter may look like it will break, I can attest that its extremely durable. You dont need to worry about breaking this thing, but dont forget to pack it when you check out !
 On: 2005-02-01
I bought this transmitter because I did not know that the Polar Heart Rate Monitors came with a transmitter included in the box. I could not find anything that specified this, so I ended up purchasing an extra transmitter.
That being said, this transmitter is super comfortable. The rubber model that comes with the heart rate monitors does not have any comfort issues over this one. The electrodes are sewn inside the fabric of the strap, and they are soft. The only hard piece on this is the plastic transmitter part that is not that big in the front. If you are doing something that involves a lot of body motion, like aerobics, tennis, dance or lifting weights, this fabric model is a better alternative to the rubber model. This fabric strap transmitter might also be a better option for women, who may already be dealing with an underwire bra at the gym.
As far as functionality goes, you wont really need a coded transmitter unless you are using the HRM in a crowded environment where EVERYONE is using monitors. Like at my gym, where the personal trainers sell the Polar brand of HRMs, hold weekly training classes about them, and encourage everyone to buy them. If you dont find yourself in this type of environment, but you find the regular transmitter to be uncomfortable, than this is for you. If the regular transmitter does not hurt you, then you dont really need this.
One problem with this transmitter is the clip mechanism that you use to snap it shut. The little plastic points that clip in look like something I am going to break in about a month. Everytime I snap it open or closed I feel like Im breaking it.
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