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 Polar S625X Heart Rate Monitor Watch By: Polar Average Rating: 4.0 Total Reviews: 31 More Information Do not try to use with Vista  On: 2008-05-29This is an incredible piece of equipment, when you have Xp or an earlier version of windows. Polar states it is compatible with Vista, but I assure you you will have serious compatiblility issues if you try, up to and including lock ups and data loss. I have used this device with XP and the transfer of data is super easy. The only drawback to the user interface is the initial frustration of learning how to select between cycling and running modes and then learning how to toggle between options while exercising. I have owned much stronger HRMs, but this one, although sluggish, works pretty well. In the end. If you have Vista, you will pay a high price for a device and add ons for your device, spend hours trying to figure out why it just does not really work and then you will be stuck with a $500+ system that you can only use as data storage, without the benefit of data transfer or the nice software to track your progress. Until Polar decides to step up and deal with the Vista issue, I would warn anyone against a Polar product. Polar S625X  On: 2008-05-13This Heart Rate Monitor was a disappointment. First the heart rate monitor didnt work; it would suddenly record 220 bpm for a minute or so several times a workout. It also was so difficult to program that I spent more time cursing at it than using it. (I have a masters in engineering so Im not stupid.) Downloading with the IR was also finicky, and half my workouts either werent recorded or were lost. I gave it 3 stars instead of 1 because there are some cool features like the ability to measure your fitness level (although in my case it said I was above an elite/olympic athlete when in fact I am about a 2 on a scale from 1 to 10 in fitness). But my unit was probably a dud. If it worked, and if you have the patience to study the menus for hours, you might like it. I got a Garmin 405 instead and it rocks! It worked immediately, and is totally intuitive. Nothing but a big smile on my fact every time I use it. (The Garmin 305 is just about as good as the 405.) And those have GPS which I thought I didnt need until I got it and realized how great it was. Technical Product with Poor Documentation On: 2008-05-04The Polar S625X Heart Rate Monitor is no doubt a technical marvel for serious racers and their coaches. It has many training and record-keeping capabilities that can be shared with your coach. Thats not me. I like to run and bike for exercise and keep records of how I do. This unit is way too complicated for me and the documentation is soooo bad that I got to page 60 before I figured out how to run with my time and heart rate displayed. I still cant get a reasonable record of the distances I run, my heart rate or the temperature and altitude. If you are training for the Olympics and your team has a good technical support person, buy it. Otherwise, save $150 and get something cheaper. If your training Excellent Training Partner  On: 2008-03-18Ive had this unit for a good few months now and I love it. I like the fact that is displays you heart rate, along with 2 additional stats, at the same time (Bike Speed & Trip Distance + HR, or Run Pace & Time of Day + HR, etc) Ive used it for both running and cycling, so Ill point out a few details of each: Running I never calibrated the foot pod but it seems accurate enough when you compare it to a treadmill or outdoor mile markers. The foot pod is a little bigger than I thought it was going to be but its no deal breaker - its light and after a while you forget its on your shoe. If youve ever tucked your car key under your shoelaces while you run it kind of feels the same. Cycling Its easy enough to set up your bike. You have to enter data based on your wheel size but there is a table in the manual that is easy to read and understand so that you put the correct value in. I got the handlebar adapter for the watch and its great; the unit stays secure and its easy to read while youre on the bike. The speed/distance calculations also seem pretty dead on. The backlight is a bit dim; its not as bright as an iPod would be but its not bad. You can still read the numbers clearly in a dark room like say, a spin class. Takes a bit to get used to but its worth it! I would buy another one if I lost it. I havent tried uploading any information to my Mac yet as Im waiting on the USB adapter. Once I get it, Ill update this review. Still ticking!  On: 2008-03-11I bought this unit from a different website... but this is a very very well made and amazing piece of equipment. 5 years almost daily use... works well in hot or cold weather. wireless speed sensor for 2 bikes! I wish the software worked for MAC, i have to use someones PC to download... 99 hours of data in the setting i use! calories, hr max, speed, distance, hr avg, ect. running pod is nice, but i kinda think this is a better cycling/x training tool... foot pod for running is small (think: garage door opener), but not tiny. all in all a great extravagance that i do not regret and i think has paid for itself many times over. Amazing Workout Companion On: 2008-01-28I have been using an s625x for nearly 2 years for hiking, cycling, weight lifting and other exercise. Whenever I look @ the GPS watches I conclude, once again, that the Polar is superior Positives (too many to cover completely) + Very accurate distance calculations + intervals can be defined + pace can provide feedback as to when to step it up + alarms when out of zones + recorded data can track time, distance, elevation and more negatives - newer computers cant accept Polar infrared transmission of data - instructions are very unclear.. lear by trial & error Excellent watch On: 2007-09-26Im verry glad with my purchase. The delivery was right on time en item itself is great. I would recommend this watch to every athlete. nice (and pricely) heart monitor On: 2007-09-23imho this is really a nice heart-monitor, precise and simple to use. its still not perfect: the altimeter needs to be often calibrated, the temperature monitor makes no sense at all. Its a bit bulky too. Compared to the RS400sd, for the same price you have an a worse design and less running features, but the altimeter and the biking features more than compensate for this. Its worth to note that you still have to buy an additional device to be able to use your Polar S625x with your bike. If you really want to use all of the features, you need the "polar power sensor" which is really (imho too much) expensive! The alternatives are the speed or the cadence sensors: they are much cheaper, but at this point you would be better off by separately buying a random bike computer. Not for the faint of heart... On: 2007-08-02If youre looking for a serious endurance training watch, this ugly contraption does it all. It tells you time, time splits, heartrate, speed (running or biking-tho the biking needs more computer parts on your bike), distance traveled, elevation, temperature, etc. Ive used heartrate monitors from Nike and Polar and none has come close to how sophisticated this watch is. It truly is a mini computer. If youre looking for just a heartrate monitor, youre better off with the Polar F11 or others in the F series. But if youre looking for serious endurance performance monitoring...this is an excellent choice. Beware, the watch isnt pretty and the foot pod is ugly as hell; you have to purchase the infrared doo-hickey (IrDA adapter) to download info from your watch to the computer and you need to purchase two more little devices (cadence monitor and speedometer) just to use the watch for the bike... Good, but corrosion issue with strap is annoying On: 2007-05-24I have used my S625X for several months now, including two half-marathons. The pedometer is quite accurate out of the box. At my last half-marathon, for example, the HRM showed a distance of 13.5 miles, when it was actually 13.1. Thats not bad with no calibration, though. Being able to see my running pace while running, in addition to my heart rate, is extremely valuable for training purposes. The HRM band is so-so, however, and never seems perfectly comfortable on my wrist (just okay), no matter how I adjust it. I did discover a problem with the chest strap. I dont normally rinse off the transmitter after a run, and after several weeks the metal contacts between the transmitter and strap became corroded and greenish-colored (specifically the ones in the strap). This began interfering with the heart rate transmission and was a serious issue. I discoved that it was easy to clean off the corrosion using a swab dipped in CLR cleaner, followed by a water rinse. (The Polar site recommends washing it and not using a solvent, but I dont think soap and water would remove the corrosion.) With the corrosion gone the transmitter was good again for a while. Now I have to clean off the metal contacts in the strap every two months, but its not a big deal. Its too bad though that Polar didnt use a more corrosion resistant metal for these contacts. Overall, Ive been quite pleased with my S625X and would recommend it. Good, but corrosion issue with strap is annoying On: 2007-05-23I have used my S625X for several months now, including two half-marathons. The pedometer is quite accurate out of the box. At my last half-marathon, for example, the HRM showed a distance of 13.5 miles, when it was actually 13.1. Thats not bad with no calibration, though. Being able to see my running pace while running, in addition to my heart rate, is extremely valuable for training purposes. The HRM band is so-so, however, and never seems perfectly comfortable on my wrist (just okay), no matter how I adjust it. I did discover a problem with the chest strap. I dont normally rinse off the transmitter after a run, and after several weeks the metal contacts between the transmitter and strap became corroded and greenish-colored (specifically the ones in the strap). This began interfering with the heart rate transmission and was a serious issue. I discoved that it was easy to clean off the corrosion using a swab dipped in CLR cleaner, followed by a water rinse. (The Polar site recommends washing it and not using a solvent, but I dont think soap and water would remove the corrosion.) With the corrosion gone the transmitter was good again for a while. Now I have to clean off the metal contacts in the strap every two months, but its not a big deal. Its too bad though that Polar didnt use a more corrosion resistant metal for these contacts. Overall, Ive been quite pleased with my S625X and would recommend it. Nice option On: 2006-12-23This is the best training option from Polar. You find here 90% of what do you need to run or ride looking for fitness improvement or serious training. The IR interface is nice. Once the watch itself is a little bit bulk is not a good option if you want it to daily use wearing shirts for example. Nice option On: 2006-12-22This is the best training option from Polar. You find here 90% of what do you need to run or ride looking for fitness improvement or serious training. The IR interface is nice. Once the watch itself is a little bit bulk is not a good option if you want it to daily use wearing shirts for example. Great Tool On: 2006-09-14I have had the S625X for almost 2 years and it has been fantastic. I have tried several of the GPS based solutions and they are *much* less accurate because they loose signal and they take time to start. The Polar software is also very stable and useful. Great HRM On: 2006-08-05Had this device for 3 months, absolutely love it! The chest strap you must wear in order to detect your heart rate takes a little time to adjust to, but it is very accurate. The most useful feature offered that is not included in many heart rate monitor devices on the market is being able to keep track of the distance you ran, the speed (max and average), and calories expended. This allows you to control your pace while running by speed, or because some days your body may react differently to exercise and may fluctuate; you can change your training accordingly with the heart rate monitor function. You are also able to easily program the watch so that it will alert you once youve reached a target heart rate, or time, or speed, and even resting rates, laps, etc., essentially letting you program your interval training. Distance is very accurate once calibrated manually. Never owned a gps based heart rate monitor before, but I chose this the gps based hrm because I need reliability (according to some reports on gps based hrm, the gps signal is weak when running in places with trees or tall buildings). Besides, if I get lost, I figure the extra running cant hurt me =) Great HRM On: 2006-08-04Had this device for 3 months, absolutely love it! The chest strap you must wear in order to detect your heart rate takes a little time to adjust to, but it is very accurate. The most useful feature offered that is not included in many heart rate monitor devices on the market is being able to keep track of the distance you ran, the speed (max and average), and calories expended. This allows you to control your pace while running by speed, or because some days your body may react differently to exercise and may fluctuate; you can change your training accordingly with the heart rate monitor function. You are also able to easily program the watch so that it will alert you once youve reached a target heart rate, or time, or speed, and even resting rates, laps, etc., essentially letting you program your interval training. Distance is very accurate once calibrated manually. Never owned a gps based heart rate monitor before, but I chose this the gps based hrm because I need reliability (according to some reports on gps based hrm, the gps signal is weak when running in places with trees or tall buildings). Besides, if I get lost, I figure the extra running cant hurt me =) An Amazing Training Companion by: david_desousa On: 2006-08-02 The Polar 625X Running Computer is simply Awesome. I bough this watch about a year ago and I love it. Once you star using it, you will be so hooked-up to all the useful information you receive during your running, walking, or any kind of training or workout that you embrace, that will never go out again without it. Its the perfect complement to your desire to get in shape, improve your health or competitive level. The watch is easy to use, especially if you have owned a Polar Heart Rate Monitor before. This model comes with the Polar food pod (a small device that you install in your shoe laces to measure distance and speed), the transmitter (this is the device with the chest strap), and a computer software that allows you to view, in a graphic representation, important information for each workout (Heart Rate, Pace, Distance, Speed, Temperature, and Elevation). As soon as you star training and exercising with this magnificent watch, you feel as if you have a coach or a training partner with you. If you are an athlete, an enthusiastic runner, a hobbyist, or just conscious about your shape and health, you will definitely love this watch. I do. I have owned different HRM from Polar, and without any doubt this is the very best for running. This powerful running computer enables you to record personal performance, running and cycling data plus training conditions like altitude or temperature, then analyze your performance when you download via Infrared technology directly to your PC using the included Polar Precision Performance (PPP) 4.0 software. Youll get total feedback on your training sessions by reviewing a variety of graphical summaries, trends and analysis on the computer. I really love the software, I believe the Polar Precision Performance (PPP) 4.0 software alone is well worth the price of this set. Train and rest in the right balance. The OwnOptimizer test tells you whether you have recovered enough for your next training session. Based on the test, you are provided with a nice-scale description of your personal training status. 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. Polars OwnCode technology blocks unwanted signals from other heart rate monitors, ensuring disturbance-free transmission of your heart rate data. Additionally this one comes the bike mount, an accessory that will allow you to take advantage of s625x running computer functionality when training in your bike. You install the bike mount on the handlebar and you are ready to wrap your watch around the bike mount. Now you will be able to follow your heart rate as you go on the road with your bike. The s625x offers the ability to enter two different wheel sizes, enabling you to train on two different bikes. Prepare yourself to atart getting the best results from your training. An Amazing Training Companion by: david_desousa On: 2006-07-11 The Polar 625X Running Computer is simply Awesome. I bough this watch about a year ago and I love it. Once you star using it, you will be so hooked-up to all the useful information you receive during your running, walking, or any kind of training or workout that you embrace, that will never go out again without it. Its the perfect complement to your desire to get in shape, improve your health or competitive level. The watch is easy to use, especially if you have owned a Polar Heart Rate Monitor before. This model comes with the Polar food pod (a small device that you install in your shoe laces to measure distance and speed), the transmitter (this is the device with the chest strap), and a computer software that allows you to view, in a graphic representation, important information for each workout (Heart Rate, Pace, Distance, Speed, Temperature, and Elevation). As soon as you star training and exercising with this magnificent watch, you feel as if you have a coach or a training partner with you. If you are an athlete, an enthusiastic runner, a hobbyist, or just conscious about your shape and health, you will definitely love this watch. I do. I have owned different HRM from Polar, and without any doubt this is the very best for running. This powerful running computer enables you to record personal performance, running and cycling data plus training conditions like altitude or temperature, then analyze your performance when you download via Infrared technology directly to your PC using the included Polar Precision Performance (PPP) 4.0 software. Youll get total feedback on your training sessions by reviewing a variety of graphical summaries, trends and analysis on the computer. I really love the software, I believe the Polar Precision Performance (PPP) 4.0 software alone is well worth the price of this set. Train and rest in the right balance. The OwnOptimizer test tells you whether you have recovered enough for your next training session. Based on the test, you are provided with a nice-scale description of your personal training status. 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. Polars OwnCode technology blocks unwanted signals from other heart rate monitors, ensuring disturbance-free transmission of your heart rate data. Additionally you could add the bike mount (its really inexpensive, I got it for about 6 US$), an accessory that will allow you to take advantage of s625x running computer functionality when training in your bike. You install the bike mount on the handlebar and you are ready to wrap your watch around the bike mount. Now you will be able to follow your heart rate as you go on the road with your bike. The s625x offers the ability to enter two different wheel sizes, enabling you to train on two different bikes. Prepare yourself to atart getting the best results from your training. Great running (or walking) watch On: 2006-06-14I really like the heart rate monitor and it works great. As has been said, it takes some time learning all it does, but its worth it in my opinion. The only thing I was not real excited about was the pace jumps around quite a bit, but from what I have been told by others and their brands of running watches, they all do this to an extent. Everything else Im quite happy with and would highly recommend it to anyone. The distance reading has been right on the money after calibration. Great running (or walking) watch On: 2006-06-13I really like the heart rate monitor and it works great. As has been said, it takes some time learning all it does, but its worth it in my opinion. The only thing I was not real excited about was the pace jumps around quite a bit, but from what I have been told by others and their brands of running watches, they all do this to an extent. Everything else Im quite happy with and would highly recommend it to anyone. The distance reading has been right on the money after calibration. Almost perfect On: 2006-05-31Ive been using this product for half a year now and am most happy with it. Heart monitor function works flawlessly, watch is comfortable to wear with clear display. It also includes a bunch of useful features such as the different fitness tests and the link with PC, where you can download training information and upload exercise sets. What I am not so happy about is the accuracy of the foot pod. Even though it has been callibrated carefully, it deviates by 5% from actual distance run. But I would nevertheless recommend this product over some the GPS based sets that some of my co-runners have, as these seem to be even much less reliable. "The" tool for serious runners (and everybody else) On: 2006-05-01Have owned this for 2 years - and would simply not live without it. Compare with previous HRMs this is both simpler to use, in particular since all settings can be managed from the PC via the interface - and a lot more fun. Please notice: S625X is really the jack of all trades - as it can be used for both running, biking as well as other sports (swimming for example). The distance measurement is fairly accrurate - and certainly useful when pacing yourselv "The" tool for serious runners (and everybody else) On: 2006-04-30Have owned this for 2 years - and would simply not live without it. Compare with previous HRMs this is both simpler to use, in particular since all settings can be managed from the PC via the interface - and a lot more fun. Please notice: S625X is really the jack of all trades - as it can be used for both running, biking as well as other sports (swimming for example). The distance measurement is fairly accrurate - and certainly useful when pacing yourselv Awesome! On: 2006-01-24You do not need anything else. If you are a frequent runner or want to train correctly for your next race, this is the one. The only thing: it is a litle complicated, you have to spend some time reading the owners manual. It has so many functions. Dont get me wrong. Easy to use once you know how to do it. Awesome! On: 2006-01-23You do not need anything else. If you are a frequent runner or want to train correctly for your next race, this is the one. The only thing: it is a litle complicated, you have to spend some time reading the owners manual. It has so many functions. Dont get me wrong. Easy to use once you know how to do it. The best pick On: 2006-01-19If you are looking for complete information about the training or fitness activity and want to analyze to improve your performance or avoid overtraining this is the unit. - Very nice software, a lot of nice information very well presented - Speed sensor is reliable and accurate (does not suffer all kind of interfence such as GPS units) - error is really smaller than 5% even during long runs - The information available during and after the exercise is great (temperature, altitude, calorie count, all HRM metrics such as average, maximum, %) - Bike sensor provides speed, distance, etc - Fitness test is a nice measure of improvement The best pick On: 2006-01-18If you are looking for complete information about the training or fitness activity and want to analyze to improve your performance or avoid overtraining this is the unit. - Very nice software, a lot of nice information very well presented - Speed sensor is reliable and accurate (does not suffer all kind of interfence such as GPS units) - error is really smaller than 5% even during long runs - The information available during and after the exercise is great (temperature, altitude, calorie count, all HRM metrics such as average, maximum, %) - Bike sensor provides speed, distance, etc - Fitness test is a nice measure of improvement If it only worked as promised On: 2005-09-10Ive been using Polar 625x for over a year now. It could be such a great tool for monitoring exercise if only there was a reliable connections between the transimitter and the monitor. Often in the middle of the exercise I will notice abnormal readings (too high or no readings at all) that come back to normal in a few minutes or so. There does not seem to be any outside interference. Cleaning the straps of the transmitter does not help, nor do new batteries. Tech support was not of much help either. The problem has become so annoying that I am investing in a different heart monitor. Running without it is like driving a car without a dashboard On: 2005-08-21Every once in a while, a new technology comes along that completely changes the way we behave. Some obvious examples over the past 10 years have been the web and pocketable cellphones. And now for the runner, its a device like the Polar s625x. There are two really enjoyable aspects with using this three-piece watch, heart rate monitor, foot pod combo. The first is while you run: you can actually see your approximate pace together with your heart rate. You can also toggle between a few different displays on the fly, such as distance covered, calories burned, speed, lap time. Before, all this stuff was complete guesswork. I never really knew how far I ran and I always tended to average up. For me, this watch forced reality to set in. Perhaps equally as fascinating is the after-run. When you get home, you can easily load up the data gathered during your run to your PC via an infrared link (If you dont use a laptop, youll probably need to buy the IR accessory although there also seems to be some way to transfer the data via a sound emission from the watch.) Its truly amazing to view a chart with your running data such as heart rate, pace, altitude and temperature. So you see in an Excel-style line chart how your heart rate speeds up as you are working up a hill. Or how your body responds as the temperature increases. Over time, you can track your progress. And you can even e-mail the data so you can easily transfer it to another PC. The Polar software installed easily and works well. And you can use the Windows PC program (no Mac version available it seems) as an interface for the watch, so you can input things such as date, time, and personal info using the PC and upload it back to the watch. This way you can avoid using the watchs little one-inch screen to put this data in. Its almost not fair to complain about the device considering what a leap in technology its been for me. I would have killed to have something like this when I was running high school track way back during the Reagan administration. But the device is not perfect. While it is solidly built -- I would say its almost of military-grade quality: big, bulky and solid --, I do have an immediate complaint. When I needed to replace the battery on the heart rate monitor for the first time (this is the belt-like item that you strap around your chest), the cover was on so tightly that I stripped down the groove on the cap with a coin. I then had to pry it off with a small screw driver damaging it further. It shouldnt cost much to replace the battery cap, but you never know with parts*. Anyway, its still working fine. The foot pod is bigger than I wish. Its not something that you would walk around with while shopping for example. Fortunately, its easy to remove and put back on as you can leave on the bracket that holds the pod. This bracket sits underneath the shoelaces. The weight of the foot pod is not noticeable, at least to me. I wear various styles of the Asics Gel shoes, but perhaps with a much lighter shoe, the contrast would be greater. The biggest issue I have is the accuracy of the device. Out of the box you will get about 95% accuracy, but for some reason, I just wasnt able to calibrate it to get more accurate results. I ran around a 400-meter track a number of times with the watch in calibration mode. It showed each lap as 390 meters (although I know at times it showed I was running too much) and then it should have figured out the formula to adjust that up to 400 meters. But then the distance measurement was even further off. After a few attempts of doing 1.2 kilometer runs on the track to calibrate the watch, I tried a manual adjustment given the distance I knew was covered and distance the watch thought was covered. That didnt help either. It seems like 94 - 96% accuracy is something at least Im going to have to live with. This does make quite a difference when you are checking your pace at a race. I was really hoping that the device could monitor my lap times with great accuracy, for example, at one kilometer, one mile, or even 400 meter intervals. Note that when you move the pod to another shoe, it will change to accuracy of the device again. The usability of the device is also something that can use some tweaking. First, the manual is written as if people dont have anything else to do with their lives other than use the watch. Its full of terms which at least are unfamiliar to me. For example, here is something that was highlighted as being important in the manual: "Your choice of HR, % of HRmax or Pace limit type in limits 1 determines the way they will be displayed in all other limits. Only one limit type can be selected in an exercise set." Ive had the watch for a number of months now and have actually read the manual a few times, but I have no idea what that means. There was a glossary in the back listing these terms, but it was all so much work to understand. On the watch, you are never quite sure what the buttons are going to do. Its really takes some figuring out. But the real basic functions, the ones that people really want to use, were easy to get going right out of the box. Some practical advice: As anyone whos seen the movie "The Green Mile" knows, the conductivity power of water cant be underrated. You really have to wet down the electrode areas to get the heart rate measurement. A few times I forgot to do this and the monitor didnt transmit anything to the watch. When the device shows no heart beat, I was thinking like one of the Marx Brothers: either Im dead or the heart rate monitor isnt working. Other devices you might want to check out include the Garmin Forerunner 301 Trainer, which uses GPS technology for better measurement accuracy (if you run in open areas), and cool devices from Suunto, who seems to be the other leading maker of cool HRM watches. There must be something about the cold arctic Finnish air that give Polar and Suunto the edge in making these devices. (*UPDATE: After contacting Polar support about the damaged battery holder, they quickly sent me a replacement part without any questions.) The running function is rubbish  On: 2005-05-26I bought this useless model for one main reason - the pace function. I wanted to know how fast I was running at any point in time so I could train where I wanted without worrying about kilometre markers. Well, my pace seems to vary from 3:50 - 7:50 and out to 17:00 - all while running at pretty much the same clip! I am an experienced runner and it is maddening to have this watch tell me I am all over the shop. Ive tried all the suggestions - new batteries, swapped feet, different locations - the pace function just does not work well. Surprisingly, Ive found it to be extremely accurate over total distance - within 100m over 10Km. The foot pod is large and bulky and ugly. It does interfere with your lacing and if youve ever had inflamed tendon problems, steer well clear. The watch is also very bulky - the largest in Polars range. The user interface is classic Polar - completely unintuitive. Be prepared to read and reread the manual. The 2 stars is for the heart rate function which is the one thing polar seems to do better than anyone else. Polar S625X is an Essential tool for any runner On: 2005-05-09Though I sometimes question the accuracy of the distance (and hence pace) theres no doubt that this has helped my training. Im aiming for a marathon and usually use it in pace and distance mode. This helps me to know if Im on target for 7.00 min mile; the autolap give me the time for the last mile and the time so far. If Im running a new route I know precisely (~1% out) how much Ive run and the heart rate monitor tells me if Im actually over-exerting myself or just feeing lazy. I still have a lot to learn - I havent spent any time using the zones function but Ill do that after the marathon. Honestly though, I never seem to analyze my runs on my PC - my main use for this equipment is Pace/speed and distance. Im also considering purchasing the Nokia 5140 phone (I need to change my mobile anyway), though since I dont do much post run analysis on my PC theres not much need. (One weird thing is that a run given as say, 7 miles on the watch is given as 6.5 on the PC.) To elabourate on the accuracy, the last race I did the watch was reading 4.04 when I crossed the 4 mile line on the road, however remember that this line was drawn by someone who measured using a car - they would have driven closer to the middle of the road and therfore possible covered less than I actually did. Great Running Machine On: 2005-03-31I bought mine on November 2004 right after have finished a 10k race. As my ultimate goal was to run well a marathon(my first one) I started my training using the 625x. From day one i have been saving all training information in my Laptop. The Infrared connection and software works flawlessly. First the watch has an auto lap function, for every mile it automatically records the lap time, second it gives me temperature and elevation( very useful for hill training). I could also set the timer to remind me of drinking water every 20 minutes and some other cool features like creating your own interval trainning and check your VO2max. Using the software I clearly can see my progress since I started. Im really happy with my purchase and I would recommend to everybody looking for a great running tool. Just make sure you calibrate the food pod to match your foot stride. Beta Product, Not ready for consumers!! On: 2005-03-10This is the third polar product I have bought, no problems with the first two. THe 625 X is a real training computer, when it works. Initially everything worked fine, but when the foot pod started asking for battery replacement the problems began. First was the foot pods on/off switch, got broken. I sent it to the Service Center and got repaired, but stop working again a week later. Then I sent it to the Warranty Center and told me they would send a new one, got the same one, with the same malfunction. Called Customer Service, and after 20 minutes waiting on the line they suggest to replace the battery, no luck. Will keep trying. Beta Product, Not ready for consumers!! On: 2005-03-09This is the third polar product I have bought, no problems with the first two. THe 625 X is a real training computer, when it works. Initially everything worked fine, but when the foot pod started asking for battery replacement the problems began. First was the foot pods on/off switch, got broken. I sent it to the Service Center and got repaired, but stop working again a week later. Then I sent it to the Warranty Center and told me they would send a new one, got the same one, with the same malfunction. Called Customer Service, and after 20 minutes waiting on the line they suggest to replace the battery, no luck. Will keep trying. EXCELLENT HRM that will take 4 to 6 hours to learn. On: 2005-01-30I LOVE my Polar S625X Heart Rate Monitor... and Im VERY picky about the design and implementation of techno gadgets. There are only three things Ive 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 doesnt... 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, Im very impressed. (Id 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, Id 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. Best training tool available On: 2005-01-25The Polar S625X does everything I have wanted a HRM to do for some time now. I am a triathlete and always wonder: "How far have I run?". Now you know. It does everything that the S725 does with the added running info. There is nothing wrong with the build quality or the interface (if you are willing to read the manual). Only buy it if you are going to use all the features. Without connecting it to a computer and following a well structured training programme it is definitely not worth it. Rather then opt for a cheaper model and upgrade when you see the need. It works On: 2004-12-20Works great. The distance is very accurate. I run the same routes over and over and it always comes up with the same mileage. It is very well made. The software is functional though the UI is a little weird. I have used the Polar software for three years and they continue to update it. Very practical and useful On: 2004-11-29I trained for the 04 Atlanta half marathon with this device. It gave me alot of useful information before the race, like - My max sustainable heart rate is 180. - My mind convinces me that I am tired at mile 9 eventhough my body is capable of more output. I realize this when I see my heart rate at only 160. - Exactly what mileage I run and the pace DURING the run, together with the heart rate. This information is all on the screen without you having to fiddle with buttons during the run. The watch also automatically beeps every 1 mile and tells you your pace! - The watchs distance measurement did not need any calibration before the first use! Other devices are normally very off before the first use. I verified this with a treadmill and with the mile markers during my race. The download to computer feature is very easy to use. It chronicles all my runs in a very user friendly program. The data is stored in a text file in case if you wanted to graph it differently. The heart and distance sensors are very unobtrusive. I especially surprised by how comfortable the heart sensor was. I already convinced 2 other work mates to buy it and they swear by it. My only wish is that the watch logged temperature! Temperature has a substantial effect on my run and I would have like the ability to analyse it. [Note that my first half marathon was done in 2:02:35. I dont consider my self a runner and I feel that this watch together with alot of sweat made it possible.] Look at the profile of the half marathon run at http://www.parasram.com/marathon.jpg |