Polar 625
submitted by bluebirdbiker on March 8, 2006
Pros:
This watch has everything you need. It's waterproof and can be used for interval sets with ease. Swimming: Intervals sets can be set up as laps and monitored then graphed and comments inserted to graph features, this is for any sport. For biking it is great. I didn't get the cadence for it but still one can use the unit to assess the HR duting elevation rides. It is posted on the graph feature. All is shown on the analysis chart with options to analyse the HRvs other things. OPtions in the software let you look at various attributes of the workout wrt HR , pace, speed, time of many variables and it graphs these as selections. All complete for data analysis. I got the watch for pace during running to maximize training looking at cardiac drift relative to pace and nutrition etc. Works like a chram and has allowed me to stratagize for long runs and pace myself for proper hydration and food. This watch is a must have for people that do IMs.Cons:
The thing did not come with the infrared connector to the computer but any IR USB connector for a computer will do. You do not have to buy "the" one for the unit, which BTW, costs more than a regular unit.As mentioned above, I love this watch and use it religiously for workout analysis.
Price Paid:
$311.00
Solid Training Watch
submitted by effectivepull on March 4, 2006
Pros:
Everything you need to monitor your training, can be used for all 3 legs of a tri, can also be worn when not training, great battery lifeCons:
No gps, doesn't come with bike accessories (mount, cadence & speed sensors), not enough display lines during monitoring/exercising especially while cycling (see review for details)I spent many days debating with myself about either updating my Polar s720i with the S625x or the Garmin Forerunner 305. What turned me off about the 305 was that there have been reports that it wasn't waterproof and that people were putting them in their swim caps during the swim legs. That's weak. Battery life on the 305 was also horrible as it was good for only 10 hours. Additionally, although it is smaller than its predecessor, it still is massive when you are wearing it on your wrist.
So I took the plunge and got the S625X. Set up was a breeze since I was already familiar with the Polar options (although I do admit that when I got my first Polar, I didn't think it was very user friendly).
Now I can get pace and distance on the run. I used GMaps Pedometer to measure how far I needed to run since I didn't want to schlep to a local high school and run the track. I could have calibrated it better - it's about 0.1 mile off after a 3 mile run. Not too bad. I'm sure if I calibrate it again on a track, it will be pretty dead on.
The heart rate monitor is a little erratic during the swim as is the altitude readings but both are solid during the runs and rides as long as you don't go near powerlines (my top speed jumped to 64 mph and MaxHR of 225).
As for the the cycling leg, it has all the readouts you need - even power if you want to bone out for the power sensor. The only beef I have is that there are only 3 rows that can be displayed at any one time. It's fine for swimming (I don't even look at the watch during the swim) & running (I just need pace and heartrate), but for the ride, I'd like AT LEAST one more display line. You could get a cheap 2nd cycle computer if you need more displays (a few pros do this).
All in all, a SOLID watch. If you can do without the GPS, you won't regret your purchase.
My rating is 4 of 5 because I'd like one more display line and GPS. Add those 2 features and it will be the best training watch out there.
Price Paid:
$349.99
Does everything but fly! ;p
submitted by o2Ripper on November 30, 2005
Pros:
The thing has so much to feature, I have had it for 2 months, and still have not figured out everything on it. I would have to say, for my very first HRM purchase it does a good job. Its somewhat easy to use, it has all the features you ever wanted. Good bang for its buck. Cons:
I wish that the upload sensor came with it. You have to buy it in order to get the data onto the program. Also, I wish it was not as bulky as it is. If you jump in your car, with it on, it messes with the HR readout. (Interference is common, I assume). Its a good watch, and has room to expand. If you have a hard time trying to justify the purchase, look at it as something that you will have forever! That helps me. haha.
Price Paid:
$289.00
s625x worth the $
submitted by bluetri on November 30, 2005
Pros:
Tons of features. Included software.Cons:
Takes 11 button presses to reset altitude and it's recommended that you reset before each use for accurate data. It doesn't look as nice as the rs200sd.Experience:
I ended up splurging and exchanged the rs200sd for the s625x. So far after using it for 11 workouts the 625 does everything I need and more. I upload the data both to the internet service (Polar Running Coach) and the included software (Polar Precision Performance) after each workout. The Precision software allows for tracking of an immense amount of data, to list a few: HR, altitude, speed, distance, avg, speed, splits, time, notes, temp, and weather. Ther are ton's more data options to track that I haven't listed.
I haven't purchased the bike add-ons yet but I wil eventually. I read that the CS100b is a great companion bike computer for $65 and you can use the speed sensor adapter with the watch as well.
Minor Issues:
I've only noticed a couple minor issues so far. The chest strap doesn't seem to work as well as the one that came with the newer rs200sd, this one needs to be wetter. Also, I've had some incorrect HR readings. I'm pretty sure it has to do with elctromagnetic interference like it states in the manual. It happens rarely and I can correct it with the software after the data is downloaded. This may be nit picking but I think the watch is huge and ugly. I can't wait for Polar to come out with a slicker version like the rs200sd.
Verdict:
I'm very happy with my purchase. Although I didn't initally want to spend so much money I really believe it was worth every penny. This device has every function that I've wanted thus far.
Price Paid:
$315.00
Polar S625x
HIGHLY Recommended for any triathlete wanting some serious data