Polar RS300X Heart Rate Monitor - Men's

Comments about Polar RS300X Heart Rate Monitor - Men's:

In theory, this should've been a great HRM. Polar certainly has a good name in the business. The first thing I discovered when I opened the box was that the battery in the transmitter was dead. Well ok, I'll replace the battery. When I replaced the battery, the HRM started showing a heart rate of between 188 and 190 bpm. I normally top out around 170 and since this value showed up when I was standing still (60bpm by a hand count), the HRM clearly wasn't working. I tried clearing & re-starting a couple times, but no luck. I sent it back & bought a different brand. Sigh.

Comments about Polar RS300X Heart Rate Monitor - Men's:

Let me give some background of previous HRMs I've had and my likes and dislikes to put the Polar RX300 in perspective. Over 10 years ago I had a Polar Protrainer NV. It had a chest detector/transmitter which attached to an elastic strap to go around my chest. What I liked about this monitor. It was solid and waterproof – I could wear it swimming. You set your stats and your zones, and you could set it to beep if you were outside of your target zone. It would beep in time with your heart rate, which I liked. It also had a cool-down feature, which I really liked. You could set a cool down time (r.g. 2 minutes), and after you ended your workout and stopped the timer, it would continue for your cool down time and record how much your heart rate dropped. I could also start it by bringing the watch unit up to the chest unit. In my first full marathon, I took lap splits at each mile. When I finished the race, I thought I had a gold mine of information of my split times and heart rates for each mile of the race. I did some stretching on a mat at the cool down tent and... brought my wrist up to my chest, which restarted the HRM recording. As this unit only had one session, all of my race data was now gone. Oh well. Now that quick start was not a good feature. It also had a handy carrying bag. The battery is replaceable in the watch unit, though it did void he warranty if you did it yourself as the gasket was a bit tricky. As far as the chest unit, the battery is not replaceable. I sent it in a few times for replacement, and then decided to do it myself after reading online instructions for how to do it.... which destroyed it and led to me buying a different HRM.

The second one I bought was a Garmin, without the GPS, but with a foot pod to record pace and distance. The pod would jump in pace when I crossed the 5 MPH boundary. I had so much trouble with the Garmin service dept, that I ended up taking it back to the store 6 weeks later for a refund (good ol' REI).

The next HRM I bought was a Suunto t3c. This one not only recorded HR. but also computed training effect, which was a measure on a scale of 1 to 5 of how vigorous my workout session was, and also computed my activity level, which was a measure on a scale of 1 to 10 of how much conditioning I was getting from my workouts over the last few weeks. Plus, it had multiple sessions (15, I think), so I didn't need to transcribe data before my next event. One problem I had with this watch was that, although it claimed to be waterproof, it never was. I put my arm into the pool to clean my filter basket,and the next day the crystal was fogged. I must say Suunto's service department was impeccable, with no problems, and paid for two-day Fedex shipping both ways. I had the watch replaced for free 3 times (twice because of water, and once because the case broke), and I've learned not to stick my hand into water or wear it swimming. Unfortunately, I wore it hiking in the rain last summer, and it fogged up again. The warranty had run out now, so time to find something else.

I wanted to go back to Polar, as I had the best luck with that brand, but I needed one that could record more than one session (didn't want that accidental reset happening again). That's what led me to the RX300. It was the only Polar that would record multiple sessions without going much more expensive. What I didn't like was the RX300 logo on the face.

It came with a quick start guide in the box, and a users guide downloaded from their website, but neither seemed to be as complete as the original I bought over 10 years ago. Also no storage bag. Hmmm.... I set it up with my personal info and my zones. It does do interval timing. I set that up for 3 intervals.

I took it out for a test drive. After a few minutes, it started beeping repeatedly, too fast to be my heart rate. What was going on? I tried to shut it off, but couldn't. After a minute, it stopped by itself. Then I realized that was my interval timer, and it was set up to beep on the second interval. I was able to go into settings while I was in the middle of a session and turn that off. Good thing.

I struggled with this HRM for several weeks, trying to figure out how to shut off the intervals entirely, without much luck. The front button to mark a lap didn't seem to want to work half the time. Sometimes it would and sometimes it wouldn't. I wasn't too happy with this watch. I had had it for over a month now. I had another half marathon coming up in a few weeks, and I needed to figure out how to make this thing work the way I wanted it to.

I searched online, and found this great website that had videos that explained this watch in great detail. http://cardiomasters.com/heartratetraining/monitors/learnrs300x/
This was totally helpful. I had already figured out how to input my personal data, such as height, weight, birth date, etc. I found that I had 5 exercise types I could edit. I found what I had unwittingly done was set up a custom exercise type with three time intervals. Easy enough to change that. There is a default interval type I can edit and use when I want to do intervals. I change the default exercise type before you start a session, and then that type will be in effect for all sessions until I change it again. For each exercise type, I can set different heart rate zones, different max heart rate, different intervals or none at all. You can even change the name of the exercise type. Very customizeable. I set a basic one and left the others alone.

The watch actually has three different displays when it's in HRM/stopwatch mode, and each display has 2 custom rows (sort of). The first display has the heart rate on the bottom row, and one customizable row above (it says you have two, but displays additional info about the first row, so the second data row is not shown). The second display has the cumulative stopwatch time on the bottom row, and two customizable rows above. The third display has lap time on the bottom row, and two customizable rows above. The bottom row has a larger font than the other two. So I could display up to 8 different pieces of information between the three displays. I can cycle through the displays by pressing the lower right button. This watch is looking better.

On the Heart Rate display, I set it to show my lap time in the top row, and it also displays the lap number I'm on. On the Stopwatch Time display, I set the top row to show the time of day, and the second row to show my average heart rate. On the Lap Time display, it doesn't show the lap number, which is why I also display lap time on the Heart Rate display. I set the top row to show total cumulative time, and the second to show my heart rate. This is redundant of information on other displays, but it shows everything on one display, except for the lap number. I'm okay with that. There are other things it could display, such as calories expended, average lap time, and so on. Fully customizable. I'm getting to really like this watch.

This unit also has the capability to start the HRM and stopwatch when I bring the watch unit up to the chest strap, like the one I had 10 years ago. But also, what actually happens when I bring the watch unit up to the chest strap is fully programmable. I could have it start the HRM and stopwatch, or turn on the back light, or cycle through the displays, or a bunch of other things. I set it to cycle through the displays, just to make it easy for me. Now I'm really, really getting to like the watch.

I can set a future event date, such as my next race. Lo and behold, when the watch is in regular time mode, the RX300 logo is now replaced with the name of the event and the number of days remaining until that event. Now I really, really, really like this watch. I'm thinking I can only set one event at a time, but it would be handy if I could set several, and it would display the days remaining until the nearest one. Even if I don't have an upcoming race event, I will put in something such as a birthday or vacation or holiday, just to replace the logo.

This watch also has a training feature which I haven't used yet, to compute my VO2 intake and such. I'll try that out in the future.

Okay, now onto the data. It can store up to 16 events. For any event, it displays the total time, the average and maximum heart rate (in both beats per minute and % of maximum), and number of calories expended. For each lap, it also displays your lap time, your average and maximum heart rate in both beats per minute and maximum.

This is a lot of information, which I found very useful. I just did a half marathon this last weekend. In reviewing my data, I found my times were a little slower than I would have liked, but it was a hilly course a higher elevation, so that's understandable. But my average heart rate and maximum heart rate were consistent from mile to mile. It was a race I can be happy with. This exemplifies the value of a HRM.

This watch also display information on a weekly basis – for all my workouts during a week, it displays total time, how many calories expended, and how much time I spent in each heart rate zone (up to 5). Wow! That's great.

The watch does have optional equipment which I didn't buy – a GPS unit, and a foot pod. It also has a lot more features which I didn't cover. It can record up to 99 laps in a single event, and can store up to 16 events. Oh yeah, the battery is user-replaceable in the chest strap. That was a biggie that wasn't available with my first HRM. The battery is semi-user-replaceable in the watch unit, meaning you can do it, but not as easy, and will void the warrant due to the type of gasket used. They recommend sending it to a service center. I don't know why they didn't go with a standard user-replaceable battery feature in the watch as well. They have that feature on some of their less expensive HRM watches.

So here's my down points. (1) I wish it had it's own storage bag like my old one (I'm using my old Polar bag from 10 years ago). (2) I wish it had a better owner's manual. The one from 10 years ago was very thorough and clearly written. I've bookmarked the video webpage, as the videos were very well done. (3) I wish it had a cool-down feature. I really like that on the old one. It was a challenge to see how much I could slow down my heart rate within 2 minutes after a workout session. (4) I wish it had the ability to store multiple upcoming event dates. I like that feature. (5) The strap is integrated into the watch body and is quite stiff, making it more difficult to put on and take off than should be required. As it is stiffer, perhaps it will last longer than an ordinary strap? But if it ever breaks, the whole think becomes a pile of junk. (6) I wish the battery was user-replaceable in the watch unit as it is in the chest strap. The problem I had with the lap button not working seems to have cleared up. Perhaps something was set wrong. Overall, a feature-packed HRM, once I learned how to use it. And I'm still discovering. I think it is well worth the money, and then some.

Comments about Polar RS300X Heart Rate Monitor - Men's:

Make sure you wet the contacts on the chest band before putting on.

Comments about Polar RS300X Heart Rate Monitor - Men's:

I'm a runner and wanted to push my training to the next level by tracking my heart rate. I'm your slightly better than average weekend warrior runner. However, I was shocked to find out this watch lacked a basic function to time laps/splits. There's no way to determine how long I've been running except to know what time I started and stopped and then do the math. The cheapest $30 watches have this basic function. I don't understand why this should be a "premium" feature in heart rate watches. I never even used the watch...not once. I put it back in the box 10 minutes after opening it. Seemed like a good watch otherwise.

Comments about Polar RS300X Heart Rate Monitor - Men's:

I use the RS300x 98% of the time indoors for CrossFit, biking and running. I live in Chicago, so the weather changes fast.
Zone training has changed my workout intensity. It's like having a coach with u to push you, but he knows what's going on with your body.
I would totally recommend this to a friend. It will help you hit new levels in training.
I order it though REi cause i like the service. I hope they have nothing but great success. The ppl on the other end of the line --- i feel like i know them.
PS - you'll need the flowlink to work this product properly w/the polar site.

Only complaint - when you sync the watch w/the polar site (which is free from polar - super cool - u track your progress) it doesnt sync like a blackberry would...not sure on the terminology but it syncs one way. Still super cool and u just gotta work around it. Im sure they'll figure out a way around it in future watches.

Service and delivery comments:

Excellent, but i had to specify UPS.
I would recommend the same because of the value of the product.

Comments about Polar RS300X Heart Rate Monitor - Men's:

I like a dependable/reliable product that gives me what I need without a lot of "extras". The RS300X is that type of product. The chest band is very sensitive; following Polar's recomendations to wash in a washing machine at least after every 5 uses is a must, otherwise readings on the monitor will be off the charts.

Comments about Polar RS300X Heart Rate Monitor - Men's:

Been using Polar HR monitors since the early 90's so I'm a big fan and overall the RS300X is impressive, although I do have two gripes. The start/stop button doesn't always register when pressed - I've had dozens of runs where I hit the start button, only to get a mile or two into the run and realize it hadn't started the chronograph. The second frustration is that after a year of use my band has cracked and broken and the Polar's don't have replaceable bands.

Comments about Polar RS300X Heart Rate Monitor - Men's:

I have started training for a half marathon. I am extremely pleased about how accurate the heart rate monitor and calories burned are.The waist band is comfortable and large enough for a big boy. I used my dividend and 20% off what a deal. I would definately buy again.

Comments about Polar RS300X Heart Rate Monitor - Men's:

first off, this watch is the direct cross for the suunto t3c, but better. i went through three suunto's before i had enough and took the last one back. the rs300x works the same way, the functions are almost the same, just displayed a little different, and the polar,so far, is completely reliable. the chest strap on the suunto was designed by an idiot,while the strap for the polar is actually well thought out and wont continually break. and i wont feel worried if i get the watch wet either. the operating software inside the watch works almost identical to the t3c, except for the training effect. i will miss that function, but i can live with out it. all the rest of the functions are the same. over all i would highly recomend the polar rs300x. the best deal on the market.