Healthy Heart Rate: Polar RS200 Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Black) Review

If you're a recreational runner who runs to stay in shape like me.If you're a new runner, this works great too.If you're a super pro, I think this would work but you might want one of the Polar higher end watches - maybe the RS200sd with the foot module, or some of their really fancy (and expensive) stuff.

WHY?
- Easy Easy Easy to set up and use.I took it out of the box.The screen was blank and I panicked...but there was the protective plastic that had a finger pointing to where I should press (the big red button)...the watch woke up and went through a little set up sequence, enter time, day, date, birthdate, weight, age.After I was done, I wet the electrodes on the strap, put the strap on - pretty easy and comfortable.I pushed the Red button and it said, ....so, I stepped outside (I was in shorts), walked outside my door, and took off on a several mile run - out of the box and through the run I understood what the watch was telling me, time, heartbeat, the basics.So very usable out of the box with little configuration.
- Lots of Features. After my jog, I dug into the features - Tons of Running Features, present cardio zones so the watch tells you where you're operating at based on your age.I know mine by heart and I knew that at 176average bpm, I was in the 90% to 100% of my heart rate so didn't need to know.
- You can really tell that the people who put this watch together a) know, care, and pay attention to runners and their needs and b)that they are very technically saavy and make the technology easy.
- Could be worn as a watch.
- Priced Right.I used to be the guy who would always buy the best of the best of the best but in this market where there are so many choices, that I'm buying what is right for me.I'm not a super runner and don't aspire to be one, I'm more than a beginner (been running for 20+ years) so this watch was perfect at the right price point with the right features.The polar website has a nice comparison on their products btw.

HARD TO FIND THINGS ABOUT THIS WATCH:
- It has a Sleep Mode so you can turn it off
- The band has a replaceable battery with instructions on the manual on how to change them (I'm not saying you should change your own or not, follow the enclosed instructions, I will probably change mine when needed)
- The band is water resistant to 30 meters, and the watch to 50 meters - so you can swim with this but not dive (silly point, I'm a diver and that's a whole different ballgame) but if you're a lap swimmer you can use this...but its primarily a running watch.
- It can tell your heart rate in Beats Per Minute or in Target Percent (%) based on weight, age - or from your Ownzone calculations.The watch has a feature where it can learn (you put it on and can make it go through a learning phase about you so it can calculate how hard you should work out)
- To me, this is basically the RS200sd without the foot module - (soldseparately for about $129 or as a a bundle with the RS200sd).I don't know if I need that, maybe at some point when I get in shape.
- The watch has a history of your workouts so you can go back and see what you were doing and you an even upload to your computer and track there (I'm going to play with that next when I'm done with the review).
- Should you wear it as a watch? Some people wouldn't notice that its a running computer, it might be a conversation starter for some, others might consider you too arrogant advertising that you're a runner.Me personally, if its the first watch I find as I'm walking out the door as its not too big,tells time,date -- I would wear it with shorts and T but definitely not in a suit and very definitely not to white tie state dinners.Up to you.
- This watch has enough features that marathon runners could train with (and is designed from the literature for the runner who is more than a novice but not quite an athlete - Polar makes all kind of watches and am glad they made this one for me, not the top of the line, not the most basic...I wanted a changeable battery on the strap...just right for me).

MY FIT EXPERIENCE (a Con in here):
- The watch component is very adjustable from very small wrists to very large wrists would work
- The strap component, It is stretchy but I found myself openning it up to its maximum and although I'd like to say that I have a 48" Arnold chest for the ladies - I'm more of a 40Regular kinda guy so just FYI if you're a big big guy, you might need a bigger strap (I think Polar sells them but not sure and it has to be a special Polar strap that connects to the module)...just FYI to your big guys out there or if you're 42 - 44chest, would fit but would probably be a bit tighter than my personal fit.

WHO AM I? (So you can weigh my review accordingly)
- Recreational Runner (between 9 and 20miles a week depending on my shape...lately less than my minimum argh.)
- Run to Stay in shape (not a marathon runner, although when in good shape, I go up to 12 - 15 miles...not now...at the moment still haven't gotten back from a broken leg, long story - recommend you don't break your leg in tropical jungles of far away 3rd world countries, so long story short still in pretty poor physical shape and using the watch to keep me in a safe training environment as I work my way back up into shape.You can really tell, if you push yourself - you start to feel bad as you run and if you glance at your watch, chances are that your heart has gone up to 100% or 110% of your target heartrate for me about 190bpm but this instrument is really useful for that but more so because if your heartrate gets too slow, you know you're slacking and should pick up the pace and this keeps you training in your zone (don't know what your zone is? no worries, the watch tells you).I averaged 176bpm for 28 minutes on this first workout with a high of 187bpm and stayed in zone 5 for 96% of my workout - not bad for an old guy with a bum leg (getting that from the watch computer log which it saves).I didn't go very far and wouldn't know because I don't have the foot module option ($129 separately, or you can get it with the RS200sd).
- I try to run a few times a week, love to travel allot, love photography, love technology, try to be good to myself - and this watch is helping me get fit again.
- I don't get paid for this in any way, I'm just anonymous, enjoy privacy but do like to share my experiences, and usually I only share my good ones and really hope it helps you make an informed decision.It does seem like running computers are getting much much better these days - I'm glad.

DISCLAIMER
- I'm just a guy sharing my experience with my watch.Undertake physical activity at your own pace and consult a doctor before starting if you have any any doubts.I recommend against getting the watch, strapping it on, and going on a 30 minute run at 96% of your heart capacity on a sunny warm afternoon if you've never run before, aren't a regular runner, or haven't exercised in a while.I'm not a great runner but I have run all my life so I can tell what my body is telling me (lately from this run, that I'm not as young as I used to be).I think that takes me to the Polar motto which is "Listen to your Body"...and stay safe.I have a baby and using this thing to help me, not substitute for safety but as a helper to staying safe.We live in a litigious society and don't want some guy going and getting a heart attack or worse having him get a heart attack and pointing the finger at me (yikes!).Be careful out there.

- I bought this from Amazon, next day delivery, had it in my warm hands 16 hours later, was running 16 hours 5 minutes later, very happy.

Click Here to see more reviews about: Polar RS200 Heart Rate Monitor Watch (Black)

Product Description:
In order to reach your fitness goals, you need to exercise at the right intensity. Designed for goal-oriented runners, the Polar RS200 wrist heart rate monitor helps you to easily and accurately measure your heart rate to help you get to just the right intensity or your exertion level. It's great for both beginning runners or more experienced runners preparing for competitions. Use the Polar Sports Zones and the Event Countdown Timer to manage your training for that key running event. You can even upload your settings to your running computer and then download your workout files to the Polar Running Coach Web Service for analysis. The RS200 offers up to 16 exercise files with summaries, date and time, and total calorie expenditure.
The RS200 features an oversized display, easy-to-use buttons while on the run, and a comfortable WearLink fabric transmitter.
RS200 Features:

With the optional S1 foot pod (available separately), you'll be able to take advantage of the RS200's Speed and Distance functions, such as speed, distance and pace per kmph/mph, target pace (with alarms and differential), trip odometer, run distance, totals for mileage, calories and time training, and summaries for distance and speed/pace.
Heart rate monitoring includes maximum heart rate (fitness test-based and age-based), maximum/average of total exercise and of each lap (up to 99 laps), three target zones, and audible alarms. It also offers such timing features as time of day (12/24-hour display), dual time zone, day and date display, stopwatch, and alarm with snooze. It features an oversized display, easy to manipulate buttons while on the run, and a comfortable WearLink fabric transmitter.
It's a great choice for using in large groups, where other exercisers might be using wireless training gear that could interfere with your own signal. The RS100's coded transmission prevents crosstalk with other monitors so you'll get a personalized workout--even in a class environment. It also includes the following exclusive Polar features:

Manufacturer's Warranty
The original purchaser of this heart rate monitor is backed by a limited warranty that states that this product that the product will be free from defects in material or workmanship for two years from the date of purchase.
Note:
Polar heart rate monitors are precision instruments; consumers are not advised to change their own battery. Polar recommends that all service be done by an authorized Polar Service Center which will include a warranty for 90 days on repairs and 6 months for batteries.
About Polar
The first EKG accurate wireless heart rate monitor was invented by Polar back in 1977 as a training tool for the Finnish National Cross Country Ski Team. The concept of "intensity training" by heart rate swept the athletic world in the eighties. By the 1990s, individuals were looking to heart rate monitors not only for performance training needs, but also for achieving everyday fitness goals. Today, the same concept of heart rate training is being used by world-class athletes as well as everyday people trying to lose weight. Polar is the leading brand among consumers, coaches, and personal trainers worldwide and the company is committed to not only producing the best products, but also being the leading educator on the benefits of heart rate based exercise.

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