Polar RS800CX Multi Sport Heart Rate Monitor Watch with G3 GPS Sensor W.I.N.D.I have had the Polar 625X for a number of years.The 625X product really has not changed but it works very well.Changing to RS800CX was pretty easy as a result, but of not a Polar user need to read manual and get the many features.Since I like to mountain bike, run, and/or road ride (Triathlons) I needed something that would give me HRM data as well as the other data from the 625x that I like to see.The 625X only had a foot pod for pace and a special bike adapter for biking.So I liked the Altitude, speed, pace, HR data, and HRM zones but so many devices. What I really like about the RS800CX:
- I can use on all bikes and running without special equipment everywhere.
- The look and feel of the watch so I can wear it all the time it fits under work shirt sleeves. I had to take the big and unstylish 625x on and off all the time since it was unsightly and bulky.
- The GPS unit turns on and quickly acquires signal.Also strap built very well.
To exercise you just turn on GPS, start your watch and forget about all of it until you want to check your pace or HR zone.The flashing heart in your custom training zone 1-5 is very helpful in the display.Like most watches exercising and flipping through screens can be be a challenge.As is finding a balance between viewability and the amount of data that can be displayed on the small screen and in big letters.Increase the screen size too much and you have a computer that can't be worn all the time and as a result is likely to be forgotten for many workouts (some Garmins).I am not sure of the balance has been struck on the Polar RS800CX but I was able to see most of what I wanted to see without an issue and was able to flip through screens during the workout to see pace, HR and a few other data.
After exercise I just pointed the watch at the Infrared device and load my exercises into the excellent Polar 5 software.I can then analyze graphically and with data the zones and how my workout fit my goals.Some people have complained about the GPS not integrating with mapping etc.I really don't want that feature so if you do you have to go to Garmin or other device - I think.This watch is about valuable data and not fancy GPS mapping features.And that is coming from a real gadget geek.I really like the software and Polar is a great HRM company from my experience.I would guess but don't know that Garmin with its roots in GPS would provide a more comprehensive GPS feature set.Your choice will depend on your needs and interests.
Well, I will amend later if I come up with anything else useful.
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Polar RS800CX Multi Sport Heart Rate Monitor Watch with G3 GPS Sensor W.I.N.D.Product Description: Are you serious about your athletic training? If so, turn to the Polar RS800CX multi-sport heart rate monitor watch, which offers a complete system for planning, monitoring, and analyzing every part of your training. This particular version of the RS800CX is equipped with a host of valuable tools, including a built-in altimeter, a WearLink W.I.N.D. heart rate transmitter with a soft textile chest strap, a copy of Polar ProTrainer 5 software, and a G3 GPS sensor that helps you measure your speed and distance in a variety of sports. As a result, there's no better way for athletes to create a comprehensive training workout that's efficient and effective. Even better, the watch lets you combine training sessions from different sports into a single file, so you can integrate your running, cycling, hiking, rowing, and skiing sessions without missing a beat. It's the ultimate multi-sport training watch.
The RS800CX watch is the ultimate training computer for multi-sport athletes. As a heart rate monitor, the RS800CX works by first checking your daily condition, and then guiding you to the ideal training intensity for your age and fitness level. Knowing your heart rate not only helps you reach your personal fitness goal, but also improves your physical condition in general, as it's vitally important to train at the appropriate intensity level. If you exercise too hard, you may quit before you reach the real benefit, but if you work out too leisurely, you'll struggle to lose weight at all. The RS800CX helps overcome these problems by encouraging you to map out a complete fitness routine. The watch also displays heart rate info in several ways, including as a percentage of your maximum heart rate, as beats per minute, and within a graphical target zone indicator. And should your heart rate exceed or dip below your target zone, the RS800CX will sound an alarm that helps you return to form.
The RS800CX also offers a variety of proprietary Polar functions. The ZonePointer, for example, is an audible and visual feature on the display of your watch that shows you where your current heart rate sits within your target heart rate zone. The Polar OwnZone mode, meanwhile, provides a customized target zone for individual exercise sessions. Finally, the Polar OwnCal mode shows your energy expenditure during one exercise session, as well as your accumulated kilocalories during several exercise sessions. You can also set daily and weekly exercise goals in terms of calorie expenditure, helping you achieve both short-term and long-term goals. Other proprietary Polar functions include a Polar fitness test that measures your aerobic fitness at rest in just five minutes; a ZoneLock button that activates a target zone alarm while exercising; and an OwnOptimizer mode designed to keep you from undertraining or overtraining--a must when trying to improve overall performance.
The watch comes with the multi-sport G3 GPS sensor. Serious athletes will appreciate in the built-in altimeter, which measures your altitude, cumulative ascent, and cumulative descent. It's the Polar ProTrainer 5 software, however, that really helps the watch stand out. You can use the Polar ProTrainer 5 to plan your workout in advance--including creating maps and routes in conjunction with the G3 GPS sensor--and then transfer the settings to the RS800CX watch. Then, after training, you can analyze the results using versatile, customizable graphs to ensure a deeper understanding of your speed, exertion level, and distance. The software also includes a custom calendar that functions as a complete training log. Each time you transfer an exercise file to the program, the calendar automatically creates a diary entry with all your training data--a terrific option for athletes who want to monitor their workouts over the long term. The software even lets you export your GPS mapping routes to Google Earth, so you can view your exact training route or calculate mileage on the spot.
This version of the RS800CX comes with the G3 GPS sensor, which measures your speed and distance during nontraditional sports, such as canoeing, mountain biking, rowing, or Nordic skiing. The highly sensitive SIRF III GPS system provides highly reliable GPS reception even in densely wooded areas, so you can easily measure your key data across land, snow, and water. The sensor is particularly valuable for athletes who want to map out a specific route when training in the mountains or along the water. The G3 communicates this speed and distance data directly to the RS800CX, which analyzes the data in a variety of ways so that you can hone your long-term performance. The RS800CX also supports other optional W.I.N.D. sensors (sold separately) that are custom built for various training needs. The S3 Stride Sensor, for example, measures every stride you take while running, helping you perform better in competitive situations, while the CS Speed Sensor accurately measures your cycling speed and distance. With the purchase of all three W.I.N.D. sensors, your RS800CX will become an extremely versatile multi-sport training computer.
Other watch features include several recording options to help track your heart rate, calorie expenditure, distance, and more and save it in an exercise file (with 99 total files); water resistance to 50 meters; a Polar WebLink connection for transferring exercise data from your wrist unit to a computer; a 12/24-hour clock with a day/week indicator; a built-in backlight; an alarm with a snooze; and a low battery indicator. Sporting an attractive silver housing, the watch carries a two-year warranty.
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.
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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I NEVER RECIVED YET THE S3 FOOT POD IT WAS Purchased on 05/26/2010 I ONLY RECIVED THEPolar RS800CX G3 Multi Heart Rate Monitor Purchased on 05/26/2010
My RS400 itself works pretty well.It reliably tracks and records pulse information during my cardio workouts, even interval training which is more challenging due to the frequent changes in heart rate.However, the design of the watch leads to the buttoms activating frequently unintentionally, especially when I wear the watch outside of my workouts.
I was somewhat disheartened by the two earlier reviews, sounds like the first person didn't even have one but felt compelled to share I guess . . . I purchased one anyway and have been using it for a few weeks. My first run with it was the Country Music Marathon in Nashville. 26.08 miles was the final reading. Not too bad for right out of the box. Pace did seem to jump around but I have changed the record rate to 3 seconds and it seemed to fix the problem. I wore the receiver on the back of my shorts (where I usually wear my ipod) - probably not the best location and maybe why the marathon distance was off, but I haven't got around to trying the arm band yet. The receiver is only slightly bulkier than my Nano, not really noticeable when clipped to shorts. Takes 20-40 seconds to lock.
I suspect there are 2 kinds of people who'd buy a running watch of the rs-800sd caliber: the first are highly competitive or enthusiastic runners, and the second are gadget freaks who tolerate running and want to measure results. 
I received my Polar RS200sd heart rate monitor app. 1 month ago, and have used it about 3/week for running (20-30 km/week). 
