Polar S720i

Price Paid:  $160.00 at eBay

Favorite Ride:
Three Bears in Lafayette, CA

Bike Setup:
Bianchi Imola triple shimano 105 group.

Summary:
I've been using the s720i for 3-4 years now. Battery ran out and the plastic "crystal" popped off. Sent it into Polar and they replaced it, including the worn out elastic & battery in the chest strap - for about $80, which was very reasonable. It seemed like they gave me back a new unit. Just started using Polar Pro5 training software, and created an Exercise Set & downloaded it to the watch. Also uploaded data from watch using IR to PC. It's a little finicky, but I can always get it to transmit - just hold it very close. Might have to vary the angle of the watch. Great features, definitely much better analysis with the software.

Strengths:
Lots of data, very useful in conjunction with sofware.

Weaknesses:
User interface - especially creating exercise sets involving intervals on the unit (easy with the software).

Similar Products Used:
none

Price Paid:  $350.00 at online

Summary:
I have had to send this computer back to Polar to be fixed a couple time already due to water getting in but was covered under warranty. A few weeks ago it just died during a ride and I sent it back and they want $200 to fix. No water when it died but may have been from sweat. I can not recommend this computer as it seems very sensitive to moisture. I can see paying up to $100 but at $200 I might as well buy a new computer.

Strengths:
Everything you want in a computer

Weaknesses:
Not water proof or sweat resistant

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
Trek 5200

Summary:
This is a very good HRM. My only complaint is that the receiver sometimes picks up electronic noise from cars (particularly Honda's & Acura's). It only happens if the electrodes aren't wet enough, like when first starting on a ride. That condition is very temporary because it's usually not long before a little sweat gets flowing.

Overall, very happy with product. Much happier than with the 725x.

Strengths:
Autostart feature. Lots of features and options. Great training tool.

Weaknesses:
Cheap appearance (also, see above).

Similar Products Used:
Polar S725x

Price Paid:  $0.00

Bike Setup:
Trek 2200

Summary:
I've had this HRM for approx 3 years. Not the best user interface but it worked well. Occasionally would get a funky speed reading (60+ mph) but I realized this was due to local radio interference since it always happened in the same location. The battery finally gave out. I tried first with a local jeweler but he didn't have the correct battery. So I packed up the device and sent it to Polar following their instructions and authorizing payment on my credit card. A few days ago a received a brand new monitor with an invoice saying HRM replaced at no charge due to electrical malfunction. The device was clearly beyond warranty. By doing this Polar has bought my goodwill and loyalty and I will definitely buy another Polar at some point. The new ones look pretty cool and I'm guessing the functionality and interface has improved.

Strengths:
Customer service, at least from my experience. Device is feature rich including altitude, IR link for data download, and power usage.

Weaknesses:
Interface was a bit awkward but given the functionality of the device it is not enough to reduce rating below 5.

Price Paid:  $299.00 at Dick's Sporting Good

Summary:
Polar S720i is a great product if it is working. I have had two break in the two year warranty period. Service is a nightmare. The first time the service center lost it for three weeks, then finally found it and replaced it two weeks later. The second time, I called right away after I received proof of delivery. They had not even opened the box yet and did not plan to for 2 to three days. I would never buy another.

Strengths:
Great graphs once you get data into computer.

Weaknesses:
Terrible user interface and data editting capability, besides rotten lousy durability and service.

Similar Products Used:
Timex

View Comments (3)

Would you like to Comment?
Join RoadbikeReview for a free account, or Login if you are already a member.