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Submitted by
Jtibbitts
a Recreational Rider
from Date Reviewed: September 19, 2011
Strengths: Easy to use. Many optionsWeaknesses: Unreliable---loses heart rate signal very often, with difficulty getting signal back. Gives wildly incorrect heart rate results when going downhill or into a strong wind. Chest strap SHOULD NOT be laundered.
Unresponsive product support.
No way to determine which of several batteries is going dead.Bottom Line: The CS200 has not been reliable for me. I think my biggest complaint is that the heart rate signal is frequently interrupted with the monitor reading "0". It can happen at any time during a ride or training, and is often difficult to re-establish, usually requiring that the unit be turned off and on a few times. This makes it nearly useless for tracking your training fitness or statistics. Replacing batteries, repositioning the strap, wetting the strap more thoroughly dont seem to improve the problem. I also have had difficulties getting support from Polar, as they do not return calls or e-mails.
Favorite Ride: Marin County
Price Paid:
$150.00
Purchased At: Nashbar
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Submitted by
dhtucker4
a Recreational Rider
from Date Reviewed: July 28, 2011
Strengths: NoneWeaknesses: About everythingBottom Line: The Polar CS200 is the WORST Bike Computer I have ever used.
Price Paid:
$99.00
Purchased At: Performance
Similar Products Used: Cateye Wireless, Paramount, FlightDeck
Bike Setup: Airborne Manhattan Transfer, with 10-speed Campagnolo Chorus (Zipp 300 crankset), Mavic Kysrium SSC SL wheels, Deda classic bars, Thomson seatpost.
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Submitted by
tferguso
a Commuter
from Date Reviewed: January 20, 2010
Strengths: I liked the strap.Weaknesses: See review - the unit didn't track my heart rate accuratelyBottom Line: You'll find this same review under the CS200cad, which is the unit I actually owned. But this review applies to both, since it's the same base unit.
I used this monitor for about a year, until I got my Garmin Edge. The main problem I had with the Polar product was it's inability to accurately track my heart rate. It would fluctuate (while I was riding) from ~55 to ~220. It almost seemed as if it were measuring 1/2 my heart rate, or double my heart rate. It would sporadically jump from what I thought was about right (120-150 bpm) to around half that number, then stay there for a while, then go back to the range I expected. Then jump to around twice the bpm, then back down. I don't mean to say that it continuously did this. It would also track my heart rate accurately (or, at least in a reasonable range) for some periods. But the periods of inaccuracy were substantial, like 20 to 30% of my ride (usually 1-2 hrs of riding, so 15 to 40 min of incorrect readings). Enough so that I ignored all the results dependent on heart rate.
I was surprised by this - I think Polar is in the business of tracking heart rates. I thought their parent company made health care equipment?? I tried everything I could think of to correct the problem. New batteries, making sure the contact was good (moist) on the strap, limiting distance from strap to the unit, etc. Nothing helped.
Anyway, suffice it to say that my Garmin Edge 305 (which I've used for 4 years now, usually 5-10 times per week), has never had any of these issues.
I tried to Craig's List the CS200 a while back, but to no avail. I just tossed it out - an expensive experiment.
I liked the Polar's chest strap more than the Garmin's. That's why I gave the unit 2 stars instead of one. I wish I could use it's strap with the Edge.
Similar Products Used: Garmin Edge 305
Bike Setup: several different bikes
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Submitted by
jhannah
a Triathlete
from Date Reviewed: July 15, 2009
Weaknesses: Short lifespanBottom Line: Works well (at least it did); the soft fabric heart rate monitor is reasonably comfortable. However, Polar products seem to die after about 18-24 months. I have a drawer full of their nonfunctioning units.
Favorite Ride: Bif Sur
Price Paid:
$100.00
Purchased At: LBS
Overall Rating: Value Rating:
Submitted by
iebobo
a Recreational Rider
from Date Reviewed: March 13, 2009
Strengths: Good functions
Easy installation
Heartrate function is goodWeaknesses: Speed sensor fails erradically
Batteries in transmitters cannot be replaced.Bottom Line: I bought this almost a year ago and it worked great for the summer. Letely, the speed sensor has been pausing for no reason. I adjust the sensor and it works great for a most of the ride. Then, wham! no speed again. The batteries on the speed and heartrate transmitters are supposed to be good for over 2,000 hours, which I am nowhere near. Plus, you can't replace the batteries in these anyway.
The controls for the functions is complicated and the buttons are difficult to press with gloves. Push the wrong button and you're off in some strange screen wondering how the hell to get back to what yu want.
The heartrate function has worked flawlessly. Just make sure you wet the electrodes before putting it on. I just lick my finger and wipe it on them.
Favorite Ride: Any
Price Paid:
$125.00
Purchased At: Performance
Bike Setup: S-Works E5, Full Ultegra
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