Description The new Polar Power System was designed to make you a better cyclist. This system, along with the S720i, will redefine the way you train by combining heart rate and power (wattage) data side by side. ...
Bike Setup: Scott Scale LTD frame + Token CF fork + 700 wheels, 10sp. Dura Ace, base aero bars...
Summary: I don't have much time for writing to so I'll be quick.
If you're concerned about installation, after having read other guys' reviews, then don't be.
1. Read the ##!!**^ manual several times.
2. Take plenty of time to install the sensor CORRECTLY!
3. Attach wires with cable ties to eliminate the stress from connections.
4. Enjoy.
It works and it's a brilliant product for the intended user!
P.S. Long term reliability TBC
Strengths: - exeptional value for money! I'd never spend £1000 on a power meter.
- works with almost any non-full susp. bike
- useful software included
- popular brand
Weaknesses: - ponentially not as accurate as "proper" meters (I'm unable to verify this), although apparently consistent
- a bit of a clutter on a bike (personally.. It looks cool)
- in a 1s. recording rate, only 2.50h of recording time available, (hence 4/5 rating)
Similar Products Used: Polar CS400 HR
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Summary: My review is for CS600 with power. I bought my CS600 without power at first and it worked great. I'm very pleased with it. So, being happy with HR unit i thought POWER unit might be a good upgrade to my lovely CS600. Few days ago I bought one and this is where it all starts to go wrong.
I spent all weekend trying to mount this f****n device. I don't know is it because of shape of my chainstay and cranks or what, but this stupid thing just refuses to install as it should. In the end I had to use both big and small rubber pads to have the unit high enough to the chain. I won't even describe what I had to do not to touch unit with crankarm. All in all I was installing it for two days.
Once I installed it as it should be I noticed that unit will not register cadence magnet no metter how close it is. Played with some stronger magnet in front of sensor and got green led flashing.
Said...OK...will bother with cadence magnet later after I pair damn device with HR unit.
Tourned pedals for few times...got red and green led indicating all is OK...and than...HR unit can't find the device.
That's where I had it enough...I spent more hours installing it than I spent riding last month.
Will take it back to the shop and if they can make it work in less than hour than OK...if not, will ask for refound.
Main Polar CS600 HR unit (with speed/cadence sensor) is a great thing to have, but power unit is something I deeply regret I gave my money for. I have a feeling I paid to be their new product tester. Unit is badly designed, has many flaws...do not buy it!
If you are buying it, ask for shop staff to mount it...if they won't find a shop that will :) Pay for it only when you have it working on the bike...not a second before. When I pay € 290 (power only) for something I like when it works.
Strengths: - could be good paper holder
Weaknesses: This is for POWER unit only (not whole CS 600):
- looks ugly
- if you have unusual chainstay and cranks you'll need more arms than you have to install it
- not easy to make it work
- when you make it work, it doesn't work well (besed on other reviews because I could never make it work)
Similar Products Used: De Rosa Team frameset
Campagnolo Scirocco wheels
Summary: This is a great unit when you get it working. I too had the same problems as the previous posters and was about to send it back for a refund. I then found that the issue, at least with my unit, was a poor electrical contact where the wire from the battery pack enters the WIND sensor (paddle on the chainstay). At the risk of voiding the warranty, I soldered some fine copper speaker wire into the female side of the plug and that sugged up the contact. I've now had 1200 miles of trouble free power readings.
I put my bike on a computrainer and the power readings were within a fews watts. I am now very happy with the unit.
Strengths: Price, weight and excellent software.
Weaknesses: Asthetics, setup issues
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Bike Setup: LOOK Ultra 595, full Record, Zipp 145 stem, Zipp SLC2 bars, Speedplay Zero Ti, Mavice R Sys
Summary: This is the worst product I've ever used. It rarely works even when installed properly. Polar has done nothing to help the situation either. There tech support line is horrible, Polar offers no support IMHO. Save your money for a real system like the SRM. I was looking for power measurement that is not wheel dependent and I didn't want to change my cranks. I guess I'll go with SRM and spend the kids college tuition.
Strengths: NONE!
Weaknesses: It doesn't work, Polar offers no support or assistance and can't even recommend a good installer in their dealer network.
Summary: Don't bother with this product. When it works, it's a great little unit and the computer part is great. But the WIND power sensor .. and I've had two different power sensors installed .. has about a 60 percent failure rate. You'll read dozens of analysis on why...batteries, sensor placement, etc. .. bottom line is that for this kind of dough, it's not worth it.
Strengths: Good looking headunit, nice readout, great when it works
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