Polar RS800SD

Robman
Reviewed: 18 May 2007

USEFUL TOOL FFOR ANALYTICAL RUNNERS

I have the 400 version ( no cadence function ) but have found the monitor and software very useful for recording my training programme ( cycling , running & cross-training ).
I especially like the software which rewards those with an analytica bend
I especially use the intensity unit to review my recent past daily and weekly training loads.
Useful in races to monitor effort ( including recent all day adventure race )

software not very user friendly
Didnt get any sigal reception in the pool

A sophisicated tool that requires a IT bent to get the most out of the software

Dan77
Reviewed: 18 May 2007

A SERIOUS TRAINING TOOL

Packed full of features including cadence and distance travelled. Simple to get going with basic monitoring. Comes with decent software that generates detailed reports of your stats. Lightweight, waterproof and durable design. Allows you to create a full training program using customised heart rate zones and has numerous displays and beeps to ensure you stay within limits.

Supplied documentation is not always clear. Software help is not always clear either. Software only PC compatible. Footpod is consistent over a set pace, but changing your pace can cause it to lose accuracy. Uses IrDA instead of bluetooth. Can be a bit complex when first trying to set up a customised training exercise. Excessive price in UK compared to the US.

Despite some of it's weaknesses, the RS800sd is a serious bit of kit that will definitely help your training. You can keep it simple and just use a basic mode to record your run data. Or if you are prepared to put in the effort, create customised heart rate training zones and exercises to match. The wrist unit itself is quite easy to use, but the complementary software can be confusing at first due to the simplistic documentation. However once you've got the hang of it, it's really not that bad.

The RS800sd may have more features than you require, but if you want the best and can get it for a decent price, this is one to consider.

Matthew Lancaster
Reviewed: 03 May 2007

BRILLIANT TOOL BUT NOT PERFECT....

More functions and stats than you'll ever need with a far better footpod than old designs

Data can be a bit variable & to take advantage of everything requires a computer and IRDA interface (sold seperately and not always readily available)

Rather expensive so I bought mine in the USA (lots of good deals with the dollar value at the moment). FIrst thing though the strap broke (known fault in old stock now corrected) but was rapidly fixed by Polar's excellent service. Footpod must be half the size and weight of the old model that came with the s625x, you literally don't know it's there (occasionally worrying with the price of it!). Lots of stats not available on other HRMs, cadence, running index etc and plenty of target alarms and timers for pace, HR etc. To take full advantage though requires a PC and to make sure it works requires you to update the software that came with it! No downloadable training programmes so you have to make it up yourself but once set the excellent software allows you to programme even complex traingin sessions and targets for months in advance. The software is the main great strength over the competition (that and the lack of reliance on GPS signals for anyone that runs in the woods). Now all they need is to sort out minor bugs and it's be perfect....

Dave Cochrane
Reviewed: 30 April 2007

OUTSTANDING!!

Light weight, cadence and stride length feature, ease of use, comfort, ability to customise each exercise display, large memory, seemingly scratch resistant outer casing in daily wear, small footpod, easy setup.

NO MAC OS X SOFTWARE!!! Sort it out Polar, seriously!! Clunky diary software with well documented redraw problems, IR interface often problematic, soon to be available GPS add on will not allow route downloads (stupid omission), no comprehensive printed documentation or pouch provided as with the S625X.

An excellent tool that has improved my running an enormous amount - a feature I'd never have expected to use (cadence) has been the best, teaching me to stay lower to the ground and conserve energy. This in itself is taking 30-40 seconds a kilometre off my time. As I wrote though the software could be a lot better and there is STILL no Mac version, which is astonishing.

Buy one, but only from the US - the UK price is a joke. I got mine on eBay the week it came out for about 165 pounds. It's now around 350 I think.