Polar fs1 - Heart Rate Monitor Watch

The following Polar fs1 review will provide you with all details you need including  features, strengths and weaknesses of this HRM.

Polar are probably the leading developer and producer of fitness heart rate monitor equipment in the world. They are well known and have a very good reputation in relation to creating innovative functions and designs. The Polar company came to prominence in the late 1970's by developing the original accurate EKG wireless HRM as a training tool for Finland's Cross County Skiing team. This product and the primary focus on intensity and cardio style fitness  by the athletes in the 1980's really put Polar on the map as a leading innovator. The demand for personal heart rate monitors grew substantially not only in the professional athletics world but also in the personal keep fit market. People who took regular exercise quickly seen the benefits of HRM computer products to help them track their progress, improve their performance and set their health and fitness goals. This demand expanded their product development to become the leading innovator of heart rate monitors that include the popular Polar F11 and the Polar fs1.

Polar fs1 heart rate monitor

The FS1 is what you would call a basic HRM sports watch. If you have never used one before and you are starting on a regular fitness program then, this would be the perfect HRM to start with. Many people who are new to these fitness products end up buying an expensive monitor watch with lots of fancy and sophisticated functions. They end up never using most of these functions because they find out later they don't need most of them or they realize they are are too complex for them to use. 

Features

The  polar heart rate monitor fs1 provides the basic features you need to measure your heart rate target zone. This enables you to  reach your optimum intensity and exertion levels while working out. The Polar watch has a stopwatch function including the standard 24 hour watch. When you reach your target heart rate zone you will be alerted by an alarm. In addition to this you can track your total workout time and average heart rate during the duration of each workout session. Accessories include an elastic chest strap for comfort and manual instructions.

Strengths

The fs1 polar has been designed with simplicity in mind. It has a big clear screen that enables you to see extra large digits which means you do not have to strain your eyes to see what your reading as your running along. It is water resistant to 50 meters meaning you can also use it while swimming and timing your laps. The basic features mean programming the HRM is simple and not complex like other watches with more functions. It is very simple to use as you only have to press one button. This eliminates any fumbling around which you tend to do with similar products that have very small buttons that require a pin to press them!

Weaknesses

The main weakness is the lack of features however, you can't  complain too much as the polar fs1 price is below 50 dollars. There have been a few complaints but not that many, regarding the difficultly of the chest strap staying on. These were mostly from female customers however, one woman found a solution to this by wearing it underneath her sports bra strap.

Conclusion

The polar watch fs1 is a great heart monitor for those starting out. It has basic features that monitor your heart rate including the basic performance readings. However, when you become more experienced you may find the basic features limited and you may need to upgrade. The polar fs1 monitor watch will provide you with a good starting point and once you gain more experience you can then decide whether you really do require the multiple functions of a more expensive HRM wrist watch.