Polar RS400 Review

Find out more about the features, strengths and weaknesses of the Polar RS400 heart rate monitor watch.

The Polar RS400 is for the athlete or keep fit enthusiast who wants to get the most out of their training session by being able to plan, monitor and analyze their performance data. The top athletes are well aware that it is not the quantity of training you do but the quality that determines how effective your training is. The RS400 enables you to do that with an extensive range of functions.

Polar RS400 Features

The Polar rs 400 is a wrist heart rate monitor watch that has been designed specifically for the endurance athlete. Its key function is the heart rate monitor which enables you to reach your optimum intensity and exertion levels. The HRM is based on your fitness level and age and provides your maximum heart rate and 5 target zones. As a runner you will be able to take advantage of the watches pace and distance functions that enable you to track your average speed, distance, calories burned, and target pace. As standard this Polar watch offers an array of time features that include as a 12 and 24 hour display, dual time zones, stop watch, snooze alarm.

One of the key factors that separates Polar from it s competitors is its planning and analyzing software. The Polar rs400 sd includes the Sports Zone feature where you can select up to 5 separate training programs and set and track your heart rate within each zone.

Successful athletes understand the importance of setting goals to ensure they continue to improve their fitness levels. With the RS400 you can create your own daily and weekly training goals with the OwnCal feature. With this feature you can track the amount of calories you have burned during each exercise session including the total accumulated energy expenditure over a longer periods.

Strengths

The main strengths of this HRM watch is the array of functions that you can use to thoroughly track and measure your fitness performance.

It has a big screen which enables you to see the data clearly on the screen for easy reading. Many comparable HRM's have small screens that are very hard to read especially in low light conditions.

The exercise plans that you can download are excellent at keeping you motivated to achieve your fitness goals.

Can be used for a variety of workouts that include running, cycling, aerobic sports and swimming.

Weaknesses

The  infrared weblink irda usb adapter and transmitter has encountered problems when transferring data from watch to computer.

For the cost the optional accessories such as the S1 footpad are included in the polar rs400 price. Although it is included with the RS400 SD model.

The buttons on the watch are designed in a way that they can be easily pushed accidentally which changes the options and format of the screen. Therefore, it is not suitable to use as an everyday watch.

Conclusion

The Polar heart rate monitor rs400 wrist watch is a highly functional piece of HRM equipment as is a big improvement on the Polar S625X. This has been designed to meet the personal needs of runners who take their fitness serious and require a training computer instrument that enables them to maximize their running performance and that monitors their progress. The functions on this watch take a while to get use to for example, when it comes to the Polar rs400 calibration you really need to read the trainer manual to do it right and get the most out of all the other features.

There has been a few complaints about the reliability of the Polar IR transmitter that connects to your PC to download the analyzing software and data. Owners have found a solution by purchasing a more reliable USB adaptor. This is not a cheap watch but you get a lot for what you pay for in a very attractive package. For those on a budget you may want to consider the Polar rs200 or Polar F11 as a cheaper alternative.