In the market for an HRM. Specifically, I need to be able to configure intervals rest periods based on hear rate rather time. That is, the rest period can be as long as it takes to get the heart rate down to the lower zone. The Polar rs400 seems to be able to do this. Any opinions on this watch or any others that offer the same features would be much appreciated.
Thanks.
IIRC, the S series HRM’s from Polar can also do this. I used to use the intervals on my S710i, but haven’t lately. I now have a S625x and really like it, but haven’t used that particular feature yet.
Thanks very much. Looks like the rs400 has gotten good reviews so that’s probably what I’ll go with. The 625 is just a tad spendy for my needs right now.
the RS400 or even the RS200 should meet your needs (I think), both are nice watches, i just upgraded from the 200 to the 400 and have had the S625s, 720s all of the above… just curious, but why the HR interval function, I don’t really know anyone who’s ever used that. I sometimes use HR to start intervals but just give the watch a glimpse to see how low I am. Anyways, the Polars are great watches, definitely top of the HR market. Added plus is their super comfy Wearlink chest strap.
Note, the only real reasons that I would personally go for the 400 over the 200 are the 400’s larger display and easier and more complete data downloading via IR versus the 200’s crappy soniclink which just basically gives you a workout summary versus a full datapoint download like the 400.
The Protrainer 5 software on the RS400 has improved. On the previous S series ownes, athletes could program 5 different workouts. Within the 5 different workouts(Exercise Sets), you could prgram 1 warmup, one set of parameters for the interval and 1 set of parameters for the recovery, and 1 warmdown. Now on the RS400,800,CS400,CS600 and with the Protrainer 5 software, you can program numerous parameters(phases) within a workout. THIS IS THE UNIT FOR YOU!! For techical athletes who really perform intervals, the RS200 is nice, but the RS400 is the real deal, even without the S1 pod. Tai, glad you are see the other side of Polar units, glad you graduated to the RS400!!
On a side note the CS600/Power even lets you set a target zone based on wattage