I have an old (5 years) Polar HR Monitor, the most base model. The readout jumps around to crazy numbers. Any opinions on whether I’m better off getting a new HRM or sending it in to have the battery replaced?
I was able to replace the battery in the watch, (not the chest strap) relatively cheap and mine is working fine.
Although, I am told that once you break the seal on most waterproof watches, they don’t recommend swimming w/ them on any longer.
If it does everything you want, might as well send it in for service. It is less than $20 to replace the battery and insure everything is working fine. Send the strap in with it, and they can test it also.
It does give you a good excuse to take a look at the newer S series HRM’s though.
By the ime you pay postage it will cost you about $15 - $35 to get it fixed. Personally I’ve sent mine in twice. I’d say do it. If you can swing it, it will be worth keeping the old one running even if you get a new one.
Send the transmitter in too. Mine acted up similar to what you’re describe and it was the transmitter not the battery in the watch. They sold me a brand new transmitter for $29.
Here’s the link to the service center. The the service is very prompt. http://www.polarservicecenter.com/
Polar would want you to send in the chest strap AND watch. They check, clean, and replace the batteries in both units. It’s like getting a new HR monitor when they send it back to you. I believe it may be more than $20…? The new Polar basic model is about $50 and I believe it will give you average heart rate and time spent exercising where the one you currently own only gives a constant readout of heartrate?..
Basically it depends on your budget!
I am in the same situation, mine goes crazy from time to time, how long does it take to get it back after you´ve send it?
Why send anything in. The first step is to get a $2 battery from the corner store and replace the battery in the watch. Its 5 minutes w/ a screwdriver. I’ve done it several times. The watch battery usually wears at a rate of about twice to three times the cheststrap due to the light feature on the watch.
If that doesn’t solve the problem, then you should evaluate if its worth it to mail it in. You can find basic HR monitors at Walmart, Campmore, etc. for at little at $29 bucks.
BTW, If you really want to get fancy, put dielectric grease around the seal after you replace the battery, before screwing the cover back on. This is the stuff you use when you replace your spark plugs on your vehicle. Its a clear looking gel that comes in a tube about the size of a Chapstick tube. The grease helps make the watch waterproof again. Its used to seal almost all waterproof watches.
I am in the same situation, mine goes crazy from time to time, how long does it take to get it back after you´ve send it?
The polar service center is the only place I have ever sent in a product to be serviced where I was impressed with the service.
They turn it around very fast once they get your unit. (days not weeks). How long you are without it depends on how much you are willing to pay for shipping on both ends. I used the regular postal service and the whole process did not take much more than a week but I am not too far from the service center.