I spent all morning shopping on Polar’s website for a heart rate monitor. I settled on the Polar S210. The only feature I really wanted was “Own Code”, so I don’t get any interferance from other hrm’s and this was the cheapest model I could find ($169). What I found surprising was that when you are on Polar’s website, it recommends different models for different activities. The S210 is under “Running”, but when you look at the “Running Features”, it doesn’t have any of them?! What makes this a “running” hrm?
Anyway - AFTER I bought it I searched posts on ST and found a lot of people having problems with it. It also appears as though there are newer and older models of the S210. I already ordered it online so it’s too late to choose a different model. Has anyone else had problems with their S210? Anyone have one and like it?
Beehunter,
I have the S210 as well as the s625x. I used the s210 for a couple of years and thought it was pretty good. I think what makes it a “running” HRM is that you can program different zones and workouts. Pretty cool. However, I find the s625x even better with the foot pod for speed and distance. It is amazingly accurate and helps if you run on trails or roads without accurate mile markers. I notice in the most recent Road Runner Sports catalog that there is a newer Polar HRM called the rs200sd that costs $179.99 and has the foot pod. I don’t think it has the cycling functios like the s625x, but if you want it primarily for running, it could be your ticket.
Bernie
I have had the S 210 for about 4 years now. Its been a very solid HRM. At first I used almost all the features and they were cool. Last year or so, just use it as a basic HRM.
Only had to change the battery in the watch peice once. I did it myself, (i know a warranty no no) but when you take the watch apart you get a great feeling for how well made it is. Previously I had a Timex, and a Chardiosport. By far this one is made with much great quality then the other. It costed about 75% more then both, but its nice to see the quality. In case you ever need the manual they are online at the polar website as well.
Good Luck
RF
Thanks for the info guys - I also read somewhere that someone was having problems getting it to read their HR. They said they had to apply gel to the chest piece. Have either of you had to do that?
I’ve had a 210 for about three years. Also solid. Just sent it in for a battery change. No problems with heart rate I don’t use any gel…just a little spit works fine!
I use gel (Signa Gel) but I don’t know if I need to. Honestly, I have never tried without it. I’m a paramedic and we use the Signa gel for the ECG paddles. I watch for when they throw out the expired tubes and grab them out of the garbage. It only takes a little bit. I know they sell it at http://www.chponline.com. So if you wanted to check that out. A word of advice. I have both models of chest strap that Polar makes and much prefer the WearLink soft transmitter. The standard chest strap tended to slide down a lot and needed adjusting quite often. With the soft strap it has not been an issue at all.
Bernie