Personally I don't mind the lack of software features as I think my favourite watch (Garmin Fenix) is beginning to go way beyond what most people will require and we end up paying for a lot of development of stuff we do not need, and very often do not want either. I own a Fenix 7 Pro right now but doubt that I will want to continue with the Fenix watches as they are getting too expensive and include a world of stuff I don't want either, so a much more basic watch, but with premium build quality, is certainly something I will be looking at for future watches.
@@chopsuey33 That is true but only to some extent. See what you get (not what people ask but what they actually sell for) for an e.g. 3 year old Garmin Fenix 7 watch and you will still be taking some significant loss when selling. The same of course goes for all other electronics too. 2-3 years down the road no one wants them as they are outdated and cannot run the latest features and updates.
I’ve been a fan of Polar ever since the S710 and when they had PC Software and an IR interface to download data. My latest watches were the M2 and V2. I loved the user experience and the Cycle Test,Recovery Test and other features that are very useful for deep data analysis. In particular my watch just keeps resetting mid workout or test. The Polar Flow is great but the addition aspects of Garmin Connect to expand your data dashboards is really nice. Unfortunately the glitches just were too much that led me to Garmin World with my Forerunner,Edge,Rally Power and cadence. I still prefer the Polar H10 HRM strap over the Garmin Pro.
Coming from Epix and, briefly, Race S I must say I'm pleased that Polar is not adding a new feature every quarter. Less is more in this case, at least for me.
@@ChristianSlagter I'm back to Vantage V3. With Race S, it was nothing major, rather small things or nitpicks - for example, I like that with Polar I can open a web app and see things on a bigger screen. Suunto's mobile app is really nice, but small screen is small screen and the amount of information sometimes overwhelmed me. I think that the issue I didn't like the most was the fact that Race S can't notify me when I'm out of the zone/pace required in structured workout. Overall, I think that Race S is a good watch (great even, considering the price), but Polar's experience suits me better - it's more on point, and I also like UI/UX better (on the watch and in the apps, although not going to lie, phone app could get some more love ;)).
To be honest, better less frequent releases with features that work well and have been tested thoroughly than more frequent releases with features that don't work well and break existing functionality (looking at you, Garmin...)
A huge reason for buying a polar watch is that I can use the platform. Allowing me to plan my training etc. and without a trainer and even stop paying for TrainingPeaks. Is that the same for the community? For my first dedicated sport watch this is finally a product I can reasonably buy from polar, the company most associated with sport and a good design!
I see you're still enjoying Mallorca. I'm working right now very close to Magaluf. If you did not go I suggest you climbing (running) to the Galatzó mountain. One of the most beautiful and unique mountains in the south, next to the Calvià village. Have fun in the paradise!
I seem to have understood that Polar M3, V3 and Grit 2 Pro are three sportwatches that have the same software functions and differ only in the case, dimensions and battery
Hey! I’ve been wondering, after heavy use, do you notice scratches on the heart rate sensors of your Garmin watches? I tend to check mine, but I’m curious if you or other users even pay attention to it. Does it affect performance at all in your experience?
Hi! I’ve been looking at Black Friday deals myself, and the Polar Ignite 3 caught my eye. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have an altimeter, which I’d need for hiking in Finland and abroad. What do you think about the Polar Vantage M3 and the Garmin Venu 3S? The Venu doesn’t have a map app, but the M3 does. I read that the M3 is otherwise a good sports watch, but apparently, the battery icon is always at the top and pops up automatically. There’s no option to disable it. Do you know anything about calibrating maps on the M3? Polar is apparently behind other brands like Garmin and Suunto. I have a narrow and slender wrist, 180mm. My hobbies are indoor climbing, swimming, badminton, cycling, and of course, hiking. :) Do you have any other watch recommendations, for example, from Garmin? My budget is max €400, preferably less if possible.
Coming from an older Polar watch, I'm looking to upgrade. The higher end Polar ones are contenders, but so is the latest Garmin Forerunner. I know there is a difference in price, but I'm really interested in the daily workouts. With my Polar model, I'm not impressed. Do you a have comparison of this particular fracture by any chance?
I used to be a hardcore Polar fan. It ended with Polar pacer pro. Overall grat watch but the calories measurement was horrible. So, I have switched to Garmin Fenix 7 and I am glad I did it - it's ability to count reps and recognize workouts when I am in my gym is a lifesaver for me. Polar watches seems just outdated and if you are also a gym goer, than Fenix is a must have.
Ah, thanks! I'm mostly a runner but do need to venture into the gym more often. I have to confess the Fenix range is more than I'm willing to pay for a watch. I'm kind of hoping for a Forerunner 975 next spring though.
I only really just need handful of core features on my watch? But I do care of firmware improvements and bug fixes. Does Polar have a good track records for long term software firmware updates actually?
@@Dcrainmaker funny thing is, despite having an Apple Ultra, I barely use the music feature. Always have a phone on me so why bother? Then again, my Suunto's don't have music and I've never missed it. Each to their own I guess.
Hello Mr @Dcrainmaker! Do you have a website where you recommend products? I love your reviews. But I’m torn about getting an old Apple Watch (se 2) or a new one, or waiting for the rumored se around the corner. All I really want is fitness tracking. I’m torn between just getting an Apple Watch, or getting something else that most likely will have some sort of monthly plan that ends up costing as much as an Apple Watch. 🤧😮💨
Great Review😊 I am currently looking at the Huawei GT5 Pro which has ECG and Arterial Stiffness Measurements. So wanted to ask which of the two is the better watch? Asking because You can get the GT5 Pro for £330 and the Vantage M3 for £350 here in The UK
This feels like they have very limited resources to diversify their offering, so they are just reproducing the same thing with a different case so it only requires technical redesign.
This might be the most uninspiring colorway I’ve seen in a while. Definitely would get the black. The Suunto Race S looks much better though at a lower price point.
Quand je vois la taille des boutons, je passe mon chemin. Car quand on chercher partout avec des gants où appuyer pour marquer ses laps, c'est fatigant
My Garmin FR 265 is the same price with more features and more stable. So I can't imagine investing in this watch (buggy watch with not enough features). My first running watch was a Polar F7 and the only reason I even look at them now is for that nostalgia sake. Offline maps and navigation makes no difference to me because I don't use maps on my watch (can't see while running/cycling anyway)! I do use offline music & garmin pay & garmin's training programs.
Without MIP display no buy for me. I want my watch display to stay always on without fancy gesturers to enable it the time i run. Yes, amoled is look impressive, but a watch intended for sports use is meant to show you some stats, not movies.
Cannot move away from Garmin as apparently it is the only one supporting Ant+ and multiple sensors paired/connected at the same time, which is crucial for me. I'll get a 955 on Black Friday
Idk if we should pat them on the head for still trying or tell them to stop. This is so bad for a dedicated athlete focused smart watch. Just get a Garmin.
Trouble is, who can longer afford the now ludicrous price of Garmins? Fine watches for sure, but they can't continue to gouge people like they're doing. Expect the competition to make huge inroads into their market share.
Polar have the worse UI I had ever seen. Those icons, fonts, rings are ugly and they look like from 90’s. And the watch looks like diamond 💎 edition bezel for old school hip hop artist 😜
Personally I don't mind the lack of software features as I think my favourite watch (Garmin Fenix) is beginning to go way beyond what most people will require and we end up paying for a lot of development of stuff we do not need, and very often do not want either. I own a Fenix 7 Pro right now but doubt that I will want to continue with the Fenix watches as they are getting too expensive and include a world of stuff I don't want either, so a much more basic watch, but with premium build quality, is certainly something I will be looking at for future watches.
I think about the brand value of fenix pro. It has larger market for resale too
That is my idea as well, as a Forerunner 955 owner
@@chopsuey33 That is true but only to some extent. See what you get (not what people ask but what they actually sell for) for an e.g. 3 year old Garmin Fenix 7 watch and you will still be taking some significant loss when selling. The same of course goes for all other electronics too. 2-3 years down the road no one wants them as they are outdated and cannot run the latest features and updates.
Wild timings on the software release dates 🤯 Nice to see Polar getting the price right (just) this time though!! Nice Ray
I’ve been a fan of Polar ever since the S710 and when they had PC Software and an IR interface to download data. My latest watches were the M2 and V2. I loved the user experience and the Cycle Test,Recovery Test and other features that are very useful for deep data analysis. In particular my watch just keeps resetting mid workout or test.
The Polar Flow is great but the addition aspects of Garmin Connect to expand your data dashboards is really nice.
Unfortunately the glitches just were too much that led me to Garmin World with my Forerunner,Edge,Rally Power and cadence.
I still prefer the Polar H10 HRM strap over the Garmin Pro.
Hopefully Polar will see/hear the conclusion at the end. Very good points / remarks by Ray.
Coming from Epix and, briefly, Race S I must say I'm pleased that Polar is not adding a new feature every quarter. Less is more in this case, at least for me.
What are you currently wearing and did you not like about the Race S?
@@ChristianSlagter I'm back to Vantage V3. With Race S, it was nothing major, rather small things or nitpicks - for example, I like that with Polar I can open a web app and see things on a bigger screen. Suunto's mobile app is really nice, but small screen is small screen and the amount of information sometimes overwhelmed me. I think that the issue I didn't like the most was the fact that Race S can't notify me when I'm out of the zone/pace required in structured workout. Overall, I think that Race S is a good watch (great even, considering the price), but Polar's experience suits me better - it's more on point, and I also like UI/UX better (on the watch and in the apps, although not going to lie, phone app could get some more love ;)).
@@ChristianSlagter Loving my Race S. Not missing my Garmin's at all.
To be honest, better less frequent releases with features that work well and have been tested thoroughly than more frequent releases with features that don't work well and break existing functionality (looking at you, Garmin...)
Garmin better release a cheaper watch with offline maps if they want to compete. Seems like everyone but Garmin has sub $400 watches with map support.
A huge reason for buying a polar watch is that I can use the platform. Allowing me to plan my training etc. and without a trainer and even stop paying for TrainingPeaks. Is that the same for the community? For my first dedicated sport watch this is finally a product I can reasonably buy from polar, the company most associated with sport and a good design!
All other companies have the same features.
Lack of full sync with TP is a huge disadvantage for me. Polar doesn't know how to do this si🤦🏻♂️nce years
@@grafzero0they are adding in Q1 2025
Does this replace the pacer series or can we still expect an updated pacer/pro? Hoping for a MIP dual frequency pacer to come
I see you're still enjoying Mallorca. I'm working right now very close to Magaluf. If you did not go I suggest you climbing (running) to the Galatzó mountain. One of the most beautiful and unique mountains in the south, next to the Calvià village. Have fun in the paradise!
I seem to have understood that Polar M3, V3 and Grit 2 Pro are three sportwatches that have the same software functions and differ only in the case, dimensions and battery
Would be nice to know if all tests (walking test, fitness test, orthostatic test, leg recovery) are in the M3
Yes they are.
@dc rainmaker, how many of those new, every month introduced features you use?
Coming from the m2 you get a touchscreen with the m3.
Good point!
I literally got my Forerunner 165 today please tell me I shouldn't have gone for this one
The forerunner 165 is a great watch. Good choice.
Agree
Hey! I’ve been wondering, after heavy use, do you notice scratches on the heart rate sensors of your Garmin watches? I tend to check mine, but I’m curious if you or other users even pay attention to it. Does it affect performance at all in your experience?
Can you share open water training results with gps? My vantage M1 doesn't work good with that.
Heart rate accuracy look good even last graph for cycling for early one half hour
Does this each have multiple interval timers? For example, 10 minutes on 1 minute rest?
is it possible to ZOOM IN on the screen with uploaded track's altitude graph?
No music on the phone is a deal breaker for me.
Have they added the option for more than one alarm yet?
which one would be better for triathlon, v3 or m3?
Hi! I’ve been looking at Black Friday deals myself, and the Polar Ignite 3 caught my eye. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have an altimeter, which I’d need for hiking in Finland and abroad. What do you think about the Polar Vantage M3 and the Garmin Venu 3S? The Venu doesn’t have a map app, but the M3 does. I read that the M3 is otherwise a good sports watch, but apparently, the battery icon is always at the top and pops up automatically. There’s no option to disable it. Do you know anything about calibrating maps on the M3? Polar is apparently behind other brands like Garmin and Suunto.
I have a narrow and slender wrist, 180mm. My hobbies are indoor climbing, swimming, badminton, cycling, and of course, hiking. :) Do you have any other watch recommendations, for example, from Garmin? My budget is max €400, preferably less if possible.
Coming from an older Polar watch, I'm looking to upgrade. The higher end Polar ones are contenders, but so is the latest Garmin Forerunner. I know there is a difference in price, but I'm really interested in the daily workouts. With my Polar model, I'm not impressed. Do you a have comparison of this particular fracture by any chance?
I used to be a hardcore Polar fan. It ended with Polar pacer pro. Overall grat watch but the calories measurement was horrible. So, I have switched to Garmin Fenix 7 and I am glad I did it - it's ability to count reps and recognize workouts when I am in my gym is a lifesaver for me.
Polar watches seems just outdated and if you are also a gym goer, than Fenix is a must have.
Ah, thanks! I'm mostly a runner but do need to venture into the gym more often. I have to confess the Fenix range is more than I'm willing to pay for a watch. I'm kind of hoping for a Forerunner 975 next spring though.
So today, after 3 wks (!) of searching after my Vantage M finally died, I purchased a Garmin Forerunner 965 😢
I wish Polar would get rid of the inner ring around the display and make the screen larger.
I only really just need handful of core features on my watch? But I do care of firmware improvements and bug fixes. Does Polar have a good track records for long term software firmware updates actually?
Thoughts on Polar Vantage M3 vs Suunto Race S vs Coros Pace Pro?
Is there music on it or still a no go Polar?
Nope
@@Dcrainmaker Thanks. That's annoying, really.
@@Dcrainmaker funny thing is, despite having an Apple Ultra, I barely use the music feature. Always have a phone on me so why bother? Then again, my Suunto's don't have music and I've never missed it. Each to their own I guess.
Looks like the case of the Grit X pro?
Hello Mr @Dcrainmaker! Do you have a website where you recommend products? I love your reviews. But I’m torn about getting an old Apple Watch (se 2) or a new one, or waiting for the rumored se around the corner. All I really want is fitness tracking. I’m torn between just getting an Apple Watch, or getting something else that most likely will have some sort of monthly plan that ends up costing as much as an Apple Watch. 🤧😮💨
What is the accuracy of this watch on open water swimming?
Great Review😊
I am currently looking at the Huawei GT5 Pro
which has ECG and Arterial Stiffness Measurements.
So wanted to ask which of the two is the better watch?
Asking because You can get the GT5 Pro for £330 and the Vantage M3 for £350 here in The UK
polar vantage M3 vs 265 forerunner?
This feels like they have very limited resources to diversify their offering, so they are just reproducing the same thing with a different case so it only requires technical redesign.
Are you going to test new Huawei watch gt 5 pro and Amazfit T Rex 3 comparing with Garmin, polar, Suunto? If no, then why?😊
Why the screen flickers?
No idea why it's turning on and off. That just started the day before.
I can, in fact, not see that "big list" @ 10:33 :D
That screen blinking is so distracting that I resorted to listen to the video vice watching. Yikes
This might be the most uninspiring colorway I’ve seen in a while. Definitely would get the black.
The Suunto Race S looks much better though at a lower price point.
The Suunto Race S has (for me) been awesome. So many features including maps for so little. Garmin are just out of the ball park expensive now.
Quand je vois la taille des boutons, je passe mon chemin. Car quand on chercher partout avec des gants où appuyer pour marquer ses laps, c'est fatigant
It seem GPS missing accuracy ( antenna matters 😂) and missing music (mp3) player are two big letdowns
Huawei gt5 i gt 5 pro review?
My Garmin FR 265 is the same price with more features and more stable. So I can't imagine investing in this watch (buggy watch with not enough features). My first running watch was a Polar F7 and the only reason I even look at them now is for that nostalgia sake. Offline maps and navigation makes no difference to me because I don't use maps on my watch (can't see while running/cycling anyway)! I do use offline music & garmin pay & garmin's training programs.
Polar updates are tragic! Shame this watch doesn't have running dynamics features, larger display, payment and bike radar compatibility...
Frage, m3 oder suunto race s
Yes! Who should get the money buring in my pocket ?!
Without MIP display no buy for me. I want my watch display to stay always on without fancy gesturers to enable it the time i run. Yes, amoled is look impressive, but a watch intended for sports use is meant to show you some stats, not movies.
Cannot move away from Garmin as apparently it is the only one supporting Ant+ and multiple sensors paired/connected at the same time, which is crucial for me. I'll get a 955 on Black Friday
Idk if we should pat them on the head for still trying or tell them to stop. This is so bad for a dedicated athlete focused smart watch. Just get a Garmin.
Trouble is, who can longer afford the now ludicrous price of Garmins? Fine watches for sure, but they can't continue to gouge people like they're doing. Expect the competition to make huge inroads into their market share.
Polar have the worse UI I had ever seen. Those icons, fonts, rings are ugly and they look like from 90’s. And the watch looks like diamond 💎 edition bezel for old school hip hop artist 😜
Polar is not looking good.