I feel like Polar should update the design of their watches, the big bezel around the screen hasn't changed for a few years, and looks very outdated IMO. And thanks for the video Ray, very thorough and fun to watch!
I disagree about the design. Every brand has lots of watches with chunky bezels -- for example, Garmin FR 945 and Coros Apex Pro are both 47 mm casings with 1.2" displays ... that's more bezel than the Pacer Pro with its 45 mm case and the same 1.2" display size. Other watches have been known to gunk up the bezel with excessive numbers/hashes/branding, which is a distracting visual noise to me (albeit "masking" the true girth of the bezel). I certainly prefer a smaller bezel where possible, but I also prefer minimal or no design compared with the cluttered alternative.
Thanks for the review! I bought one of these off of eBay in practically new condition for $180 including shipping. It works great! I use this watch for marathon/half marathon training/racing. I know other watches have more features, but I do not need all of that "superfluous gadgetry". I train using the MAF heart rate method and all that I am interested in is heart rate, battery life, screen readability, pace, GPS distance and the cardio load feature in Polar Flow. This watch checks all of the boxes of what I need. The optical heart rate on this device does NOT glitch when running like my Vantage V does. With the Vantage V, I have to use an H10 chest strap because the optical glitches sometimes. I think that I will sell my Vantage V, but I will miss the orthostatic test feature.
I am probably one from the minority of pleased potential buyers. It basically fixed all the flaws of M2 - better display, barometric altimeter, routes. And they are still pretty nice and LIGHT watch. I don't need running power or to be told when to drink or monitor my sleep, so all the extras of Garmins of this world are not for me (but I absolutely understand many people want them).
Hahaha same exact experience with the Walking test! I was swinging my arms and moving as fast as I could to keep my heart rate up! Great review - love the streamlined approach - I need to incorporate this over my 30+ min review approach haha
I have a Vantage V2, I suspect if this had been available I'd have bought it instead as it has all the stuff I value most, so I'm not sure how good that is for Polar. For me, this or the V2, is the best running watch I could get, but not everyone wants the same things. As a general purpose multisports watch I'd have thought it's got everything 99% of people actually need, like the Apex but with more sports modes, easier interface (i think anyway) and other things you mentioned.
VO2Max: I wouldn’t be the least bit concerned about the specific number you get from any single test. Any watch base test is going to have an error compared to your lab test. Rather, look at trends over time. And, the walking test maybe more appropriate/accurate for a walker, which neither you nor I are.
A thorough review. Every time I think Polar is actually developing a new platform, it ends up being a repackaged Vantage. I suppose it’s telling that the new head of Polar (as of last year) is their former head of world wide sales. The marketing wheel spins on…
Nice to see a bit of Kath and Kim (and cast - aka Kel Knight) in this video Ray. I am watching this video because the Grit X2 seems expensive, and most of these 'older' Polar watches are good value right now. I still have two Polar M400s and use a chest strap, so it is about time I made a change - or is it? Nice review Ray.
Polar just killed their Vantage line. I have a Vantage M1 and it has been great. Polar just never makes big updates to get us excited to get a new watch. If I am going to upgrade this M1 I will spend less on the Pace 2 or a bit more on the 245.
I don't understand what the 245 has over this one..?245 no altimeter no breadcrumbs, no power on wrist.... polar can put out updates to improve GPS tracking and I've not heard other reviewers say that the GPS is quite as you're reporting. It has FR745 (more if you count power) features at 245 price, unless I have misunderstood something.
I would like Polar to adapt the Garmin principle of average pace in a pre made workout because the GPS does drop out here and there and when you live in a hilly area the average pace just works better. I know I'm slower up hills and faster down. Polar constantly nags that but my average pace is perfect. Any pre made pace workout and Garmin has it nailed with average pace and when you are out of range it tells you and gives you your current pace so you know to speed up or down and doesn't nag just informs you every now and then
So uhh... Me buying a Vantage M2 last summer was the worst purchase one could have made regarding Polar's line of watches, right? Zero bigger updates. Not even the sunrise-sunset times the V2 got. I remember Vantage M got quite big updates back in the day and thought M2 would be getting similar ones in 2022. Well... Nope!
Thanks for the review, ended up buying this as my Vantage M (not M2) has been losing its HR leds. Already had it replaced once for the same issue, hopefully this watch won't suffer from the same problem. Seemed like the perfect choice for someone in my situation, especially so with a -30% discount.
Hi, I am wondering how do you compare Polar Pacer Pro vs Garmin Forerunner 255. In my opinion they are so similar for me: not runner, biker, swimmer and occasionally walker or hiker. Polar has Fitspark, Garmin has not - only Garmin Coach which is for runners. In a matter of training load measurement Garmin need to make at last one running test per week or bike with power meter (which cost more than watch itself), to get some statistics about VO2 MAX. In Polar it doesn't have to do this, because it measure Cardio Load which compare itself with other measurements within 28 day period. Or maybe I am wrong about VO2 MAX, because Garmin have ability to measure it from the day-to-day activities or like fitness-test (Polar's option test)? - as far as I know right now, it does not or I am wrong. Of course Garmin has a lot more statistic per activity, but the most of them are similar in both watches. Garmin's app looks nicer in my opinion, but I do not used any of them right now because I do not have any watch - I use my phone to record my activities, and I want to change it to buying watch. Garmin has pulse oximeter, Polar doesn't. Garmin record your stress level and Polar's not. Garmin has some memory build in, so with third's app I can use OSMap, while Polar has only GPX option line, without map context view. What about GPS accuracy in tall buildings area or forests between those two watches? Do you think is worth to add some money to buy Garmin if I am not runner .
Glad I didn't get the M2. It's a shame that they got rid of that nice bezel the M2 has though. I can see why they didn't though, as they (and this I can't understand) don't see it as a replacement. And yes, all the Polar watches could do with losing a lot of the inner bezel and move the logo elsewhere.
Thanks for the review. I was wondering why you haven't reviewed the Amazfit gtr 3 pro. Based on other reviews it seems like a promising watch but would love to here your take on it.
@@Boxwex Yes and no. 😂 Pro: - nice design - not in the crazy price range - easy menu when you're used to the Polar ecosystem/menu - processor fast enough, no lacking, not any crash yet!! - I used a pre-planned route once, it helped me for the last 30 to 40 minutes in the darkness. - sharp design and much brighter illumination (adjustable) than the M model - very reliable (95%), almost perfect recognition of the hand movement for switching on the background illumination and the HR symbol - perfect algorithm for reducing the energy consumption of the HR sensor when the watch is not worn (4 double-LEDs off after 2 seconds away from the skin, the last double-LED turns off after ?2? min without any movement of the watch. Just a little touch or a fist on the table turns the central double-LED on again. All LEDs turn on as soon the central one detects skin. Contra: - The new power and the much brighter illumination (I set it to max.) eat up the bigger battery (compared with the M) much faster! Permanent HR, bluetooth and max. illumination eats more than 16% per day. A 2 to 3 h walk eats up at least 20% extra. So, if someone has more than 2 h of daily activity with permanent tracking and max illumination you need to charge every 4 or every 3 days. That's not contemporary! - Charging time: there was no improvement in charging power! While you could charge approx. 2% per minute on the M it's MUCH slower on the Pacer Pro. The last few % take even longer. I don't measured recently, but from 0 to 100 my guess is something between 65 and 90 minutes - that's also not contemporary anymore. - HR and GPS are quite good, but not perfect. - No REAL navigation! It just shows curves and vectors. No map, no navigation! No navigation back! Just direction and distance. Even no breadcrumb! If you need to leave a pre-planned course (road closed, construction etc.) it demands you go back. It can not navigate around! - Polar is lacking innovation. I'll use this Polar watch for the next few years. I'll evaluate the situation between Garmin and Polar again when it's falling apart - let's see then.
I'm a happy owner of the POLAR GRIT X PRO after I had the Vantage V and the V800.... but every time I update my watch I'm tempted to leave the Polar eco system since the is no state of the are bike computer! So every time Polar teases for a new product I hope for a new bike computer, and again it's "just" another watch.
I would be very surprised if Polar got back into bike computers. They weren't competitive back then, and the market has moved forward so much since then. They'd have to spend massive amounts of money they just don't have to spend, only to likely end up in 4th or 5th place (behind Garmin, Wahoo, Hammerhead, and probably Stages too - also ignoring Lezyne, Bryton, and Sigma).
@@Dcrainmaker I know they day will come that I leave the polar ecosystem... But I don't understand why they not just take the features of the Grit X Pro (minus the heart rate sensor), combine it with a nice color screen and a proper battery and put in in a bike computer case just to make sure that the people do not leave so easy... personally I don't need the best bike computer, state of the art is more then enough... and they have proven that they can integrate Komoot maps and routes, they don't have to reinvent the wheel.
I’m a bit confused by the idea that the 245 is a better running Watch hands down then the Pacer Pro? Garmin slacks an altimeter and therefore doesn’t have native running power. The 245 also lack climb pro. From a visual stand point I also personally think the routes and turn by turn view look better on the polar but that could also be a personal preference. Just as I like polar fuel wise more then Garmin option. I’m curious what makes the 245 such a better running watch that I’m missing? I will concede polar needs to get with it in terms of a track run mode.
And just to add to your comment the 245 doesn't even have the lactate threshold heart rate test to get that on Garmin you have to opt for one of their more expensive watches. As far as I am aware on the 245, there are no built-in fitness tests.
I currently own a ignite, first gen, but recently the touchscreen juat stopped working. Now I can't see anything but the time :( Luckily it still measures everything and I can sync and look on my phone
I'm not sure offhand if I have any videos, but I have done a number of posts, comparing Polar/Garmin/COROS/Stryd and their running power (and even RunScribe back in the day). The challenge is that there's actually no standard definition of what running power is. Even in the academic/science community, there are two core definitions, and many ancillary ones. In general, Stryd adheres to one definition, whereas the watch companies adhere to the other one (which usually ends up with higher numbers). In Stryd's case, it just 'happens' to work out that their definition often closely aligns with your cycling power numbers. Of course, there's no science reason for that, it's just dumb-luck. Which is partially why people tend to gravitate towards assuming it's correct. At this point, there's no real way to say one is more accurate than the other, since there's no defintion of what accurate is (and both sides say they are lab tested - sometimes even by the same darn lab, but just using different definisions.)
The number of favorites you can save on the watch is ridiculous, only 100 between strava segments and routes... only with strava cycling segments I have more than 200... So I have to periodically add and remove favorites... It is something that I had never found in other brands... This limitation has surprised me a lot... I guess I'm not the only one who has the problem and I hope they increase that limit...
The only thing that really 'screams' outdated is the big inner bezel (with no features). Everything else is fine for a device that is meant to be a fitness device. That it also acts as a watch that can get some notifications and control music are just bonuses.
You say outdated, but who are you? Polar Grit X, Polar Ignite, Polar Vantage M, Polar Vantage V (from newer ones) were awarded with prestigious IF DESIGN award. Garmin? Yeah, they have one for vivomove :)
I think that the Pacer series is a parts bin watch, like most Polars for the last few years. I imagine if you took the cases off a Vantage a Grit X and a Pacer they are essentially all the same inside, you pay different prices for cases, straps and mainly 010110111000's. I expect that this will be the last watch using this particular chipset and screen and new Vs and Grits will appear with better screens more powerful chips etc shortly. Polar definitely need something new to survive, the tech industry isn't easy for a small company like Polar.
Any chance you'll review Huawei GT3/GT runner? They have amazing HR and not decent biometrics. Also, Amazfit has decent HR. I wonder why you never tested them even though they're available officially in Europe
I'm looking to buy my first sports watch around this price point. I wanted the Garmin Venu 2 before this came out, now I'm not sure which one should I get. Any thoughts?
The Venu2 is not a sports watch, it's a lifestyle watch. I'm looking to sell mine, it's heart rate is dead on, but it has no advanced training metrics, if that's what you're looking for..?..
If you could buy either the Forerunner 245 with HRM Pro Plus chest strap or the Pacer Pro with H10 strap for the same price in total of £240, which would you choose? I don’t mind either ecosystem. I’ll be using it predominantly for running and Peloton and will be training towards marathons. Is the 245 now getting obsolete as it’s 4 years old compared to the Pacer Pro etc?
4:23 Is it possible that outdoor dashboard would be added later via software update since pacer pro already has the ABC sensors? Those are really helpful when i’m camping outdoor
Sound alerts are missing too, I guess? The Grit X and Vantage V/V2 have it, so that 's another difference. Seems like a small detail, but the competitors have it and I find the vibration alert on the Vantage V too weak to be noticed when I'm running. It's a pity that they have omitted such a cheap and basic feature, like they did on the Vantage M.
Off course I don't know whether they improved the vibration alert or not. On the Vantage V, I don't feel it at all, but on a Fitbit Inspire I can notice it. It would help if one could adjust the strength of that signal.
It can connect to a trainer that broadcasts power, but it won't control the trainer. You'll need another app to do that, and if your trainer only supports one Bluetooth connection concurrently (which is all trainers except Wahoo), then you're in a pickle.
Yes, it has power zones and it works well. So you can plan a workout to those zones and get alerts if you are tracking above or below. As well as pace or HR zones based on distance or time intervals, in that workout - whichever you prefer or need.
The two most important questions: 1. Is there a dual-GPS module in this model? 2. Is there a GPS track navigation function (from .GPX file)? P.S. Sportwatch without music and payments? It will not work in 2022.😑 It is enough for Garmin to lower the price of the Forerunner 745 and it will be "the end of the party".😔
745 is $500 lol. Even at $400 for the music, not sure if it's worth it. Most people I know go do their routines with their smartphones, that covers payments and music. I think you should look at an Apple Watch.
@@disco.lemonade First of all: the 745 model in promotions in Europe costs LESS than the Pacer Pro. Second: it is only your subjective point of view. In my running club, EVERYONE wants to have payments and a memory for music/podcats in their sportwatches. Checkmate!😎
@@marcinsudione8914 Congrats, then go buy the 745 for less than 300 euros. Why are you even crying about it? And the running club thing, same logic: no one in mine uses it, so... Then again: What are you waiting for? I'd grab a 745 if it were LESS than $300, hell wish it were $350
Cons: The altimeter is extremely inaccurate. Sleep tracking algorithm is weak, unable to connect two portions of sleep split by visit to a bathroom, can't sense naps like oura.
no music storage? Who the f carries a fricken phone with them on runs?! Love my old M430, was hoping for a more inclusive upgrade with music. I guess I'm still taking the old micro mp# player and corded headphones for the foreseeable future.
@@jcbarker1 Yeah, but why would I want that extra weight and bulk on a run? Some do, they need their phones at all times for personal or business stuff, I get it. On runs where I wear a vest, like 4+ hours with no water available, I might take a phone, but I never have found a desire to do so, because it's kind of a heavy useless appendage for me. I'll take a GoPro for pictures, like on a rim to rim to rim or something. If I can consolidate audio streaming within a watch and ditch the mp3 player, that would be great, but I'm not a Garmin fan. Come to think of it, bluetooth headphones don't have much battery life, so maybe I'm better off NOT having a streaming option 😁
Please never ever buy polar watches. I bought vantage and pacer pro. It is a nightmare to sync the watch with my phone. Random glitches . Got my watch replaced twice. Resets randomly where you lose all your data that is not synced yet. Horrible.
Their web app is miles better than anything out there. Their in-watch lab features are if not the best, almost. Forerunner is for that, while this is a true multi-sport. You gotta go with the 245 to get a few more sports on the list. Polar does multi-sport great. Also, their HR is pretty solid, among the best even in cheap watches.
Polar flow > Garmin Connect. Also you have tons more sport profiles on Polar and multisport. Personally these basics are a lot more important than gimmicks on Garmin (or Polar, or Suunto, or...)
@@disco.lemonade I couldn’t agree more. I personally think this is a much better value over the 245 (which is a dated watch at this point). Pacer Pro has multi sport mode, sleep recovery, hill tracker option, and wrist running power. I’m not really sure from a running or multi sport function what the 245 does better. To me with a similar price the Pacer Pro is a no brainer against any other $300 and lower watch (Pace 2, Sunnto 5, 245, 55)
I feel like Polar should update the design of their watches, the big bezel around the screen hasn't changed for a few years, and looks very outdated IMO. And thanks for the video Ray, very thorough and fun to watch!
@@kjhman Agreed, although I'm not only talking about this watch but all Polar watches from recent years
@@kjhman they've gotten their money out of this design. It needs to be updated.
@@kjhman Yes. They probably save the "bezels update" to V3 or other high-end watch and then trickle down from there as it normally goes in business.
I agree.I hope they bring back the rectangular shape of V800.
I disagree about the design. Every brand has lots of watches with chunky bezels -- for example, Garmin FR 945 and Coros Apex Pro are both 47 mm casings with 1.2" displays ... that's more bezel than the Pacer Pro with its 45 mm case and the same 1.2" display size.
Other watches have been known to gunk up the bezel with excessive numbers/hashes/branding, which is a distracting visual noise to me (albeit "masking" the true girth of the bezel). I certainly prefer a smaller bezel where possible, but I also prefer minimal or no design compared with the cluttered alternative.
Thanks for the review! I bought one of these off of eBay in practically new condition for $180 including shipping. It works great! I use this watch for marathon/half marathon training/racing. I know other watches have more features, but I do not need all of that "superfluous gadgetry". I train using the MAF heart rate method and all that I am interested in is heart rate, battery life, screen readability, pace, GPS distance and the cardio load feature in Polar Flow. This watch checks all of the boxes of what I need. The optical heart rate on this device does NOT glitch when running like my Vantage V does. With the Vantage V, I have to use an H10 chest strap because the optical glitches sometimes. I think that I will sell my Vantage V, but I will miss the orthostatic test feature.
One of the best multisports watch ~300. You nailed it when you said that it suffers from branding. Polar needs to market it as a multisports watch!
I am probably one from the minority of pleased potential buyers. It basically fixed all the flaws of M2 - better display, barometric altimeter, routes. And they are still pretty nice and LIGHT watch. I don't need running power or to be told when to drink or monitor my sleep, so all the extras of Garmins of this world are not for me (but I absolutely understand many people want them).
Anyone that needs to be told when to drink are the same people who wear masks alone
Stay pleased bro.... Great 👍
Hahaha same exact experience with the Walking test! I was swinging my arms and moving as fast as I could to keep my heart rate up! Great review - love the streamlined approach - I need to incorporate this over my 30+ min review approach haha
And I should have totally more strongly nixed the M2 now that this is here.
I have a Vantage V2, I suspect if this had been available I'd have bought it instead as it has all the stuff I value most, so I'm not sure how good that is for Polar. For me, this or the V2, is the best running watch I could get, but not everyone wants the same things. As a general purpose multisports watch I'd have thought it's got everything 99% of people actually need, like the Apex but with more sports modes, easier interface (i think anyway) and other things you mentioned.
Will definitely be buying this watch. I run, lift weights & occasionally do calisthenics… perfect watch for me
Hi Mike, you got this watch? Is it a good one?
How is this working out for you regarding non-running activities?
VO2Max: I wouldn’t be the least bit concerned about the specific number you get from any single test. Any watch base test is going to have an error compared to your lab test. Rather, look at trends over time. And, the walking test maybe more appropriate/accurate for a walker, which neither you nor I are.
Two good points. Thanks.
A thorough review. Every time I think Polar is actually developing a new platform, it ends up being a repackaged Vantage. I suppose it’s telling that the new head of Polar (as of last year) is their former head of world wide sales. The marketing wheel spins on…
I think my favorite feature is the fact that we can now get phone notifications DURING activities! Why am I so excited about this in 2022? 😂
How else are you going to get notified of my new videos mid-run? 😂
That was a pretty based, solid and helpfull and overall well done review, thank you!
It’s a relief Polar didn’t cripple the watch with a useless AMOLED!
Nice to see a bit of Kath and Kim (and cast - aka Kel Knight) in this video Ray. I am watching this video because the Grit X2 seems expensive, and most of these 'older' Polar watches are good value right now. I still have two Polar M400s and use a chest strap, so it is about time I made a change - or is it? Nice review Ray.
Polar just killed their Vantage line. I have a Vantage M1 and it has been great. Polar just never makes big updates to get us excited to get a new watch. If I am going to upgrade this M1 I will spend less on the Pace 2 or a bit more on the 245.
I don't understand what the 245 has over this one..?245 no altimeter no breadcrumbs, no power on wrist.... polar can put out updates to improve GPS tracking and I've not heard other reviewers say that the GPS is quite as you're reporting. It has FR745 (more if you count power) features at 245 price, unless I have misunderstood something.
I would like Polar to adapt the Garmin principle of average pace in a pre made workout because the GPS does drop out here and there and when you live in a hilly area the average pace just works better. I know I'm slower up hills and faster down. Polar constantly nags that but my average pace is perfect. Any pre made pace workout and Garmin has it nailed with average pace and when you are out of range it tells you and gives you your current pace so you know to speed up or down and doesn't nag just informs you every now and then
Great video, now I know that the watch is the right for me, thank you!
How would you compare this watch to the Garmin Forerunner 55? Which one is generally better/ more useful?
This is being sold for £144 in white on the Polar website. That’s got to be a steal at that price.
I just ordered one.
😁
So uhh... Me buying a Vantage M2 last summer was the worst purchase one could have made regarding Polar's line of watches, right? Zero bigger updates. Not even the sunrise-sunset times the V2 got. I remember Vantage M got quite big updates back in the day and thought M2 would be getting similar ones in 2022. Well... Nope!
Thanks for the review, ended up buying this as my Vantage M (not M2) has been losing its HR leds. Already had it replaced once for the same issue, hopefully this watch won't suffer from the same problem.
Seemed like the perfect choice for someone in my situation, especially so with a -30% discount.
Hi, I am wondering how do you compare Polar Pacer Pro vs Garmin Forerunner 255. In my opinion they are so similar for me: not runner, biker, swimmer and occasionally walker or hiker. Polar has Fitspark, Garmin has not - only Garmin Coach which is for runners. In a matter of training load measurement Garmin need to make at last one running test per week or bike with power meter (which cost more than watch itself), to get some statistics about VO2 MAX. In Polar it doesn't have to do this, because it measure Cardio Load which compare itself with other measurements within 28 day period. Or maybe I am wrong about VO2 MAX, because Garmin have ability to measure it from the day-to-day activities or like fitness-test (Polar's option test)? - as far as I know right now, it does not or I am wrong.
Of course Garmin has a lot more statistic per activity, but the most of them are similar in both watches. Garmin's app looks nicer in my opinion, but I do not used any of them right now because I do not have any watch - I use my phone to record my activities, and I want to change it to buying watch. Garmin has pulse oximeter, Polar doesn't. Garmin record your stress level and Polar's not. Garmin has some memory build in, so with third's app I can use OSMap, while Polar has only GPX option line, without map context view.
What about GPS accuracy in tall buildings area or forests between those two watches? Do you think is worth to add some money to buy Garmin if I am not runner .
Glad I didn't get the M2.
It's a shame that they got rid of that nice bezel the M2 has though. I can see why they didn't though, as they (and this I can't understand) don't see it as a replacement. And yes, all the Polar watches could do with losing a lot of the inner bezel and move the logo elsewhere.
Thanks for the review. I was wondering why you haven't reviewed the Amazfit gtr 3 pro. Based on other reviews it seems like a promising watch but would love to here your take on it.
neither the Huawei Gt3 and GT3 runner which have very accurate HR
I bought it yesterday! 😃👍
still happy to have bought this watch?
@@Boxwex Yes and no. 😂
Pro:
- nice design
- not in the crazy price range
- easy menu when you're used to the Polar ecosystem/menu
- processor fast enough, no lacking, not any crash yet!!
- I used a pre-planned route once, it helped me for the last 30 to 40 minutes in the darkness.
- sharp design and much brighter illumination (adjustable) than the M model
- very reliable (95%), almost perfect recognition of the hand movement for switching on the background illumination and the HR symbol
- perfect algorithm for reducing the energy consumption of the HR sensor when the watch is not worn (4 double-LEDs off after 2 seconds away from the skin, the last double-LED turns off after ?2? min without any movement of the watch. Just a little touch or a fist on the table turns the central double-LED on again. All LEDs turn on as soon the central one detects skin.
Contra:
- The new power and the much brighter illumination (I set it to max.) eat up the bigger battery (compared with the M) much faster! Permanent HR, bluetooth and max. illumination eats more than 16% per day. A 2 to 3 h walk eats up at least 20% extra. So, if someone has more than 2 h of daily activity with permanent tracking and max illumination you need to charge every 4 or every 3 days. That's not contemporary!
- Charging time: there was no improvement in charging power! While you could charge approx. 2% per minute on the M it's MUCH slower on the Pacer Pro. The last few % take even longer. I don't measured recently, but from 0 to 100 my guess is something between 65 and 90 minutes - that's also not contemporary anymore.
- HR and GPS are quite good, but not perfect.
- No REAL navigation! It just shows curves and vectors. No map, no navigation! No navigation back! Just direction and distance. Even no breadcrumb! If you need to leave a pre-planned course (road closed, construction etc.) it demands you go back. It can not navigate around!
- Polar is lacking innovation. I'll use this Polar watch for the next few years. I'll evaluate the situation between Garmin and Polar again when it's falling apart - let's see then.
Is it a good time for another retro review? this time with polar watches? Could be fun =)
I'm a happy owner of the POLAR GRIT X PRO after I had the Vantage V and the V800.... but every time I update my watch I'm tempted to leave the Polar eco system since the is no state of the are bike computer! So every time Polar teases for a new product I hope for a new bike computer, and again it's "just" another watch.
I would be very surprised if Polar got back into bike computers. They weren't competitive back then, and the market has moved forward so much since then. They'd have to spend massive amounts of money they just don't have to spend, only to likely end up in 4th or 5th place (behind Garmin, Wahoo, Hammerhead, and probably Stages too - also ignoring Lezyne, Bryton, and Sigma).
@@Dcrainmaker I know they day will come that I leave the polar ecosystem...
But I don't understand why they not just take the features of the Grit X Pro (minus the heart rate sensor), combine it with a nice color screen and a proper battery and put in in a bike computer case just to make sure that the people do not leave so easy... personally I don't need the best bike computer, state of the art is more then enough... and they have proven that they can integrate Komoot maps and routes, they don't have to reinvent the wheel.
I hope you will also do a swim test. Thanks for the great content
VO2max is exercise sppecific. For comparison, you want to use Polar's running VO2max, as that's what other sources estimate too.
I’m a bit confused by the idea that the 245 is a better running Watch hands down then the Pacer Pro? Garmin slacks an altimeter and therefore doesn’t have native running power. The 245 also lack climb pro. From a visual stand point I also personally think the routes and turn by turn view look better on the polar but that could also be a personal preference. Just as I like polar fuel wise more then Garmin option.
I’m curious what makes the 245 such a better running watch that I’m missing? I will concede polar needs to get with it in terms of a track run mode.
And just to add to your comment the 245 doesn't even have the lactate threshold heart rate test to get that on Garmin you have to opt for one of their more expensive watches.
As far as I am aware on the 245, there are no built-in fitness tests.
Great video thank you. I am happy with my Polar Ignite. No touch display would be a big downgrade.
I currently own a ignite, first gen, but recently the touchscreen juat stopped working. Now I can't see anything but the time :( Luckily it still measures everything and I can sync and look on my phone
Love your reviews.
walking test review, so funny, nice one, overall good video, thx
Thanks!!!
Agreed, the walking test bit had me laughing ! Good job Ray
Wrist based power has shown to be higher than most foot pods. Do you have any videos comparing wrist power base and foot pods like stryd?
I'm not sure offhand if I have any videos, but I have done a number of posts, comparing Polar/Garmin/COROS/Stryd and their running power (and even RunScribe back in the day). The challenge is that there's actually no standard definition of what running power is. Even in the academic/science community, there are two core definitions, and many ancillary ones. In general, Stryd adheres to one definition, whereas the watch companies adhere to the other one (which usually ends up with higher numbers). In Stryd's case, it just 'happens' to work out that their definition often closely aligns with your cycling power numbers. Of course, there's no science reason for that, it's just dumb-luck. Which is partially why people tend to gravitate towards assuming it's correct.
At this point, there's no real way to say one is more accurate than the other, since there's no defintion of what accurate is (and both sides say they are lab tested - sometimes even by the same darn lab, but just using different definisions.)
@@Dcrainmaker thank you for the answer.
Polar wrist based algorithms needs GPS for some reason. When my GPS drops out so does my power. Goes to zero which is not helpful
Haha glad to know walking test is a trap, not going to do it... better keep at the rough running test! Thanks!!
I agree with the wrong marketing approach. If you can add all those activities, why are they not targeting it for multi-sport? Very odd.
I also find it odd that Polar had no response for the purpose of the M2.
The number of favorites you can save on the watch is ridiculous, only 100 between strava segments and routes... only with strava cycling segments I have more than 200... So I have to periodically add and remove favorites... It is something that I had never found in other brands... This limitation has surprised me a lot... I guess I'm not the only one who has the problem and I hope they increase that limit...
Loved the power walker footage lol
Solid review as always. All polar watches just scream OUTDATED.. they seriously need to change design and make the over all features more appealing
The only thing that really 'screams' outdated is the big inner bezel (with no features).
Everything else is fine for a device that is meant to be a fitness device. That it also acts as a watch that can get some notifications and control music are just bonuses.
I find the Garmin Forerunners design outdated cf. to the Vantage and Pacer design (Grit also).
You say outdated, but who are you? Polar Grit X, Polar Ignite, Polar Vantage M, Polar Vantage V (from newer ones) were awarded with prestigious IF DESIGN award. Garmin? Yeah, they have one for vivomove :)
Always great reviews, does that mean the future higher end going to have more features.
Thanks - appreciate it! Hard to say what the future will bring at this point.
I think that the Pacer series is a parts bin watch, like most Polars for the last few years. I imagine if you took the cases off a Vantage a Grit X and a Pacer they are essentially all the same inside, you pay different prices for cases, straps and mainly 010110111000's.
I expect that this will be the last watch using this particular chipset and screen and new Vs and Grits will appear with better screens more powerful chips etc shortly. Polar definitely need something new to survive, the tech industry isn't easy for a small company like Polar.
Agree. Polar has been reshuffling the same platform for 4 or 5 years now.
I'd go for it if it wasn't for the bezel!
Any chance you'll review Huawei GT3/GT runner? They have amazing HR and not decent biometrics. Also, Amazfit has decent HR. I wonder why you never tested them even though they're available officially in Europe
I'm looking to buy my first sports watch around this price point. I wanted the Garmin Venu 2 before this came out, now I'm not sure which one should I get.
Any thoughts?
The Venu2 is not a sports watch, it's a lifestyle watch. I'm looking to sell mine, it's heart rate is dead on, but it has no advanced training metrics, if that's what you're looking for..?..
Ray - what's on your wrist in the video? Are you testing a new watch?
Would this watch or similar watch be a good buy for walking and cycling?
damn, that shirt is awesome!
I did that race in 1996. You from GR?
Any vibrating alarms?
Does the display turn off at night automatically / manually / at all? As it is an "always on" display
If you could buy either the Forerunner 245 with HRM Pro Plus chest strap or the Pacer Pro with H10 strap for the same price in total of £240, which would you choose? I don’t mind either ecosystem. I’ll be using it predominantly for running and Peloton and will be training towards marathons. Is the 245 now getting obsolete as it’s 4 years old compared to the Pacer Pro etc?
What did you decide to buy and dud you like it?
Is this a good watch for swimrun? Can i set up a profile that fix Run-swim-run-swim-run-swim...?
4:23 Is it possible that outdoor dashboard would be added later via software update since pacer pro already has the ABC sensors? Those are really helpful when i’m camping outdoor
Technically possible yes, but business-wise, I wouldn't expect it unfortunately.
Sound alerts are missing too, I guess? The Grit X and Vantage V/V2 have it, so that 's another difference. Seems like a small detail, but the competitors have it and I find the vibration alert on the Vantage V too weak to be noticed when I'm running. It's a pity that they have omitted such a cheap and basic feature, like they did on the Vantage M.
Correct, good point on a difference.
I agree the vibration isn't enough but the constant noise is also annoying. It needs to be an intermittent one. Like beep every min or so.
Off course I don't know whether they improved the vibration alert or not. On the Vantage V, I don't feel it at all, but on a Fitbit Inspire I can notice it. It would help if one could adjust the strength of that signal.
Is the vibration sufficiently strong to be noticed for the Pacer Pro? I do prefer audio alerts.
Is audio beep (alert) present? Looking for M400 replacement and this is kinda requirement for me. Vantage M is lacking and I'm afraid that Pacer, too.
No beep unfortunately.
Does the Polar Pacer Pro shows HRV tracking somehow?
Is this a good triathlon watch? I mean budget watch
I'm interested in treadmill accuracy of polar pacer. I need to know how many meters it's adding extra or short.
I find the STRYD footpod to be pretty accurate with my Vantage V. I know it is an added cost, but that is what I use.
Is it possible to use this as a golf gps?
Does it connect to assioma pedals well like my vantage M does? Anyone tried this combo?
Polar pacer pro or galaxywatch 6?
Nice t-shirt
great video my dude
How is the cycling test? will it work on a trainer?
It can connect to a trainer that broadcasts power, but it won't control the trainer. You'll need another app to do that, and if your trainer only supports one Bluetooth connection concurrently (which is all trainers except Wahoo), then you're in a pickle.
I care mostly about running power. Does this watch have high low alerts for power based structured workouts? Recommendations welcome.
Yes, it has power zones and it works well. So you can plan a workout to those zones and get alerts if you are tracking above or below. As well as pace or HR zones based on distance or time intervals, in that workout - whichever you prefer or need.
I really want a better screen on this… don’t mind paying more for less eye strain…
I cackled when I saw Kath and Kim
Can you program interval runs easily?
From the phone/website, yes.
Where is your T-shirt from?
Here ya go: www.redbubble.com/i/t-shirt/Eat-Pasta-Run-Fasta-by-aaronarthur/4326471.GDEN5
It’s a race in Grand Rapids, MI.
The two most important questions:
1. Is there a dual-GPS module in this model?
2. Is there a GPS track navigation function (from .GPX file)?
P.S. Sportwatch without music and payments? It will not work in 2022.😑 It is enough for Garmin to lower the price of the Forerunner 745 and it will be "the end of the party".😔
1) Nope, same exact GPS chipset as in Polar Vantage M2. No dual-frequency here.
2) You can create a course on Polar Flow by importing a .GPX file.
745 is $500 lol. Even at $400 for the music, not sure if it's worth it. Most people I know go do their routines with their smartphones, that covers payments and music. I think you should look at an Apple Watch.
@@disco.lemonade First of all: the 745 model in promotions in Europe costs LESS than the Pacer Pro.
Second: it is only your subjective point of view. In my running club, EVERYONE wants to have payments and a memory for music/podcats in their sportwatches. Checkmate!😎
@@marcinsudione8914 Congrats, then go buy the 745 for less than 300 euros. Why are you even crying about it? And the running club thing, same logic: no one in mine uses it, so... Then again: What are you waiting for? I'd grab a 745 if it were LESS than $300, hell wish it were $350
@@disco.lemonade Don't worry about me - I already have my dream (daily) watch.😎
Cons:
The altimeter is extremely inaccurate.
Sleep tracking algorithm is weak, unable to connect two portions of sleep split by visit to a bathroom, can't sense naps like oura.
Returned mine..so dark...impossible to see
Would you like to try our newly upgraded one-of-a-kind tripod?
We really want to cooperate with you on our products.-- Andobil
I can't deal with that bezel.
no music storage? Who the f carries a fricken phone with them on runs?! Love my old M430, was hoping for a more inclusive upgrade with music. I guess I'm still taking the old micro mp# player and corded headphones for the foreseeable future.
Me.
With a Flipbelt, it’s not that big of a deal to bring your phone with you on a run.
@@jcbarker1 Yeah, but why would I want that extra weight and bulk on a run? Some do, they need their phones at all times for personal or business stuff, I get it. On runs where I wear a vest, like 4+ hours with no water available, I might take a phone, but I never have found a desire to do so, because it's kind of a heavy useless appendage for me. I'll take a GoPro for pictures, like on a rim to rim to rim or something. If I can consolidate audio streaming within a watch and ditch the mp3 player, that would be great, but I'm not a Garmin fan. Come to think of it, bluetooth headphones don't have much battery life, so maybe I'm better off NOT having a streaming option 😁
I do. And let me... wait... I can think of 10 of my friends, 8 do go with their phones for a run or bike ride or whatever.
I'm glad they're happy with that, it must work for them.
Please never ever buy polar watches. I bought vantage and pacer pro. It is a nightmare to sync the watch with my phone. Random glitches . Got my watch replaced twice. Resets randomly where you lose all your data that is not synced yet. Horrible.
It looks like a 10 year old watch with the bezel around the screen... It could be a nice watch, but the design its a no go for me without a doubt.
M2 still looks better. rip
Mehhhh i will stick to my 50 euro polar ignite... i don't see any worthwhile upgrades.
that bezel is a joke
What is the joke?
I hate Polar's user interface. It just feels outdated and clunky. 🤷
No idea why anyone would by a Polar rather than a similarly priced forerunner or instinct from Garmin. The hardware is seriously dated..!
Their web app is miles better than anything out there. Their in-watch lab features are if not the best, almost. Forerunner is for that, while this is a true multi-sport. You gotta go with the 245 to get a few more sports on the list. Polar does multi-sport great. Also, their HR is pretty solid, among the best even in cheap watches.
Polar flow > Garmin Connect.
Also you have tons more sport profiles on Polar and multisport.
Personally these basics are a lot more important than gimmicks on Garmin (or Polar, or Suunto, or...)
@@disco.lemonade I couldn’t agree more. I personally think this is a much better value over the 245 (which is a dated watch at this point). Pacer Pro has multi sport mode, sleep recovery, hill tracker option, and wrist running power. I’m not really sure from a running or multi sport function what the 245 does better. To me with a similar price the Pacer Pro is a no brainer against any other $300 and lower watch (Pace 2, Sunnto 5, 245, 55)
Nothing really exciting new, isn't it. Polar seems to be always two steps behind...