Polar FT80 Heart Rate Monitor Watch
- Black heart rate monitor watch with several innovative training features
- Intelligent training computer helps you achieve maximum workout efficiency
- Displays heart rate as percentage of maximum, bpm, and within target zone indicator
- Polar Star personalized training program delivers feedback and weekly training targets
- Offers ZonePointer and Polar OwnZone modes; water-resistant to 30 meters; 2-year warranty
Product DescriptionOptimizes strength training by providing guidance on how to long to rest between sets, delivering the information in an easy-to-read graphical display (see image above)Amazon. com Product DescriptionIf there’s one word to describe people who train seriously for athletics, it’s dedication. And if there’s one heart rate monitor that’s dedicated to helping you achieve maximum workout efficiency, it’s the Polar FT80. The FT80 starts by checking your daily condition, and then guiding you to the ideal training intensity for your age and fitness level. Knowing your heart rate not only helps you reach your personal fitness goal, but also improves your physical condition in general, as it’s vitally important to train at the appropriate intensity level. If you exercise too hard, you may quit before you reach the real benefit, but if you work out too leisurely, you’ll struggle to lose weight at all. The FT80 helps overcome these problems by encouraging you . . . More >>
Polar FT80 Heart Rate Monitor Watch
Saturday, 30. January 2010 6:53
Polar’s site says there is no Mac support, not even if you run Windows in a VM, thanks to their non-standard USB IR reader.
I have an older Polar S720, which I can download to iSMARTtrain on my Mac using an ancient Polar Serial port IR reader with a Keyspan USB -> Serial port converter. The problem is that it is very hard to find an ancient Polar serial port IR reader – Polar stopped making them years ago, and they’re drying up on eBay. I’m glad I found one, because I like Polar hardware.
For me, and several friends who’ve switched to Macs, this is a showstopper. I’ve tried a variety of other workarounds, but they all end up turning a 1 or 2-minute download into a 10 or 15 minute daily chore, rebooting Boot Camp (twice), or firing up an old Windows box and copying files. iSMARTtrain with the USB -> IR claptrap is the only realistic way to download Polar data onto a Mac – and only if you’re lucky enough to find the required serial port IR device.
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Rating: 2 / 5
Saturday, 30. January 2010 9:50
Please see my updated review of the black version of this watch, which explains that Polar did step up through another customer service rep and resolved matters to my satisfaction. As noted, my original review was titled ‘Failure to Inform’. Because of the actions taken by Polar referenced in my detailed review, I would change my rating to a 4 or 5.
Rating: 1 / 5
Saturday, 30. January 2010 10:53
It is a little hard to read, but get over it. I am 34 and can see it fine. The watch looks great and works perfect. Still need to swim with it for a complete review. I was worried ordering it after reading the reviews on here but I am very happy I got it.
Rating: 5 / 5
Saturday, 30. January 2010 12:36
The only problem I got is: The wrist band is to short!!!
I’m in the last hole
Rafa
Rating: 4 / 5
Saturday, 30. January 2010 14:22
This product does not work and Polar seems uninterested in doing anything about it. Please review the Polar user forum on Flowlink, the interface between the wrist unit and your computer. The software does not work, the company is silent despite hundreds of queries, and the product is useless.
I would not recommend this or any Polar product to a friend.
Rating: 1 / 5