I was using a Suunto Spartan HR, but after it was off for its second trip to the repair center due to a manufacturing defect, I was ready to upgrade. After some research I settled on the Polar, which seemed to have all of the features of higher-priced watches from competing brands. I run for 35-50 miles a week, and hike fairly regularly. The battery lasts for at least several days even with daily workouts, continuous HR tracking and sleep sensors. The GPS is very accurate (which I measured by comparing to the published distance for races), and the barometer generally matches the elevation profile on maps I use on my hikes.
The one thing I don't trust is the sleep sensor, which consistently tells me I’m a poor sleeper even when I wake up feeling great. I have no way of testing the sleep sensor against any other product at this point, so I just discount the data.
The HR sensor seems about as accurate as the Suunto, despite the additional LEDs. I generally use the Polar H10 HR strap on my runs for a more accurate reading, and the watch and HR sensor are very easy to pair.
Although I haven’t used the watch very long, the orthostatic test feature, which uses HR analysis to determine if your cardio system is fatigued, seems to be accurate based on a review of my workout performance records post-workout notes. I’ve started pulling back on days that the watch tells me to rest, despite the fact that I’m generally not one to rely too heavily on technology over how my body feels.
I haven’t had any issues with the watch or software, although I use a third-party software program to plan my workouts instead of the included Polar Flow. Despite accidentally bumping the watch around, including some knocks against rock faces while hiking, I don’t yet have any scratches to speak of.
| Item Package Dimensions L x W x H | 5 x 3.8 x 3.4 inches |
|---|---|
| Package Weight | 0.25 Kilograms |
| Item Dimensions LxWxH | 1.8 x 0.5 x 1.8 inches |
| Item Weight | 0.44 Pounds |
| Brand Name | POLAR |
| Warranty Description | Yes |
| Model Name | Polar Vantage V Pro Multisport Watch |
| Color | Black |
| Material | Synthetic |
| Suggested Users | womens |
| Number of Items | 1 |
| Manufacturer | Polar Electro, Inc. |
| Part Number | 90069667 |
| Model Year | 2018 |
| Style | Standard Edition |
| Included Components | Vantage V, getting started guide, charging cable |
| Size | One Size |
| Sport Type | Running |
| Standing screen display size | 1.2 Inches |
