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Polar H10 Heart Rate Monitor Chest Strap - ANT + Bluetooth, Waterproof HR Sensor for Men and Women

4.3 4.3 out of 5 stars 20,120 ratings

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Black

About this item

  • 71% Polyester, 29% Spandex
  • Made in the USA or Imported
  • WORKS WITH EVERYTHING: Polar HRM works with many sports and smart watches (Polar, Garmin, Apple, Suunto, etc.), Polar Beat, fitness apps such as Strava and Nike, and ALL HRM compatible Cardio Equipment
  • SUPREME ACCURACY: Widely recognized for its top precision by many sources, Polar H10 is the most accurate heart rate sensor in Polar’s history. Polar H10 provides top quality heart rate measurement and it's the choice of many pro athletes.
  • CONNECTIVITY: Bluetooth, ANT+ and 5 kHz provide an excellent variety of connection options (e.g. with Peloton). You can use Bluetooth and ANT+ connections simultaneously as well as two Bluetooth connections simultaneously.
  • POLAR PRO CHEST STRAP: With improved electrodes, an easy-to-use buckle and silicone dots, the strap is comfortable and interference-free, and stays put when you're on the move.
  • VERSATILITY: Wear Polar HR monitor when rowing, cycling, running, training indoors or swimming. Polar H10 is fully waterproof and it has internal memory for one training session.

From the brand


From the manufacturer

classic black
H10 chest strap, ANT+ strap; ANT+ heart rate monitor, heart rate sensor, polar sensor, fitbit hrm

orange h10 heart rate monitor, heart rate monitors, heart sensors, garmin heart rate sensor, hr band

Brighten your training with a new colorful strap for your Polar H10.

Polar H10 - Dual Bluetooth/ANT+ (Latest Version)

Heart rate sensor

Polar H10 is a supremely precise heart rate sensor that comes with the Polar Pro chest strap. Providing top-quality heart rate measurement, Polar H10 is considered the most accurate heart rate sensor by many sources.

  • Connects with Bluetooth, ANT+ and 5 kHz
  • Several connections can be active simultaneously
  • Built-in memory for one training session
  • Waterproof up to 30 m
  • Software updates
  • Machine-washable textile strap

Key Features

gym band, waist strap, gym strap, activity tracker, fitness tracker, workout tracker, sports tracker

Polar H10 app, polar band, heart rate strap, heart rate monitor, heart rate sensor, HR sensor, watch

running watch, running band, running waist band, running hrm band, running hr band, heart rate

The Power of Accuracy

The most accurate heart rate sensor in Polar's history, Polar H10 is polished to the max in all aspects and gets software updates as well. It’s widely recognized for its top precision by many sources.

Connectivity: Training Devices, Apps & on Its Own

Polar H10 connects and transfers data via Bluetooth, ANT+ and 5 kHz to bring an excellent variety of connection options with compatible sports and smart watches, gym equipment and leading training apps on both iOS and Android phones.

Polar Pro Strap

Polar H10 comes with Polar Pro strap, a soft textile strap with high quality electrodes to make sure your heart rate is measured accurately and without interference. The strap is machine-washable.

More Highlights

H10 band, H10 heart rate sensor; fitness tracker; activity tracker; h10 Ant; polar h10 antl ant+

Polar ecoystem, hrm, heart rate monitor, polar hrm band, HR tracker, exercise tracker, exercise band

outdoor fitness tracker, marathon strap, chest strap, chest straps, fitness chest strap, workout

Internal Memory

When you want to focus on your workout, Polar H10 will save the session to its memory so you can access the data when you want it.

Polar H10 & Polar Beat app

Try Polar H10 with Polar Beat, Polar’s free fitness and training app to get real-time heart rate on the screen of your phone during your workouts and live voice guidance towards your chosen training target.

Battery Life

Dry and store the heart rate sensor strap and the connector separately to maximize the heart rate sensor battery life.

H10 H9 Verity
Polar H10 Polar H9 Polar Verity Sense
Customer Reviews
4.3 out of 5 stars
20,120
4.3 out of 5 stars
7,199
4.2 out of 5 stars
2,698
Product placement Chest Chest Arm and temple
Operation time 400h (replaceable battery) 400h (replaceable battery) 30h
Rechargeable
Compatible with 3rd party apps
Built-in memory 1 training session Up to 600h HR training
ANT+ and Bluetooth Low Energy connectivity
Dual Bluetooth channels
5 kHz transmission (Gymlink)
Waterproof 30 m 30 m 50 m

Product Description

Polar H10 ANT + Bluetooth Heart Rate Sensor and Soft Strap::Set the standard for heart rate measurement with the H10 from Polar. Building upon Polar's legacy of heart rate technology, the H10 is set to be the standard for the most consistent and accurate heart rate through the utilization of advanced materials and optimized construction. Combining the latest in Bluetooth Smart technology with updated algorithms, this smart strap will provide the precision serious athletes deserve. This unit is versatile - use it with your Polar unit, your favorite smart device or exercise equipment found at your local health club to get the most out of your training. However you pair it, utilize the Smart Coaching feature which delivers motivating feedback, calculates your smart calories based on personal height, weight, age and max HR, measures your aerobic fitness and last - but not least – helps you determine whether your sweat session was a fat burning exercise or an overall improvement of your general fitness. Make every beat count with the H10 Heart Rate Sensor from Polar.Battery life: 400 hours with Bluetooth Low Energy and 5 kHz transmission active

Product information

Technical Details

Additional Information

Product guides and documents

Looking for specific info?

Customer reviews

4.3 out of 5 stars
4.3 out of 5
20,120 global ratings

Customers say

Customers like the accuracy and comfort of the biometric monitor. For example, they mention it's very accurate and provides comfortable information about heart rate. That said, opinions are mixed on performance, quality, heart rate monitor, connectivity, and battery life.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

338 customers mention249 positive89 negative

Customers like the accuracy of the biometric monitor. For example, they say it works great with Garmin products, provides accurate information about HR, and is exponentially more accurate with HR measurements than any optical wristwatch. The apps are great and the data is good as well. The Polar starts sending HR data accurately, immediately, making them more accountable and aware of their performance during rides.

"...Amazing accuracy, and very much as good or better than the informal tests I have done of previous HR sensors and straps that I have had - my tests..." Read more

"...It is accurate enough to use for heart rate variability testing as well...." Read more

"...There is alot of info that it display and I’m still learning...." Read more

"...The distance and pace is not accurate as a result. But I’m assuming this is my phone’s GPS which is wrong, and probably(?) not the app...." Read more

220 customers mention159 positive61 negative

Customers find the biometric monitor easy to use. They mention that the app on their phone was extremely easy to set up, and the device pairs easily. They also appreciate the clear directions and the superior connection. Overall, customers are happy with their purchase and recommend it to others.

"...H10 - you are not going to be disappointed in accuracy, comfort, usability, connectivity, and compatibility...." Read more

"...no issues with the app, and I think the overall layout is clear, user-friendly, and not too bulky...." Read more

"...My only complaints are that the buckle on the pro strap is a bit harder to use because the extra sensor area makes the connector position part way..." Read more

"...It had a superior connection and clear directions. Coming with a replaceable battery that lasts 400 hours, a strap with plenty of grips...." Read more

127 customers mention104 positive23 negative

Customers like the comfort of the biometric monitor. They say the blue color is nice, the device is very light, and comfortable for moving. They also say the strap is bulletproof and dead on accurate.

"...the Polar H10 - you are not going to be disappointed in accuracy, comfort, usability, connectivity, and compatibility...." Read more

"...Not uncomfortable, just really firm contact...." Read more

"...I liked the design of the H10. Also, the strap was VERY comfortable which is good as with many others, the strap is a big complaint...." Read more

"...The strap is soooo much softer and more comfortable. Snapping the monitor in place is easy and feels very secure...." Read more

743 customers mention433 positive310 negative

Customers are mixed about the performance of the biometric monitor. Some mention that it works well alone, while others say that it stopped working properly. The back and side sensors work well with the Polar Beat app, and there are no problems with it at all. However, some customers report issues with the app and the Apple Health app.

"...That did the trick and it works perfectly and reliably again...." Read more

"...what makes it even worse is once the unit quits working, that's it for the next couple hours. It WILL NOT WORK no matter what you do...." Read more

"...It also works flawlessly with Concept2’s app for this, called ErgData, which records your workouts on your phone and then uploads them to the..." Read more

"...It’s worked perfectly for me! Fits great, stays in place, and shows up on my Apple Watch face in real time. Love it! Wish I had bought it sooner." Read more

421 customers mention180 positive241 negative

Customers are mixed about the connectivity of the biometric monitor. Some mention that it does a good job of connecting to all of the Precor aerobic equipment, while others say that it may not connect at all, or that it asks them to connect each time.

"...The issue with this H10 was that (I thought) it would not stay connected and transmitting either in ANT+ or Bluetooth...." Read more

"...are not going to be disappointed in accuracy, comfort, usability, connectivity, and compatibility...." Read more

"...However in the device section, it still asks me to connect each time...." Read more

"...I’ve also had no connectivity issues, and RARELY ever have a loss of connection or hiccup in any readings...." Read more

345 customers mention162 positive183 negative

Customers are mixed about the quality of the biometric monitor. Some mention that the device itself is solid and reliable, while others say that the app is very unreliable and lacking in features. The monitor in place is easy and feels very secure, and it lasts for what feels like forever. However, some customers also say that their first one was defective and they are no longer able to trust it.

"...Both things seemed to help for a while, yet the strap became more and more intermittent over time, despite washing and using the electrode gel...." Read more

"...The Polar strap is a little firmer though so it can better stay flat without rolling up...." Read more

"...The app may not be useful to everyone, but is free, and the H10 is the only heart strap that lets you run an ECG strip with an ecg APP, so that is a..." Read more

"...We shall see. I have to say the strap on the H10 was great! If the H10 will connect and stay connected for you I think you will love it!..." Read more

295 customers mention151 positive144 negative

Customers are mixed about the heart rate monitor. Some mention that it does a good job of reporting heart rate, connects automatically, and monitors vitals immediately. However, others say that it keeps displaying the same heart rate that it was able to detect, and after a few months started reporting grossly inaccurate heart rates. They also say that the heart beat spontaneously drops out and then comes back after 30 seconds to a minute.

"...The Polar Beat app can also estimate your Vo2 Max, you find this in the app under Upgrades (not sure why - as it's a free option) and then under..." Read more

"...Instead, it just keeps displaying the same heart rate that it was able to detect...." Read more

"...at my gym and consistently connects automatically and displays my heart rate...." Read more

"...After installing the app, I noticed there are times the reader has my pulse extremely high when standing still but when I check in with another..." Read more

153 customers mention52 positive101 negative

Customers are mixed about the battery life of the biometric monitor. Some mention that it hasn't needed replacement, while others say that it only lasts about a week. The battery is replaceable, and easy to change. However, some customers report that the battery is no longer good after one year, and that the device keeps draining battery when they're not wearing it.

"UPDATE after one year: Over time, the unit started to eat through batteries MUCH faster. No idea why...." Read more

"...The battery is easy to change, via what looks at first glance to be a quarter-turn battery hatch that you turn with a coin to open but it actually..." Read more

"...it costs a lot of money in expensive batteries and there is NO LOW BATTERY WARNING in the app so that when your under powered 2025 is about to die..." Read more

"...star and two star reviews for the H10 indicating early failure, short battery life, inaccuracy, and the pathetic state of customer support at Polar...." Read more

Super accurate HR Sensor Strap!
5 Stars
Super accurate HR Sensor Strap!
I went looking and while others were really good choices too; when it comes to accuracy Polar heart rate sensors and straps are highly rated across the board, compatible with pretty much everything, and are durable.I was particularly impressed with the in-depth research and testing they do with their equipment, neutral comparisons that they make with other comparable HR sensors as well as certified medical heart rate monitoring.I started leaning toward the Polar H10 , which are the 5th generation of Polar's Heart Rate tech, which started in 1977.According to Polar's testing against medical-grade heart rate equipment and other heart rate sensors - the ECG H10 sensor detects HR within 2 ms accuracy at 92.9% for running, 99.3% for cycling, 95.3% for weight training, 95.6% for all activities combined.Amazing accuracy, and very much as good or better than the informal tests I have done of previous HR sensors and straps that I have had - my tests being comparing them to other equipment as well as manually using the old tried and true 'two fingers on the neck or wrist and a watch' method. This sensor IS quite wide and extends across a large part of the strap, this entire section is the HR sensor area.The H10 can do two Bluetooth conenctions, with ANT+ both will connect to multiple ANT+ channels and there is a proprietary GymLink connection also - which connects to some fitness devices.The H10 can be used with any device underwater.The H10 has an internal memory that can save one training session on its own and can be accessed with one of the Polar apps like Polar's Beat app.The H10 works with pretty much everything and anything that we use for fitness nowadays. Anything that receives Bluetooth (Bluetooth 4.0 and Bluetooth BLE) or ANT+ and the Gymlink 5 kHz signals. It will output Bluetooth and ANT+ at the same time and even two Bluetooth devices at the same time.This of course includes watches by nearly all manufacturers as well as nearly all bike computers (not including non-smart old-style bike speedometers/odometers without ANT+ and Bluetooth), and any smartphone. This list is extensive.The HR sensor is not rechargeable but uses the common 2025 battery, Polar says that it lasts 400 hours. One thing you may want to do to extend battery life (recommended by Polar themselves and individuals who have used it over time) is to pop up one of the sensor pod's connectors out of the strap so that it goes to sleep, I have tested it many hours after I have stopped an activity and taken off the chest strap, and sometimes it still is transmitting. So this is something to keep in mind.The battery is easy to change, via what looks at first glance to be a quarter-turn battery hatch that you turn with a coin to open but it actually is quite different, as it snaps open with a little tab. The battery door is of course sealed with an o-ring and everything seems very tight and secure.The total weight with the strap is 60 grams with the sensor pod itself being 12 grams by itself.The soft strap is very easy to put on, wet it with a little water so the sensor can get good contact with your chest skin (you can wait for a little sweat to do it for you but then the sensor may not read well until that happens). You position the sensor monitor pod itself in the front of your chest, which puts the long wide sensor strap in a very good position all across your chest. This sensor area is quite extensively wide to give you that nice accuracy.You could even position this fairly inaccurately and it may still probably work - whether you positioned it by accident or deliberately as perhaps the strap does not fit you well for whatever reason. Some people do have problems with chest straps for many reasons, so I think those who do might find this works better than other chest straps with smaller sensor areas. It even works if you get it too low or too high on your chest, within a reasonable range.There are little rubbery dots on the strap itself to keep it in place. Does this actually make it work better? I don't know, but it seems like a great idea. I have never had one move on me so I can't say whether this makes any difference to me personally, but perhaps to others who have issues with HR chest straps staying in place, it might be just the thing to help.The latch snaps into place easily with one end snapping directly into the other end, to take it off you push a button on the latch and it disengages easily. The button is slightly recessed so you never accidentally pop it off (at least I have not as yet) and also won't get squeezed even by a tight jersey or compression shirt.The strap is very adjustable, with a conventional adjustable loop system to tighten or loosen it. There are two size options for the strap when you order - XS/S and M/XXL. The smaller one covers chests 20-30 inches (58-71 cm) in diameter while the larger one goes from 30-45 inches (67-95 cm).While riding or running or lifting or anything else I can't even feel it unless I consciously make myself aware of it.The Polar H10 sensor monitor is easily cleaned with a little dish soap and water, and a quick wipe to dry it. The soft strap is also very easy to clean with soap and water, or you can put it in a washer - though I recommend using a small washer bag to keep it from snarling and getting bent around other things, and maybe air-dry it instead of using a dryer Make sure you take the sensor off first of course.The soft strap now comes in not only the standard black but a burgundy with a design on it.The H10 is fully waterproof and can be used underwater for swimming and other things, up to 30 meters deep.And you don't need your watch or phone with you for swimming or anything else, at least for one session as the internal memory can store one workout. To set this up you use the Polar Beat app so you do have to connect it to your phone first, set it up and then you can use the strap without the phone present or nearby. When you are finished you reconnect and download the sensor data to the Polar Beat app, which can upload it to a few other sites or allow a download.The Polar Beat app also can be used to keep the firmware updated, check battery power, etc. And there are a number of workouts and such that you can use it for. The Polar Beat app can also estimate your Vo2 Max, you find this in the app under Upgrades (not sure why - as it's a free option) and then under Fitness Test. It estimated mine at 49, somewhat above what other fitness services estimates mine at but very close.Also, the Polar Flow app is another app with training and syncing to other services.And of course any other device you sync it to will have it's own abilities when connected to the Polar H10.You can even test your HRV (Heart Rate Variability), which is a good test of your health and recovery.You could use this as a 24-hour monitor with the right app, I suppose, but the H10 is really meant for exercise. But if you wanted to test your HR and HRV over an extended period of time you could. I think it would be comfortable sleeping, depending on the person, but it's not really made for that and it's possible that the sensor area might dry out over such a long period of inactivity.Lastly, I was going to include some comparison charts between the H10 and other HR monitors that I have but, outside of a few dropouts by optical heart rate sensors because of arm movement - which is to be expected, they all performed within pretty much identically. I had to really go data point by data point comparisons to see much difference.So in conclusion I would very highly recommend the Polar H10 - you are not going to be disappointed in accuracy, comfort, usability, connectivity, and compatibility.UPDATE Spring 2023 - For the last few months the output has become increasingly erratic with low heart rate readings. I have tried to wash the strap as much as I could and added extra moisture to the sensor pads, and even electrode gel. Both things seemed to help for a while, yet the strap became more and more intermittent over time, despite washing and using the electrode gel. It had to be thoroughly washed in the washing machine after each use for it to have any chance of working halfway decent. Once I started biking outside a few times it went in the opposite direction and started sometimes showing super-high HR readings.I was going to send it back to Polar for warranty but it seemed obvious that it was the strap and not the sensor itself, and instead of paying the shipping cost to send it back for warranty I decided to just buy a cheap replacement strap.That did the trick and it works perfectly and reliably again. The replacement maybe isn't as nice as Polar's but the important thing is that it works, I will see what the durability is for it.
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Top reviews from the United States

Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2022
Size: M-XXL: 26-36"Color: BlackVerified Purchase
Customer image
5.0 out of 5 stars Super accurate HR Sensor Strap!
Reviewed in the United States on December 27, 2022
I went looking and while others were really good choices too; when it comes to accuracy Polar heart rate sensors and straps are highly rated across the board, compatible with pretty much everything, and are durable.

I was particularly impressed with the in-depth research and testing they do with their equipment, neutral comparisons that they make with other comparable HR sensors as well as certified medical heart rate monitoring.

I started leaning toward the Polar H10 , which are the 5th generation of Polar's Heart Rate tech, which started in 1977.

According to Polar's testing against medical-grade heart rate equipment and other heart rate sensors - the ECG H10 sensor detects HR within 2 ms accuracy at 92.9% for running, 99.3% for cycling, 95.3% for weight training, 95.6% for all activities combined.

Amazing accuracy, and very much as good or better than the informal tests I have done of previous HR sensors and straps that I have had - my tests being comparing them to other equipment as well as manually using the old tried and true 'two fingers on the neck or wrist and a watch' method.

This sensor IS quite wide and extends across a large part of the strap, this entire section is the HR sensor area.

The H10 can do two Bluetooth conenctions, with ANT+ both will connect to multiple ANT+ channels and there is a proprietary GymLink connection also - which connects to some fitness devices.

The H10 can be used with any device underwater.

The H10 has an internal memory that can save one training session on its own and can be accessed with one of the Polar apps like Polar's Beat app.

The H10 works with pretty much everything and anything that we use for fitness nowadays. Anything that receives Bluetooth (Bluetooth 4.0 and Bluetooth BLE) or ANT+ and the Gymlink 5 kHz signals. It will output Bluetooth and ANT+ at the same time and even two Bluetooth devices at the same time.

This of course includes watches by nearly all manufacturers as well as nearly all bike computers (not including non-smart old-style bike speedometers/odometers without ANT+ and Bluetooth), and any smartphone. This list is extensive.

The HR sensor is not rechargeable but uses the common 2025 battery, Polar says that it lasts 400 hours. One thing you may want to do to extend battery life (recommended by Polar themselves and individuals who have used it over time) is to pop up one of the sensor pod's connectors out of the strap so that it goes to sleep, I have tested it many hours after I have stopped an activity and taken off the chest strap, and sometimes it still is transmitting. So this is something to keep in mind.

The battery is easy to change, via what looks at first glance to be a quarter-turn battery hatch that you turn with a coin to open but it actually is quite different, as it snaps open with a little tab. The battery door is of course sealed with an o-ring and everything seems very tight and secure.

The total weight with the strap is 60 grams with the sensor pod itself being 12 grams by itself.

The soft strap is very easy to put on, wet it with a little water so the sensor can get good contact with your chest skin (you can wait for a little sweat to do it for you but then the sensor may not read well until that happens). You position the sensor monitor pod itself in the front of your chest, which puts the long wide sensor strap in a very good position all across your chest. This sensor area is quite extensively wide to give you that nice accuracy.

You could even position this fairly inaccurately and it may still probably work - whether you positioned it by accident or deliberately as perhaps the strap does not fit you well for whatever reason. Some people do have problems with chest straps for many reasons, so I think those who do might find this works better than other chest straps with smaller sensor areas. It even works if you get it too low or too high on your chest, within a reasonable range.

There are little rubbery dots on the strap itself to keep it in place. Does this actually make it work better? I don't know, but it seems like a great idea. I have never had one move on me so I can't say whether this makes any difference to me personally, but perhaps to others who have issues with HR chest straps staying in place, it might be just the thing to help.

The latch snaps into place easily with one end snapping directly into the other end, to take it off you push a button on the latch and it disengages easily. The button is slightly recessed so you never accidentally pop it off (at least I have not as yet) and also won't get squeezed even by a tight jersey or compression shirt.

The strap is very adjustable, with a conventional adjustable loop system to tighten or loosen it. There are two size options for the strap when you order - XS/S and M/XXL. The smaller one covers chests 20-30 inches (58-71 cm) in diameter while the larger one goes from 30-45 inches (67-95 cm).

While riding or running or lifting or anything else I can't even feel it unless I consciously make myself aware of it.

The Polar H10 sensor monitor is easily cleaned with a little dish soap and water, and a quick wipe to dry it. The soft strap is also very easy to clean with soap and water, or you can put it in a washer - though I recommend using a small washer bag to keep it from snarling and getting bent around other things, and maybe air-dry it instead of using a dryer Make sure you take the sensor off first of course.

The soft strap now comes in not only the standard black but a burgundy with a design on it.

The H10 is fully waterproof and can be used underwater for swimming and other things, up to 30 meters deep.

And you don't need your watch or phone with you for swimming or anything else, at least for one session as the internal memory can store one workout. To set this up you use the Polar Beat app so you do have to connect it to your phone first, set it up and then you can use the strap without the phone present or nearby. When you are finished you reconnect and download the sensor data to the Polar Beat app, which can upload it to a few other sites or allow a download.

The Polar Beat app also can be used to keep the firmware updated, check battery power, etc. And there are a number of workouts and such that you can use it for. The Polar Beat app can also estimate your Vo2 Max, you find this in the app under Upgrades (not sure why - as it's a free option) and then under Fitness Test. It estimated mine at 49, somewhat above what other fitness services estimates mine at but very close.

Also, the Polar Flow app is another app with training and syncing to other services.

And of course any other device you sync it to will have it's own abilities when connected to the Polar H10.

You can even test your HRV (Heart Rate Variability), which is a good test of your health and recovery.

You could use this as a 24-hour monitor with the right app, I suppose, but the H10 is really meant for exercise. But if you wanted to test your HR and HRV over an extended period of time you could. I think it would be comfortable sleeping, depending on the person, but it's not really made for that and it's possible that the sensor area might dry out over such a long period of inactivity.

Lastly, I was going to include some comparison charts between the H10 and other HR monitors that I have but, outside of a few dropouts by optical heart rate sensors because of arm movement - which is to be expected, they all performed within pretty much identically. I had to really go data point by data point comparisons to see much difference.

So in conclusion I would very highly recommend the Polar H10 - you are not going to be disappointed in accuracy, comfort, usability, connectivity, and compatibility.

UPDATE Spring 2023 - For the last few months the output has become increasingly erratic with low heart rate readings. I have tried to wash the strap as much as I could and added extra moisture to the sensor pads, and even electrode gel. Both things seemed to help for a while, yet the strap became more and more intermittent over time, despite washing and using the electrode gel. It had to be thoroughly washed in the washing machine after each use for it to have any chance of working halfway decent. Once I started biking outside a few times it went in the opposite direction and started sometimes showing super-high HR readings.

I was going to send it back to Polar for warranty but it seemed obvious that it was the strap and not the sensor itself, and instead of paying the shipping cost to send it back for warranty I decided to just buy a cheap replacement strap.

That did the trick and it works perfectly and reliably again. The replacement maybe isn't as nice as Polar's but the important thing is that it works, I will see what the durability is for it.
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Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2020
Customer image
Eva
5.0 out of 5 stars You need this if you want to work out properly!
Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2020
UPDATE after one year: Over time, the unit started to eat through batteries MUCH faster. No idea why. As an experiment, I tried removing the battery after each use, and this solved the problem. So from now on, I just pop out the battery when I'm done, which isn't too inconvenient. You can always check the battery level in Settings, within the app. Overall, after one year, I am still very pleased with the unit.

What I use this for - I’m a rower. I primarily use this with my Concept 2 rowing machine, and it connected right away with the PM5 on my machine. It also works flawlessly with Concept2’s app for this, called ErgData, which records your workouts on your phone and then uploads them to the Concept2 Logbook online.

The “Polar Beat” App, and website profile - To use this HR monitor, you’ll need to download Polar’s “Polar Beat” app, and create an account which will automatically sync your workouts to your account which you can see in more detail on the website. I have an Android, I’ve had no issues with the app, and I think the overall layout is clear, user-friendly, and not too bulky. I’ve also had no connectivity issues, and RARELY ever have a loss of connection or hiccup in any readings. However, I would not trust any data related to distance or pace. As seen in my screenshot, my phone interpreted my straight path down a street as totally zig-zagged. The distance and pace is not accurate as a result. But I’m assuming this is my phone’s GPS which is wrong, and probably(?) not the app. Luckily, I am not a runner so I personally don’t care about this issue, but just pointing out that it may be an issue for some.

Regarding accuracy: The accuracy of calories burned and heart rate training zones is not only based on HR, but if you know your Vo2 max and anaerobic threshold, you can input these, as well as other data, into your profile via the website to increase the overall accuracy (as seen in my screen shot). Also on the website you can analyze your individual workouts in more detail, and see a handy calendar view of them.

Strap sizing - I have a 34” chest circumference. The M-XXL, when loosened to its maximum *un-stretched* length, is 35” long. When stretched, this extends to 45” or so. So if unless your chest is larger than 45”, you should be fine with the M-XXL. Also, the "turquoise" is totally BLUE in color, not aqua or greenish at all. :p

Personal use and opinions -

This HR monitor has quickly and completely taken my health and fitness to another level. I seriously regret not having purchased one sooner!

I’m a high-intensity kinda person when it comes to exercise. I got hooked on HIIT once I tried it years ago. I never, ever used to bother with endurance stuff (long sessions with LOW heart rates), until I got this HR monitor, and I was advised that I needed to do more endurance work to increase my baseline aerobic fitness. It took a LOT of patience for me to slow down, and actually keep my HR between 130-140. Turns out I had truly never worked out at such low intensity. Despite thinking this low intensity stuff was useless, I stuck with it, and I was flabbergasted at the results. Within just a week of beginning long, steady state daily rows (45m-1hr):

-my resting HR dropped by about 5 beats.
-my blood pressure dropped to completely normal levels (I’m 35 with an excellent bill of health, but doctors could never understand why I had BP readings that were always high. Apparently, I just needed a little more aerobic fitness!)
-and this was totally unexpected: my mental stress levels decreased dramatically. I suddenly had more patience during the day, and even better appetite control. It felt like I was taking a chill pill.

And this was just after ONE week.

After a month: Aside from feeling a noticeable improvement in quality of life… My pace in rowing (at the same HR) has already improved a lot since I began, which is direct proof of an improving cardiovascular fitness. Further: I recently completed a really tough hike which I hadn’t done in about 7 years. Result: it was a LOT easier this time because my HR drops much more quickly now, so I felt almost *instantly* rested as soon as the elevation would level out. Without the use of a HR monitor to control my workouts in order to properly build this baseline aerobic fitness, NONE of this would have been possible!

(And by the way, the Polar Beat app recorded that entire 4 hour hike flawlessly, as my phone was tucked away in my jacket pocket with the screen off and locked, and I never had to fool with it or double-check it).

Look, just buy this. Whether you’re experienced or a beginner, don’t ever, ever trust your “perceived exertion.” It is NO substitute for actual data. I wasted SO many years doing that, and robbed myself of a higher level of fitness!! To achieve fitness, you need a combo of high AND low intensity, not just one or the other. And to do this, you need a HR monitor. It’s SO simple: choose your workout and just stay in your zones! :)

Hope this helps!!
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