Drapes says:

Hey all. Just bought a Polar RS800sd Running Watch, and I figure I'd let everyone know about it.

First off, a little history. I started running in May of 2006. In July, I bought the first Nike+ I could find, and fell in love with running after that. The Nike+ system has been great. My only gripe (and a it was a big one when it happened) was that it would lose the connection with the receiver sometimes. Very annoying when your in the middle of a long run, and it seemed to happen more and more frequently. (In fact, i had the same troubles with 2 different nike+ systems, 2 different ipods, 1st and 2nd gen)

Anyway, onto the RS800sd. First, this watch is not cheap. I got one on ebay for $350. Compared to the nike+, that's about $320 more. ouch. But, I've had experience with other Polar products, and it used a similar technology as the Nike+ system I was comfortable with. The big plus was that I searched the web extensively for issues that people had with connection between the sensor and the watch, and I could find none.

The watch came with some great software to install on your PC (you can also use the web based system as well), a infared USB reader to upload/download info to the watch, a Heart rate strap, and a shoe sensor.

The sensor is quite a bit bigger than the nike+ system and is attached to the laces. It's easy to pop on and off in case you switch shoes, and the battery is replaceable, something the nike+ system doesn't do. Also, from what I can tell, it looks more water resistant that Nike+ system. (Have to read a bit more on that). The manual is long and the watch is not nearly as intuitive as the Nike+ system. I have a lot to learn about it.

The HR monitor strap is comfortable, and similar to what I'm used to. Nothing new here. Watch recognizes my heart rate immediately as long as I wet the sensor portion of the strap with water before I put it on.

The watch, well, it's styling is a bit too futuristic for me to wear it all the time. It is comfortable for running though. It shows a LOT of details. A LOT.... Distance, pace (in MPH or min./mile), cadence (steps/minute), altitude (rise and descent), stopwatch, lap time (which you can adjust), Heart Rate, calories, max HR, average HR, time, and a bunch more stuff.   

As far as accuracy, it seems on par with my last HR monitor as far as my heart rate beats per min. As for speed/distance uncalibrated, it was off quite a bit more than my nike+ system when I first ran with it w/o setup. But once I calibrated it, I ran exactly 4 miles on a track, varying my speed often, and it registered exactly 4 miles on my watch when I stopped. Very impressive.

The software is VERY detailed. Every aspect of your run can be seen. You can adjust the watch to record stats every 1 sec, 5 sec, or more. The more frequent the recording, the less runs you can store on your watch. But the info will be more detailed when you upload it to your PC.    

This watch is DEFINITELY for the serious runner and someone who's in training. I can't imagine needing anything else. I was considering the Garmin Forerunner 305 (which has GPS and can show you exactly where you've run), but since I run through the woods at times or indoors, the garmin would have been limited. The Polar does everything I need and then some. It may be too much detail and a little pricey, but at least I know I won't need anything else no matter how serious of a runner a become. I'm very happy I got it.

BTW, even though I probably won't be using my Nike+ system too much anymore, I still plan on logging onto this site. It's great. Aside from the cool sharing of run stats and all, the people on here have been stellar, and the site is easy to use.

 Mike says:

Wow! thanks for the great write up, we will have to see if we can peer into the polars data as well... thanks again.

 ponS says:

It sounds great... but a little bit expensive too!

 ricardomt says:

This topic is a little old now... But I am also considering getting one of the Polar RS devices. Any plans on supporting those devices under Runnerplus.com?

 frietsje says:

I also am thinking about buying one... From the beginning I don't realy like the information you get from the nike+. The schemes on the nike+ site are often very bad (on this site better though!). It's a pity it hasn't a HR function. It is not always very accurate with the distance...

I saw schemes from a friend of mine who also uses a Polar rs800sd. The only thing I could say: WOW! That's the kind of information I want from my run!

But also my problem... it is a tiny bit more expensive :p

 Drapes says:

I've now used the RS800 for several months now. Here's a follow up review. I love the fact it works everytime. I had problems with the Nike system cutting off every once in a while during long runs, which would piss me off SOOOOO much. Nothing like a 13 mile run only counting for 3 or 4 in the computer. GRRR. I got the Polar watch in July and still haven't changed a battery (far longer than the manual says I should have). It has worked EVERY time. I calibrated it a bit short of actual distance (on purpose) to make sure I put in the distance I want. (I'm not big on time, just getting the miles I want).

The info is VERY detailed. Almost too much. There's so much info there, that it actually takes a bit of time to analyze it all. The nike system is simple. distance, # of runs, and time. nice and easy, and on the web. The polar watch does altitude, cadence, laptime, heart rate, distance, time, and probably a bunch more things that I don't even look at. And it's not on the web, only on the software.

But, I'd rather run with my watch than Nike+. I still wear my ipod on most runs, but sometimes it's good to get away from it. And when I do, I still where my polar to track my distance. If I had to do it over again, I'd probably go with the RS400sd, so that I can still measure the distance. 800 was a bit overkill.

Even though I'm not a Nike+ user anymore, I still love this site. It's such a clean design, and it has people that are not snobby athletes that critize more than they help. Keep up the good work.

 frietsje says:

Aha interesting... I also thought that the rs800 is maybe a bit of wanting the best but having cheaper alternatives... But altitude is a thing that's very interesting for me. That's only on the rs800 and the S625X. That one is a lot cheaper but ofcourse it misses some functions of the rs800...

hmm hard to make a choice *brain cracking*

 jamesb says:

I bought a Garmin Forerunner in March and have very similar feelings toward Nike+ now. It amazes me that Nike and Apple would introduce what is essentially a platform for combining fitness and music and then pretty much abandon it. The additions to the Nike+ website have been minimal. The integration with Nike's online Training Log software is weak and one-way (from Nike+ to the Training Log, but not back). This assumes that you can even find the Training Log which has been buried even deeper into the Nike maze of websites. And they haven't released any add-ons aside from some shirts and a couple of badly designed arm bands. The wrist remote? Seriously?

The great thing about Nike+ is that it introduced running to people who probably never would have considered it otherwise. I was a runner before, but the prospect of knowing fairly exact distances and pace propelled me into another strata of running. I started racing locally. I started using SmartCoach and reading about training. And when I was ready to spend a bunch more money on a gadget that would be able to handle GPS, intervals, and heart rate Nike and Apple were nowhere to be found. I totally would have considered another Nike+ product if it offered the features I was looking for and still had the integration with the iPod. That probably would have been my first choice. But no product exists.

I know Apple's not a fitness company, but Nike is and together they pulled off the Nike+ thing to a point. I wonder if there were ever plans to expand the product line or if Apple just isn't interested. Because it seems to me that there's a lot of money to be made from people who are graduating from Nike+ to other systems. It seems like it would be in Nike and Apple's interest to keep that money in the family rather than losing customers to Polar and Garmin.

If this site ever offers the Garmin integration that Chris has been working on (and maybe Polar in the future?) it's going to be yet another nail in the Nike+ coffin. It already includes much of the functionality of the Nike+ site plus a training log feature and all in one easy to navigate package. If it were able to help plan workouts (maybe parsing info from SmartCoach or the like), it would be a one-stop-shop. Period.

And you're right, the people who hang out here aren't jerks which is a plus.

 frietsje says:

I totally agree with you jamesb. The question I often asked to my self is: when do Nike an Apple come with new (better) stuff? The only things are useless like the improved arm bands (why didn't they had the screen in the first place?!) and the remote watch (why having a remote watch when your ipod is 30 centimeters above...).

I also informed for the Garmin but it seems to be a very big watch. Not very nice for small wrists (with bleeding as effect in some cases..)

 jamesb says:

I know a lot of people are concerned about the size of the Garmin watches but I have small wrists and haven't had any problems. I don't even notice the size. I'm too busy trying to stay on pace!

 HarleyRunner says:

I picked up a Nike+ as soon as it came out and found out quickly that it fell short of expectations. It was never accurate for distance. Even after calibration. I ran a half and it said I ran 15.23mi. I also had the problem of it cutting off on a run. I took it to Apple and they replaced it no questions. I have gotten completely away from it now.

I am a computer geek by day and runner by night so I like having tons of data to review. I also have a Garmin 305 that I have been running with for the last 1.5yrs. For the longest all I did was run but I got to a point where I wanted more out of my running so I started taking spin class and working out with a trainer. Biggest problem I have with the 305 is that (for me) it is only good for running. I cannot record my workouts or spin class sessions. I had to use an online calculator to guess my calories burned. I finally broke down and purchased the RS800sd which will arrive tomorrow. I was able to get a great deal through my company so if you are thinking of upgrading see if your company has a discount program.

Thanks for the review Drapes. I like you spent a lot of time online reading reviews. After everything I read I am surprised the RS800 is not more popular than the Garmin. The 305 looks big but does not feel big. And the maps are fun but I just ran through there so I know what it looks like. I am going to have to do a couple of runs switching off to see what works best. That's if my wife does not confiscate the 305.

 Drapes says:

The garmin is great but almost TOO detailed. But, you can always ignore the extra features and just go with what you want. The only nice thing about the 305 is the fact you can graphically log your path when you get home, which is kind of cool.

 Nordy says:

I already have the RS400 polar which I bought to measure my heart rate on bike rides. I bought it because of its size compared to the cycling watches. I have a small wrist and the others just looked stupid on my wrist. The reason I went for the nike+ system (which ment buying a nano specifically) over the footpod for the RS400 is the online motivation and that buying the nano and the footpod/reciever was cheaper and I was told good luck with finding a foodpod for the polar on its own for under $360 NZD. Kinda off putting to be honest. If the polar is able to be integrated with this site I might switch, saves me having two systems for the same thing.

The only problem I have with polar in general is the straps are crap. I have had my RS400 for 8 months and the strap snapped. Same thing happed with my old polar S610 I went through 3 straps before I broke it and had to replace it anyways) and my hubbys AXN700 has been through 2 straps in 18 months and the second strap (velcro was all they could offer at the time) was AWFUL we are going to try and get him another metal strap for it but we are not holding our breath. (especially since polar NZ service has gone down the toilet)

When I want to know the altitude of my run I take my GPS with me, often its under trees (much like my mountain biking) so its a GPSMap 60 Cx which works awesomely under tree cover and in the city. Its not to heavy and works well in my camelbak.

I am a gadgetgeek and love my toys but some are just to excessively priced to bother down here in NZ.

 hammerbeck says:

I had an RS200 and recently bought the S1 foot pod, which means I kinda now have the RS200sd. I've abandoned my Nike+ because a) the accuracy of the Polar system is much better, b) getting laps and split data is a snap, and c) having fewer pieces of gear strapped to my body is a good thing. I was starting to look like the Borg.

I'm quite happy with the RS200sd. If I have complaints, it is that I cannot easily display my performance data in a blog. There doesn't appear to be any web services or blog widgets for getting information out of their proprietary system. But that's a minor quibble. I think they might be working on that.