A very long time in the past, in a galaxy far, far-off, there was the Polar Pacer watch. This was an period earlier than GPS, earlier than optical HR, and earlier than numerous different metrics that we didn’t even know would exist sometime. Again then, it was time to social gathering prefer it was…err…1990. As a result of that’s about when the unique Polar Pacer got here out. Nevertheless, fast-forward a few years and Polar is reviving the model with two new watches: The Polar Pacer & Polar Pacer Professional. This submit is concerning the Polar Pacer Professional, whereas the cheaper Polar Pacer will arrive in just a few months.
So what’s the Polar Pacer Professional? Nicely, in a nutshell, it’s mainly a Polar Vantage M2, however with virtually all of the options of the GRIT X collection. So it provides a barometric altimeter, Hill Splitter, Operating Energy, Muscle Load, Strava Stay Segments, and programs/routing. Thus, whereas Polar is branding and advertising and marketing this closely as a operating watch, virtually talking, it’s a full multisport watch.
The Polar Pacer Professional additionally has a brand new show, sooner processor, and extra reminiscence. You gained’t discover/care concerning the reminiscence, however the processor is noticeably sooner in some instances. And the show is healthier, albeit positively not groundbreaking. And regardless of rumors on the contrary, it’s not an AMOLED/LCD show (just like the Polar Unite or Polar Ignite), however a much less flashy MIPS show such as you’d see on a Garmin Forerunner or Fenix collection (amongst many different watches).
As standard, this watch is a media loaner, and it’ll return to Polar shortly. This evaluate shouldn’t be sponsored (nor does any firm get to preview something I evaluate), and I don’t take any advertiser cash from any firms I evaluate. And as common readers know, if one thing is crap, I’m gonna inform it brutally like it’s – irrespective of the model. As soon as this unit goes again, I’ll exit and get my very own for any future testing wants. In the event you discovered this evaluate helpful, you should utilize the hyperlinks on the backside, or take into account changing into a DCR Supporter which makes the positioning ad-free, whereas additionally having access to a largely weekly video collection behind the scenes of the DCR Cave. And naturally, it makes you superior.
With that, let’s dig into the novelty.
What’s New:
The Polar Pacer Professional is basically about shifting higher-end options down-level to a sub-$300 value level. So in impact, virtually nothing is ‘new to Polar’ right here (besides the strolling take a look at). Which is frankly how most manufacturers are doing it nowadays (together with Garmin). However extra on that later.
On condition that the final time there was a Polar Pacer product was 30 years in the past, I’m going to skip 30 years of smartwatch enhancements (as enjoyable as that’d be). As a substitute, I’m going to make use of the Polar Vantage M2, which can also be priced at $299. Whereas one may attempt to argue the Polar M430, that’s 5 years previous and effectively previous smelly. No, the Vantage M2 is the fitting comparability. So, right here’s the way it differs:
– Added barometric altimeter
– Added sooner processor, extra reminiscence
– Added new clearer display/show
– Added wrist-based operating energy (no equipment required)
– Added Hill Splitter (hill repeat counter)
– Added route navigation
– Added Strava Stay Segments
– Added Efficiency Assessments (Strolling, Operating, Biking)
– Added Polar SHIFT strap accent compatibility
– Added Compass throughout exercise/exercise
– Added Smartphone notifications throughout exercise
– Elevated GPS battery life to 35hrs from 30hrs
– Elevated waterproofing spec to 50m from 30m on Vantage M2
If I’ve bought every part roughly straight in my head, the important thing variations the M2 doesn’t have that this does is a barometric altimeter, operating energy, efficiency exams, longer battery life, SHIFT compatibility, Hill Splitter, Strava Stay Segments, after which Route Navigation.
So at this level, you’ll be able to see that the Pacer Professional mainly sideswipes any cause to purchase the Polar Vantage M2. There’s actually no logical cause you’d purchase that watch on the identical value (each are presently $299). I’ve gotta marvel if that is Polar quietly killing off the Polar Vantage M lineup (notice formally, they are saying they aren’t). Particularly for the reason that base Polar Pacer mainly has virtually all the identical options because the M2, however at $100 much less.
Both means, M2’s destiny apart – what issues right here is options vs not. And there’s completely zero cause to purchase the Polar Vantage M2 at this juncture (and Polar confirmed the Pacer Professional has each function the Vantage M2 does).
Now, how does it differ from the upcoming (Might-timeframe) $199 Polar Pacer version? Nicely, in response to Polar, these are the variations:
– No Barometric Altimeter
– No Hill Splitter
– No Operating Energy
– No Route Navigation
In different phrases, it’s mainly a Vantage M2. Truly, it has extra options than that because it has the Operating Efficiency take a look at. In any occasion, I don’t have a type of watches but, so I can’t make any opinions past the specs listed above.
Lastly, what does the Polar Pacer Professional lack in comparison with the costlier Grit X or Polar Vantage V2 (each of that are similar feature-wise nowadays, solely differing in bezel/materials variations)? Ask and also you shall obtain:
– No Leg Restoration Take a look at
– No Orthostatic Take a look at
– No Restoration Professional
– No Touchscreen
– No Trackback navigation
– No Out of doors Dashboards (Altimeter, Coordinates, Compass, Daylight instances)
– No Audio Alerts
– Variations to design/supplies
Obtained all that? Good. Let’s get into the field.
Within the Field:
First up, we’ve bought the field – or quite, the field contents.
Inside you’ll discover the watch, a charging cable, paper pile, and strap adapters for the SHIFT straps (these had been beforehand introduced final fall).
I’ll have greater than sufficient pictures of the watch itself on this evaluate, so right here’s a fast one earlier than I doubtlessly get this soiled or scraped up or one thing.
Then we’ve bought the charging cable. That is, sadly, new. It seems to be similar to the Unite collection charging cables, besides that these are barely rounded, so the 2 aren’t suitable.
It’s not superior. Whereas the present Polar Vantage collection charging connector/cable isn’t essentially the perfect connector available on the market, it’s fairly stable and doesn’t draw any significant annoyance. Whereas this connector appears to consistently fail to both keep connected after I transfer one thing round on my desk, or, doesn’t ‘click on’ proper into place – making me consistently double-check alignment. Once more, this isn’t an enormous deal, but it surely’s a transparent step again.
![clip_image001[26]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2022/04/clip_image00126-1.jpg "clip_image001[26]")
Oh, and there’s that small pile of paper guides. You gained’t want that both by the point you’re completed with this evaluate. It mainly tells you to scrub your wrist and watch each on occasion otherwise you’ll die from dysentery just like the Oregon Path. Additionally, for those who do one thing silly like 32×800 repeats on the observe, you may die too – wherein case it’s positively your fault (even for those who use Polar Move to create the exercise).
Anyhow, right here’s the way it compares to the Polar Vantage M2 (left), Pacer Professional (middle), and Grit X Professional (Proper):
Above is straight-on, however you’ll be able to see the show variations extra simply at-angle, the place the newer show is crisper and the blacks are darker/sharper. Taking comparative show images is all the time robust, as a result of the digital camera is basically exposing correctly for just one watch at a time.
Obtained all that? Good, let’s get to utilizing it.
Fundamentals:
This part is all concerning the primary usability, issues like step/exercise monitoring, sleep monitoring, and primary usability of the watch. By and huge, nothing on this part has modified on this watch in a few years of Polar watches. You may choose and select anybody to match it to, and these things has mainly remained stagnant (extra on that on the finish of the evaluate).
To start, the Polar Pacer Professional has 5 buttons to navigate all of the features (no touchscreen). Typically talking, the left facet has the again button (backside left) and lock/menu button (higher left), whereas the fitting facet has an up/down choice and the center is your affirmation/enter button.
Arguably the largest improve on the Pacer Professional is the brand new MIPS show. This gives extra readability than any of Polar’s present Vantage collection watches. This show isn’t AMOLED/OLED/LCD (just like the Ignite/Unite), however akin to what you’d see on different manufacturers
I had no issues in any respect viewing it outdoors in direct solar, nor at sundown on an overcast day, with out a backlight on. There may be backlight although in fact, which appears a bit extra ‘clear’ wanting than the Polar Vantage M2, which means there isn’t as a lot white-light from underneath the black areas as there was on that unit. General, this isn’t an enormous change for Polar, however extra of an incremental one. That is kinda just like the processor change – it’s not large. And actually, the primary day I used to be utilizing it, it appeared actually fast. But it surely appears to have slowed barely since then, to mainly be the identical in most conditions because the Grit X Professional or Vantage M2. Only some instances will or not it’s faster.
In the meantime, flipping it over you’ve bought the optical coronary heart charge sensor. As is custom with Polar watches, each single watch appears to have a special optical HR sensor. This time they’ve gone again to the Ignite sensor, seemingly ditching the Polar Vantage V2/Grit X collection sensor (most likely a good suggestion based mostly on the efficiency I see there). The sensor is used for each exercises in addition to 24×7 monitoring of coronary heart charge.
This additionally contains the monitoring of sleep metrics, like respiratory charge. Be aware that in a exercise it goes into a better energy mode for extra correct HR measurement there. I level that out as a result of for those who don’t put it (like every other watch) into exercise mode, you gained’t get correct coronary heart charge measurements throughout high-intensity exercises.
On the strap facet, the unit comes out of the field with a not-quickly-removable-strap. Nevertheless, within the field was the Polar Shift adapter, which mainly provides you a typical watch strap mount to attach your personal straps to:
Okay, again to the watch face, and also you’ve bought so-called ‘Dashboards’. These are mainly completely different widget pages that show consolidated details about areas like steps, sleep, exercise historical past, coaching, and extra (reminiscent of climate, music controls, and many others…). The best way Polar designs their dashboards, is that the primary date/time display will be seen always on them, however you’ll be able to iterate what’s proven alongside the underside as a ‘preview’ of extra detailed details about that dashboard web page (e.g. steps/exercises/heart-rate/and many others…). Right here’s the climate web page instance:
After which I can faucet that to get extra detailed climate data:
The identical is true for steps. And as soon as I crack open the steps web page, I can get extra details about the step rely for the day:
In fact, all of this data is then synced to the Polar Move smartphone app (in addition to the Polar Move net platform). This occurs through Bluetooth in your cellphone, or a USB cable in your laptop.
![clip_image001[8]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2022/04/clip_image0018-1.png "clip_image001[8]")
The sample is basically the identical for the opposite information units, like coronary heart charge. On this case, you’ll see your max coronary heart charge in addition to each daytime and sleep minimums. On this case, I suffered by means of the operating take a look at just a few hours in the past:
And once more, you’ll discover all this up on Polar Move too:
![clip_image001[10]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2022/04/clip_image00110.png "clip_image001[10]")
One space that’s a bit completely different although is the sleep pages. At first look, it appears related, however as you dig deeper into it you’ll get a slew of sleep data. This contains each the Sleep Plus Levels and Nightly Recharge. The primary piece covers elements like what time you went to mattress/woke-up, after which your estimated sleep phases. Whereas the Nightly Recharge seems to be at how recovered you had been that evening. Be aware that nightly recharge takes three days’ price of knowledge earlier than it begins exhibiting the products, and that the longer you put on the watch (at evening) the higher/extra correct it turns into.
As you open the primary dashboard web page you’ll get a flood of sleep-related information to dig into:
And all of that is additionally extra simply seen within the Polar Move app too:
![clip_image001[12]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2022/04/clip_image00112.png "clip_image001[12]")
![clip_image001[14]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2022/04/clip_image00114.png "clip_image001[14]")
![clip_image001[16]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2022/04/clip_image00116.png "clip_image001[16]")
When it comes to sleep accuracy, the Polar Pacer Professional appropriately recognized the time I fell asleep and the time I awakened, in addition to any time I used to be awake. It additionally guesstimated at my sleep levels. As I’ve talked about quite a few instances, sleep phases/levels is at greatest, in a scientific setting extremely wishy-washy, and that’s with full medical tools and a educated group doing the evaluation. Thus, it’s not one thing I put a lot religion in on the wearable degree, nor do I’ve any means to precisely take a look at this on a day-to-day foundation.
Past that, there are just a few different dashboards, and you may tweak which pages are proven throughout the settings, to both embody or skip dashboard pages as you scroll by means of.
When it comes to some fast smartwatch fundamentals, you’ll see textual content messages present up routinely, assuming you’ve bought it paired up and in-range of your smartphone:
And whereas the watch doesn’t have any music storage on it, you’ll be able to management the music in your cellphone. You’ll see that it does pull the proper icon for the app it’s controlling, so you’ll be able to see the Spotify icon proven there. I can skip/rewind/pause/play on the primary display, in addition to faucet the amount icon to extend quantity.
And once more, simply to be super-clear right here, there’s no music storage on the Polar Pacer Professional itself, it’s merely controlling music in your cellphone.
With all these fundamentals lined, let’s dig into the sporting facet of the unit.
Sports activities Utilization:
The Polar Pacer Professional is by far probably the most succesful sports activities watch Polar has ever made at this value level (or, anyplace close to it). It’s solely lacking a handful of much less vital options from their higher-end $400-$500 GPS watch lineup. On this part, I’ll dig into how all of the sports-focused options work, since undoubtedly for those who’re shopping for this watch, it’s for the sports activities elements.
First up, to decide on a sport, you’ll both long-hold the pink button, or press the lower-left button and select to begin coaching (or, begin a take a look at – extra on that later). When you’ve completed that, you’ll be proven your sport profiles, and it’ll begin trying to find coronary heart charge, and GPS (if an outside exercise).
The Polar Pacer Professional can retailer as much as 20 sport profiles on it, with every of those profiles having custom-made calorie burn, information fields, and different settings (like auto lap). These sport profiles are configured on Polar Move, which is accessible out of your smartphone app or the web site itself. There’s a boatload of profiles to select from, although for probably the most half many will be fairly related. The primary variations are typically custom-made calorie burn to that given exercise.
As famous although, that is the place you’ll be able to customise information fields and different settings, for instance making a customized profile for path operating with information pages which can be distinctive, versus one other profile for street operating.
When you’ve bought that each one settled, you’ll long-hold the underside left button to sync it again to the watch. The sync takes maybe a minute more often than not, from a smartphone. It’s a bit sooner if doing it on a pc through USB cable.
Again on the watch, you’ll see the icons flip inexperienced when it has GPS and coronary heart charge lock. You’ll all the time need to watch for these earlier than beginning. Generally, you’ll get coronary heart charge lock in 1-5 seconds, and I’ve been getting GPS lock in 10-15 seconds (zero issues there). In the event you determine to depart the platform earlier than these lock, you’ll usually have poor outcomes for a lot of your exercise, because it’ll wrestle to search out lock. In the event you’ve bought any paired sensors (like a Bluetooth Sensible biking cadence sensor or energy meter, or a Bluetooth Sensible coronary heart charge strap), it’ll present a blue icon for these.
As for sensor varieties it helps, it’s the identical as earlier than, they’re:
– Bluetooth Sensible Coronary heart Fee Straps
– Bluetooth Sensible Biking Energy Meters
– Bluetooth Sensible Biking Cadence & Velocity Sensors
– Bluetooth Sensible Operating Footpods
– Bluetooth Sensible Operating Energy Meters
Now the Polar Pacer Professional doesn’t require any operating energy meter equipment to get operating energy, it does it internally just like the Polar Vantage V & Grit X collection has. Nevertheless, for biking, you will want an exterior energy meter. I attempted connecting it to a pair of Garmin Rally pedals and a pair of PowerTap P2 pedals, and neither labored. That is par for the course with Polar and energy meter assist. I don’t actually know what to say right here, this hasn’t modified in years. Polar was actually good on Bluetooth accent compatibility, however nowadays it’s like they simply don’t care anymore.
To pair sensors, you’ll head to the overall settings menu, after which sensors from there. Be aware that if in case you have a Polar coronary heart charge strap already in your Polar Move account, they really routinely pre-pair them to your watch. That means, for those who’ve bought a Polar H10, it’ll truly routinely stick the sensor particulars into the watch whenever you flip it on. Once more, the blue pairing icon on the beginning display is your indicator that it’s utilizing that as an alternative of the optical sensor.
For all my testing I used the optical HR sensor on the again of the unit (since I already know the exterior Polar H10 chest strap works completely advantageous). So with that set, let’s head out for a easy run first. As you’re operating you’ll see your information fields proven on the watch, and you may iterate by means of the information pages to see different configured pages.
![clip_image001[8]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2022/04/clip_image0018-1.jpg "clip_image001[8]")
![clip_image001[10]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2022/04/clip_image00110-1.jpg "clip_image001[10]")
Whereas I lack many hills, I did get to poke briefly at Hill Splitter, which was added to the Polar Grit X two years in the past. That’s a hill-repeat counter of kinds that routinely detects climbing up a hill, and reveals you stats for that particular climb.
![clip_image001[12]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2022/04/clip_image00112-1.jpg "clip_image001[12]")
That is considerably completely different than one thing like Garmin’s ClimbPro, in that ClimbPro is predictive and based mostly on a deliberate route (exhibiting you distance/peak until prime of climb). Whereas Polar’s Hill Splitter is all about what you’ve completed on this present climb. So Garmin is healthier for occurring a 50KM path run within the Alps with a deliberate route, whereas Polar’s is healthier for a Tuesday evening hill repeat session in your neighborhood.
Even for those who load a route up on the Polar Pacer Professional, it gained’t provide you with that per-climb steerage. Nevertheless, it provides you with turn-by-turn steerage if that route comes from Komoot. In order for you extra particulars on how that works, see my detailed navigation part within the Polar Grit X Professional evaluate, because the performance is similar right here.
Now, within the occasion you loaded up a structured exercise (which you’ll be able to create on Polar Move), then it’ll present the precise targets for these as effectively. I did a set of 800 repeats this previous weekend with it, whereby it guided me by means of every exercise stage, together with each work and restoration sections. On this case, I did a exercise with operating energy targets for every chunk. Polar operating energy hasn’t modified any in the previous couple of years, but it surely’s nice to see it included at this value level built-in.
![clip_image001[6]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2022/04/clip_image0016.jpg "clip_image001[6]")
On this case, it routinely iterated from part to part, successfully urgent the lap button for me. However in non-guided exercises, you’ll be able to press the lap button to create a lap manually, or you are able to do auto laps based mostly on the game profile settings (which may, and certain will, differ between sports activities). Polar additionally helps concurrent automated and guide laps, in case you need to do completely different evaluation in a while.
Submit-run, you’ll get a abstract of your work on the watch itself, right here’s a gallery of that:
After which all of that is synced to Polar Move in addition to third social gathering websites like Strava or TrainingPeaks.
Throughout my exercises I had zero points when it comes to show visibility or button responsiveness. For pacing stability, that was a bit iffier. So, this can be a good time to have a look at one of many two Polar Efficiency exams I did and why that issues, which had been the strolling take a look at after which the operating take a look at.
First up is the brand new strolling take a look at. The idea behind that is that the Polar Pacer Professional can decide your VO2Max from simply strolling for quarter-hour. Although, as I’d discover out, you must stroll actually darn quick to maintain the watch completely happy. First up, you’ll warm-up for five minutes:
![clip_image001[14]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2022/04/clip_image00114.jpg "clip_image001[14]")
![clip_image001[16]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2022/04/clip_image00116-1.jpg "clip_image001[16]")
Then, it asks you to speed-up to maintain your coronary heart charge above 121bpm (or, a minimum of 121bpm in my case). And also you’ll keep at that for 10 minutes. I’d level out that for fitter people, you may discover this difficult. The truth is, so did Polar. For the complete take a look at period, each few seconds it was yelling at me to not run. I wasn’t operating (not even shut), however, apparently my quick strolling pace made it suppose I used to be. However preserving my HR excessive sufficient was tough.
![clip_image001[18]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2022/04/clip_image00118-1.jpg "clip_image001[18]")
On the finish of the take a look at, it mentioned my VO2Max was 48. Typically talking, after I take a look at (both lab or on different watches), I float within the 58-61 vary. So, this was considerably decrease than that. Massively decrease.
![clip_image001[20]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2022/04/clip_image00120-2.jpg "clip_image001[20]")
So, the subsequent day I went out and did the Polar Operating Take a look at. I figured on this I’d most likely take a look at just a little bit decrease than regular, since this has been my 4th consecutive day of operating, however that’s advantageous. The Operating Take a look at begins off with a 10-minute warm-up, after which resets again to a painfully sluggish 20-30 minute construct from quick strolling up all the way in which as much as dying whereas operating. It’s mainly a ramp take a look at, whereby you fail when you’ll be able to’t preserve the requested tempo any longer. One problem I’d notice is that with the GPS wobble, I noticed instant-pace responsiveness that was a bit bizarre at instances. That mattered within the run take a look at, as a result of as I’d make lengthy/lazy activates the trail (not 90° angles), the tempo may drop (or rise) considerably, which in flip upset the run take a look at app that will warn me if I spent an excessive amount of day trip of zone. It reset as soon as truly, and I needed to begin once more early on within the first take a look at. However the second take a look at went advantageous.
![clip_image001[22]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2022/04/clip_image00122-1.jpg "clip_image001[22]")
On this take a look at, I scored 56, which is about the place I figured I’d be on barely sore legs. Recent legs/restoration would most likely have put me at 58 or so.
![clip_image001[24]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2022/04/clip_image00124-1.jpg "clip_image001[24]")
Both means, that is vastly completely different than the 48 from the brand new strolling take a look at. I requested Polar concerning the discrepancy on my strolling take a look at, however didn’t obtain any reply as to why there was such a discrepancy. It’s an odd miss for an organization that usually will get physio-type sports activities metrics/testing proper.
After your exercise you’ll be able to evaluate all of this data – each exams and common exercises – on Polar Move. Within the case of standard exercises, these may also sync over to any third social gathering related platforms you’ve arrange like Strava or TrainingPeaks. And naturally, you’ll be able to simply view the main points proper within the Polar Move app itself:
![clip_image001[18]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2022/04/clip_image00118.png "clip_image001[18]")
![clip_image001[20]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2022/04/clip_image00120.png "clip_image001[20]")
![clip_image001[22]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2022/04/clip_image00122.png "clip_image001[22]")
![clip_image001[24]](https://media.dcrainmaker.com/images/2022/04/clip_image00124.png "clip_image001[24]")
As for the exams, these too present up in a devoted part for struggling (testing):
And in any case that, you’ll be able to return to your dashboards and get recommendations from FitSpark for stretching or different supportive exercises:
Every day it’ll provide you with a steered cardio exercise, after which after you’ve accomplished that (or every other exercise), it’ll provide you with a supportive or energy exercise. These aren’t tied to a selected coaching plan (like constructing in the direction of a marathon), however quite, geared toward providing you with a ‘Exercise of the day’ idea. And doing so in a means that doesn’t get you injured.
Relying on the kind of exercise you select it’ll provide the particular steps and steerage within the watch itself. There are cardio-focused operating exercises with completely different intensities. After which there are core kind exercises too, and for these, it’ll provide the particular strikes to do, together with animations and textual content for every one:
Once more, for those who’re on a structured coaching plan in the direction of a specific-season race, this frankly isn’t for you. As a substitute, it’s for people who don’t have a selected coaching plan, however simply need to hold energetic in an endurance-sports-focused method. The watch gained’t fiddle, it’ll throw down stable exercise recommendations, so don’t suppose you’re simply gonna get a bunch of 30-minute easy-peasy stretching exercises.
In the meantime, for those who’re on a structured coaching plan, you then’ll most likely be utilizing the Cardio Load standing parts. However first, you’ve bought the Weekly Coaching dashboard, which reveals you your coaching load every week (in my case, resetting yesterday), inclusive of the precise HR zone breakdowns.
Nevertheless, in live performance with that’s the precise Cardio Load dashboard. This reveals you whether or not or not your coaching is productive. On the primary dashboard web page you’ll see a fast overview, after which when you dig into it, you’ll get the precise particulars of what it thinks about your exercise habits:
Be aware that the core distinction right here to the Polar Vantage V/Grit collection is that these even have Restoration Professional monitoring, whereas the Polar Pacer Professional doesn’t have that. Although, that does require a chest strap a minimum of 3 times every week to get the total Orthostatic take a look at and related restoration information. Nonetheless, you should utilize the Nightly Recharge information on the Vantage M2 (as mentioned earlier within the fundamentals part) as a fairly good proxy for restoration.
GPS & HR Accuracy Testing:
There’s possible no matter that stirs as a lot dialogue and fervour as GPS accuracy. A watch may crumble and provide you with dire electrical shocks whereas doing so, but when it reveals you on the fallacious facet of the street? Oh hell no, convey on the fury of the web!
GPS accuracy will be checked out in plenty of alternative ways, however I favor to have a look at it utilizing plenty of gadgets in real-world situations throughout an unlimited variety of actions. I exploit 2-6 different gadgets directly, making an attempt to get a transparent image of how a given set of gadgets handles situations on a sure day. Situations embody every part from tree/constructing cowl to climate.
Through the years, I’ve continued to tweak my GPS testing methodology. For instance, I don’t place two models subsequent to one another on my wrists, as that may influence sign. However typically I’ll merely carry different models by the straps, or connect them to the shoulder straps of my hydration backpack. Sporting a number of watches on the identical wrist is well-known to influence optical HR accuracy. Within the case of the Polar Pacer Professional, Polar confirmed the GPS chipset is similar as discovered within the Vantage M2 collection (which, is mainly the identical as all their latest watches – based mostly on Sony).
In the meantime, for HR accuracy testing I’m sometimes sporting a chest strap (often the Garmin HRM-PRO, or Polar H10) in addition to one other optical HR sensor watch on the bicep (currently the Whoop 4.0 band and/or Polar Verity Sense). Be aware that the numbers you see within the higher proper nook are *not* the averages, however quite simply the precise level my mouse is sitting over. Be aware all this information is analyzed utilizing the DCR Analyzer, particulars right here.
We’ll begin off with comparatively straightforward exercises, earlier than stepping into extra advanced exercises. First up is a steady-state run, which wasn’t in super-complex GPS situations. That is in comparison with a Polar H10 chest strap, and a Garmin Descent G1 watch on the opposite wrist (mainly an Intuition 2 Photo voltaic however for diving). Right here’s that HR information set:
That is truly a textbook-perfect case of when optical HR can do higher than chest straps in early spring/fall situations. In these instances you’re typically sporting lighter clothes, and thus sweat much less early on. So that you see right here the Polar H10 was truly fallacious for the primary few minutes, however the optical HR sensors had been right (each Garmin and Polar). Inside a couple of minutes all three converged. You do nonetheless see just a few drops/spikes from the Polar Pacer Professional although about 1/third of the way in which by means of the exercise. Although, these solely lasted just a few seconds, after which went away.
On the GPS facet of that exercise, at a excessive degree issues look advantageous.
Nevertheless, as you zoom in, not one of the models did significantly effectively for the underpass, together with each strategy and exit of it. For this part, the Garmin Descent G1 was offset greater than the others.
Nevertheless, a minute or so later, we’d see me swimming within the canal from the Polar Pacer Professional. This could have been straightforward pickings for GPS right here, because it’s a straight path with nearly no significant tree cowl this time of yr. Once more, this isn’t unhealthy, it’s simply meh.
Subsequent we’ve bought an interval run, with 800s tossed into it, in addition to being each within the bushes and the open. This was in contrast in opposition to the identical set of watches and HR straps, besides, I added the Whoop 4.0 band to the combo as effectively. As you’ll be able to see, the Polar Pacer Professional optical HR nailed this one. Whereas the Garmin Descent G1 had some substantial points on the peaks of every interval (what’s odd is that it appeared to trace the preliminary ramp of every interval the place sensors fail). There have been just a few very minor nitpicky bobbles from the Polar Pacer Professional, however once more, you’ll be able to’t even discover them until you actually squint and look shut. Stable job right here.
On the GPS facet for this set, I used to be largely within the woods (or underneath tree cowl). And once more, at a excessive degree issues look OK – albeit you’ll be able to see hints of hassle brewing down beneath:
Not one of the models had main failures right here, however once more each the Polar Pacer Professional and Descent G1 simply wobbled a bit off-track, often by upwards of 15-25 meters. Under you’ll be able to see that within the lower-left part it was the Polar lacking the flip, whereas within the mid-section it was the Garmin being offset.
After which right here in deeper woods, each the Descent G1 and Polar Pacer models had been offset from the observe. Albeit, the Garmin Intuition 2 did keep on-trail, which is notable as a result of in concept the Descent G1 and Intuition 2 are the identical watch underneath the covers.
Subsequent, we’ve bought the operating take a look at I did. In concept this needs to be a comparatively straightforward optical coronary heart charge take a look at, for the reason that charge of change is exceptionally low (okay, painfully low). It’s often charge of change that impacts optical HR probably the most (so a sudden dash for instance). And certainly, this was just about spot-on with the Garmin HRM-PRO chest strap. The Whoop had some bobbles throughout the ramp portion for a minute or two, however in any other case all of them matched.
Once more GPS-wise I used to be largely within the woods right here, albeit on largely straight paths.
As with earlier than, we see some off-track points from the Polar Pacer Professional, reminiscent of this part beneath within the decrease proper the place it will get actually wobbly as I’m strolling (virtually immediately on the actual spot I transition from arduous run to cool-down, it goes askew). After which stays offset by means of many of the means throughout the wetlands.
On this different part, we see each the Apple Watch Collection 7 and Polar Pacer Professional commerce turns in being offset, although, the Intuition appears to nail this part. The Apple Watch’s failures are largely the age-old Mario Kart cornering it does each on occasion (exhibited right here at low-speed turns). Whereas the Pacer Professional’s points had been simply being offset from the observe. Although, the vast majority of the exercise was largely right.
Lastly, we’ve bought an indoor biking exercise on a Peloton Bike. This wasn’t an excellent intense exercise, however is nonetheless a great take a look at to double-check. That is in comparison with the Descent G1’s optical HR, and the Polar H10 chest strap (paired to the bike). On this set, it developments effectively sufficient, nonetheless, you see about half a dozen HR spikes all through. That is one thing I’ve seen on different latest Polar watches with a barely completely different optical HR sensor (Vantage & Grit X collection), although haven’t seen it a lot on the opposite datasets from the Polar Pacer Professional. Once more, it’s minor right here, however does stick out when it occurs.
Okay, so total other than just a few minor points, the optical coronary heart charge on the Polar Pacer Professional did effectively for me in my testing, and once more appears to reflect my sentiment that the latest Vantage M2 & Grit X Professional sensors aren’t fairly as reliable because the sensor used right here and initially within the Polar Ignite 2. In these instances, it’s carried out fairly effectively, even throughout demanding intervals.
As for GPS, it’s a stable ‘meh’. It did higher than the Garmin Descent G1 (dive-focused watch), however usually was overwhelmed barely by the Garmin Intuition 2. It didn’t have any large errors, however simply wasn’t write-home-great both. I fear that for a tool positioned to compete for the subsequent 1-2 years, it might need challenges doing in order different distributors implement dual-frequency GPS on the mid-range tiers. I believe you will get by with out dual-frequency so long as your common GNSS efficiency is ok, and that is proper on the road of ‘advantageous’. Once more, not unhealthy, simply not nice.
(Be aware: The entire charts in these accuracy sections had been created utilizing the DCR Analyzer instrument. It lets you examine energy meters/trainers, coronary heart charge, cadence, pace/tempo, GPS tracks, and many extra. You should use it as effectively in your personal gadget comparisons, extra particulars right here.)
Wrap-Up:
The Polar Pacer Professional is a conflicting watch to me. From a usability standpoint, it largely works effectively and does precisely what it says it’s going to do. If I examine it to present higher-end Polar watches, they mainly simply gave you virtually no cause to purchase their higher-end models – with only some options lacking. And the show is certainly extra readable – which is nice. The half that leaves me conflicted is that in some ways I really feel like that is largely simply re-arranging the (options) chairs on the deck. Exempting the brand new stroll take a look at that clearly didn’t work, there’s nothing new from Polar right here. And I fear, not sufficient motion to excite potential patrons away from the competitors.
What makes this much more conflicting is that within the grand scheme of issues, Garmin & COROS additionally do the identical when it comes to taking higher-end options and shifting them downstream to cheaper watches. Besides the basic (and big) distinction is the pace at which that occurs. Polar is basically taking options from 4-7 years in the past and shifting them down-level. Whereas when Garmin iterates to the sub-$300 degree, it’s taking options from 1-2 years in the past and making them obtainable. If we take a look at this watch purely from a operating standpoint (which is how Polar explicitly markets it) – it has a really difficult time competing with the $199-$299 competitors together with Garmin & COROS (particularly in Garmin’s case with PacePro, or COROS’s case with the $199 pricing). And I solely anticipate that hole to considerably widen over the course of 2022.
The extra I give it some thought, I believe Polar’s mistake was truly making an attempt to revive the Polar Pacer branding for this watch and billing it as a “Runner’s Watch”. Sure, it really works good for runners, however from a runner’s standpoint, it’s simply not aggressive to the opposite choices. As a substitute, the place it’s extremely aggressive is as a triathlete/multisport watch. It’s a really very superb deal there, and whereas COROS is less expensive at $199, COROS can’t maintain a candle to Polar’s efficiency monitoring and each day exercise elements (and even the Polar Move app/platform).
I don’t know the way to tie all that up right into a nifty bow to finish this evaluate in a single satisfying paragraph, apart from to say that typically it’s not concerning the expertise or the options, however the way you body the intentions. And on this case, irrespective of how good the tech is, it’s framed for the fallacious viewers. However for those who’re a triathlete, it’s a hidden gem.
With that – thanks for studying!
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Hopefully you discovered this evaluate helpful. On the finish of the day, I’m an athlete identical to you searching for probably the most element potential on a brand new buy – so my evaluate is written from the standpoint of how I used the gadget. The opinions usually take a variety of hours to place collectively, so it’s a good bit of labor (and labor of affection). As you most likely seen by wanting beneath, I additionally take time to reply all of the questions posted within the feedback – and there’s fairly a little bit of element in there as effectively.
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Here is just a few different variants or sibling merchandise which can be price contemplating:
And eventually, right here’s a helpful listing of equipment that work effectively with this unit (and a few that I confirmed within the evaluate). Given the unit pairs with nearly any Bluetooth Sensible sport sensors, you should utilize absolutely anything although.
Wahoo RPM Sensor
This twin ANT+/Bluetooth Sensible sensor will transmit cadence not solely to your bike laptop/watch, but additionally third social gathering apps like Zwift, TrainerRoad, and extra.
Wahoo SPEED Sensor
Velocity sensors are primarily helpful for offroad utilization. I do not discover a lot of a necessity for one whereas road-cycling, however for mountain bike trails they may help alleviate pace/distance points with poor GPS reception in dense bushes.
And naturally – you’ll be able to all the time sign-up to be a DCR Supporter! That will get you an ad-free DCR, entry to the DCR Quarantine Nook video collection filled with behind the scenes tidbits…and it additionally makes you superior. And being superior is what it’s all about!
Thanks for studying! And as all the time, be happy to submit feedback or questions within the feedback part beneath, I’ll be completely happy to attempt to reply them as shortly as potential. And lastly, for those who felt this evaluate was helpful – I all the time recognize suggestions within the feedback beneath. Thanks!
