Jump to content

Polar RCX5 dies... any similar experiences?


Recommended Posts

Posted

So,

 

I warm-up in EL, and while waiting to go into the holding pen I notice that my watch has gone into some stopwatch mode (I had it on "Other Sport" just to monitor my HR during the warm up and wait). It also become completely unresponsive, i.e. none of the buttons has an effect on the stopwatch/mode. I ran around looking for someone with a similar watch who might be able to help, and two people confirmed that the "back" button should've changed the operation. I frantically ran to the tents to get a coin, open the thing and take out the battery. After I replaced it, the watch is dead and I race without any info (after almost missing my wave). FFS.

 

My wife later checks the watch and sees that it is trying to come to life, but now has droplets under the screen. I did wipe my hands when replacing the battery so I'm pretty sure it wasn't me. It seems that it leaked during the warm up. I changed the battery some 4 months ago and had 6-8 open water swims and who knows how many bath/showers/swims with it, no problem. The watch is not under warranty anymore. FFS.

 

I was eyeing the new Polar with integrated GPS about to come out, but now I'm feeling a little weak in the stomach.

 

What are your thoughts on this?

 

Has anyone had similar experiences with the RCX5/same level Polar watches?

 

Disclaimer: I'm not looking for the anecdotal "Polar is shyte Garmin rules" type of information. Only real occasions please.

Posted

I have the same watch. Had similar issues and had the battery changed by Polar. Did you replace the o-rings when you opened it? Opening the watch damages the o-rings and the watch will leak on closure. Overseas you can get the service kits to DIIY but in the ZAR you have to send it in for repair. They all go to Intelligent Health & Fitness Products in Midrand.

 

As a side, I struggle with the HR monitor bit - always get a battery flat warning (even the replacement unit).

 

Maybe worth your while to phone the agents. They are pretty helpful.

 

Intelligent Health & Fitness Products

+27 11-805 1028

Service_Centre.IHF_PRODUCTS_CC@polar.fi

Posted

Thanks Ricky,

 

No, I didn't replace the O0rings. I wondered if it had an impact, but why leak after four months? I did three 1.6km ocean swims alone with it after changing the battery, no problem. Possibly corrosion?

Posted

I had the 750 S which I managed to crack the red interface window - sent to Polar who said its old , you've had enough use out of it - sorry no trade in assistance for a buying a new one >>> so bought the Garmin edge instead :mellow:

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
Settings My Forum Content My Followed Content Forum Settings Ad Messages My Ads My Favourites My Saved Alerts My Pay Deals Help Logout