Polar V650- better than Garmin 510?

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Got one this past weekend and I have used it twice so this will somewhat of a limited review.

 

I have also never used a Garmin device so I can't comment on the original question.

 

I bought the Polar V650 for the price (R3200) from LBS and because I needed a unit with a backlight for riding in the dark. I also needed to see duration, distance, speed, cadence & hr one one screen - I was using a Polar RCX3 watch previously and I could only get three readings at a time and no backlight.

 

So far the unit is great! It is large but I mount it on my neck stem and not on the handlebars which keeps it nicely in view and out of the way.

 

All my requirements are ticked off but there are some limitations I have found:

 

• Can't export training files in HRM format like the RCX3 unit can, but does offer TCX format which RCX3 does not.
• Manually have to connect the unit to a laptop via USB to upload rides.
• Can't automatically export rides to Strava - must be done manually. But then my RCX3 could not either so no real new problem here.

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I am based in Pta and keen to buy once they sort out the bluetooth/power issue. Where did you buy yours from Gavin Green?

[Gavin Green]

I am based in Pta and keen to buy once they sort out the bluetooth/power issue. Where did you buy yours from Gavin Green?

I bought mine from Solomons in Lynnwood Rd.

There was an update about two weeks ago that allows bluetooth powermeter connections - I don't use a powermeter so I'm not sure how this works - just letting you know.

[Scott-ish]

Polar does not play well with others.

So it wont link with Myfitnesspal or Strava or be downloaded to Golden Cheetah or Trainingpeaks.  Everything needs to be done manually.

 

That and the fact that I cannot match any power meter other than their own Polar, makes it a less useful device for me.

 

With my Garmin, I walk in the house and everything is auto uploaded via Wifi.

 

I have decided not to go polar for now, reason being:

  -Their lack of third party power meters

  -No Auto uploading of rides (not crucial but a nice feature to have)

  -Lack of loading routes, even bread crumb variety

 

I'm sure once the software gets updated and they take advantage of the hardware to the fullest, it will be an awesome unit.

[Circuit Breaker]

Can the Garmin 510 be used for San or J2c?

I am using a Garmin Edge 200 at the moment..