Headshot Posted October 24, 2016 Posted October 24, 2016 Heard of Polar? V650 is cheaper than all but the most basic Garmins and does virtually the same things as the most expensive ones - maybe even a few more.
geoffois Posted October 24, 2016 Author Posted October 24, 2016 What's the aftersales like on polar? I've really battled to find both stockists and feedback about people's experience with servicing/suppliers. My understanding is that the v650 is Garmin 520 equivalent?One other issue, can one upload ride data automatically with other servers (e.g. Strava). This is rather important for logging workouts with the medical aid for benefits. That's one of the appealing things about the Garmin, they accept logging with Garmin connect. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Headshot Posted October 24, 2016 Posted October 24, 2016 What's the aftersales like on polar? I've really battled to find both stockists and feedback about people's experience with servicing/suppliers. My understanding is that the v650 is Garmin 520 equivalent?One other issue, can one upload ride data automatically with other servers (e.g. Strava). This is rather important for logging workouts with the medical aid for benefits. That's one of the appealing things about the Garmin, they accept logging with Garmin connect. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Sportsmans Warehouse have them. About R5k including HR strap. There is a Polar Flow app for phone and PC. You can sync via bluetooth to your phone or cable to your PC. If you link Strava it uploads automatically. They do firmware updates periodically and its features have improved since it was launched as a result. It has a colour touch screen and a bigger display than a 520 I think. Also a front LED that can be set to turn on automatically in low light. Only hassle I have had is bluetooth sync to my S7 - they don't talk to each other very well sometimes. GPS fix is quick and battery life very good. Did a 3 day race and it was down to 45% by the end. And yes, the device is acceptable to Discovery. I have been enjoying my "free" coffees et al since getting mine. I had an old polar watch and the after sales was pretty good back then. No idea now as I haven't had to test the waters yet.
keithbe Posted October 24, 2016 Posted October 24, 2016 http://www.dcrainmaker.com Best place to check out sport tech...
2wieltjies Posted October 24, 2016 Posted October 24, 2016 I have v650, it works but no ways always got issue uploading and connecting. I already have a 520 that I use instead of the polar. Same with watch got the v800 moving to Garmin Fenix 3 now.
AlanD Posted October 24, 2016 Posted October 24, 2016 Managed to see a Fenix 3 the weekend from a dude that was wearing it and asked to have a look...umm...errr....its MAGNIFICENT...he had the HR at the wrist one and man oh man, it's really something special. I want one..
geoffois Posted October 24, 2016 Author Posted October 24, 2016 The main issue with the medical aid logging is profmed runs through momentum, they have a much smaller "recognised device" list. Their purchase prices are pretty good, the Garmin 520 is R5700 and the Garmin 820 is R6700, so the V650 after I've got the speed/cadence sensor may be more expensive. I'm just waiting for their stock of the 820 to come in and I'll decide then. But to be honest, with that price with a full bundle, the 820 might be the way to go. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
geoffois Posted October 24, 2016 Author Posted October 24, 2016 Managed to see a Fenix 3 the weekend from a dude that was wearing it and asked to have a look...umm...errr....its MAGNIFICENT...he had the HR at the wrist one and man oh man, it's really something special. I want one.. I've been eyeing that Fenix 3 sapphire HR for a while! Just can't quite justify the cost quite yet... Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
GiarC Posted October 24, 2016 Posted October 24, 2016 Go for the Fenix 3. Awesome watch and has all the stuff you need
geoffois Posted October 24, 2016 Author Posted October 24, 2016 Go for the Fenix 3. Awesome watch and has all the stuff you needNot sure it's the most practical as a bike computer though. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
FP1095 Posted October 26, 2016 Posted October 26, 2016 Not sure it's the most practical as a bike computer though. Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkWhat if you add the speed and cadence sensors? I've got a fenix 3, but now I'm looking for something more for my cycling. Do you get a handle bar mount for the fenix 3? Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk
worriesnot Posted October 26, 2016 Posted October 26, 2016 What if you add the speed and cadence sensors? I've got a fenix 3, but now I'm looking for something more for my cycling.Do you get a handle bar mount for the fenix 3? Sent from my C6903 using Tapatalk Yes you do get a handlebar mount - works for all Garmin watches. Obviously then the HR model won't work. I have however found it much better to have the watch on the handlebar than on my wrist when riding, so always been using the HR strap.Speed and cadence sensor also connects to Fenix3 with no hassles (there are other sensors you can connect as well).I've been using my Fenix3 exclusively for cycling for almost a year now (preciously had a Edge500). Love it.
geoffois Posted October 26, 2016 Author Posted October 26, 2016 Yes you do get a handlebar mount - works for all Garmin watches. Obviously then the HR model won't work. I have however found it much better to have the watch on the handlebar than on my wrist when riding, so always been using the HR strap.Speed and cadence sensor also connects to Fenix3 with no hassles (there are other sensors you can connect as well).I've been using my Fenix3 exclusively for cycling for almost a year now (preciously had a Edge500). Love it.Don't you find it a bit small? I'm worried I won't be able to see the readouts easily or end up spending ages shuffling through pages to get data while riding. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
worriesnot Posted October 26, 2016 Posted October 26, 2016 Don't you find it a bit small? I'm worried I won't be able to see the readouts easily or end up spending ages shuffling through pages to get data while riding. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Took some getting used to, but not a problem.The Edge500 didn't have the biggest display either so not too big an adjustment moving from that to the Fenix3.I have two screens I used mainly on rides - first / main screen shows seven fields and the second shows four. Then have multiple other pages after that but seldom go there. It is a personal choice / preference thing though. Some of my riding buddies don't like it, others do and some just have such k@k vision that they just can't see it.
leeubok Posted October 26, 2016 Posted October 26, 2016 Don't you find it a bit small? I'm worried I won't be able to see the readouts easily or end up spending ages shuffling through pages to get data while riding. Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkYou can also edit the pages so you see what you want to see. I still use my low end bike comp on the handlebars, the watch stays on my wrist. I just glance at my heartrate every now and again, and total ascent when I'm doing a race and I know how much I'm going to climb that day.
dev null Posted October 26, 2016 Posted October 26, 2016 Whatever you do, don't get the Polar V650. I got it from my wife as a birthday gift, and I hate it. Wanna chuck it almost weekly. Firstly, a touch screen on a cycling computer is more a bane than a boon. And there is the frustrating fight every time to get it to connect via USB to the PC. Their software really suck.
Recommended Posts
Archived
This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.