Polar HRM's

Grayskull · July 1, 2009

I am in the market to get me a Polar HRM and have been reading up on the Polar website about the different models. Tho I cant seem to grasp any major difference between some of the models.

The CS100, 100b, 200 and 200CAD all seem to have the same features:

Basic timing features - time, dist, etc

Cadence Sensor - optional wireless

Heart Rate Monitor compatibility

(except that the 100b does not have calorie consumption)

Then the CS400 has all the same again plus the incline/altitude measurement and "Distance Based" measurements

So why the differences in price?

Do the higher models ship with more of the sensors?

My requirements are the Basic timing features - time, dist, etc; Cadence and a HRM - will a CS 100 suffice?

Delgado · July 1, 2009

Enquire as to the need and cost (sit down when you ask) for a USB download dongle while your at it!! I got shot of my Polar based purely on this issue!!

Grayskull · July 1, 2009

are there no other ways of downloading the information?

Bos · July 1, 2009

Get something with GPS.. Im not familiar with all those models, But dont sell yourself short. Also If youd ever want to run with it, then you need a foot pod they are huge and ugly and 1000 bucks.

Youll want one, and computer compatability is a must

I got a Garmin Forunner 305 and I could not be happier.. R2500

Mr Mulebar · July 1, 2009

Use to buy only Polar HRM's till I got given a Forunner 305. I now also have a Edge 705. Garmin rules!

Grayskull · July 1, 2009

The unit is ONLY for road cycling purposes, so will not need a foot pod (and dont plan on running anytime soon/ever)

In my current training regime I dont have need for GPS enabled device, but can understand how you can become attached to it once you have it. Its not critical that i do

Spinnekop · July 1, 2009

Two ways of downloading.

Sound and infrared.

DON'T DO THE SOUND!!!

Then keep in mind the CS brackets breaks. A LOT! I replace mine once every 3 months.

Other than that.....BRILLIANT product.

I have the CS200 and the CS600.

Very nice!

Grayskull · July 1, 2009

still... can anyone explain the difference in the price to me when they all have the same features.

and more so for what I want it for - road cycling, will a CS100 do the job?

bear in mind i would want all the features i mentioned above

Mr Mulebar · July 1, 2009

Not that up to date on Polar anymore, but the CS200CAD is a good unit, for what you seem to do. The CS400 is more expensive because it uses new WIND transmitter, which is more reliable , apparently.

Spinnekop · July 1, 2009

They don't have the same features.

Do a one on one comparison.....you'll find the differences....

Spinnekop · July 1, 2009

W.I.N.D is worth it, yes.

Grayskull · July 1, 2009

They don't have the same features.
Do a one on one comparison.....you'll find the differences....

according to the polar website they do

under "full features"

compare "basic features" and "cycling features"

http://www.polar.fi/en/products/cycling/CS100/

splat · July 1, 2009

CS400 doesnt use the WIND transmitters.

I got that over the CS200 because it uploads to the Polar software via IR and I can see my route profile and training diary etc on my computer - not online.

Bike Mob · July 1, 2009

Pc downloading is a must. I have the CS600 with the works! just not new GPS!

Charvel · July 1, 2009

The only real difference (from what I can recall) is the sensors. Even though the CS200 can monitor cadence, it doesn't include the cadence sensor in order to do this. You will have to then buy the cadence sensor separately. The CS200CAD does include the cadence sensor as well, hence why it is more expensive than the normal CS200. I have the CS200 CAD and it is working really, really well for me.