Polar offers up RS800G3 multisport training system

Polar's RS800, which was originally introduced last September, is getting one-upped this fall by the RS800G3 multisport training system. Essentially, this acts as a GPS upgrade to the wristwatch, which "enables athletes to measure speed and distance for a variety of outdoor sports." The entire system now consists of the RS800 wrist unit, Wearlink W.I.N.D. heart rate transmitter, ProTrainer 5 software and the G3 GPS Sensor, and those who already plunked down for the watch last year can purchase the G3 GPS sensor separately. The sensor itself packs a SiRFstarIII chipset, is water resistant and can last around 15-hours on just a single AA battery. Price wise, athletes (or athletes to-be) can pick up the entire RS800G3 bundle for $499.95, while the standalone G3 will run you $139.95.

[Thanks, SK]

[roberto @ Oct 12th 2007 2:41PM]

nike+ anyone?

[David @ Oct 12th 2007 2:59PM]

Nice. I bought the RS 800 about six months ago, so I was about lose my shit when I saw they added a GPS sensor. Being able to purchase that separately is great. I can still use the footpod where there are too many obstacles for GPS to work properly, like, for example, most of NYC.

[Dan @ Oct 12th 2007 3:07PM]

The Garmin Forerunner 305 does the same for $215 on amazon. Or does this have other functions that justify more than double the cost?

[Eric Whitney @ Oct 12th 2007 3:39PM]

I just looked at the Garmin 305, I think you are right, the polar does the same thing with the same "chip set" but at twice the cost.

[David @ Oct 12th 2007 4:36PM]

I have both... the RS 800 and the Garmin 305. I had the Garmin first and it worked when I ran in areas with no tree covers/tall buildings. But when I moved to New York, I could no longer get a clear signal, so I needed a watch with a calibrated foot pod.

The RS 800 is a normal sized watch, in fact, it's thinner than most watches. The 305 is really big, not as awkward as the 205, but it's still quite large. The heartrate monitor on the RS 800 is also much more comfortable. Finally, the software has a few more bells and whistles than the Garmin, but you have to buy an IR interface to get the watch talking to your computer (I picked one up for about $10.00... you don't have to buy the $59.00 Polar model.)

However, to answer your question, is the RS 800 $285 better than the Garmin? Probably not, though I haven't tried the GPS unit on the RS 800.

[Jeremy @ Oct 12th 2007 6:16PM]

@David

Um, I have the FR205 and it works outstanding under trees. In fact, that's all I use it for as I only run trails. It's really the only solution for trail running as footpods require a consistent stride. As far as working near buildings, I'll have to take your word for it on that.

However, the 205 and 305 are the exact same body. The only difference is the color. How can the 205 be any more awkward than the 305? I think the 205 fits great and it sure beats the pants off carrying around a GPS dongle. I know because I had a Timex "gps" watch and you had to carry around that separate receiver. Pain in the arse.

As expressed before, I can't see how this product by Polar is any better than what Garmin has.

Multisport? Check.
GPS? Check without a dongle.
Water Proof? Check. As if GPS works under water anyway...only useful for splashes.
Heart Rate Monitor? Check, without the need for a dongle.
Training Software? Can't really compare due to lack of experience with ProTrainer from Polar. However, have you seen motionbased.com? Shweet!
Price? Check and Check again...

Good luck, polar. I think they need to integrate the gps and we might actually have some competition. Right now their only competition is the timex crap.

[doug @ Oct 12th 2007 3:52PM]

Have had plenty of Polar devices for my bike and everyone one of them died within 6 months. LCD's go out, Battery replacement is a nightmare because they use soft plastic seals that are damaged very easily and I had to ship it back to Polar several times to get repairs. I bought a garmin unit and love it!

[siaolala @ Oct 13th 2007 5:17AM]

Is anyone selling secondhand Polars? I kinda like the function but i dont have the cash.... Come post at my website if anyone wants to sell it to me. register at www.siaolala.co.nr... This site is still new....

[jtdcg @ Oct 16th 2007 12:27PM]

I have a polar AXN500 (HR, altimeter, compass). I have had it now for a couple of years with no issues. I use it skiing, hiking, gym, and mostly cycling. It doesn't have all the GPS goodness or cycling integrated features but thought I would comment on its robustness for me to date.

[James Dunnan @ Oct 26th 2007 11:13AM]

The Polar/Garmin debate has been beaten like a dead horse.

Bottom line is the Polar is a real training tool, with software designed to allow a REAL athlete to train with the data he/she needs.

The garmin makes a good GPS- Thats it. GPS is not the be all end all technology for speed/distance for runners. Actually, for running its quite inferior.

In my opinion the G3 is a great accessory for the RS800SD. If you are only a runner, do not even think about getting the RS800G3, get the RS800SD. The stride sensor measures accurate speed/distance(yes even under trees and buildings) along with data that allows many elite runners like myself to train with something other than speed/distance...Cadence and stride length. GPS fan boys- can your Garmin do that?? Speed/distance is not everything when you get down to it. In fact, how do you think these people from kenya and ethopia are cleaing house in the marathon world? Yes, training with cadence. Efficiency is key, if you are more efficient running at a higher cadence how are you suppose to know that without something to measure cadence or stride length?? Go ahead, continue training with just GPS speed and watch people who know what efficiency is just pass right by you.

Also the RS800 records heart rate in R-R. Yes that means every heart beat. So you can test resting heart rate variability for gauging recovery.

Longer battery life? Doesn't look like a kids watch with a built in walkie talkie?? Training bank?

I cant comment on Garmins support, but Polar's customer service is second to none.


Thanks, I'll take my Polar.