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.
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.
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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.
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.