Polar RCX5 Heart Rate Monitor

I was going to purchase an FT4, mainly because it was much less expensive and had a large number of users who gave it a good review. The RCX5, being more expensive, wasn't likely to have as many comments, since the less expensive watch would at least in my opinion attract the greater number of buyers and therefore the greater number of likely customer ratings. However, since there is a return policy on most things that Amazon sells, I decided to take a chance on the RCX5. First, I the RCX5 has a number of different screens that the user can choose from while working at whatever sport they are engaged in. For me, this was running. Frankly, its a no-brainer for me that the watch should display the BPM, the average BPM and the time. I emphasize displaying the time. the lesser Polars don't seem to show that. I'd rather not wear two watches just for that. It's useful for interval training and for me it was an essential feature. Also, I'm older and my vision is not what it was and this watch's display is large enough to see while exercising. Some of Polar's other models seem to have too small read-outs. Finally, I bought this so that it could be used both with the blutooth chest strap (which works well) as well as allowing me to add on the Polar GPS device in order to more accurately measure distance. Since buying the watch I have added the GPS and that has worked fairly well.

Absolutely garbage construction. For $200+, I expect it to be made to last. I was able to use it at the gym for about a week before the chest strap battery died, and on the very first attempt to open the coin cell battery door, the soft and weak plastic sheared away from the notch, rendering the device useless (as I couldn't replace the battery). Polar support took 5 days to respond to an e-mail and a voicemail message (their hold time was stated as over an hour), and it was the same information relayed in the instruction manual ... return it, we'll repair it, and charge you. No warranty repair if the battery door is damaged.I went with a Wahoo Tickr paired to my S5 phone, and I couldn't be happier. $180 cheaper and it seems more accurate. I will never buy another Polar product again. If the battery door didn't shear off on the first battery replacement, it would have done so in short order on future replacements, since the battery life was also pretty abysmal. Please note that I've dealt with coin cell doors for over 30 years ... I used a standard U.S. nickel as the twisting device, as I've always done, and I did it gently. The plastic stripped away like it was made of butter on the first gentle twist.The Wahoo Tickr that I bought as a follow up device also has the same style of battery door. No issues opening and closing it without damage.Polar, your prices, support, battery life, and material selection suck. Your tech is straight out of 1989. I'm really happy to never deal with you again. How you became an industry leader is beyond me. It must have been a big fish, small pond sort of affair.

I bought this for the customizable display. I want to see calories burned during my workout, along with duration, HR and split time. I don't used the running or GPS features. The display isn't as easy to read (seems foggy?) as my other polars. It works great has a TON of features, and seems to calculate the same calories (I know mostly estimated) as my other polars. I used this at the same time as my smartphone polar beat app. Sync'd fine with a Win7 PC, didn't try syncing yet with Win8/Win10. I would buy this again for the customizable display features.

After 1 month the watch is working great. I use it in the pool everyday, also on my bike and for running. I purchased this model because I wanted to track my pulse in the water and it does a great job. It has a long list of excellent features for training and the option to put your workouts on Personal trainer.com is very useful. I found it best to wet the chest strap under a tap before wearing, it provides a better reading. The option to change the size of the display is handy in the pool, much easier to read. I also have the Timex Ironman race trainer elite, I find the RCX5 provides a more accurate reading and has many more features, also being able to see your heart rate while swimming is fantastic, (as my hand sweeps by I can glance at it and see my heat rate).The ability to get a read out in the water and the use of personal trainer makes this watch a winner for me.

I ordered the Polar RCX5 Heart Rate Monitor a few months ago and since that time have used it for several hours on the elliptical trainer and also on stationary bikes. I gave this unit 5 out of 5 stars. I think the component design is excellent and of superior quality. When looking at heart rate monitors I look at several reviews which were hit and miss. Several models are also bulky or not attractive. There were some complaints about this specific unit not finding a heart rate, but in the many times and hours I have used this, that has never been a problem for me. The chest strap is also made from a good quality material and is comfortable to wear. I have zero complaints and lots of praise. I probably wouldn't have paid asking price for this unit (because I am not a hard core athlete) but a little internet research found it for me at about 30% off MSRP.

It s great, easy to use, and accurate, the only thing I dont give it 5 stars, its because it daws the battery very quick in my opinion, but not a great deal, because this haves a super easy way to change the battery, and as fast Im talking about 1 year of espontaneus use. maybe 3 days a week UPDATE: this is my second watch but for my father, the other one is still working very ggood, so it is great.... and again the battery is not a big deal, I have changed the battery for the mine, and it was super eassy

The shipping was fast and prompt.The Polar unit is very good. It does not have a manual 'sleep' capability so I guess I will be changing the battery more often, however, Polar does state it has an automatic and programmed 'sleep' function in the early morning hours. Initially, it was a bit intimidating to get used to,... Changing the settings, and changing the layouts.This unit has a lot of functions and can do a lot. (:

Great watch, I got it because it is run on a battery so I don't have to worry about charging it all the time or dying during a long expedition. Getting it from Amazon Warehouse Deals, it showed up virtually brand new

Polar brand is Fantastic.This heart rate monitor super exceeds its claim. I recommend this for all exercises. Price was unbelievable.

Excellent product. Battery on transmitter was low upon receipt of product. Issue was resolved quickly. Very good service!

Went water skiing with it. Wow never thought my heart rate was that high. Nice data representation on the web.