Back for Another

I received a Polar S610 as a gift nearly three years ago, and am back for another: I'm buying one for my husband, who finally thinks it's something he'd like to have, too. I use it religiously--if I forget it when I go for a workout, I feel I'm not 'getting credit' for my exercise. I upload (with a Polar IR receiver--not included with the watch) all of my workouts and set weekly goals for time and caloric expenditure that I can easily track on the calendar.

Having had mine for three years, I sent it in for a new battery and replacement of a button I had knocked-off about a year ago (local watch shops won't guarantee water-tightness if they change the battery), and bought a new chest strap/transmitter a couple of months ago, but it continues to work very well.

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For all of the features, what's not to like?

I have owned my S610i monitor for just under a year now and I firmly believe that this heart rate monitor has delivered the features exactly as described by the Polar company. The bundled software, though basic in nature, does allow you to view several informative charts and graphs, which gives you an extensive workout history to base your progress. To realize the full potential of the S610i monitor, you definitively will need to read and reread the owners manual, as well as the software's help section. Alas, such are the torments of technology.

I like the S610i monitor for several reasons, one being the large amount of exercises you can track, another being the 50-meter water resistance, and finally the multiple user features. However, the dim display leaves a lot to be desired for an old pair of eyes like mine, hence the four stars rating out of five. As far as any durability concerns, I have only had to replace the red button, which was expeditiously sent to me free of charge by Polar after a simple Customer Service e-mail. Nonetheless, this is a very solid performing monitor and a basic level scientific device that gives you some invaluable information on your overall health and provides tangible feedback to achieve your exercise goals.

My exercise plans now take me to another level, which include the incorporation of jogging and then running. The S610i monitor is not really geared for that type of workout, so I will upgrade to the S625x monitor in 2007. The S610i monitor will go to my wife, not that the blue color pleases her, but we workout at home so it should go unnoticed.


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Love, Hate, Really Hate

I have been using a Polar s610 for some time. When everything is working it is a wonderful device. However, it is difficult to keep it running smoothly. For example, when I upgrade to a new computer I go through hell getting the software to work again. Polar customer service is useless. Most recently I have been unable to upload data from the monitor to my PC via USB for months. I do not believe I will be able cure the problem without PURCHASING new software + the software dose NOT include the USB connection software. That is sold seperately. Polar will not provide replacement software unless you purchase it on CD. The rest of the world will provide software and upgrades to registered users online.

Bottom Line - the product is pretty good. However in terms of user friendly Polar is a total failure.

Sorry folks - why not get a Garmin 305 - I am

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