Polar has done it again with the release of yet another amazing heart rate monitor, the Polar F6. Much like its predecessor, Polar F6 has the essential features to be used when exercising. What sets Polar F6 and Polar F4 apart though is the evident improvements in user-friendliness as well as an upgrade in its compatibility with other exercise equipment.
For group exercises, Polar F6 proves to be an invaluable tool since it makes use of coded transmission, one that ensures there would not be any unwanted communication with other monitors while you’re doing your routines. Also, the Polar F6 now comes with the OwnZone feature which automatically adjusts your ideal training zone depending on your physical state. This feature not only guides you on which training zone should be focused on but also assess the limits of your heart rate. Exercising at night is not the same as exercising in the morning since stress tends to pile-up by the end of the day and having this tool will surely help you prevent training with a wrong intensity.
Connecting the device to your computer is also easy to do as the needed tools can be found inside the box. Just remember that although the F6 has presets or default installs, you might have to download from Polar’s website every once in a while.
Slight variations in model design are available and there are also other available color options for the both the straps and actual device. Designs vary according to the intended user: for men or for women.
Features include:
Heart rate (both as bpm and as percentage of maximum heart rate)
Pre-set target zones
Graphical target zone display
Button-free operation
Water resistant
Displays date & weekday
Displays time (12/24h) with alarm
Visual & audible alarms for the target zones
KeyLock
Polar OwnZone
Polar OwnCal
Polar OwnCode
Ideal to use when you're:
Doing distance exercise such as cycling or running
Doing laps in a swimming pool
In heavily humid environments
Video Review:
Pros:
Coded transmission prevents unnecessary cross-talks among other monitors
Smart OwnZone system which adjusts training zone according to physical condition
Cons:
The watch is a bit bulky and can sometimes be irritating for those who are not used to big/bulky watches
Full-feature sports watch displays your heart rate, exercise time, and average heart rate
OwnCode transmitter eliminates interference from other heart rate monitors
Polar OwnZone helps determine an individual exercise zone; calorie counter and goal management
OwnCal feature shows your energy expenditure during one exercise session and accumulated expenditure
Zone Pointer displays your target heart rate zone and where your current heart rate is within that zone
Video Reviews
No video reviews found for this product.
Customer Reviews
*I Have a Geek Toy, I Have a Geek Toy*
Review Date: August 8, 2006
Reviewer: WordGirl,
Easy to set up, accurate, user friendly. Just took it for a test drive this morning. Shipping was fast and friendly. Nice user manual. Very explanatory.
Put in your vitals, adjust the strap around your chest and put the pedal to the metal.
I burned 511 calories -- 45% from fat. For 49:51 minutes of work, I spent 14:46 minutes in the 144-160 beats per minute range; with my heart rate topping out at 178 (93% of my maximum for the "moderate training zone"). My average heart rate was 151 for the duration (79% of my maximum). The alarm cued me when to step it up and also when to back it down so I could keep on a better training track.
Apparently, I've been working too hard in the past. Because just as the HRM was yelling at me to back down, I was thinking, "Geez, touchy thingie! I can go way harder and higher than this!" But if it improves my stamina, all the better.
I would recommend reviewing the product manual and setting up your customizations the night before if you are an early morning exerciser. Setup and familiarization with the product/material takes about an hour.
Can't Workout Without It.
Review Date: November 29, 2007
Reviewer: milohyellow, OKC, OK
I can't exercise without this thing. I've had it for over a year now and the batteries have not died yet. It tracks all calorie expenditure and heart rate activity. It not only gives you your high and low heart rates during an exercise, but the average you were at for the duration as well. Before I got this HRM, I didn't realize how off I was on my exercises. I wasn't exerting myself enough. This thing tracks where you are at no matter how you feel and tells you if you need to increase or decrease your intensity. I haven't had a problem with it and I've dropped it several times on accident. It's waterproof so you can soap it up and wash your sweat off of it. I love this thing! Can't say enough about it.
Good for the Heart!
Review Date: November 2, 2006
Reviewer: H. Murphy, Seal Beach, CA
I use this to run and also at the gym. The Polar transmitter belt works with most treadmills, ellipticals, stair steppers and bikes at the gym so that is really nice to have your heart rate displayed on their screens. I like to be able to set target zones for my heart and it beeps once I've reached that. Helps me to know where I am and how hard I'm pushing myself. The color of the band is not my favorite pink shade and it's not as feminine of a shape as I would like (Nike makes one that looks better, but it doens't work w/ gym equip), but to me the look isn't what's important. It displays the calories burned, avg heart rate, max heart rate, and time of exercise and the end of your workout. Very handy for the workouts!
Heart Monitors are AWESOME
Review Date: November 10, 2006
Reviewer: Lori, WI
I love my heart monitor. The hardest part for me is remembering to put it on when I'm not working out at the gym since it's always in my gym bag. It is very easy to use, and I love the ability to chart your progress. It's also very comfortable, and once you put it on you forget that it's there. I have even been known to fall asleep with it on. I would definitely recommend this product to anyone that is wanting to get in better health. I finally know when I'm not working hard enough or if I'm working too hard.
The only thing that I'm not looking forward to is when I have to send the chest strap in to replace the battery...
Wonderful Investment
Review Date: April 2, 2007
Reviewer: M. Wadsworth, Boise, ID
I bought this because I'm pregnant and needed to keep an eye on my heart rate during kickboxing and other aerobic activities. It was very user friendly and the instructions took about 10 minutes to read and were very clear.
I have to say I was worried about it being really bulky but it's not bad at all. I wasn't too thrilled about having to wear a strap but needed constant HR monitoring and the band doesn't bug me at all I hardly even notice it is on.
I think it was worth every penny.
No video reviews found for this product.
*I Have a Geek Toy, I Have a Geek Toy*
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