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TFS Review: Polar RS800sd (Polar/adidas Project Fusion)

Posted May 18th, 2007 at 1:48 PM by Paul Petersen

Section: Gear & Apparel, Gadgets & Acces., Product Reviews, Special Features, TFS Reviews

Product: Polar RS800sd Running Computer
Prices: $469.95 (watch + HR monitor + speed sensor), $50-$70 (adiStar Fusion top), $120 (adiStar Fusion shoe)
Rating: Very Good 7.6/10.0
Pros: Very intuitive, easy-to-use watch interface. High amount of functionality and features. Very reliable, accurate heart rate monitor. Low-profile, easy-to-use speed sensor. Comes with Polar ProTrainer software. Can be used with or without Adidas adiStar products (versatile).
Cons: Very expensive. Stride sensor yields inaccurate values when your stride changes. Different calibrations needed for different types of running.
Overall: This is an expensive, high-end personal training system. In general, you get what you pay for. I loved how easy the watch was to use, especially considering its vast array of features. The heart rate monitor was superb, and reported very reliable values. The only weakness of the system involves the Stride Sensor. Although it is accurate and reliable when running at the speed it was calibrated at, it becomes less and less accurate as you increase or decrease your speed (which changes your stride), up to 10 seconds/mile. For many, this relatively small “drift” is either not applicable (if you generally run the same speed every day) or unimportant (if you are not concerned with 10 seconds/mile). But runners who regularly vary their stride through speed work, or are concerned about obtaining their precise pace, may want to look instead at other GPS units.

Fusion-Adidas-polarGarmin, Suunto, Timex, Adeo, Polar… and the list goes on and one. In today’s saturated market of fitness toys there is a plethora of gadgets available that can measure running stats such as pace, distance, heart rate, and more. The gadget companies respond by releasing increasingly innovative products that offer features of increasing quality and quantity.

The Polar RS800sd (speed+distance) may have just trumped them all. Using a foot pod to measure speed and distance, and an ECG-accurate transmitter to measure heart rate, the RS800sd running computer offers enough features, analyses, and bells-and-whistles to make your head spin. I recently had the pleasure of taking this unit for a “spin”.

Out of the box, the RS800sd comes with:

  1. RS800 running computer (watch/display unit)
  2. WearLink W.I.N.D. heart rate transmitter, with connector and strap
  3. S3 stride sensor (foot pod-like device)
  4. CD-ROM containing the user manual and the Polar ProTrainer 5 analysis software

Design - 9 - Design of the overall package is excellent. Four aspects give the RS800sd high marks.

  1. Features and functionality of the watch.
  2. User-friendly watch interface
  3. Low-profile, low-weight design
  4. Versatile HR and speed sensor components for use both with and without the Adidas adiStar apparel.

The RS800sd is chalk-full of features. Virtually all potential running stats can be recorded and reviewed. Various incarnations of pace, distance, and heart rate are considered standard for speed-distance sensors these days, and the RS800sd records and displays these elements. But this unit goes above and beyond just speed and distance. Some of the more unique, high-end features that really impressed me were:

  • Stride length
  • Cadence
  • Altimeter (which calculates total elevation gain)
  • Shoe odometer (supports multiple pairs of shoes)
  • Keylock (prevents accidental button presses)
  • Autolap
  • Custom programs/workouts
  • Polar fitness test
  • Display zoom
  • Large file storage in watch (100 hours/99 files of data)
  • Daily, weekly, and total workout summaries (embedded training log)
  • Compatibility (interfacing) with Polar Precision Performance or Polar Pro Trainer 5 software for further analysis (IR Interface is sold separately)

I could go on for quite some time, but listing the full set of features goes beyond the scope of this review. The quantity and depth of features is truly amazing, and I encourage people to browse through the online manual to see the complete list and descriptions.

project_fusion_adidas_polar_WIND_heart_rate_MONITORHowever, having a boatload of features is essentially useless if a normal person can’t figure out how to operate the watch. Fortunately, the RS800sd is incredibly intuitive to use. Without reading a single instruction, and without getting lost, I was able to seamlessly navigate the rich array of watch menus. Every button option is clearly marked, and Polar makes it virtually impossible to get confused. I was impressed with this. Many fitness devices become increasingly hard to use with increasing functionality, but the RS800sd seems as clear to use as the less technical Timex Ironman watches I used ten years ago. Polar has set the bar high with the RS800 interface.

The size and weight of all the components is also excellent, particularly the stride sensor. The S3 Stride Sensor is about 1 inch wide, 1.5 inches long, and about a quarter-inch in height. Weight is minimal: just over 1 ounce. When wearing on the top of the shoe (using the shoelace fork), or within the shoe (using the cavity in the sole of the Adidas adiStar), its presence is nearly imperceptible. Other people I ran with rarely noticed I was wearing anything, and constantly wondered how I seemed to know my pace, distance, and stride cadence. The watch itself is a nice size, big enough to display your stats efficiently, but small enough so that it does not stick out like a sore thumb. You can wear the RS800 as a day-to-day watch, as it is quite sharp-looking. The only aspect I disliked was the band, which feels cheap and breakable (in fact, the band of one demo model did break on me).

I loved the design of the heart rate transmitter. Rather than being a standard chest band like those made by its peers, the WearLink transmitter “snaps” on and off, so that you actually “button” it together instead of slipping it on. Once it is snapped on, it is very comfortable, more so than the assortment of other chest straps I’ve used over the years. It quickly became my favorite HR monitor due to its comfort.

adistar control shoesThe final aspect of design to mention is the RS800’s integration with the Adidas adiStar shoes and apparel. The S3 Stride sensor fits into a cavity underneath the shoe’s insert (right or left shoe, take your pick). Using the adiStar cavity ensures correct, consistent placement of the Stride Sensor every time you use it, which not only makes it less obtrusive, but more accurate than using the shoelace fork.

The WearLink chest HR transmitter also integrates with adiStar shirts by snapping off of the chest strap and snapping onto the outside of the shirt itself. This is an easy procedure. The shirt is designed to transmit heart rate through its soft, built-in sensors, and connects to the RS800sd via the WearLink transmitter. This frees the wearer from straps and increases comfort. It’s an original idea.

Personally, I don’t wear Adidas shoes (I’m very loyal to another brand), and I don’t mind wearing a chest strap under my shirt, so the adiStar option was not for me. But I liked the fact that I was given the option. The RS800sd works with or without the adiStar apparel perfectly fine. It becomes a choice based on comfort and personal preference.

Effectiveness - 7.5 - Due to its good design and ease-of-use, the RS800sd already has a head-start in terms of its effectiveness. After all, any gadget that combines extreme functionality with a user-friendly interface will not only be enjoyable to use, but will also encourage the user to explore its deep array of options. I enjoyed navigating the RS800s during runs; switching up the display stats for different parts of my workout provided the effective communication of the stats I needed at the given moment.

polar_project_fusionThe heart rate monitor worked quite well. I dampened the transmitter with tap water before putting it on, and it usually gave me reliable heart rate data from the start. Occasionally it would take a few miles of running (and sweating) before the HR monitor would kick in with reliable data, but once it locked in, it would go without a hiccup. It was definitely a step above other monitors I’ve used, such as the Timex Bodylink and older Polar units, but nothing earth-shattering either.

The stride sensor was easy to put on my shoe, and it was detected by the watch almost instantly. The watch never lost connection with the sensor during my two months of use either, something I couldn’t say for my Suunto foot pod. The stride sensor has a replaceable CR2430 battery, and no on-off button (passive unit). This definitely made it easy to operate. The battery itself is rated for 50 hours of use. I put nearly 35 hours and 265 miles on it with no signs of battery failure. This lower battery consumption is a definite “plus”.

The stride sensor needs to be calibrated to a known distance, similar to other foot pod devices. Once it is calibrated, it is rated to be accurate within +/- 3%. I found that it was very accurate while running at speeds similar to the speed I calibrated it at. During normal runs, the RS800sd would report distances that agreed perfectly with my known mile markers on favorite courses.

polar rs800However, the RS800sd falters when running at speeds different than the speed of its calibration. Several times while doing speed work on a track, I noticed that my reported pace was off by up to 10 seconds/mile of my actual pace. I made a similar observation while running on a treadmill. At 7:00-6:15/mile, the RS800sd was exactly correct compared to the treadmill’s speed. By 6:00/mile, the RS800sd was 3 seconds/mile slow. By 5:45/mile, it was 5-6 seconds/mile slow. By 5:30/mile, it was up to 10 seconds/mile slow.

The explanation for this is that the RS800sd is accurate when used with the stride characteristics (and pace) it was calibrated at. As you increase your pace, your stride changes (increased stride length, increased turnover, weight shifts more to the toes), and the calibration is no longer valid. If the RS800sd is to be valid at these faster training paces (LT, V02Max, anaerobic), it needs to be calibrated at these faster paces…but then it would not measure slower paces as accurately. It all makes sense, but points out a basic flaw to foot pods in general: they are based on your stride, and your stride is not the same on all runs. GPS units have their shortcomings as well, such as losing satellites, but at least they operate independently of your pace. I found myself wishing I had a Timex Bodylink or Garmin 305 instead of the RS800sd during some of my speed sessions. All the stats and functions in the world don’t mean much if the unit is not recording them accurately.

Perhaps I am being a bit harsh. After all, the stride sensor was very accurate for my normal-paced aerobic workouts. And to many people, an error of 5-10 seconds/mile is perfectly fine. But for others (including myself), 5-10 seconds/mile is a big deal, especially for speed work. During tempo runs or interval sessions, 5-10 seconds/mile can separate MP from LT, or V02Max from anaerobic repetitions. It can make or break a workout. Bad information can put you in the “tank” from working too hard, or cause lost potential from not running hard enough. Perhaps I should not demand such perfection, but in any case, this is where the RS800sd loses points in my book

Value - 5 - You tend to get what you pay for, and with the RS800sd you pay a bundle…and you do get a lot! There’s no question that its design, features, and performance (other than the stride sensor), are nearly unparalleled. But the following question remains: Is it a good deal??

My opinion is “no“, there are better values to be found in this saturated market of training tools. They may not all have as much functionality as the RS800sd, but they will still take you pretty far on much less money. The RS800sd alone lists at $470. With the optional adiStar shirt and shoes, you’re looking at nearly $700 for the entire setup. This hefty price will turn off many runners. Add in the limitations of the stride sensor, and most people will be scrambling for the Garmin 305 or Timex Bodylink, which can be purchased for almost half the price (and they offer more accurate speed+distance measurements).

However, the RS800sd will appeal to runners who love stats. It will give you almost any running-related number you can think of, and the free Pro Trainer software that it comes bundled with can expand your training log analysis. (However, the IR Interface required to transfer data from the watch to your computer is sold separately). If you like to analyze all aspects of your workouts, have the money to spend (or a birthday coming), and consider my calibration issues of the stride sensor to be petty, then the Polar RS800sd is for you. It will not disappoint.

Editor’s note - The overall rating was calculated by weighing Effectiveness as 70%, Design as 20% and Value as 10%.

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9 Responses to “TFS Review: Polar RS800sd (Polar/adidas Project Fusion)”
  1. The Final Sprint: “TFS Review: Polar RS800sd (Polar/adidas Project Fusion)” at Of Marathons and Maps said:

    […] Read the full review at The Final Sprint! […]

    May 18th, 2007 at 12:40 pm
  2. JUAN IGNACIO ARRIETA said:

    I AM GOING TO CHICAGO IN TWO WEEKS. THE EXACT DAY IS 08 OF JUNE AND I WANT THIS WATCH.
    DO YOU KNOW WHERE CAN I BUY IT?
    REGARDS,

    JIAB

    May 22nd, 2007 at 6:40 pm
  3. Adam Jacobs said:

    Hi Jiab,

    Have a great trip to Chicago. It is a beautiful city.

    You can buy the Polar watch from their online store at: http://www.shoppolar.com/

    Thanks,
    Adam

    May 22nd, 2007 at 9:11 pm
  4. Robert Corcoran said:

    Thanks for a great, incisive review. Your mentioning of some of the high-tech features was important as others could be duped into stumping up extra cash just for something which might not be of much overall use.

    May 25th, 2007 at 10:10 am
  5. JUAN IGNACIO ARRIETA said:

    Thanks for your coments Jacob.
    But in Chicago, were could I shop the watch?
    Than you again,

    JIAB

    May 29th, 2007 at 12:20 pm
  6. Adam Jacobs said:

    Hi Jiab,

    I would try any Dick’s Sporting Goods and/or Fleet Feet running store.

    Thanks again and good luck,
    Adam

    May 29th, 2007 at 7:22 pm
  7. Rob Dowdeswell said:

    I am surprised there is no mention of the instruction manual. Firstly, for the price I paid, I would expect to receive a printed manual. The electronic manual is absolutely atrocious. Most irritating is to read about functionality that I can’t find in the programme. In my opinion, this is a grossly overpriced item that probably appeals more to the gadget junkies than real athletes

    July 25th, 2007 at 4:08 pm
  8. Mike said:

    Paul,
    Just ran across your review, thanks! One point to look into. Your observation of the pace errors seemed to be based more on the treadmill data (easier to compare)…and that’s predictable. The unit measures the accelerations in your stride, and the treadmill belt “pulls” your foot back at impact, inducing an error. I haven’t seen the errors you are reporting on the track except in sprints, and I’m not looking at pace there anyway. Plus, I donn’t train at pace…I train at HR. So there’s no risk that I might accidentally run at MP instead LT, or V02Max. I run at the target HR and accept whatever pace I get. Besides, up or down hills will greatly alter the flat HR/Pace ratios. Why the big bucks? One feature trumps them all…cadence and stride length data. No other unit does that for now, and except for HR, refining these will have the biggest payoff in your training. The techniques that emphasize higher cadence (~170-180) and shorter strides are catching on like wildfire, and this gadget gives you the feedback you need to know that you are getting with the program. It’s VERY hard to alter your stride, and this makes it possible.

    Thanks again for the reivew, hope this helps

    MP

    December 9th, 2007 at 11:18 am
  9. TFS Review: Garmin Forerunner 50 | The Final Sprint (TFS) | The Internet’s Premier Running, Fitness, and Nutrition Publication said:

    […] Section: Gear & Apparel, Gadgets & Acces., Product Reviews, TFS Reviews Product: Garmin Forerunner 50 Prices: $200 (watch + HR monitor + food pod + USB ANT stick), $90-$100 (for other combinations without food pod OR without HR monitor) Rating: Good 7.4/10.0 Pros: Easy-to-use watch interface. Less expensive than most of its competitors. Can purchase components “piecemeal”. Reliable HR monitor. Fairly accurate foot pod. PC upload with USB ANT Stick is VERY fast and easy. Work with free desktop software (Garmin Training Center) and/or free online community (Garmin Connect). Cons: Fewer features than its competitors. Watch displays only two measurements at a time. Can find Garmin 305 units for comparable price. Overall: Compared to its peers (Suunto Running Pack, Polar RS800sd), the Garmin Forerunner 50 is a less expensive, relatively “no-frills” fitness device. The fact that it has fewer features than its competitors makes it a bit easier to use and also less expensive. All-around performance was solid. […]

    January 4th, 2008 at 4:24 pm
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