Polar H10 Heart Rate Sensor M-XXL - Black

I am a severe Diabetic who needs workouts to help manage my blood sugar because the meds were not doing it themselves. It has been working very well. I have been working with a trainer and a dietitian and at first, I wanted to lose a little weight, which I did. But when I got down to 170 my dietitian told me not to lose anymore, but I was looking to continue the workouts to keep the Diabetes in check and gain back some good lean muscle mass. The H10 Showed me what my Garmin watch and My Fitness Pal App(They were linked) were missing. My watch was reporting my heartbeats per minute and calorie burn during workouts. My Fitness Pal was subtracting those calories from my logged food on their App and telling me how much I needed to eat to gain or lose weight(at this ... MoreI am a severe Diabetic who needs workouts to help manage my blood sugar because the meds were not doing it themselves. It has been working very well. I have been working with a trainer and a dietitian and at first, I wanted to lose a little weight, which I did. But when I got down to 170 my dietitian told me not to lose anymore, but I was looking to continue the workouts to keep the Diabetes in check and gain back some good lean muscle mass. The H10 Showed me what my Garmin watch and My Fitness Pal App(They were linked) were missing. My watch was reporting my heartbeats per minute and calorie burn during workouts. My Fitness Pal was subtracting those calories from my logged food on their App and telling me how much I needed to eat to gain or lose weight(at this point I wanted to gain). When I got the Polar H10, I found out that the HB count was decent on the Garmin (within about 10% of the H10, usually on the low side) during my bike rides, but off drastically during my lifts (often by 50 BPM or more). Further, the calorie burns were not even close. I work out for 2 hours 4 times per week on weights, then do a 40-minute bike ride at 25 MPH (usually about 17.5 miles). The Garmin would routinely report 400-500 calories burned for the weight lifting, and 400 for the bike ride, unfortunately when the Garmin reported those results to My Fitness Pal, MFP would change the reported speed on the bike ride from 25 MPH to "leisurely less than 10 MPH." And although the Garmin would report 400 calories, My Fitness Pal would change that to 194. I contacted MFP about this and they told me not to change it because on their App there is no difference between a 40-minute ride at less than 10 MPH and a 40-minute ride at over 25, which, of course, anyone who has spent five minutes on a bike knows is nuts. Once I got the Polar H10 I found out my calorie burn for the weight lifting was actually 1165-1185 KCal, and for the bike it was 465-470 which made the Garmin watch report about half of the actual expended calories, and My Fitness Pal was reporting less than half. Resulting in an unwanted 13-pound weight loss(Down to 157) in just over 30 days because I was basing my calorie intake on their calorie expenditure numbers. Don't do that if you are trying to gain. I was so disgusted with Garmin that I deleted my account with them, put my 5-month-old Garmin VivoActive 3 in the drawer and bought a Polar Vantage M. My Fitness Pal is a great food log and is awesome at helping you manage Macros, but it is not a good tool for exercise adjustments, as a matter of fact, it is detrimental. Bad information is worse than no information. Do yourself a favor, use the Polar H10 for Calorie expenditure and Heart Rate, use MFP for logging what you eat, but manually subtract your calorie expenditure from your calories consumed (don't let MFP do it) or you'll be way off. And use the Garmin for Golf or as a GPS device for walks or a paperweight, but that's about all it is good for.

This chest strap provides a medically accurate heart rate reading per second. The H10 is unique because it can record up to 30 hours of heart rate data by itself without needing to be always connected to a device. The battery life is 400 hours, so it lasts several months. If you decide to have you phone with you, the app displays your heart rate and can even announce when you are hitting target heart rate zones. This helped me ease into cardio and identify when I was warming up too quickly or pushing myself too hard. Prior to this I struggled to do cardio consistently because I was always so uncomfortable and unnecessarily straining myself. Now I have no issues with cardio for the first time in my life.

"Custom" built, and it works great.

I went with the Polar H10 center piece only, along with a separate XXXL strap... "custom built", so to speak. I went that route because I have a 60 inch chest and wanted to make sure I was not spending money on a strap in the regular H10 pack that I didn't need (they don't have XXXL option). I must say, the XXXL strap can probably go as far as 80 inches, but I'm not sure. I have a lot of room to expand or tighten. The H10 works flawlessly. I've been using it for about three weeks, and it runs without a hitch. I wet and put on the strap, attach the H10, and start the Polar app on my phone. The phone picks it up quickly. Even the gym equipment picks up the heart-rate without ever being paired. You can probably use it without a phone on equipment like that, but I'm not ... MoreI went with the Polar H10 center piece only, along with a separate XXXL strap... "custom built", so to speak. I went that route because I have a 60 inch chest and wanted to make sure I was not spending money on a strap in the regular H10 pack that I didn't need (they don't have XXXL option). I must say, the XXXL strap can probably go as far as 80 inches, but I'm not sure. I have a lot of room to expand or tighten. The H10 works flawlessly. I've been using it for about three weeks, and it runs without a hitch. I wet and put on the strap, attach the H10, and start the Polar app on my phone. The phone picks it up quickly. Even the gym equipment picks up the heart-rate without ever being paired. You can probably use it without a phone on equipment like that, but I'm not sure. I followed all the instructions on preparing, pairing, after-use, and haven't had a problem. It's a product I don't anticipate having issues with... time will tell. Also, I'm happy with making this purchase from Heart Rate Monitors USA. Shipping was quick and went without issues... they didn't wait around to ship it to me. Everything came as advertised.

Color Me Happy

I recently bought a Sunny stepper (thinking I could get away with going low-end). The "computer" on the machine would have been impressive 30 years ago. One of the features is a pulse-sensor pad, something that makes a huge amount of sense for a geezer like me. Except, the pulse sensor is ridiculously inaccurate. Since I've reentered the world of aerobics (it's been a decade; the guy I was following for bodywork routines said weight work was sufficient. My last physical put the lie to that story), I decided I need to track heart rate more carefully than I ever did in my youth or middle-age. After looking around, I decided to go with this puppy. It's somewhat overpriced, but I had a big credit from CapitalOneShopping, and figured, why not? I almost love the device ... MoreI recently bought a Sunny stepper (thinking I could get away with going low-end). The "computer" on the machine would have been impressive 30 years ago. One of the features is a pulse-sensor pad, something that makes a huge amount of sense for a geezer like me. Except, the pulse sensor is ridiculously inaccurate. Since I've reentered the world of aerobics (it's been a decade; the guy I was following for bodywork routines said weight work was sufficient. My last physical put the lie to that story), I decided I need to track heart rate more carefully than I ever did in my youth or middle-age. After looking around, I decided to go with this puppy. It's somewhat overpriced, but I had a big credit from CapitalOneShopping, and figured, why not? I almost love the device and the app that comes with it. Almost. I mean, the device itself is fine. I'm guessing swapping out the battery will not be as trivial as they suggest, but that's really a nit. And the app is probably a 7 or 8. But the main thing, the device works and works well. A definite buy.

Excellent.. and more

Ok, a couple notes. First, I'm pushing 65. Pushing it pretty hard. And I'm a bit of a tech-na-phobe. So when I opened the box and saw very minuscule directions (as in very minuscule) I made sure to not damage the box so I could return it. But once I acquired the ap it really was as simple as the directions said it would be. Within seconds, I had the thing up and running.Secondly, I didn't get this for monitoring exercise. I had been diagnosed with a fairly benign form of tachycardia (rapid, racing heart) called SVT. But the doctor's holter monitor only picked up short stints of it. I knew that the condition would occasionally last for hours...but the doc dismissed this. I could tell he didn't really believe me. Well, this sensor totally shows the pulse rate and ... MoreOk, a couple notes. First, I'm pushing 65. Pushing it pretty hard. And I'm a bit of a tech-na-phobe. So when I opened the box and saw very minuscule directions (as in very minuscule) I made sure to not damage the box so I could return it. But once I acquired the ap it really was as simple as the directions said it would be. Within seconds, I had the thing up and running.Secondly, I didn't get this for monitoring exercise. I had been diagnosed with a fairly benign form of tachycardia (rapid, racing heart) called SVT. But the doctor's holter monitor only picked up short stints of it. I knew that the condition would occasionally last for hours...but the doc dismissed this. I could tell he didn't really believe me. Well, this sensor totally shows the pulse rate and duration of episodes. There's a place to add notes so that I can describe the sensations felt etc.Bottom line, this puppy has been a game changer for me and monitoring/sharing what is going on with the heart rate.

HR Data & Connection accurate, Sizing is terrible!

I bought this last week, the box is marked size M-XXL. Perfect, I thought... turns out what Polar considers XXL only goes up to 36 inches in strap circumference. I have a 45 inch chest. I attempted to wear it a couple times, thinking it would stretch to fit, but it was uncomfortable and even painful at times, it even seemed to be messing up my rowing form. I don't understand why Polar thinks 36 inches is XXL sizing. They further make the problem worse by offering a "XXXL" strap that you can buy separately, but you can not actually buy this large strap with the unit itself, so they really try to gig you on that. I emailed Polar to make sure this is accurate and am waiting to hear back.As far as connection and accuracy, it paired to my iPhone flawlessly. I ran ... MoreI bought this last week, the box is marked size M-XXL. Perfect, I thought... turns out what Polar considers XXL only goes up to 36 inches in strap circumference. I have a 45 inch chest. I attempted to wear it a couple times, thinking it would stretch to fit, but it was uncomfortable and even painful at times, it even seemed to be messing up my rowing form. I don't understand why Polar thinks 36 inches is XXL sizing. They further make the problem worse by offering a "XXXL" strap that you can buy separately, but you can not actually buy this large strap with the unit itself, so they really try to gig you on that. I emailed Polar to make sure this is accurate and am waiting to hear back.As far as connection and accuracy, it paired to my iPhone flawlessly. I ran through a few tests on the Polar App. Everything checked out. Then I paired it to my Concept2 RowErg. Again, flawless instant connection (over Ant+ with C2). HR data correlate perfectly with ramps in workout, with no lagging like optical sensors are prone too.Shame I had to return it due to the size. I was really interested in using it for some of the finer calculation such as HRV. A much greater shame that they don't sell the "large" strap with a sensor unit. Polar is not being very inclusive on their sizing. I'm not sure what American man the default size is supposed to fit. 36 inches is not exactly a big chest in my opinion for anyone that rows or lifts. I assume Polar is only keeping distance runners and cyclists in mind when designing their sizes. I guess this is why all the other guys at the boat house are wearing the Garmin straps, they just can't get this around their chests!

It's Acceptable for my needs

I got the Polar H10 to have more accurate measure of Heart Rate and Calories burned compared to my Fitbit Inspire. Second reason was to be able to see HR when running since my Fitibit is very hard to read due to small fonts and my older eyes.From my experience so far for the Polar H10:Avg HR is 2-5 bpm lower than FitbitMax HR is 2-5 bpm higher than FitbitCals are 26-30 lower than FitbitPolar is definitely easier to read than the Fitbit InspirePROSEasier to read HR and Cals so helps me stay under the HR Max for my ageAppears to be more accurate cals logIf use with another wearable product acts as validationCONSM / XXL Size runs small (chest size is 48)It is a product I will wear only when training so cals/HR accuracy is limited to these moments so still ... MoreI got the Polar H10 to have more accurate measure of Heart Rate and Calories burned compared to my Fitbit Inspire. Second reason was to be able to see HR when running since my Fitibit is very hard to read due to small fonts and my older eyes.From my experience so far for the Polar H10:Avg HR is 2-5 bpm lower than FitbitMax HR is 2-5 bpm higher than FitbitCals are 26-30 lower than FitbitPolar is definitely easier to read than the Fitbit InspirePROSEasier to read HR and Cals so helps me stay under the HR Max for my ageAppears to be more accurate cals logIf use with another wearable product acts as validationCONSM / XXL Size runs small (chest size is 48)It is a product I will wear only when training so cals/HR accuracy is limited to these moments so still need other wearable to track HR + Cals for all other timesSo is it worth it? Depends on your needs.For my daily use, I want the smallest wearable for one wrist so I can wear my nice chronograph my wife gave me on the other wrist. For my training use, I will use the Polar H10 only when training so i can read my metrics while training to avoid going over max HR.If you have one of the bigger screen fit trackers, then maybe this Polar H10 is not needed assuming its measurements are similar. If you are younger with good eyesight, then probably don't need this.Assess your needs and decide what is best solution.

Meh...

The Polar H10 worked well in the beginning - connected to my Garmin Edge 830 easily and showed what I would consider accurate readings. Fast-forward several months and now, the H10 appears to lose it's Bluetooth connection while on a ride, generally after a couple of hours pedaling. I then have to move the unit around a bit, while pedaling, for it to "find" itself again. So it hangs - and I know this because the HR displayed on the Garmin 830 will show the same rate for over a minute, sometimes longer. Also, there are times when the HR fluctuates a bit more than I would believe.So, while it's an okay HRM, I'm on the fence regarding it after owning the H10 for several months. YMMV...Of course, I also had the Garmin HRM and that was kind of a bust, too.

Nope

Be aware. In order to conserve battery, you should remove the unit from the strap or undo one side. Otherwise, it will run your batteries down in no time. Eventually it will connect with but not give valid data to your wahoo trainer (potential other trainers) though inexplicably it will work just fine with the app on your phone. The level of support you will get form the company will likewise be terrible. Not a great story. This is not brain surgery or rocket science. It is not reliable kit and I am done with this company and their products. Next up, tickr. I am an experienced director of technology and this is not user error. Lousy product. Lated and operated well for under 1 year.

Polar H10

I've used heart rate training for many years and now am teaching the next generation of racers about it. Most all of our team ride with their phones so the chest strap along with Polar Beat is the least expensive way to get heart rate. The H10 is a solid performer. Although, it seems that the battery life is not as good as chest straps I have had in the past. Maybe all modern chest straps use more battery and need to be changed more often. Also, it seems that the strap/phone combo works better when the phone is in a pack or bag and not up against my back in a jersey pocket. All in all, I'm extremely happy with the H10.