The new Polar RS800CX Training Management System- now with GPS route tracking and multisensor compatibility- is the most advanced and flexible training tool for the multisport market. The RS800CX is essential for multi-discipline and endurance athletes looking for an accurate way to measure, plan, monitor and analyze their training. In addition to speed and distance, the RS800CX records positioning information with the G3 GPS sensor(tm) and enables users to download route information into the included ProTrainer 5 Software(tm). Route information can also be easily exported to Google Earth mapping software. The sleek, lightweight RS800CX wrist unit is compatible with the range of Polar W.I.N.D. sensors, including the s3 Stride Sensor(tm) and CS Cadence and Speed Sensors(tm). The multisensor functionality allows users to combine different sport sessions into one training file for an enhanced training experience. Available Fall 2008.
product-large-8002231.jpg
Earlier one of the forum members posted the following text that complements and confirms the rumor (note that Polar did not announce this product yet, but the forum turned out to be quite accurate in the past when Polar was about to release the G1 GPS sensor for the S625X/S725X line):
The RS800CX will be compatible with the following accessories.
There are some upgraded features like automatic switching between known measurement devices, and compatibility with Google earth. It is unclear weather current RS800G3 users will be able to use this new map feature. The software will have several upgrades, like full workout files even when using different devices (triathlon/ mutlisport) and the mapping. I was also not able to find out if the Heart rate zones will auto swap between zones (HR zones associated with speed sensors). I use a CS600 w/ Power and an RS800sd and have no problems with merged files and My HR/ Power zones are always accurate to the sports I am doing, no mental calculations during the race. My other question is how the HR/ Zones woudl be notated in the graph if the unit did switch zones auto style. No answer as of yet.
The current RS800 users on the market will not be able to start using bike sensors. this is a new unit based on the orginal RS800 platform. Think S725 to S725x type change.
Most likely not available till octoberish.
So.. what do we think?
I have to admit I was hoping that Polar would come out with the definitive Tri watch.. but I am struggling to see it here..
- No power support. Huge omission from Polar? To be honest I don't like the Polar power device anyway..
- Still using WIND. This means no swim HR. I like the Suunto memory belt solution for this and would be nice to see Polar do the same. Also.. as the are sticking with WIND and not ANT+ they can't pick up the power reading from QUARQ etc.. this is a big shame.
- GPS unit still separate unit.. actually I am not minding this at all. if it means the battery lasts for ages (the GPS/watch will last for a whole ironman) then not a biggy. I run with an MP3 on my arm and don't nitice it really anyway.
I am in the market for a good solution in the next year as I am up for another Ironman next year.
The original plan I have is to get an EDGE 705 for the bike and use the forerunner 305 on the run.. but the polar does give me the option of the single unit for all without battery issues etc.
The good thing is that with the edge705 i am one step closer to a complete power/gps solution if i get a quarq later on.. and when combined with my forerunner 305 i have a complete solution apart from having a watertight single watch for the whole race (is that really a biggy?)
My end view is that Polar are too little too late.. it seems they have decided to try and get back their garmin converts by getting post event routing possible.. but with the ANT+ compatible power devices emerging now, they are not moving quick enough.. and the routing is just one of the things i love about my forerunner 305.
But will i consider it as a future purchase?.. dunno.
I was given a 305 at the start of the year and the failure of Polar to keep up with the market is something the OH and I have talked about a couple of times.
Now usually run with the 305 and use the Polar on the bike since I've got the power meter. But in looking at a new bike I'm looking at a different power option so it may be redundant. Sure there are things that annoy me about the 305 like battery life and inability to have cadence and GPS out running. But it does what I want (and a whole heap more)
Tend to feel Polar have rested on their laurels too long and failed to innovate so are now playing catch up to the other players in the market. Maybe its a small company that doesn't need huge sales to keep it going but has definitely gone from being the main playing in the market to playing catch up
Joined: 04 May 2007 Posts: 1172 Location: Nottingham
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 9:09 am Post subject:
Personally im more than happy with my garmin 305, OK it doesn’t have power capability(unless it engages with quarq??), but that’s not a problem to me at the moment. As for battery life I sorted that on IMCH this year…..got a portable battery with USB cable, and used the garmin charging cradle as a handlebar mount so it charged on the bike – used the 305 for 13hrs 11 mins (including on the swim!) and it had full battery at the end!!!! I cant fault it, and don’t think any of the new garmins offer its flexibility…..I don’t think the polar offers anything new, especially if it doesn’t track HR in the swim.
_________________ “I wouldn’t swap my family for anything – except mag wheels, mag wheels would be sweeeeet” Homer Simpson
2010:
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Etape Du Dales
Ryedale Rumble
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What a shame they haven't gone with ANT. I have ANT HR belts, bike cadence, foot pod, and PC USB transceiver and to go Polar would have to buy everything again. Nobody but Polar uses WIND, so no connectivity with Quarq, ibike, concept2, srm and everyone else who's jumped on the ANT bandwagon. No Polar for me I think.
_________________ --
Joined: 09 Oct 2005 Posts: 1549 Location: Hampshire
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 9:16 am Post subject:
Why does it not it not track HR in the swim? Have to admit I've not read all the details here but it would be a retrograde step as my 625 does swim hr no bother.
Also, I struggle to get my head around a GPS facility that doesn't tell you where you are going! I've little interest in downloading to Google/memory map et al where I've been but find uploading where I'm going so I don't get lost very handy.
Joined: 07 Jan 2004 Posts: 9018 Location: Harrow (Doonhamer in exile)
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 9:27 am Post subject:
Ben S wrote:
Why does it not it not track HR in the swim? Have to admit I've not read all the details here but it would be a retrograde step as my 625 does swim hr no bother.
It uses the 2.4GHz frequency to send hr data - this doesn't transmit well through water.
The s625x uses 5KHz which transmits through water much better.
_________________ A bear, however hard he tries, grows tubby without exercise. ~A.A. Milne
Joined: 13 May 2004 Posts: 4015 Location: Netherlands
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 10:31 am Post subject:
Ben S wrote:
Also, I struggle to get my head around a GPS facility that doesn't tell you where you are going! I've little interest in downloading to Google/memory map et al where I've been but find uploading where I'm going so I don't get lost very handy.
I am actually the exact opposite.
I have a Nokia N82 I can use for navigation, but like seeing the route i actually did post training/racing for either the memory of it, or to evaluate performance figures.. TBH it is more for a souvenir than anything
The more I think about it, the more likely I am to go down the EDGE 705 route..
No doubt at some stage my Ergomo will give up and then if reviews are favourable I really like the idea of the QUARQ
Phil D.. nice to hear that you did exactly what i would have done with the Forerunner for the Ironman.. For me if i can (and funds allow) I will probably end up with the EDGE705 also as there is enough difference between the EDGE and FORERUNNER models now that it isn't so silly owning both.
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Targets for 2010..
[1] sub 80kg (currently 89kg)
[2] sub 3hr marathon (currently 3:23)
I WILL DO IT!
I still really rate the S625X, although I now use the RS800 (footpod) for running, and was hoping that Polar would bring out a replacement for this unit which:
1) Retained the ability to work in water
2) Added the cadence functionality from the RS800
3) Improved upon the power sensor interface allowing display of average power.
4) Allowed seamless change from HR-bike sensors-run sensors. (bit of a faff at moment as ends up as three separate files after a bit of button pushing. Fine for IM, but not for a sprint or oly).
I'm more than happy with the new footpod and never worried about GPS as I know where I go running and it's just useless data to me.
I won't be rushing out to buy this and will stick with the 625x for swimming, RS800 for running and Powertap for biking (just record HR on RS800).
Not sure there will be much of a market for it given the limitations it has - very disappointing. A USP of working in water would have really appealed to the tri community which is surely the fastest growing market?
Joined: 04 May 2007 Posts: 1172 Location: Nottingham
Posted: Mon Aug 04, 2008 10:56 am Post subject:
milkywaye wrote:
Ben S wrote:
Also, I struggle to get my head around a GPS facility that doesn't tell you where you are going! I've little interest in downloading to Google/memory map et al where I've been but find uploading where I'm going so I don't get lost very handy.
I am actually the exact opposite.
I have a Nokia N82 I can use for navigation, but like seeing the route i actually did post training/racing for either the memory of it, or to evaluate performance figures.. TBH it is more for a souvenir than anything
The more I think about it, the more likely I am to go down the EDGE 705 route..
No doubt at some stage my Ergomo will give up and then if reviews are favourable I really like the idea of the QUARQ
Phil D.. nice to hear that you did exactly what i would have done with the Forerunner for the Ironman.. For me if i can (and funds allow) I will probably end up with the EDGE705 also as there is enough difference between the EDGE and FORERUNNER models now that it isn't so silly owning both.
Yes mate i know where you are coming from, and i was very tempted to get an edge for my bike leg on the IM, however several hundred quid for an edge, or 20 quid for the portable battery - no contest as far as i was concerned, especially as i didnt think the edge offered any advantage (besides the map gimmick, which doesnt sound like much cop anyway!). If/when my 305 conks out, i will almost certainly go with another Garmin of some variety - depends whats around at the time......and i would EMPLORE them to waterproof the device to a useable level, and up the frequency to something that will transmit HR data, or go down the Sunto recordable belt route!!!!!!! PLEEEEASE!
_________________ “I wouldn’t swap my family for anything – except mag wheels, mag wheels would be sweeeeet” Homer Simpson
2010:
Fred Whitton
Etape Du Dales
Ryedale Rumble
Vitruvian
I bought a RS800 and the GPS add-on too. I never use the GPS as the Polar device was always complaining about "device not found", and a lot of the time if the HRM isn't making a good contact - like when its a cold day and you haven't started sweating - then that doesn't work either. The "watch" part never stops beeping to let me know that something is not working
[and I have set it up properly]
To add to my catalog of complaints my CS600 Power has stopped working too, luckily it still tells me how slow I'm going
Good thing I'm into RPE [110% minimum ]and aren't bothered by what the gadgets tell me at the time, however it is useful to view the data afterwards to monitor physical improvement/decline objectively
_________________ Carpe Diem
Joined: 30 Apr 2007 Posts: 271 Location: London SW14
Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 10:00 am Post subject:
[quote="milkywaye"]
Ben S wrote:
The more I think about it, the more likely I am to go down the EDGE 705 route..
No doubt at some stage my Ergomo will give up and then if reviews are favourable I really like the idea of the QUARQ
Same here - Allegedly it'll work with Powertap after Saris release new firmware in the Autumn. If only it would interface to the Suunto T6C I think we'd be in bike instrumentation geek nirvana!
_________________ simon
Joined: 13 May 2004 Posts: 4015 Location: Netherlands
Posted: Wed Aug 13, 2008 10:56 am Post subject:
[quote="simon k"]
milkywaye wrote:
Ben S wrote:
The more I think about it, the more likely I am to go down the EDGE 705 route..
No doubt at some stage my Ergomo will give up and then if reviews are favourable I really like the idea of the QUARQ
Same here - Allegedly it'll work with Powertap after Saris release new firmware in the Autumn. If only it would interface to the Suunto T6C I think we'd be in bike instrumentation geek nirvana!
me too.. will be ordering an Edge 705 next month
_________________ Sponsored by IdB, Ozware, Karibombari
Targets for 2010..
[1] sub 80kg (currently 89kg)
[2] sub 3hr marathon (currently 3:23)
I WILL DO IT!
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]and aren't bothered by what the gadgets tell me at the time, however it is useful to view the data afterwards to monitor physical improvement/decline objectively
