Garmin or Polar ???

[Darryl]

We are needing to replace a Polar CS600 and looking at similar Polar CS600X or price comparable Garmin Edge 500.

Its not for myself but as the main sponsor  I want good value for $ spent and something that will be a useful training aid for a few years hopefully.

Some stuff I already (think I) know;

• Polar only works on windows / doesn't work on Macs - not a concern to me anyway
• Polar does not have a useful power meter option - Garmin will support other proven power units
• Polar does not have a useful power meter option - Garmin will support other proven power units
• Polar sensors don't have replaceable batteries - flat battery equals new sensor @ $70+
• Garmin has nice GPS mapping features - but are these anything more than nice to have?

Looking for honest opinions based on your experience with both brands please - or other recommendations you may have. Thanks

[Chelsea]

Darryl I would go Garmin any day over polar now. I've had a garmin over a year now so user friendly and they work, my old polar only lasted a year or so and it started playing up I've now had my Garmin for way over a year and it's working perfect all the time . I got my Garmin second hand so it's about 3 years old and still going strong.

I would go Garmin but see what every one else says

[timmmmm]

Darryl,

You took the words right out of my mouth... I was thinking of asking Santa for something similar so I'll be watching this thread with keen interest.
I use Runkeeper on my iPhone, but to access the advanced features, you need to subscribe to the "runkeeper elite" which costs money...

Bring on the opinions..

Timmmmm

[wannie]

I moved from a Polar CS600 to a Garmin Edge 500 about 18 months ago, after the Polar went into meltdown mode after a couple of heinously wet rides. The Garmin is a far superior tool - and toy. The flexibility to change the view to display the metrics you want to see is a great feature. I set up one screen for regular riding, another for interval efforts and another for climbing efforts.
The training feature is quite nice too - see yourself a course or ride a course and then use that to pace yourself over the same course.

Garmin is definitely the superior product in my opinion!

[Stuart]

I think I see where this thread is going Darryl.

I have been a user of Polar products for the whole time I have been riding competitively (15+ with failed retirements  ). I currently have the Polar RS800CX PTE wrist watch with compatible sensors on my roadie and TT which talk to the wrist unit. It works but...

A couple of the quibles I have had are:
Occasionally the senors stop talking to the main unit and need to be retrained (rare but annoying if you are switching between wheels and bikes). There is no GPS function unless you buy a separate unit ($300ish) which either straps to your arm or goes in a pocket. Only benefit I can see is if you are doing triathlons and are transitioning from swim to bike to run... And yes the Polar products are not Mac compatible which is a frustration for me as my business has now switched to Mac's. The Polar can be configured for up to 3 bikes (and 3 pairs of shoes!) but you only get one set of sensors in the box. The cost of the speed and cadence combo is around $100. I believe Garmin give you 2 mounting kits.

I got my unit by redeeming Qantas Frequent Flyer Points so I did not have to purchase it. The cost of the Polar is around $700 but I would purchase the Garmin 500 "hands down"! Oh and I have never heard anybody complain about their Garmin!

Thought you would like the opinion of the Polar user...

Cheers Stu

[csfive]

I'm a recent convert to Garmin. Love it.

[cookie]

I've been using a Garmin 705 for a couple of years in the mud, rain and whatever.. You cant go wrong with one.

As far as mapping, I dont use it very often, howver, it is very handy to have when you are in a new area or you want to explore. If you can justify the extra $$ go for it. The maps are not hard to come by..

Another bonus is you can add a powermeter with the ant+ protocol.
I have heard some negative comments on the 500+800 new style mounts, probably less of an issue on the roady.
Have a look at this review of the 800 http://www.cyclingtipsblog.com/2011/11/garmin-edge-800-gps-review/

cheers

[Scott_B]

I have had a Garmin Edge 800 for about 3-4 months now.

Have had no issues at all, very happy with it.

[PeZulu]

I'm a recent convert to Garmin. Love it.

Ditto.

[Big Al]

I Santaized myself on the weekend and surprisied myself with a 800 edge.
Purchased it very sneakily about 9.15 Saturday morning and surprised myself about 9.45. I opened it with baited breath, "THANKS" A F@%^ING COMPUTER. I then spent the next ? hours trying to set it up.
I have ironed out the easy stuff.

My take on the whole thing, if your under, say 30, know how to program a blue ray or tivo, go for it. Buy a new bike computer, if not, I hope you have heaps of patience or a young child or friend.

[Darryl]

Thanks Al, clearly you were not on the naughty list this year then

I'm glad you got a surprise. Anyways as I have child it should be OK. BTW what's a a blue ray or tivo?

[Big Al]

I have both I think???


Only because they told me to get it.

[Big Al]

Back on topic,

I had Polar before.

I think the Garmin by a smidge.

[Chelsea]

Think we can say Garmin wins hands down !!!!

[cookie]

Just wanted to add that all the GPS / mapping features are available on any decent phone these days, and would be far more use friendly!

Garmin Edge 500 could be the best bang for your $