Polar Cycle Computer/Heart Rate Monitor - CS500 or CS600x

garysan

I'm struggling to find where these two models fit within Polar's product range and more to the point - which one to go for. They both seem to be at very similar money and have as far as I can tell, pretty identical features.

Has anyone experience of using both?

Many thanks, Gary.

Ands

garysan wrote:

I'm struggling to find where these two models fit within Polar's product range and more to the point - which one to go for. They both seem to be at very similar money and have as far as I can tell, pretty identical features.

Has anyone experience of using both?

Many thanks, Gary.

No experience of the 500 but it is quite a lot bigger than the 600, and is touch-screen. The 500 uses web-based software whereas the 600 uses ProTrainer5 which is local. Do you have a preference?

My other half bought a CS600x this year after using the S710 for over 8 years. His verdict on the 600x is that it is poor and a step backwards in many respects. He is on his 4th head unit since March - each one being being replaced because of bugs and an altimeter which is more of a randometer. Polar keep sending him out replacement units, telling him that past problems have been fixed - they haven't. His biggest gripes are that what you configure in the software doesn't match up with what you actually see displayed ( a common complaint if you read the Polar forums) and the altimeter, which is erratic and pretty much useless. He's been very disappointed with it.

garysan

Anyone else have any more comments on this ?

Thanks, Gary.

cougie

What do you want from your HRM and how serious are you about your training ?

garysan

Good question - I want a computer that tells me distance, speed, averages, fastest, cadence, all the usual stuff, etc but want the HRM simply to monitor how hard I'm working so I can adjust or cool off for periods accordingly. I've never had a HRM monitor before but believe that it's the next step.

As far as how serious I am about training - I want to be able to comfortably do 50 miles at a go and be able to nail my mates on climbs. I'm not interested in competitive/professional cycling other than watching it on the TV

I currently have a CatEye V2c which was until very recently, attached to my MTB. I did think about buying a V3 for the road bike but the more I think about it, I suspect the CatEye is a bit limited in what it does/you can use it for - it is a few years old now after all.

I also debated getting a Garmin (either 500 or the new 800) but read all sorts about bugs/glitches/updates and I like the idea of the DataLink system that Polar have with the CS500.

I also believe that Polar have been around for such a long time that their HRM's must be very well sorted and reliable.

danieljgreen

I use the CS500, however I haven’t use any other HR Product so my review will be worthless!

Only disadvantage for me is no GPS. Everything else works as expected.
I have once had an issue with interference on the HR (HR was over 250pbm!)

Read out on the display is great, bigger numbers (esp towards catseye) is so much better and I really like the ability for it to cycle through.
Don’t look at it while im in the bunch too often (generally watching the wheel infront). Use it more post ride to review.
It has cadence, but I think you know when to change gear? I don’t need to look for it to tell me my legs are going too fast/ slow!

Oh, Polar create “own Zone’s” for you, (you must put in weight, height, age and measure your resting pulse) from this it works out training zones. When you turn it on it creates your range for that ride (depending on many factors) it effectively learns you!!
If you starting heart rate is higher (your ill for instants) it will give you a lower range. When you move out of this “threshold range” (higher/ Lower. Climbing/ descending) it beeps its tits off at you!
Funny watching others looking if its them or you beeping. “oh someone is out of their zone!”