Polar loop - reviews? To buy or not ?

missionskinnynow

Has anyone bought the polar loop yet ?
I ve been wanting to buy an HRM for the longest time, and I was confused between buying a Polar FT4 to track exercise calories vs Fitbit for tracking daily activity. Looks like the Polar loop is a combination of both?
Also does it comes with the chest strap or do I need to buy a separate one?
Any input will be appreciated!

Ronda73

Looks interesting. But a bit pricey for me since the strap doesn't come with it and it isn't compatible with the one I already have.

Evergrump

It looks as if it's shipping from polar.com now. I've been looking into it to use with my h7 chest strap with the iPhone. It would eliminate having to navigate the phone on your arm while running. Also, it can be used for swimming laps. It does not come with a strap. It's an additional 60-80 for the h6-h7. You can't place a price on your health! It's like buying a high end motorcycle and then a cheap helmet.

James0808

I was debating the same thing and ended up preordering it and got it last week..

Don't walk, run and buy one now.

It's $100 and I got the h7 for 59 on amazon.. So for 159 I got all this data and a heart rate sensor. whereas the fitbit force, jawbone up are between $129 and $149 .. This is a no brainer..

You'll thank me afterr!!

yustick

I got the Polar Loop on Friday because of the HRM function and the fact that it is waterproof. I have used a Fitbit Ultra, BodyMedia, and BodyBugg for daily 24/7 tracking and a Polar RCX5 HRM for workouts.

My biggest issue with the Fitbit Ultra is that it recorded a lot of activity while I drove. Although it could be overridden, I found doing this to be a burden. It also, didn't work well with spinning/cyling, kayaking...for these activities, my calorie burn was about what it is if I were sitting doing nothing. And it can't be worn swimming.

The BodyMedia and BodyBugg are similar. I've worn one or the other for a year and a half and I'm just plan tired of the armband. It isn't attractive and I'm starting to get occasional rashes from it. Although I believe it is superior to the Fitbit for calorie burn and activity tracking, it still doesn't work well with spinning/cycling and can't be worn swimming. I spin regularly and my typical calorie burn on BodyMedia is about 1/2 what my HRM shows.

So the Polar Loop is nice because, when I'm doing activities like spinning that can be an intense workout, but not really a lot of all body motion, I can wear the HR7 strap and my calorie burn will be based on my heart rate, not the motion sensor in the band. Then I have a more accurate daily calorie burn all in one neat place. And the Polar Loop & HR7 are waterproof. I'm loving this.

If you don't care about it being waterproof, I'd suggest you also consider a Basis. Although it is more expensive (around $199), reviews say it is worth it.

There are drawbacks to the Polar Loop and I'm hoping Polar will address them.

It will not sync with MFP
There isn't an Android App
You can't use the wrist band only to track an activity session. It will create a session whenever the HR7 is paired.
Overall, I believe the display of data on the BodyMedia and Fitbit websites is better.

For me, overall, this is still the best device on the market.

Good luck with your decision.

jasonheyd

I liked the idea of the Loop, but the more I read, the less enthused I become.

There's some info over on the Polar forums re: Loop and (the seemingly unlikely) integration with MFP, as well as some limitations of the HRM integration: http://forum.polar.fi/showthread.php?p=78421

Sadly, Polar's never really been known for integrating with anyone -- apart from what the various standards allow through import/export of HRM+GPS data -- so I'm not really holding my breath that they're going to suddenly "see the light" on this one.

I have the H7 HRM strap, and I'll continue to use it with non-Polar apps on my iPhone or Android, but Polar's apps and web-site, pretty bluntly, suck. No way I'm getting locked into using just Polar Flow, even if it were to attempt MFP-like functionality. Integration is a must for a general activity tracker like Fitbit or Loop.

VegasFit

I received mine a couple days ago and so far so good. I was a little nervous with some of the reviews and feedback on their Facebook page. I chose it because I like the idea of adding an HRM since I always wear my Garmin or my Polar F11 during workouts. I have also used the Bodybugg in the past and I really liked everything about it but wearing it on my arm obviously got old. And sometimes I would get a skin irritation from it. I also have an Android and I know the app is not coming to March of 2014 but that doesn't bother me. I have no problem just uploading to my PC. I even called their support this morning with a couple questions and was happy with that service. I've never really been good at tracking my food except when I used the Bodybugg but I've always loved fitness gadgets and I like the feedback they give me during working out. Do I wish my old band worked with the Loop, of course but it wasn't a deal breaker.

SJCon

I have had one since the second day of release and I think it is GOING to be a great tool. Others have talked about the Beta issues which are being cleared up.Some have mentioned the lack of integration and that is going to be a NEW FRONTIER for Polar, we will see how they do. Nobody has mentioned the best feature to me which is Age based goals for activity and not just X number of steps like most activity trackers. For the Loop your activity credit is based on intensity/heart rate, this means that a step of low intensity like walking from the couch to the fridge is not given the same credit as treadmill with the chest strap. I can have only 4000 steps but meet my activity goals. I also like the wrist location because it captures more of the elliptical as steps as well. Integration with Polar Beat app also gives you a way of entering a personal VO2 number which makes a big difference in how the calories are calculated.

I like the Activity perspective but still going to use my Bodymedia as the input to MFP

Canuname

I really like the idea of the loop, but after chatting with polar tech support about the loop I can't see buying one. It doesn't link to any outside websites or apps and they do not plan on doing so anytime in the future. It can be used while swimming but the HRM wont work while swimming. I have the fitbit flex which I love and just bought the force which is what the flex should have been from day one, but it has its flaws also. The biggest being it is not waterproof. Why they would make a upgrade to the flex and not include waterproof is beyond me. It has one button. Not sure why they weren't able to make it waterproof. I find myself all the time going to wash my hands or take a shower and almost getting it wet because of being used to wearing the flex all the time. There are actually a bunch of new activity monitors coming out soon that will be nicer than all of the previous ones available now. One in the works has a built in HRM right in the bracelet. I am really interested in that one. It is called the Amiigo. http://www.self.com/blogs/flash/2013/03/fitness-amiigo-tracker-records-activity-your-heart-rate.html

Flab2fitfi

I have the FT4 with the new style chest band - would that link in with the loop?

VegasFit

I have the FT4 with the new style chest band - would that link in with the loop?

It has to be blue tooth like the h6 or h7 I believe so if your chest strap is blue tooth should work.

SJCon

I have the FT4 with the new style chest band - would that link in with the loop?

I think "New Style" refers to the soft band versus the old hard plastic bands. Any Bluetooth band will work other than Polar,s but the sensor will have a Bluetooth symbol (pointy looped . The one that ships with the standard FT4 will not work. An H7 costs about $65.

The low energy chest strap will work with a lot of exercise apps as well.

trochanter

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2013/09/polar-loop-firstlook.html

yustick

Canuname - The Amiigo looks really cool. I think the HRM works when you swim with the Loop and HR7. I should swim soon and I will let you know for sure.

I have the Loop and posted previously about it in this forum. Right now, it really isn't working for me. It has potential, but every time I plug it into the website, it zeros out my activity for the day, then it won't download any additional activity for a day. So if I plug it at 2 PM. It downloads midnight to 2PM to the website, then 2PM to midnight is on the wristband until midnight, then gone forever. It kind of closes the day once you plug in. Polar says they are working on issues, but they aren't specific about what issues or when they will be fixed. It's actually been a frustrating experience. I'm trying to be patient to see if Polar works out the issues before I return it.

My husband isn't having the problems I'm having. He is using the Loop with his Iphone - Polar Beat and Polar Flow apps.

Harts52

I'm disappointed with the Loop.

I've had it for a week. The minute I took it out of the box, I had reservations. The band has to be custom fit by cutting off incremental sections. Let me tell you, I was never so nervous to use scissors in my life! For anyone reading this before snipping, my advice is to be very careful that you don't accidentally cut through the "tunnel" or it will be ruined. Luckily, when I did this, the band was still too big so I was able to trim off some more and recover from my mistake.

Another down side of the custom size - if I ever want to sell this, my audience will be limited to someone with a wrist my size or smaller :-(

Box instructions are poor. Online instructions aren't much better without downloading the manual.

Battery life is supposed to be 5 days. So far, mine is half that. I'm hoping that improves.

The biggest complaints from me are:

(1) It isn't recording activity correctly. For example, yesterday's summary implies that I removed it in my sleep for an hour or so on two different occasions and put it back on. It also says that I burned 1711 calories. That wouldn't be suspect if it wasn't for the fact that I injured my leg and am in a walking cast, so I'm barely mobile. On the few occasions that I tried to check step-count accuracy, it has been way off, usually under-counting by 30-50%.

(2) It is supposed to send an inactivity alert if I am not mobile for more than an hour. The inactivity is supposed to mean I'm sitting for more than an hour. According to the website, this occurred only once ( more like 5-8x) and I have yet to receive an alert, ever.

There are complaints from other users at the App Store and other places on the web about bugginess, so I am crossing my fingers that this is going to all be worked out in time. I purchased mine as a preorder from HRM USA. I spoke to them today and they said they will refund or replace within 30 days, regardless of the fact that the strap is customized, so at least that's reassuring. I'm opting to talk to Polar tech support first and I'll give it another couple weeks before I decide whether to keep it or return it. If it will do everything that it is supposed to, I think I'll be very happy with it but, for now, I can't recommend it.

Mokey41

I had one on order that hadn't shipped yet so I've cancelled it. I think I'll go back to my original choice of the Fitbit Force instead. Polar has been great at HRM's but it sounds like they need to put a bit more R & D into the Loop.

VegasFit

I'm with you. The first couple days were fine. But then I had the date problem. And now it won't recognize my internet connection. My BF pre ordered mine from the same website and I was going to give it another week for them to get the glitches fix and probably return. For as many Polar products as I've had I'm surprised they would release a product that wasn't ready. They are being responsive to complaints on their Facebook but unless I see some action soon it's going back!

I had no problem cutting it cause I'm so paranoid so I watched the video first! Lol. It said do not cut through tunnel but I do find it odd that none of the other activity trackers need to be cut. I had looked into the Amiigo too but what sold me on the the Loop was the chest strap capability.

As far as battery life I notice it drops about 10% each day.

I'm disappointed with the Loop.

I've had it for a week. The minute I took it out of the box, I had reservations. The band has to be custom fit by cutting off incremental sections. Let me tell you, I was never so nervous to use scissors in my life! For anyone reading this before snipping, my advice is to be very careful that you don't accidentally cut through the "tunnel" or it will be ruined. Luckily, when I did this, the band was still too big so I was able to trim off some more and recover from my mistake.

Another down side of the custom size - if I ever want to sell this, my audience will be limited to someone with a wrist my size or smaller :-(

Box instructions are poor. Online instructions aren't much better without downloading the manual.

Battery life is supposed to be 5 days. So far, mine is half that. I'm hoping that improves.

The biggest complaints from me are:

(1) It isn't recording activity correctly. For example, yesterday's summary implies that I removed it in my sleep for an hour or so on two different occasions and put it back on. It also says that I burned 1711 calories. That wouldn't be suspect if it wasn't for the fact that I injured my leg and am in a walking cast, so I'm barely mobile. On the few occasions that I tried to check step-count accuracy, it has been way off, usually under-counting by 30-50%.

(2) It is supposed to send an inactivity alert if I am not mobile for more than an hour. The inactivity is supposed to mean I'm sitting for more than an hour. According to the website, this occurred only once ( more like 5-8x) and I have yet to receive an alert, ever.

There are complaints from other users at the App Store and other places on the web about bugginess, so I am crossing my fingers that this is going to all be worked out in time. I purchased mine as a preorder from HRM USA. I spoke to them today and they said they will refund or replace within 30 days, regardless of the fact that the strap is customized, so at least that's reassuring. I'm opting to talk to Polar tech support first and I'll give it another couple weeks before I decide whether to keep it or return it. If it will do everything that it is supposed to, I think I'll be very happy with it but, for now, I can't recommend it.

ChrisPolar

Hi All,

Chris from Polar here. Some great discussion in here!

We value customer feedback very much, and proactively search for discussions like these to improve functionality of everything we offer.

Just wanted to touch on a few things mentioned in this thread.

1) We have experienced a minor bug in the webservice on release that a few of you mentioned. We identified the bug late last week and have a fix in the works (updated Flowsync) due out in the next 48 hours or so. We were very confident the service was ready, but something made it's way through the cracks. Sorry for the inconvenience! We will make up for it.

2) We realize that we have some opportunity to add some key functionality to the experience, which we're aggressively evaluating what makes sense for us. MFP integration has been top on the list of what people want.

The most important thing for us is that we can provide a useful device that goes beyond what you've seen so far. Between heart rate training, and real intensity based goals we feel we're doing that already - Don't forget, we have over 30 years of experience helping people use data to improve their health. That's something that clearly makes a big difference.

Feel free to let me know if you have any questions,

Chris

janessanessa

I have the Polar FT4, and I LOVE IT. I've had it for 15 months now, and it's performed flawlessly for me. I just had to replace the batteries after 15 months of usage. I don't need a lot of fancy capabilities, just need to be able to track calories accurately based on my height/weight/sex. I've had friends that have used FitBit and ended up switching to the Polar because it seems much more accurate.

**I realize my response is not in regards to the "Polar Loop" itself, but my opinion on the Polar brand in general, particularly the FT4 watch, I love mine!! I have no issues logging my calories in manually after I get the readings off my watch since I am already logged foot into MFP daily too**

icimani

The Polar Loop looks interesting and if it had come out a year ago I'd probably have one.

Right now, I use the Fitbit One t keep track of my daily activity level and the Polar FT4 to keep track of my heart rate during intentional cardio exercise. The Polar Loop doesn't look like it's compatible with the chest strap/transmitter of the FT4 so that would be an additional cost.

Some thoughts:
- It's a wristband that you wear 24/7 so it's very visible. Although it does look fairly cool, how long would I want to do that? I wear the Fitbit One on my bra strap so it's out of site.
- Stylish? Meh.
- I don't sync my Fitbit One with MFP and don't really see a need to. (Just my personal preference and what works for me.)
- Cost - What I have now is working for me, and this would be another $150 ($100 for the Loop and another $50 for the chest strap).

If I was just starting out and into gadgets like I am this would be a no-brainer. But for me, not right now. The combo of the Polar FT4 and the Fitbit One is working just fine (for now).

WalkingAlong

I don't buy Polar products anymore after sending my HRM in for a new battery. They kept it for a month, charged me $20 for a $3 battery, didn't change the strap battery despite it being almost dead and then shipped the HRM back to me in an envelope despite that I shipped it to them in a box.

George1567

Been a long time Polar user, bought my F55 in 2008 and it was bulletproof. Decided to upgrade a few years back, I got an FT80 and the wife got an FT60. Neither have held up at all, sent in for repairs, charged for "damage", and overall TERRIBLE customer service from Polar.

I don't know anything about the LOOP, but the Polar company that built an industry leading product of years past is no more.

janessanessa

I don't buy Polar products anymore after sending my HRM in for a new battery. They kept it for a month, charged me $20 for a $3 battery, didn't change the strap battery despite it being almost dead and then shipped the HRM back to me in an envelope despite that I shipped it to them in a box.

The batteries are able to be purchased at Walmart or Amazon.com, and easy to replace at home. I am sorry you had a bad experience with them. Sounds like they did take advantage of you by charging you that much for one battery, then taking so long to return it.

omma_to_3

I don't buy Polar products anymore after sending my HRM in for a new battery. They kept it for a month, charged me $20 for a $3 battery, didn't change the strap battery despite it being almost dead and then shipped the HRM back to me in an envelope despite that I shipped it to them in a box.

The batteries are able to be purchased at Walmart or Amazon.com, and easy to replace at home. I am sorry you had a bad experience with them. Sounds like they did take advantage of you by charging you that much for one battery, then taking so long to return it.

I just sent my H7 in under warranty as it stopped working. Despite me putting a new battery in it, they said the battery was bad. They replaced it and shipped it back to me. Works just fine now. And they covered it under warranty. They had it for all of 2 days. The costs listed was $13.95 for a battery and I think $6.95 for shipping. So yes it would have been $20 if it hadn't been covered under warranty. But I was pleased with my service. I had no issue with it being returned in a nicely padded envelope. A box is not required.

fyoung1111

I've had a Loop for about a week. I got it after being very happy with a Fitbit One because: (a) I kept losing the One and wanted to try a bracelet; and (b) wanted something that was waterproof; and (c) wanted something that was capable of pairing with a HRM.

So far, I am VERY disappointed with the Loop. The software/web platform suck big time. To enumerate all that does not work (on either the web or iPhone app) would make a list so long, it would put you in a coma. Suffice it to say that none of it works.

The hardware is interesting. It does appear to be waterproof and synchs up like magic with the H7 HRM (wish I could say the same for my iPhone).

I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my Fitbit Force and will gladly forgo the the extra benefits I sought to derive from the Loop in exchange for an activity monitor that actually provides the basic functionality I came to expect and enjoy from my Fitbit One.

VegasFit

I've had a Loop for about a week. I got it after being very happy with a Fitbit One because: (a) I kept losing the One and wanted to try a bracelet; and (b) wanted something that was waterproof; and (c) wanted something that was capable of pairing with a HRM.

So far, I am VERY disappointed with the Loop. The software/web platform suck big time. To enumerate all that does not work (on either the web or iPhone app) would make a list so long, it would put you in a coma. Suffice it to say that none of it works.

The hardware is interesting. It does appear to be waterproof and synchs up like magic with the H7 HRM (wish I could say the same for my iPhone).

I'm anxiously awaiting the arrival of my Fitbit Force and will gladly forgo the the extra benefits I sought to derive from the Loop in exchange for an activity monitor that actually provides the basic functionality I came to expect and enjoy from my Fitbit One.

Couldn't agree more! I contacted HRM USA today about returning it. It will be two weeks on Monday and it's worked properly one day and even then the website is horrible. I work out twice a week at six am and I see no breakdown. Add to that it's linked to the chest strap twice and that was no small feat getting that to happen.

As far as my previous Polar HRM when it was still under warranty and I was anal about voiding that I sent it in a couple times for battery replacement with no problems. But taking it to the my local watch store and letting them do it has been fine. I've had my F11 since 05 and honestly I am going back to using it.

I would advise anyone even thinking of buying the Loop just DON'T DO IT! It's a piece of crap!

goneridn

I got my Loop a few days after release. Arrived very quickly from Polar. Overall, I have been enjoying it. It is my first Tracker. I had already been using my H7 with my iPhone 5. I love the H7 and using it to workout. I found the loop worked well with H7, but doesn't work well as a need to look at type of HR monitor. It did do a great job working, but the feature iof say being in a certain HR zone was difficult with having to need to push button and check it. The iPhone app worked much better.

I think if they combined the features of The Beat app with the Flow app, then HR would be much better. Right now, I such up with iPhone beat app instead of the Loop. I like the zone feature of that app. The loop is just a basic graph. I have to do too much thinking to figure out what some I am in when using loop. But it works well, just not the way I get most function for the way I want it to work.

I have had a few issues with Loop turning off at night and needing to be resyched to turn back on. Will touch base with Polar tomorrow to resolve. Plus, it is only keeping a charge for a single day. I do swim with it on. It seems to run out of charge faster on those days.

It has done a fairly great job tracking sleep and patterns for me. didn't think id like that, but do.

I do wish you could set your own goals vs being told random ones. I like that it gives me a ballpark guess of what will get me activity goal, but I am in training mode for Tri's so I already know what I will do that day to be active.

Also, would like to be able to add what activity that I do when I do it. I can do that with H7 and Beat app.

All in all i know a new product. Trust it will get resolved and they can help me get it working right. Will try to keep up to date.

Manda_1986

I have been waiting for something like this to come out. I think I will wait a bit. See how other people find it.

aquababie

I've had my Loop for about two weeks now. I pre-ordered from Polar. So far it works for me. I'm coming from using the BodyMedia, which I did really like. I will miss the MFP automatic data dump, but I think I can live with that. I'm not having some of the issues people are mentioning like the syncing issues with the phone, missing inactivity alerts and data being wrong or short life. My main issue is that the Polar FlowSync software doesn't work on my MacBook. I have set it up a Windows computer, but it refuses to work on my Mac. In talking with the Polar reps, they did say they had issue with it working on Mac OS. I have an H7 and I really like being able to pair and see my results while working out at the gym or running.

VegasFit

I've had my Loop for about two weeks now. I pre-ordered from Polar. So far it works for me. I'm coming from using the BodyMedia, which I did really like. I will miss the MFP automatic data dump, but I think I can live with that. I'm not having some of the issues people are mentioning like the syncing issues with the phone, missing inactivity alerts and data being wrong or short life. My main issue is that the Polar FlowSync software doesn't work on my MacBook. I have set it up a Windows computer, but it refuses to work on my Mac. In talking with the Polar reps, they did say they had issue with it working on Mac OS. I have an H7 and I really like being able to pair and see my results while working out at the gym or running.

How are you pairing? I'm soaking the damn thing and nothing. My other straps just put on and didn't even wet first. I can't sync with my phone since there is no app. I really liked the Bodymedia interface. This one is horrible compared to that.

I just feel like if you are Polar if you release something the bugs should be worked out.

SJCon

How are you pairing? I'm soaking the damn thing and nothing. My other straps just put on and didn't even wet first. I can't sync with my phone since there is no app. I really liked the Bodymedia interface. This one is horrible compared to that.

I just feel like if you are Polar if you release something the bugs should be worked out.

There is an app for the loop but only for an apple OS. To pair the loop to the chest strap hold it up to the sensor when you are wearing it and hold the button down until the display goes off, it should be pared. Just push the button to cycle through the views and you should see a heart and a number representing the beat. To stop pairing take the sensor off. Note Bluetooth technology does not allow more than one device to connect at a time so if you have an app on your phone that is sensing the HR sensor it will not pair with the loop. This is a Bluetooth standard not a Polar glitch. If you want the Loop to receive the signal make sure any other app that usees the HR signal like Icardio or Beat is not paired.

There have recently been updates on the website and the app and most complaints have been addressed it seems, Mine is working fine and I like it a lot.