Polar loop - reviews? To buy or not ?

brendanstallard

" I am not sure why you are saying you want an H7 to swim with because the Bluetooth signal will not transmit in the water. "

SJcon,

This is simply not correct.

I have worn ALL iterations of Polar chest belts from the start of Polar in the early 90's and have always worn them in the pool with the wrist monitors.

The H7 bluetooth transmits HRM data PERFECTLY to my S610i in the water. As reliably as _any_ previous model.

I wear the Loop on the other wrist, and the Loop does NOT receive HRM data consistently. I can't get a handle on why this is so, there's no logical reason why or why not.

However, your statement that the H7, as I read it-that it does not transmit in the water is just not correct. It works perfectly for a Polar S610i. More reliably than any previous belt iteration, in my experience.

If I've missed something, or erred in my understanding of your statement, please correct me.





brendan

SJCon

" I am not sure why you are saying you want an H7 to swim with because the Bluetooth signal will not transmit in the water. "

SJcon,

This is simply not correct.

I have worn ALL iterations of Polar chest belts from the start of Polar in the early 90's and have always worn them in the pool with the wrist monitors.

The H7 bluetooth transmits HRM data PERFECTLY to my S610i in the water. As reliably as _any_ previous model.

I wear the Loop on the other wrist, and the Loop does NOT receive HRM data consistently. I can't get a handle on why this is so, there's no logical reason why or why not.

However, your statement that the H7, as I read it-that it does not transmit in the water is just not correct. It works perfectly for a Polar S610i. More reliably than any previous belt iteration, in my experience.

If I've missed something, or erred in my understanding of your statement, please correct me.

brendan

Because the H7 transmits two different signals. One is "Gymlink' and analog and the other is Bluetooth, your wrist unit is designed to pick up the gymlink signal. The Bluetooth will not transmit in the water reliably which is what your Loop is designed to receive. If you look on the Polar forums you will see this stated by Polar them selves, and a lot of angry comments about how there advertising for the Loop was misleading to say the least.

SJCon

"It could have been the killer product, but i guess i will have to wait for a product that will do it all."

SPG71,

What do you suppose went wrong with the Loop?

I reckon Polar got too used to the churn for $500 devices they wanted to sell you every two years.

Fitbit got under the $100 mark and the competition left Polar having to put out a product before it was ready. Lawdy, the software surely is not.

Polar are getting their butts kicked in public-kinda sad, but deserved. The best of their products work really well, but some aspects of their customer service and software need radical overhaul and money spent.

If fitbit can marry HRM data into the little wristpiece or jewellery of the future-that's where it will be at.




brendan

Loop is not alone here, they released a Bluetooth foot pod as well that does not work correctly but it is due to a software issue, it will not hold a calibration change you set in. The other big negative in my book is that they combined the Flow (read Loop) visibility with their new visibility for their HR products which is called Beat. The Flow and beat do not share any information which should be a very simple web change but apparently not to Polar.The only way to get all of your activity into Loop and its visibility is to NOT use the training visibility and programs you are used to or to wear two chest straps and sensors. I am switching to Garmin with their new Vivofit. That will use Garmin Connect and Garmin is much better at web/app integration.

brendanstallard

" I am switching to Garmin with their new Vivofit."

SJ,

That looks _very_ interesting indeed. Especially that it is useable in the pool.

Not out till the end of March. I hope they get it right on launch.

What kind of record do Garmin have on products ready to go when in the shops?

This whole area is filled with half-cooked stuff.

I'll probably get one, but I'll be interested in your evaluation.




brendan

heybales

" I am switching to Garmin with their new Vivofit."

SJ,

That looks _very_ interesting indeed. Especially that it is useable in the pool.

Not out till the end of March. I hope they get it right on launch.

What kind of record do Garmin have on products ready to go when in the shops?

This whole area is filled with half-cooked stuff.

I'll probably get one, but I'll be interested in your evaluation.

brendan

Usually pretty good, unless they go for the kitchen sink method again, putting everything in except that. Then it seems like the feature you desire is the one waiting for an upgrade, which they do come.

But they've been much better about their website and improvements too.

http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2014/01/vivofit-activity-monitors.html

Nice full review.

Dobba69

Just for reference I have the same issue with Calorie burn on my Polar H6 strap and android Polar Beat.

I found that the problem is that the Vo2 max setting is on the base setting of 20 - this is someone who hasnt moved out of a bed for about 5 years, I had a Vo2 max test done and mine was 54 - I adjusted the Vo2 max setting in Polar Flow and the calorie burn on a gym session went from 602 cals to 1360 which was correct and matched the independant calculations and the results on the cardio equipment.

They dont tell you this on the App so I would guess lots of people are having problems (it took me a few hours to figure this out)

SJCon

" I am switching to Garmin with their new Vivofit."

SJ,

That looks _very_ interesting indeed. Especially that it is useable in the pool.

Not out till the end of March. I hope they get it right on launch.

What kind of record do Garmin have on products ready to go when in the shops?

This whole area is filled with half-cooked stuff.

I'll probably get one, but I'll be interested in your evaluation.




brendan

Haybales failed to mention that Garmin also uses the "Firstbeat Algorithm" which some consider more accurate for Burn estimations.

This is a good article on the subject also by DCrainmaker http://www.dcrainmaker.com/2010/11/how-calorie-measurement-works-on-garmin.html

Since that was published Garmin is now using Firstbeat in all of their new products I think.

knra_grl

I love my Loop, it does have the option to sync with the H6 or H7 chest strap also. I find it's motivating me to be more active. It does not link up to MFP though. No biggie to me but many prefer the fitbit because of that. Linking it to MFP is a non issue for me personally.

I would recommend this purchase.

brendanstallard

"I love my Loop,"

KNRA_GRL,

Happy you love your Loop, I do NOT love mine. At all.

" it does have the option to sync with the H6 or H7 chest strap also."

Not in the water, it don't.

I bought the Loop, along with an H7, SPECIFICALLY because Polar said it was waterproof and that it could be used successfully in the pool.

My experience, (and I'm a _very_ experienced Polar user.) is that it is quite simply hit and miss when it does pair with the H7 when in the water--and when it does, the results don't bear ANY comparison to the results obtained with the Polar HRM S610i worn on the other wrist.

The Loop, quite frankly is a bust, IMO and unless Polar get its act together and fix it quick, their reputation will suffer desperate loss. The miserable excuse for a design for the wrist strap must have been put together under the influence of Vodka, it is quite simply, abysmal.

I've now sent five emails to Polar customer support, NONE of which has received a reply.

I could put up with the minor irritations if it simply did what it was supposed to-pair with the H7 when told to, and record the HRM data correctly for synching. IT DOES NOT.

The H7, works as it should. Does exactly what it says on the tin. The Loop (as advertised,) is a piece of toot.

The Fitbit Force is a far more useful piece of kit, that works and does everything it says it should.

The Garmin Evofit looks intriguing, and if it works as advertised, will kill the Loop stone dead and be good competition for the Force.

If somehow, Fitbit add proper HRM data to a device that fits on the wrist securely...or even implant:) That would be a great step forward in this mess of a market.



brendan

VegasFit

I love my Loop, it does have the option to sync with the H6 or H7 chest strap also. I find it's motivating me to be more active. It does not link up to MFP though. No biggie to me but many prefer the fitbit because of that. Linking it to MFP is a non issue for me personally.

I would recommend this purchase.

I'm with you and I was the biggest Loop hater ever when it first came out. Lol. I was on the verge of sending it back. I've been wearing it now since it's release but the first two months I hated it and spent a lot of time complaining, along with everyone else, on ther Facebook page, etc. Now, I feel that it does what it's supposed to. It's definitely not perfect. I wish the website interface was more user friendly. There was an update this morning but I don't know what that entailed. My complaints areI wish it had a vibration alarm to alert me to no activity as I have a desk job and occasionally I will sync and will see that it only recorded a portion of my workout but some of my workouts are pretty crazy causing my sensor and strap to not lay flat.

I have a Garmin Forerunner that I love and wear for mostly hiking. I have a Polar HRM F11 that I wore for years but I don't use it anymore. I had a Bodybugg too which to me was perfect except for the visibility of it.

fyoung1111

I see that there is a LOT of experience on HRM' s here! Great! I am looking for an HRM, not too expensive, that will work with my samsung galaxy s3 and that I don't have to wear a wrist unit. Any suggestions?

You don't need a HRM, you can get an app on the device for that. You need a HR strap that reads the HR and sends the beats to the app for doing something with.

An "HR Strap" IS an HRM (heart rate monitor) and you will need one of those if you want your smartphone to "see" your heartbeat. I have use the Polar H7 and the 60 Beat I prefer the Polar because it is more comfortable and transmits not only on Bluetooth LE (aka Bluetooth Smart) which is what your phone needs but also transmits on another frequency called GymLink which most cardio equipment found in gyms will pick up and display.

spg71

I think Polar have been caught with there pants and it showing they are playing catch up and when Apple release there version of a tracker (its coming) it may as well kill off Polar in the USA at least.

But the likes of LG, Samsung and Sony getting in on the act this year its only a matter of time before POLAR pull out of the everyday market and stick to high end stuff.

(I will be buying something new but it wont be POLAR thats for sure)

fyoung1111

I'm genuinely curious *kitten*. What are you waiting for in terms if features or functionality that is not already available?

SJCon

I'm genuinely curious *kitten*. What are you waiting for in terms if features or functionality that is not already available?

Cannot say what he is waiting for but the products are really starting to make some big advances. Try searching for "Dash Ear-bud".

Not something you would wear all the time unless you are a teenager LOL but you can see the changes that are just a year away, things are moving fast but they all will need a savey Web/App interface and Polar is definitely out of that game.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hellobragi/the-dash-wireless-smart-in-ear-headphones

SephiraRose

so much info

brendanstallard

"LG, Samsung and Sony getting in on the act this year its only a matter of time before POLAR pull out of the everyday market and stick to high end stuff. "

AR*E,

I note AMZ have reduced the price of the Loop to $90 from this weekend.

A sure sign the customers don't think much of it.

brendan

brendanstallard

"What are you waiting for in terms if features or functionality that is not already available?"

Fyoung,

What I'd like is something that worked.

The Loop simply doesn't-not in any reliable way or form.

What I'd like is the Fitbit Force, with a proper watch strap-that connected to a chest belt, and WORKED!

AND I can swim with it.

I don't mind paying for it, a bit like Gore Tex, if you want water proof, not water resistant, there's a cost.




brendan

brendanstallard

"https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/hellobragi/the-dash-wireless-smart-in-ear-headphones"

SJ,

My my, people want them things.

$2,338,901
pledged of $260,000 goal

Wow.

Wonder how quick we'll lose 'em:)



brendan

sammniamii

I have had the LOOP since Dec 2013 - got it online for $79, then picked up the H7 band for $16 - so wasn't that bad on price.

As to as tracker, since I'm a Android user I have NO DAMN APP STILL, so I have to sync it with my laptop EVERYDAY. (Galaxy S3 w/ 4.3)

I do like it for the Heart Rate Monitor part, and it fits better than the Flex, plus has TIME on it, so it doubles as a watch.

But If I Had to do it again, I wouldn't for the main part of NO ANDROID APP. (But I'm a technophile and wear 3 trackers - ALL OF THEM DON'T HAVE ANDROID SYNC which in case you haven't noticed, is PISSING ME OFF.)

I will say that it's usually within 300 steps / 150 calories of my FitBit Flex and is about 2000 steps/ -400 calories from the BodyMedia Fit Link (not sure why so different bwt them).

I'm watching the Kickstarter for the FlyFit, which is a monitor that you wear on your ankle (as well as I'm gonna make me a ankle pouch to experiment w/ my FitBit Flex). BUT WARNING - it only supports 4.0 BLU (4.4 kitkat android) - which is a MAJOR turn off :sad: [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/522669502/flyfit-unique-ankle-tracker-for-fitness-cycling-an]

I saw the "in ear" bud things, but they want an ARM (299$) for a set. Maybe if the price goes down & they can prove they work well.

brendanstallard

"BUT WARNING - it only supports 4.0 BLU (4.4 kitkat android) - which is a MAJOR turn off :sad: "

Sam,

What is the problem with that? Exactly?

I'm asking in ignorance, I do not know. I'm aware Blue tooth is enough to drive you daft if you get the wrong sort.

Surely, if it were a major issue, they could fix that in a future iteration or hardware upgrade?

"[https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/522669502/flyfit-unique-ankle-tracker-for-fitness-cycling-an]"

I like that, I think it'll fit just about the ankle holster for my Heckler and Koch P7.

I might have a little punt on the flyfit. Bit worried about it falling out of it's case-all that bashing about and swimming, fings fall out in situations of that sort all the time, as I well know from assault courses. Still, it does look as if the data will be more accurate-interesting. Thanks for the tip.




brendan

fyoung1111

Brendanstalla,

Well, if that is all you want, you are in luck. The Garmin Vivofit started shipping this week and does all of the things you say you want. I hope to have mine by the weekend.

The Polar Loop, by the way, is actually a pretty nice piece of hardware. As hardware, once you understand it, it works very well. MY problem with it is 100% poor software on the web and on the iPhone though the app has been gradually improving. I'm also tired of waiting for MFP integration.

I am told that I can use Garmin Connect to feed Runkeeper which will, in turn, feed MFP. We shall see in a week or so.

I want all of the things you want + strapless heart rate monitoring. Unless Samsung has finally got that working, it looks like I'll be waiting a while. My Basis B1 is a bust.

Frank

brendanstallard

"Well, if that is all you want, you are in luck. The Garmin Vivofit started shipping this week and does all of the things you say you want. I hope to have mine by the weekend."

Frank,

Cool. Haven't heard a thing from Amazon yet, who are still quoting end of March, when initially was early March.

"The Polar Loop, by the way, is actually a pretty nice piece of hardware. As hardware, once you understand it, it works very well."

I've used polar since the early 90's. I find it an awful piece of hardware and I cannot make it work properly.

Even when I CAN get the Loop to pair with my H7, the data it recieves is hit and miss on the surface-abysmal in the water.

If there's something, ANYTHING you can tell me about how to make it work better and produce accurate data around the H7-I'd be in our debt.

"I want all of the things you want + strapless heart rate monitoring."

I suspect the strapless is going to be a while. Lots of promises, but clearly it's more difficult than we want it to be.

I don't mind the strap, I've always wondered why people dislike 'em so much. #mystified



brendan

brendanstallard

"The Garmin Vivofit started shipping this week"

Frank,

I just spoke to a couple of suppliers, and they say that the Vivofit is shipping this week, but the straps won't be ready till the end of March.


brendan

fyoung1111

Brendan,

I already have an Ant + HRM3 from Garmin that they gave me in exchange for a REALLY crappy HRM2 that came with my Forerunner 410. Talk about hard to pair! The new one works much better and I expect to use it with the Vivofit.

None of the activity trackers work well (or at all) in the water. Loop has two issues. Display goes on and off every time your wrist enters and leaves the water which wipes out the battery very fast. Second, Bluetooth LE signals don't pass through water and that is all the Loop can receive so your H7 is worthless in the pool even if it is waterproof unless you pair it with something that is capable of picking up it's GymLink transmissions which I am told will work in water. I'll be curious to see if the Vivofit Can talk to its Ant band in the water. I have read that you can solve the Loop battery drain problem in the pool by covering the button with tape or by putting some kind of elastic band over the whole thing. Seems kind of extreme. Not sure what it counts when you are swimming anyway.

As for pairing with the H7, the only problem I had with that is that my phone and the Loop would fight over the HRM signal. Sometimes the phone would get it first and the Loop would poach it. The only way I can KEEP my Loop from grabbing the H7 signal is to put it in Flight Mode. Once its paired it never drops unless I take it off. I think you may have a bad H7. Try pairing it with Runkeeper on your phone and see if it drops there. That should tell you whether it is the HRM or your Loop.

Frank

heybales

ANT can't make it through water either, have Garmin's 310XT, and prior, frequency is just too high.

I stop every 5 laps, chest out of pool, and 3 seconds to see current HR, and once it drops a beat, back to the lap.

brendanstallard

"As for pairing with the H7, the only problem I had with that is that my phone and the Loop would fight over the HRM signal."

Frank,

Ahah!

There's nowt wrong with the H7 by any measure I can use. It works perfectly by every measure I can think of. The thought that the recievers might be arguing over a signal is fascinating.

I've been wearing a Polar S610i on the other wrist to the Loop.

"Try pairing it with Runkeeper on your phone and see if it drops there. That should tell you whether it is the HRM or your Loop."

I really don't think it's the H7, but I will try and see how it does with Runkeeper and report.

Of late, getting the Loop to pair at all with the H7 has been impossible. It simply doesn't work.

Not good news on the ANT and the Vivofit in the water. I suspect I'll be using the S610i for a while yet.





brendan

fyoung1111

Brendan,

Here is another thought. When my Loop was less than 60 days old, it quit pairing with my H7. Just flat out quit all of a sudden. The next thing I discovered is that the Loop would not talk to my iPhone either. Clearly the Loop's Bluetooth capabilities were kaput. After a long and pointless telephone support session, Polar agreed to take the Loop back and fix it. They returned it to me a few weeks later in a box with no paperwork and no explanation but it worked again so I was happy.

Maybe your Loop's Bluetooth component died just like mine? Does it still sync with your phone?

Frank

SJCon

"The Garmin Vivofit started shipping this week"

Frank,

I just spoke to a couple of suppliers, and they say that the Vivofit is shipping this week, but the straps won't be ready till the end of March.


brendan

HRMUSA just billed mine so it must be shipping at least in black. Maybe it is the other colors that are not.

brendanstallard

"Maybe your Loop's Bluetooth component died just like mine? Does it still sync with your phone?"



Frank,

Iss like one of them awful electrical problems on a lucas equipped car, innit? LOL.

Now and again it'll pair with the Polar beat app on my Nexus 5, but it will not pair with the phone via the "settings," menu.

I'm going to have another little go at Polar and without any further messing, if it don't work, Amazon will get it back as a defective return.

I'm convinced it's not the H7, that works better than ANY chest belt I've ever had from Polar, on everything from the gym to the pool.

I appreciate all the help and suggestions, I really wish I could make the thing work, I really do. I've been a big Polar user in the past and I hate that they've made this *** that don't work like it should.

It isn't a matter of the money. I'd happily pay more for one that would work.



brendan

brendanstallard

"HRMUSA just billed mine so it must be shipping at least in black. Maybe it is the other colors that are not."

Frank,

Lucky you, I'm happy for you.

I just got a response to my question from Garmin Support. I quote.

(The Vivofit will pair with the heart rate monitor outside of the water. Unfortunately it will not be paired or transfer data while you are swimming. )

What's the difference between a Garmin Premium Chest Belt and a Standard Chest Belt? Do you have any idea?




brendan