POLAR HRMs past/present owners

weston23

Hi there I was made aware of this wonderful device by my girl Koumbay. I acquired one immediately after I found out what they are and what they do. Well I have found it to be a good crutch and support to my weightloss, knowing it tells me my hr and calories dispensed. I like accuracy. As I told my husband, when your a big girl trying to get healthy and lose weight you want preciseness in numbers to make my logging as accurate as possible. And I love this concept for this. I want to know if anyone else has experienced the same issues I have been dealing with, with mine, in terms of it tracking my hr at a ridiculous rate of like 220, when I am just starting my workout, and sometimes it sticks, then after a few minutes it seems to normalize and display believable information. I find it frustrating when this doesn't work properly, I kind of get discouraged with my workout, if I can't track my hr and calories out.. I called them and they were super great about me sending it in and them trying to fix my complaint, but even with a new strap, I find that it still doesn't read properly, what should I do, not worry about those times, try a different brand, which I thought Polar is top of the line. Any suggestions here? I find it hard not to worry about it though, cause, when it tracks the hr at 180 it determines cals burned at that rate even though my hr isn't there. PLease help.
Model I have is FT4 !

slboling

First, I admit to not using mine nearly as much as I should. But, I have not had the same issues with mine. Hope that the support team can find an answer.

desiv2

I was going to buy a polar watch, but after looking at the reviews and seeing all the 'stopped working after two weeks/month/two months/three months' reviews, not to mention the fact that they only have a FIVE DAY WARRANTY--- I wont be buying one now.

nurselroy

I received the FT40 for my birthday in November and have not seen this issue. I love it thus far; my only issue was that I could not get the backing off of the transmitter to reach the battery. Though I didn't actually need to change the battery or anything, I was just kinda looking over everything after I received it and between me and my father, we just couldn't get the darn thing off. I ended up just leaving it alone...I'll just have to take it to a shop or something when the battery does die down.

Also, my warranty is for 2 years, not 5 days.

ladyark

I have the Polar ft4 and i love mine. Every now and then it will go to the 220 when im not even doing anything but i just turn it off and reset it and its fine. Otherwise i have no issues with mine at all. I would reccommend it even.

otrlynn

I have only been using my FT7 since Christmas, but I have not had a problem.. Do you follow the instructions to moisten the underside of the strap when you put it on?

SlimEsq

I had the same issues with mine. Not only would it read up to 220 but it would read in the 60's while I was at the peak of my workout. Sometimes it works fine but other times I get this behavior. I have no idea what causes it but I rarely use it now. I thought it was a great tool but only if it works! Now I just estimate conservatively what my burn is based on my experience with the monitor.

LK0321

Hmm I have the FT4 and have not had any problems at all, I have about 7 months now. I wash it religously every 5 workouts and wear it almost everyday. Mabey one of the other parts is faulty like the part that snaps onto strap or the watch unit. Sometimes they can get interference too. I think my model does not stop whats refered to as "cross talk".

aalpass

I had the same issues with mine. Not only would it read up to 220 but it would read in the 60's while I was at the peak of my workout. Sometimes it works fine but other times I get this behavior. I have no idea what causes it but I rarely use it now. I thought it was a great tool but only if it works! Now I just estimate conservatively what my burn is based on my experience with the monitor.

I was experiencing this too. I changed the battery (myself! - Too scared to check if its waterproof still woops!) and also make sure the band is thoroughly wet. Haven't had a problem since. The moisture seemed to be most key.

Jaytee79

I've had my Polar FT4 for over a year. The only time I had some problems with it was after I hadn't washed the strap for awhile and then when the battery needed changing. Washing the strap after each use makes a huge difference.

ShellBell4281

I've had my polar for 4 years? Maybe more? Never had an issue with it.

chubbygirl253

I have the polar ft4 and I luv it. No problems with it not working properly. And I have compared it to other things and think the numbers it gives me are accurate.

Mine came with a 1yr warranty from the store but I paid an additional $11 for an extra 2 yr warranty. Everything but the battery is covered so if it stops working properly you can bet I will be having it replaced faster than God gets the news. (I paid nearly $90 for the hrm including tax and extended warranty so I expect it to work.)

ceejay000

I haven't had any problems with my FT4. Don't know how you're using yours, but like others have said, I always wet the sensors before putting the strap on. I also wash the sensors with soap and water after every work out. Some people might find that excessive, but it works for me, and only takes maybe 1 minute.

My battery recently died, but I was still able to use it without the watch on the elliptical, and the machine picked up my heart rate from the HRM. I've had it for almost 2 years.

Mads1997

Ive had my ft7 for 2 years i have only just had a problem with mine in the last 6 months. The watch face numbers were fading and i could hardly read it, it was also saying check heartheart. As they have a full 2 year warranty i sent it back and they replaced the whole insides and also gave me a new style chest strap. It came back and has been working perfectly again. Last week the watchband broke i rang them, sent them a copy of my purchase receipt and they sentout a new watchband. I wouldnt hestitate buying another Polar with such fantastic customer service.

Healthydiner65

I have the F T 7 with no problems.Make sure you remove the transmitter and wash the strap after each use.Also wet the electrodes before you strap it on!

weston23

Thanks everybody for your input, I really appreciate it I will make sure it is quite wet(I do just generally quickly put it under the tap)and trying washing it after every 3-5 uses.
I really love this watch

Troll

Hi there I was made aware of this wonderful device by my girl Koumbay. I acquired one immediately after I found out what they are and what they do. Well I have found it to be a good crutch and support to my weightloss, knowing it tells me my hr and calories dispensed. I like accuracy. As I told my husband, when your a big girl trying to get healthy and lose weight you want preciseness in numbers to make my logging as accurate as possible. And I love this concept for this. I want to know if anyone else has experienced the same issues I have been dealing with, with mine, in terms of it tracking my hr at a ridiculous rate of like 220, when I am just starting my workout, and sometimes it sticks, then after a few minutes it seems to normalize and display believable information. I find it frustrating when this doesn't work properly, I kind of get discouraged with my workout, if I can't track my hr and calories out.. I called them and they were super great about me sending it in and them trying to fix my complaint, but even with a new strap, I find that it still doesn't read properly, what should I do, not worry about those times, try a different brand, which I thought Polar is top of the line. Any suggestions here? I find it hard not to worry about it though, cause, when it tracks the hr at 180 it determines cals burned at that rate even though my hr isn't there. PLease help.
Model I have is FT4 !

buy a new strap with the snap on thing included. mine got stuck and we replaced voth the strap and the wearlink transmitter-fixed the whole problem!

laceybrobie

I have had my polarFT7 and use it daily.. I have not had any issues with mine.. I can kinda now tell where my HR is without checking..
Sorry you are having issues.

I have heard that they dont work on some people with over 150 lbs to lose for some reason.. Not sure if that is your issue or not.. I only have about 91 to lose....

Troll

The customer service rep i spoke to said the strap you get with it has been boxed tpo close to the transmitter and wears it down. once its repkaced, make sure yoi store them seperately

cwolfman13

love my ft4 and no issues

thegeordielass

I have the same problem as you (but with an FT7) with it going to 220 or not picking up anything. Some days I can't work out how to fix it (I try adding more water - it's literally dripping when I'm done lol), some days just stopping and starting again helps. I rinse/wash after each workout and properly wash it once a week.
Overall though, I tend to find it's a hint it's time to tighten the strap or change the battery. Did both the other day when it was having an 'off' day and it's working perfectly now.

FrustratedYoYoer

I have the FT60 and mine has started doing this recently. However, I've had it 3 years and there has never been a problem so I think I probably just need to buy a replacement strap as they only last so long. The only time the readings used to go haywire was if I didn't wet the strap enough or it was a bit too loose. Next time you use it really soak the strap and also wet your skin.

rpmtnbkr

I've had the same issue over the years with the strap for my CS300. I've replaced the strap a few times as I've just flat wore them out, even with regular care. I'm hard on them I guess. When actively working it out's nothing for me to use it 2-3 hours a day every day (hours go up from riding).

I agree it's frustrating as all get out to look down and fiind that your HR is 220 or above or 0! Hard to stop and start in a middle of a ride or workout IMO. Even with soaking it and changing batteries I couldn't get it to performa reliably. Returning the whole setup isn't an option for me as I participate in a program at work that allows me to get points for cash from polar workouts. The last strap (about a year old) got so bad before Christmas I ordered a new one.

When researching for a new one I found that Polar has a new style out - the H1. It's basically the same but the electrodes are different than the regular model and are supposed to be much better than the cloth ones. Something worth checking into.

So far I've been real happy with the new H1's performance, ease of cleaning etc. I've been buying my watches and accessories from Heartratemonitors.com. Just about the best price around.

bf43285

I've had my FT4 for about 9 months and it started acting up the same way. I contacted Polar and they told me to wash the strap in the washing machine and change the battery in the transmitter. They reminded me to not store the transmitter on the strap because of corrosion with the metal and to wash the strap with water after use (I usually wash mine in the shower after a workout) and once a week in the washing machine. I did all this and it worked 3 times then started messing up again. They told me I have a 2 year warranty through the company and sent me info to send it in to be fixed. I really don't want to be without it but then again it's not much good not working. Contact customer support if the suggestions do not work.

aprilslusher

I have had my Polar FT4 close to 2yrs now. I haven't had any problems with it.