Strengths and weaknesses
The HRM features of the S625X set it apart from other speed, distance,
and heart rate devices. Nothing comes close to the comfort of the WearLink
transmitter. With calibration, the Polar S625X measures speed and distance
accurately and responds quickly to changes in pace. The technology also
allows you to use it while running under dense trees, amongst tall buildings,
and on a treadmill. GPS units fall down here.
You do need to calibrate it, however, and be careful about where you locate
the foot pod on your shoe if you want accurate speed and distance measurements.
If you use multiple shoes, this can be cumbersome.
The display, while bigger than traditional HRM displays, is small compared
to the Garmin Forerunner's display and is consequently less flexible. The back
light is weak and doesn't really help you see the monitor in the dark while
running. Polar's reliance on infrared transmissions for communications between
the S625X and your PC is also troublesome.
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Summary
Whether you choose a accelerometer based device like the Polar S625X or a GPS
unit like the Garmin Forerunner depends on who you are and where you run. If
you run in heavily wooded areas, in major cities next to tall buildings, or
want to use a speed and distance monitor on a treadmill, then you should go
with an accelerometer based device like the Polar S625X. Among accelerometer
based devices, the Polar S625X is certainly hard to beat.
If you don't like the idea of calibrating the S625X, if you wear a different
pair of shoes for each day of the week, or if you can't stand the thought of
adding 74 grams to the weight of your shoe, then go with a GPS based unit
like the Garmin Forerunner.
It is important to mention that all Speed an Distance monitors are tools, and
they are imperfect tools. Don't get too caught up in their imperfection and
don't let them drive the way you train. Use them so that you can stick to a
predefined pace or effort during a long run, but don't race against them. Use
them to help you run intervals on the road instead on the track, but don't spend
your entire run looking at your wrist.
Most important, take some time each week
and leave the computer at home. Run with your heart and your heart will tell you
how well you are running.
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