POLAR V650
£189.50
WE SAY...
ApromisingGPS that needs to iron out a few teething issues Once you've got past the connection issues, set-up is easy via computer or phone
WEIGHT 120g SIZE: 105mm x 62mm x 16mm SCREEN SIZE 43mmx58mm SCREEN TYPE 320 x 240 IN THE BOX Polar 0H1 optical heart-rate sensor (armband), bar mount, micro USB cable WATERPROOF IPX7 MEMORY 1400 hours BATTERY LIFE (CLAIMED) 10 hours
This unit is smart and robust, but the bulky bar mount isn’t and it doesn’t hold the unit particularly well, meaning a lot of vibration on rougher road surfaces, and the chunky rubber O-rings take some stretching before they’ll properly seat.
Getting connected became a chore itself with this tester trying a work laptop and two personal laptops to no avail. It would only play ball when connected to a laptop with no software beyond Mac OS. Looking through forums it seems the Polar software has issues with anti-virus software.
Once you’ve connected, set-up is easy via computer or phone, syncing with Strava is simple and you can transfer routes direct from Strava to the unit.
GPS pick up is good – between 39.6 seconds and 53.7 seconds over numerous rides. Where Polar really scores highly is with its multitude of training options with great metrics, such as recovery status and ride load. Sensor connection is simple with touch-screen presses to search and connect with anything Bluetooth. But beware: older ANT+ power meters and HRMs won’t work. If you have a sensor dropout midride it can’t reconnect and record a ride meaning you need to stop, save, reconnect and then start again.
Screen set-up is fully customisable. You can alter the profile between ride types and a wealth of customisation on data fields means you can get a truly bespoke feel to what you see.
The screen is bright and the touch works well with gloved hands. However, on a particularly wet ride, raindrops activated the screen and we watched the V650 go off on its own journey of discovery in menus and sub menus without our input.
The mapping is great, you download a 450km by 450km tile from OpenStreetMaps on the Polar website and upload to the unit. The ability to pinch-zoom is welcome, although this proved difficult with gloves.
There’s no turn-by-turn navigation, rather a downloaded GPX route shows up as a line on the map. Most of the time it isn’t an issue, but in built-up urban areas it gets a little confusing with multiple turns or junctions ahead. Battery life is a claimed 10 hours, and with a full suite of sensors connected and navigating we eeked out just shy of eight hours, which is pretty good, and by switching off the auto backlight and a few nonessential functions, the full 10 hours is achievable.