Polar CS600X Cycling Heart Rate Monitor with Power Sensor W.I.N.D. Review

Average Reviews:

(More customer reviews)The upside for the polar CS600x is it's affordability.You have to ask yourself what are your other options? You can spend a grand for the Cycleop's Powertap or 2 grand for the SRM.Once installed it is an excellent tool for monitoring your output.For the average income triathlete once it is installed correctly you will appreciate it. I use it on my training bike but couldNOT bear to place on my race bike (see below).

Downsides:Installation is time consuming but it is manageable -- check out the youtube video -- chain removal is probably inevitable and probably the best way to approach it.While on the ride I can't escape the feeling the power monitoring unit on the chain stay, speed sensor or batter will get knocked off.Lastly, if you, like me, extendedyour budget and spent a lot of money on a race bike mostly for promise of increase speed from improved weight and aerodynamics -- the Polar set up seems antithetical to all these principles.

I've used the Powertap my Race bike.

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Product Description:
Designed for demanding cyclists, the Polar CS600X cycling computer enables you to track the most important data from your training rides with wireless sensors. And by using the optional, compatible Polar G3 GPS sensor, you can take your training to its highest level by tracking and recording your routes. It also comes with the Polar Power Sensor W.I.N.D. wireless transmitter, which offers 2.4 GHz disturbance-free transmission and an aerodynamic design (another version of the CS600X excludes the W.I.N.D. transmitter).


The CS600X cycling heart rate monitor.

By using colorful, detailed graphs, the ProTrainer 5 software brings to life data such as heart rate, power, GPS routes, speed, distance, cadence, duration, elevation and cycling efficiency. When paired with the optional GPS sensor accessory, the CS600X enables you to record GPS mapping information, which is then viewed through Polar ProTrainer 5 software on Google Earth or any common GPS mapping software. GPS maps are color coded for heart rate zones, helping you see the relationship between performance, route and terrain--providing a powerful, visual window into cycling training. The CS600X also comes equipped with increased recording and memory capacity to facilitate more frequent data measurements of metrics such as power and heart rate.
The Polar Power Sensor W.I.N.D. contains different measuring features providing information on how the cyclist works with the bike and allowing you to control the intensity of exercise. The Polar Power Sensor W.I.N.D. gives all information in one device only, combining heart rate monitoring and power output measurement.
Together with the Polar CS600, the Power Output Sensor W.I.N.D. measures the actual, average and maximum power values. With the Power Output Sensor W.I.N.D., you can analyze the L/R balance (balance between left and right foot) and Pedaling Index (shows how evenly the power is distributed during one crankarm rotation). The Power Output Sensor W.I.N.D. also measures cycling speed, distance and cadence. You can easily download the data to the Polar ProTrainer 5 professional training software for further analysis.
Polar ProTrainer 5 software (for Windows), included with the CS600X, provides a completely customized, deeper understanding of your training. By using colorful, detailed graphs, the software brings to life data such as heart rate, power, GPS routes, speed, distance, cadence, duration, elevation and cycling efficiency. Whether it's planning detailed workouts, comparing results against goals, or looking at total workload to prevent over or under-training, ProTrainer 5 helps you train smarter. And coaches can create comprehensive training plans, share them via email, and then review results in the software to make sure their athlete is staying race day-ready.
Features include:

Polar W.I.N.D transmission technology (available separately): 2.4 GHz coded transmission for disturbance-free connections from wireless speed, cadence and power sensors and WearLink heart rate transmitter.
Polar OwnIndex Fitness Test calculates aerobic fitness (comparable to maximal oxygen uptake, VO2max) providing a reference to base training intensity and measure improvement.
Smooth and aerodynamic case design made from tough reinforced polycarbonates for maximum durability.
Target heart rate zones with visual and audible alarms
Cycling Efficiency Index: Improvement in cycling efficiency (your energy expenditure converted into the power that propels the bike forward) indicates improved economy of cycling performance.
Polar OwnCal: Shows your energy expenditure during one exercise session as well as your accumulated kilocalories during several exercise sessions. Because the OwnCal tracks both the energy expenditure during one exercise session and the accumulated kilocalories during a longer time e.g. one week, it helps in achieving both short term and long term goals.
Estimated Time of Arrival: Set the distance you are going to ride, and your cycling computer calculates the estimated time of arrival based on your cycling speed.
SpeedPointer: Points out the difference between average speed/pace and actual speed/pace on the display by up/down arrows.
Incline Measurement: Provides uphill or downhill steepness in percentages and grades calculated from altimeter data. Numerical information helps you to track your cycling effort accordingly.
Polar OwnOptimizer: Shows the status of training load to help you find the perfect balance between training and recovery.
Heart rate measurements: displayed as bpm, percentage of maximum heart rate, and percentage of heart rate reserve
Automatic lap recording (up to 99 laps) with exercise date
Exercise file info page with date and time
Semi-automatic backlighting
Water resistance to 10 meters (protects against rain and splashes)

About Polar
The first EKG accurate wireless heart rate monitor was invented by Polar back in 1977 as a training tool for the Finnish National Cross Country Ski Team. The concept of "intensity training" by heart rate swept the athletic world in the eighties. By the 1990s, individuals were looking to heart rate monitors not only for performance training needs, but also for achieving everyday fitness goals. Today, the same concept of heart rate training is being used by world-class athletes as well as everyday people trying to lose weight. Polar is the leading brand among consumers, coaches, and personal trainers worldwide and the company is committed to not only producing the best products, but also being the leading educator on the benefits of heart rate based exercise.

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