RS800CX Multi

bagus

Polar released the "RS800CX Multi" in the last few days (in the US).
It looks the business for multi-sport training.

Whats seperates it from previous version of the RS800 is that it works with mutiple sensors at the same time. Cadence, Speed, GPS etc...
It has some Google Earth function too.

It's retailing for 469USD online.
It's packaged 3 different ways: running, cycliing, multi.

Anyone know anything about it?
Would the US version work here (the GPS sensor)?

tunney

Of course the GPS system would work here? Why wouldn't it?

I don't like the new WIND sensors and will be steering well clear of new Polar kit.

bagus

Re the GPS question, I wondered if you had to install anything (like a SatNav would need the maps for Europe).

What's the issue with the WIND stuff?

tunney

Polar GPS is pure speed and distance nothing else as far as I know.

Polar used to be the gold standard for HRM interoperability. They have now moved to a proprietary format that does not work with other manufacturers equipment.

(i.e. can use a polar watch and an srm/powertap etc at the same time)

Bambaata

im was looking at getting the 625 tri package on wiggle but i think ill hold out a few months. would i be right in saying there might be a decrease in price seeing as there is a new model on the market or am i living in hope a little too much? i need one that will record bike and run stats

robinph

Have the 625 myself but only use it for the running. Very happy with it, but am tempted by the Garmin 405's now as my next gadget purchase. The Polar GPS units don't record your location though so you don't get a trail of where you've actually been which is why the Garmin one interests me now.

bagus

robinph wrote: »

The Polar GPS units don't record your location though so you don't get a trail of where you've actually been which is why the Garmin one interests me now.

That's not right...

"The RS800CX in conjunction with the Polar G3 GPS sensor captures location information for each session that you can later view in the software directly or in the GoogleEarth. The analysis in Google Earth is pretty nice as the path shows graphically not only the location but also color codes the HR zone you were in and shows the phase switches as well as the lap information. It is pretty interesting to review the workout in this way and see where you pushed harder and where you relaxed a bit."

I have ordered the RS800CX Multi. Should have it next week. Will review it after having it for a month or so.

Here are 2 URL's that give a decent review of the product:

http://runtotri.blogspot.com/2008/10/rs800cx-more-detailed-review-of.html

http://runtotri.blogspot.com/2008/10/rs800cx-more-detailed-review-of_16.html

Bambaata

as a matter of interest whereabouts have you ordered it from? I now have the funds for one of these pieces of kit so i must get onto it sooner rather than later.

bagus

http://www.heartratemonitorsusa.com/

bagus

Well I've had the watch for a few months now so enough time has passed to appreciate it's pros and cons.

I have the RS800CX, the G3 GPS sensor, the S3 foorpod, and the HR sensor.

The HR seson comes with the watch so I won't say much about it. It's accurate, light on batteries, and you don't notice it when it's on.

The G3 GPS sensor is a nice-to-have, but if I'm to be honest it's not necessary. It gives a nice map of your run , colour coded for HR etc...

The S3 footpod is really great. I can't get over how accurate it is, and I didn't even calibrate it. After 40 minutes on a threadmill it was reading the same distance! It also provides cadence, which keeps your session interesting and really highlights when your slacking.

I'm training way more now as the more data you collect the more you get out of it. If you're thinking of getting a HRM go for it for that reason alone. If you can strech the budget the RS800CX is a gem.

I've never used any other HRM products, so I can't compare.