polar vs. suunto?

[jmb]

Hey all,

We have a Model E with Suunto heart monitor and we also have a LifeFitness elliptical that is compatible with Polar heart monitors.

Here's my question: Is there a reason to prefer one over the other (Suunto vs. Polar)? I ask because I'm going to get a Polar to use on the elliptical and am wondering if that's just as good as the Suunto for the erg, or if I should keep the Suunto around for erging and use the Polar only on the elliptical.

Thanks!

[Citroen]

The way the PM4 records the data is the same whether you use a Polar with the HR interface receiver or the Suunto/Garmin 305 ANT belt.

The benefit from Suunto is when you have a Suunto Wristop computer (aka a watch) and can analyse the data in detail with their STraM software.

[jmb]

Thanks. For my purposes, it sounds like either one will work fine.

[igoeja]

If you can search the threads, you will come across discussions comparing Polar to Suunto. Not from personal experience, but from recollection, the choice is Polar. Suunto is supposedly cheaply made, and more people seem to be satisfied with Polar. For substantiation, try looking at reviews on Amazon.

[LJWagner]

I looked at a few inexpensive Polars two years ago, and was disappointed.

I decided on a Suunto T4 with the coach module. They are a bit battery sensitive, but I like it very much. Seems very solid, not cheap in any way.

I've sent it back twice for in warranty repair, and they took care of it promptly and returned it. Both times, my chest unit was replaced at no cost.

A few people complain that you need to look at the manual to learn all the button functions. Well, its got 5 buttons, and a lot of functions, so using the manual a bit seems reasonable. I find my Suunto very responsive as a heart monitor and have not thought about replacing it.

[zen cohen]

I looked at a few inexpensive Polars two years ago, and was disappointed.

I decided on a Suunto T4 with the coach module. They are a bit battery sensitive, but I like it very much. Seems very solid, not cheap in any way.

I've sent it back twice for in warranty repair, and they took care of it promptly and returned it. Both times, my chest unit was replaced at no cost.

A few people complain that you need to look at the manual to learn all the button functions. Well, its got 5 buttons, and a lot of functions, so using the manual a bit seems reasonable. I find my Suunto very responsive as a heart monitor and have not thought about replacing it.

I have a Suunto T3 and like it much more than any Polars I've used. My Suunto also goes through batteries quickly and I've had a couple freeze up on me regularly (returned them to REI), but the Suunto usually is much more responsive/quick to measure HR (the Polars I've used usually take several to 10 minutes). Also the interface is pretty good after you've managed to absorb it. Last the Polars are not visually appealing to me and I like the Suunto enough to wear it as a regular watch.

[dlsisk]

I've used Polar all my life, and I have noticed some quality issues in the last couple of years. My current Polar A6 "locks up" every couple of months and needs rebooting. Sometime the time freezes, sometimes the display flashes pure black to white and the watch emits a panicky squeal. (That's fun if you're running with friends!)