Polar RS100 Heart Rate Monitor and Stopwatch

Suggested Retail Price: $119.95

Rating: 9/10

Top Features

• Provides heart rate statistics for laps
• Personalized target heart rate zone indicator (Polar OwnZone)
• Personalized calorie burn counter (Polar OwnCal)
• Block signals from other monitors (Polar OwnCode)

Product Specs

• Displays heart rate, average heart rate, and exercise time
• Full clock and full stopwatch function with day of the week and date indicator
• 1 year average battery life
• Water resistant to 165 feet (50 meters)
• 2 year limited warranty

Disadvantages

• No computer software support
• Less features than other Polar running heart rate monitors

Review

With the appearance and dual function of a stopwatch, this heart rate monitor is considered the entry level Polar running monitor, meaning that the RS100 has fewer features than the other models designed specifically for runners.  Even though it's not fully loaded, most casual to moderately intense runners will still find that there are enough features to meet their needs, and non-runners can enjoy this model as well.

As opposed to the Polar general fitness heart rate monitors, the RS100 offers some functions with just runners in mind, such as lap statistics and comprehensive stopwatch function.  It will keep track of both your average heart rate and maximum heart rate for every lap you run for up to 99 laps.  Also, the stopwatch feature is simple to use, and although not everyone uses it, many people find it to be a great addition.  Additionally, if you are running to lose weight, the Polar OwnCal feature will be helpful.  The OwnCal feature calculates how many calories you burn based on your overall physical state by entering some basic information about yourself into the heart rate monitor.

Besides the special running features, the RS100 has many other functions you would expect in a heart rate monitor.  The Polar OwnZone technology will establish your maximum heart rate, as well as your target heart rate zone, by using the same information used by the OwnCal function.  Another nice feature is the Polar OwnCode, which makes sure your heart rate monitor is not interfered with by other nearby monitors.  This is especially useful if you are running in a group.

While this is a very good heart rate monitor, it still is lacking in some areas.  If you want a heart rate monitor than you can connect to your computer to track statistics, you will need a different one because the RS100 doesn't use this feature.  It also doesn't have any really advanced features, whether for running or just general use.  If you want a heart rate monitor that tracks things like distance, speed, and pace, you'll have to buy a different and more expensive model.  However, the RS100 is certainly a good monitor for most runners, or even for those who are just thinking of starting a running program.