Polar A3 Heart Rate Monitor Watch

by POLAR

$89.95
buy from amazon.com
Average Rating: * * * half star -
Sales Rank:59580 (lower is better)
Shipping:Free Shipping on most orders over $25*
Availability:
Label:POLAR
UPC:725882027500
Binding:Sports
Published By:POLAR
ASIN:B00005MEOA
Category:Sports

Polar A3 Heart Rate Monitor Watch Features

  • Wireless ECG gives accurate heart rate measurement from chest to wrist
  • Wrist receiver water resistant to 20 meters
  • Large, easily read LCD
  • Zone Pointer visually indicates where you are within your target zone
  • Also displays your heart rate limits (which can be set manually), fitness bullets, exercise time, date, time, and average heart rate of total workout

Editorial Reviews and Product Descriptions

Product Description

The Polar A3 Heart Rate Monitor helps you focus on the only truly accurate measurement of whether or not your training is working the way you want it to. The amount of time you train, the ache in your lungs, the soreness in your muscles, the calories you burn: all part of the process and the big picture. But the heart rate is the true gauge of how you're doing, and that's where the Polar A3 comes in. Slim receiver design Changeable wrist strap Watch crystal recessed to prevent scratches Even reminds you if you don't exercise! Color - Blue
Amazon.com Product Description

Offering a step up in features from the F1, the Polar A3 heart rate monitor offers manual and automatic heart rate limit settings and personal target heart rates, in addition to display of current/average heart rate, exercise time, and time of day. You can use the A3 monitor to conveniently view your heart rate while walking, swimming, cross-country skiing, or any other exercise without disturbing your exercise rhythm. It comes with the A3 wrist unit (which resembles a watch), a transmitter that's worn comfortably around your chest, and an elastic strap to hold the transmitter in place. The Polar A3 offers a step up in features, including a self walk test and a calorie counter.

The A3's visible and audible Zone Pointer feature on the monitor's display shows your target heart rate zone and where your current heart rate is within that zone. The Fitness Bullets feature shows a bullet on the monitor's display for every 10 minutes spent exercising/training in your target heart rate zone. The Time in Target Zone feature calculates the amount of total exercise time spent in your personal target zone. You can use this feature together with the Total Exercise Time to determine the effectiveness of your exercise program.

Feature Detail:

  • Displays heart rate, exercise time, and average heart rate
  • Manual and automatic heart rate limit settings
  • Personal target heart rate zones; heart rate Zone Pointer with alarm function
  • 24 hour clock with day/week indicator and stopwatch
  • Large easy-to-read display with split screen
  • One-year average battery life
  • Water resistant to 30 meters (100 feet)

What's in the Box?
A3 heart rate monitor watch unit, wireless transmitter, elastic strap, battery (built-in CR2032 lithium cell), printed instructions

Manufacturer Warranty
2-year limited warranty

Note:
Polar heart rate monitors are precision instruments; consumers are not advised to change their own battery. Polar recommends that all service be done by an authorized Polar Service Center which will include a warranty for 90 days on repairs and 6 months for batteries.

Customer Reviews

Watch-Out - Reviewed on 2006-07-12
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3 customers found this review helpful, 26 did not.

On 6/9/06 I ordered this watch. I received the usual emails stating the order had been received and that the order had been shipped. A few days later I received a package with two tape-measures in it that was sent to the wrong address. After emailing Amazon and HRM USA with the infirmation I was informed that the watch was sent again... I have never received the watch, nor the mailing labels to return the shipment that I did receive, bit didn't order.

My advice is to not order anything other than books from amazon, because they don't backup what they are selling
A real user review - Reviewed on 2006-07-04
* * * *
23 customers found this review helpful.

I've owned my Polar A3 for about four years. I bought it from a sports equipment store. I would give it 3.5 stars if I could do so. It has been robust and reliable. It has functioned well over this time and I would recommend the product with a couple of reservations:

1) The battery in the chest strap is not replaceable because Polar wants to sell you a whole new chest strap later with a list price of $39.95 (rather than a $2 battery). Speaking from an ecological or financial perspective this is disappointing. Fortunately for me, the chest strap from my stationary exercise bike works just fine with the Polar A3 so I now use that.
2) When using the A3, the standard display is your current heart rate (clearly shown in large numerals) and above it the upper and lower limits you've set up to cause it to beep when your heartrate moves out of the desired range. You can switch the display to elapsed time, but you cannot (or I have not yet figured out how to) simultaneously display elapsed time and current heartrate, which would be ideal.

I've learned a couple of things as a new user of heart rate monitors:
1) The age-based pre-programmed heart rate range on the A3 was much lower than what my exercise physiologist recommended for me. If you feel you cannot get a proper workout staying within this range (or conversely if it feels like a strain) you should get the help of a professional to determine the right range for you.
2) When you first put the chest strap on and activate the monitor your heart rate sometimes doesn't register or appears erratically high or low. As soon as you start exercising and sweat a little it works fine. To avoid this I wet the underside of the chest strap a little when I put it on. This comment is not specific to this product and applies to any chest strap-type device.
3) I was surprised how high my heart rate was when running and I am very glad I bought a heart rate monitor because otherwise I might have caused myself serious harm and never even known that I was overdoing it. Getting a heart rate monitor is a great idea, especially if you're not young any more.
A smart advantage to your work out! - Reviewed on 2006-06-14
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8 customers found this review helpful.

I have this product and use it at the gym with the elliptical machines and treadmills. Some of these machines at your local gym have an onboard heart rate sensor that will send signals to this watch that will tabulate your target heart rate, with these units, only the watch is needed. On non-computer chipped machines, you'll need to wear the the Polar chest strap that will detect heart rate information to the Polar Wrist Watch. This information will keep you aware of your target heart rate and allow you to work out smarter, not harder, to burn more fat and build more muscle. It's a MUST HAVE for anyone who is trying to stay fit or lose weight! It is programmable, and easy to use. If selected, the watch will sound a beep if your target heart rate falls below what you've programmed, so you can work a little harder to get that rate up.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Nice, but you can't replace the transmitter battery - Reviewed on 2006-03-30
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I have used this monitor for about a month now for running, Spinning and indoor workouts. It has performed flawlessly. It would get 5 stars except that the transmitter (the half of the monitor that you wear around your chest) does not allow you to replace the battery. Buying(...) I suppose it is a disposable consumer product.
great for getting into shape - Reviewed on 2006-02-25
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12 customers found this review helpful, 1 did not.

I gave this HR monitor to my parents as a gift. They are in their early 60s and shifting to a healthier lifestyle, including regular exercise.They both like the Polar and find it very helpful. My Mom uses it at the health center, where it is compatible with the exercise machines (a health center trainer showed her how to use it to get the right workout). She is generally not good with technical things, but she said she found the main function - the heart rate monitor - very easy to use. My Dad uses it when he goes cycling outdoors and he really enjoys the technical functions - it is his new "toy".
As a long-time owner and user of HR monitors, I recommend this model as good value for money.
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