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

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.

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

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.

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.