Can Polar Beat Garmin? Polar's New Heart Rate Algorithm Tested!

🟡 Twitter: @QuantifiedRob
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Reference devices:

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Timestamps:
00:00 Quick Intro
00:21 Heart Rate Test 1 : Indoor Cycling
06:33 Heart Rate Test 2 : Outdoor Cycling
10:38 Heart Rate Test 3 : Weight Lifting
12:26 Limitations, Recommendations & Conclusions

Polar just released a new heart rate tracking algorithm as part of the new sensor in the Grit X2 Pro & Vantage V3. This should provide better performance, especially for weight lifting and different types of interval training. By testing it systematically we will see if this new algorithm actually shows promise, so get ready for my initial testing of the hardware and firmware in these Polar Watches.

Okay, so for weight lifting I don’t see a substantial improvement in terms of heart rate tracking, and all the Polar Watches I tested are in more or less the same area. Even with the updated algorithm, many of the peaks in my heart rate are not detected by the Grid X2 Pro and Vantage V3. My overall testing of the new sensor and algorithm of Polar seems to indicate that, at least on me, there hasn’t been a major improvement. Again, Polar said that the sensor performed atypically bad on me compared to most people, so my results might be a fluke. So again, check out more reviews, but I still hope and expect this kind of data driven analysis is useful for you. Also, unfortunately, I wasn’t able to do a test for running because of an injury, but I’ll add that in a future video. If you like the design and functionality of the Polar Grid X2 Pro or Vantage V3, I would recommend getting the Polar H10 ECG chest strap to go with it. That way you get very reliable heart rate tracking, and you don’t have to worry about the performance of the optical heart rate sensor in the watch. If you do decide to get a Polar Watch, a Whoop Strap, an Oura Ring, an Eight Sleep Pod 3, another device or anything at all on Amazon for that matter, even something as small as toilet paper, want to potentially save some money and at the same time support the channel, there are different affiliate and non-affiliate links in the description below that do not cost you any extra and some even provide discounts. Given that you watched this whole video on these Polar Watches, check out this video on the Garmin Forerunner 165, a watch I really liked, or this video on my top recommendations for sport and health tracking. Thank you so much for watching, and catch you in the next video!

[gammelgemse]

The only thing that improved is the marketing. 💶📈

[giridhranpalani]

The algorithm update got me excited..until I saw the numbers. Grateful for you holding these companies accountable for their statements and claims @Rob 🙏🏽

[AtillatheFun]

Just a note:Polar also supplies the heart rate tracking in GShock Move watches.

[gedikoglu]

I got a cheap Huawei Band 8 based the infos on this channel. And now I can see that my cheap Huawei Band 8 defeated these expensive and luxury watches. And yes, this makes me happy. :)

[jonathanhadiprasetyanto]

Waiting for the Huawei Band 9 scientific review. Nice video as always!

[juansaldana]

Always look forward to your reviews.. Purchased my first series 9 based on your reviews.. keep up the good work thanks Rob!!

[Lavender-fkgm]

When is the review of Huawei Band 9. I can't wait for that upcoming great review of yours 😁

[kristinjohanne]

I would love to request a testing of the Suunto watches, either the Race or Peak Pro. The brand seems interesting and the specs as well! Would love to get a proper review on them!

[vrea]

Please Mr. Rob review for Huawei Band 9, thanks in advance

[flydwen]

Nice video. I'm eager to see your review of the Huawei Band 9 btw ! (do you already have an upload schedule ?)

[TheBloodprof]

Thank you very much for the work done! Waiting for a new video!

[Scheddy]

Doing some commenting.
Would be nice to see a comparison between Polar H10 and Garmin HRM Pro+

[ntelas]

Chiming in to say I’ll be patiently waiting for Honor band 9 tests :)

[donroque]

Hello!! I would be nice if you could test some "Suunto" watch. Thanks!!

[fitgearhunter]

Hey! Can you test v2.1 when you get a second? My initial testing on this same algorithm was even worse than yours, but since the update 2.1 about four days ago it's at least visibly somewhat improved, wondering what the analytical details look like

[GazTU]

Polar's suggestion that your wrist is the problem is nonsense. Especially when so many competing watches have no problem at all with your wrist. The problem is with Polar! However it is still good to see some small improvements is heart rate measuring performance but it is still a work in progress for Polar.

[nugrahaprihutama]

You should test the Huawei Band 9 Rob !

[ralfrufus]

Have you already got your Huawei Band 9?

[paolo.mascarpone]

It would be great if vendors can introduce a watch calibration function to align internal and external sensors and make each watch more individual.

[RichardWerbin]

Some watches now report on overnight SPO2. Can you test them for accuracy?
I am using a Garmin Vivoactive 5 that reports overnight SPO2 average about 92% with a minimum of 88%. That is very low and I plan to discuss this with my doctor. I just don't know if I can trust the accuracy..