Polar Pacer Pro In-Depth Review: Real-World Testing!

Here's everything you need to know about the Polar Pacer Pro, from features (and newness) to accuracy testing, and whether or not it's the best Polar running watch.

So what is the Polar Pacer Pro? Well, in a nutshell, it's basically a Polar Vantage M2, but with almost all the features of the GRIT X series. So it adds a barometric altimeter, Hill Splitter, Running Power, Muscle Load, Strava Live Segments, and courses/routing. Thus, while Polar is branding and marketing this heavily as a running watch, practically speaking, it’s a full multisport watch.

The Polar Pacer Pro also has a new display, faster processor, and more memory. You won’t notice/care about the memory, but the processor is noticeably faster in some cases. And the display is better, albeit definitely not groundbreaking. And despite rumors to the contrary, it’s not an AMOLED/LCD display (like the Polar Unite or Polar Ignite), but a less flashy MIPS display like you’d see on a Garmin Forerunner or Fenix series (among many other watches).

0:00 Quick Overview
1:34 New Pacer Pro Features
4:47 Hands-On Daily Usage Overview
6:33 Sport & Workout Usage Overview
8:35 Performance Tests...Tested
10:20 GPS and Heart Rate Accuracy
11:42 Comparison and Final Thoughts

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#PolarPacerPro #PolarPacer #Running

[dcutl]

Thanks for the review! I bought one of these off of eBay in practically new condition for $180 including shipping. It works great! I use this watch for marathon/half marathon training/racing. I know other watches have more features, but I do not need all of that "superfluous gadgetry". I train using the MAF heart rate method and all that I am interested in is heart rate, battery life, screen readability, pace, GPS distance and the cardio load feature in Polar Flow. This watch checks all of the boxes of what I need. The optical heart rate on this device does NOT glitch when running like my Vantage V does. With the Vantage V, I have to use an H10 chest strap because the optical glitches sometimes. I think that I will sell my Vantage V, but I will miss the orthostatic test feature.

[ThijsOost]

I feel like Polar should update the design of their watches, the big bezel around the screen hasn't changed for a few years, and looks very outdated IMO. And thanks for the video Ray, very thorough and fun to watch!

[jannapravnik]

I am probably one from the minority of pleased potential buyers. It basically fixed all the flaws of M2 - better display, barometric altimeter, routes. And they are still pretty nice and LIGHT watch. I don't need running power or to be told when to drink or monitor my sleep, so all the extras of Garmins of this world are not for me (but I absolutely understand many people want them).

[pia]

One of the best multisports watch ~300. You nailed it when you said that it suffers from branding. Polar needs to market it as a multisports watch!

[fitgearhunter]

Hahaha same exact experience with the Walking test! I was swinging my arms and moving as fast as I could to keep my heart rate up! Great review - love the streamlined approach - I need to incorporate this over my 30+ min review approach haha

[chrisar]

I have a Vantage V2, I suspect if this had been available I'd have bought it instead as it has all the stuff I value most, so I'm not sure how good that is for Polar. For me, this or the V2, is the best running watch I could get, but not everyone wants the same things. As a general purpose multisports watch I'd have thought it's got everything 99% of people actually need, like the Apex but with more sports modes, easier interface (i think anyway) and other things you mentioned.

[ChaseTheSummit]

I think my favorite feature is the fact that we can now get phone notifications DURING activities! Why am I so excited about this in 2022? 😂

[seanvk]

A thorough review. Every time I think Polar is actually developing a new platform, it ends up being a repackaged Vantage. I suppose it’s telling that the new head of Polar (as of last year) is their former head of world wide sales. The marketing wheel spins on…

[adamfeerst]

VO2Max: I wouldn’t be the least bit concerned about the specific number you get from any single test. Any watch base test is going to have an error compared to your lab test. Rather, look at trends over time. And, the walking test maybe more appropriate/accurate for a walker, which neither you nor I are.

[mike]

Will definitely be buying this watch. I run, lift weights & occasionally do calisthenics… perfect watch for me

[Erik-umnv]

How would you compare this watch to the Garmin Forerunner 55? Which one is generally better/ more useful?

[TischTosh]

I don't understand what the 245 has over this one..?245 no altimeter no breadcrumbs, no power on wrist.... polar can put out updates to improve GPS tracking and I've not heard other reviewers say that the GPS is quite as you're reporting. It has FR745 (more if you count power) features at 245 price, unless I have misunderstood something.

[bitelogger]

It’s a relief Polar didn’t cripple the watch with a useless AMOLED!

[krzysiekszaryfin]

Hi, I am wondering how do you compare Polar Pacer Pro vs Garmin Forerunner 255. In my opinion they are so similar for me: not runner, biker, swimmer and occasionally walker or hiker. Polar has Fitspark, Garmin has not - only Garmin Coach which is for runners. In a matter of training load measurement Garmin need to make at last one running test per week or bike with power meter (which cost more than watch itself), to get some statistics about VO2 MAX. In Polar it doesn't have to do this, because it measure Cardio Load which compare itself with other measurements within 28 day period. Or maybe I am wrong about VO2 MAX, because Garmin have ability to measure it from the day-to-day activities or like fitness-test (Polar's option test)? - as far as I know right now, it does not or I am wrong.
Of course Garmin has a lot more statistic per activity, but the most of them are similar in both watches. Garmin's app looks nicer in my opinion, but I do not used any of them right now because I do not have any watch - I use my phone to record my activities, and I want to change it to buying watch. Garmin has pulse oximeter, Polar doesn't. Garmin record your stress level and Polar's not. Garmin has some memory build in, so with third's app I can use OSMap, while Polar has only GPX option line, without map context view.
What about GPS accuracy in tall buildings area or forests between those two watches? Do you think is worth to add some money to buy Garmin if I am not runner .

[OneTouch]

Polar just killed their Vantage line. I have a Vantage M1 and it has been great. Polar just never makes big updates to get us excited to get a new watch. If I am going to upgrade this M1 I will spend less on the Pace 2 or a bit more on the 245.

[skinnie]

Is it a good time for another retro review? this time with polar watches? Could be fun =)

[Ado_Bielo]

Nice to see a bit of Kath and Kim (and cast - aka Kel Knight) in this video Ray. I am watching this video because the Grit X2 seems expensive, and most of these 'older' Polar watches are good value right now. I still have two Polar M400s and use a chest strap, so it is about time I made a change - or is it? Nice review Ray.

[alanshrimpton]

I would like Polar to adapt the Garmin principle of average pace in a pre made workout because the GPS does drop out here and there and when you live in a hilly area the average pace just works better. I know I'm slower up hills and faster down. Polar constantly nags that but my average pace is perfect. Any pre made pace workout and Garmin has it nailed with average pace and when you are out of range it tells you and gives you your current pace so you know to speed up or down and doesn't nag just informs you every now and then

[darren]

This is being sold for £144 in white on the Polar website. That’s got to be a steal at that price.

[israelroseno]

Wrist based power has shown to be higher than most foot pods. Do you have any videos comparing wrist power base and foot pods like stryd?