Review: Polar CS400 Cycling Heart Rate Monitor vs. Suunto T3C (Part 1)

Polar heart monitors have been around for just over 30 years. They have revolutionized the industry of health and fitness accessories with their products. The Polar CS400 Cycling heart rate monitor is as the title says, for cyclers. It was specifically designed to be mounted on bikes. Simply put, it is a must have for serious cyclists.

It is great for cyclists who workout and compete at high altitudes. It was designed to take the pressures at these levels. This is where most other cycling heart rate monitors fall short. It allows you to track your ride with wireless sensors giving you the options to analyze your progress and gauge where you stand in terms of fitness and goals. With this feature, you are also able to design a program specific for yourself. Having this will only enhance your performance and help you get better.

Its large display screen is ideal for when you are hard out on the road or really into you’re cycling. It does not impede any part of your workout. This cycling heart rate monitor lets you foresee your calorie expenditure with cycling economy and check out how economical is your workout.

Features

It has a wireless speed sensor that gives an accurate reading on cycling speed which can be quite handy. With its Energy Output feature, it measures the cycling workload. It is useful for making comparisons and analyzing the loads of various training types. With the press of a button, you can activate and deactivate a target zone with the SportZoneLock.

Incline measurement? No problems with the Polar CS400. From the altimeter data, it calculates uphill or downhill steepness in percentages and grades. Not only that, this Polar heart monitor allows users to set both upper and lower limits, cadence and power output. Another handy tool is its infrared feature that allows wireless communication between your heart monitor and PC.

Drawbacks

There are not too many problems associated with this Polar heart monitor. The first drawback to it is the fact that it carries quite a price tag. Just like most Polar heart monitors, this one is quite expensive. The second one is that it is not too user friendly. People who own this cycling heart monitor argue that it is quite a struggle to use the controls. However, once you get the controls, you should have no problems with it.

The Polar CS400 is a great piece of equipment to have if you are looking to take your fitness up another level. There is no substitute for quality and precision.

Click here for the second part of our review on the Suunto T3C Watch Heart Monitor.