A few weeks ago there was a thread about heart rate monitors, and the concensus here appeared to be that the Polar units were the best. The biggest drawback to the brand seemed to be the fact that one has to send the unit to the Polar service center for replacement of either battery (chest strap or wrist unit). I had said that I have a new Polar on the way, and would report back on the possibility of a user replacing the battery on the F6 model.
Well, the unit arrived earlier than I expected (Thanks, REI!) and it works extremely well. My original monitor was a Timex Ironman, which worked well but the chest strap transmitter physically wore out after 3 years of hard use. I also tried an Omron, but the electronics of the treadmill borked up the data transmission and readings were erratic.
Back to the Polar F6 -- a great unit that STILL REQUIRES A TRIP TO THE SERVICE CENTER FOR BATTERY REPLACEMENT. Sorry to shout, but that annoys me. There isn't even a visible cover to get at the battery for the chest strap. The wrist unit is a straight-forward deal of removing tiny screws, if you're equipped. Of course, if you do this, you've lost your warranty for water resistance.
So, although I'm really happy with the way this monitor works, and still have many features yet to explore, I must report my disappointment that at some time I will have to take the time and bear the expense to ship it back to a service center and pay much money to have them install a $3 battery.
Well, the unit arrived earlier than I expected (Thanks, REI!) and it works extremely well. My original monitor was a Timex Ironman, which worked well but the chest strap transmitter physically wore out after 3 years of hard use. I also tried an Omron, but the electronics of the treadmill borked up the data transmission and readings were erratic.
Back to the Polar F6 -- a great unit that STILL REQUIRES A TRIP TO THE SERVICE CENTER FOR BATTERY REPLACEMENT. Sorry to shout, but that annoys me. There isn't even a visible cover to get at the battery for the chest strap. The wrist unit is a straight-forward deal of removing tiny screws, if you're equipped. Of course, if you do this, you've lost your warranty for water resistance.
So, although I'm really happy with the way this monitor works, and still have many features yet to explore, I must report my disappointment that at some time I will have to take the time and bear the expense to ship it back to a service center and pay much money to have them install a $3 battery.
