Polar H10 coronary heart monitor assessment: Accurate, light-weight and simply adjustable

The Polar H10 coronary heart price monitor first launched in 2017 and has turn into often known as probably the greatest coronary heart displays available on the market, because of its accuracy and ease of use. Polar even calls it the ‘gold commonplace’ of accuracy. 

Since 2017, there have been a number of updates to the strap, and the present choice options ECG know-how, twin Bluetooth connection, and machine reminiscence. 

Priced at RRP £86.50, the Polar H10 presents consolation, ease and top-level coronary heart price measurements best for anybody trying to examine their athletic efficiency in any sport, and from a biking perspective, it is a superb choice. 

Design and specs

The Polar H10 features as a chest strap containing electrodes with a connector pod which snaps in place within the center, silicon dots to assist the strap keep in place and there’s a buckle for fastening. To activate the sensor, the electrode space must be moistened; a fast lick, or perhaps a little bit of breath helps on this regard, however should you’re squeamish simply splash some water on it. 

The H10 makes use of ECG (electrocardiogram) sensors to measure the consumer’s coronary heart price. ECG sensors are thought of the most effective for coronary heart price monitoring amongst well being officers as they’re thought of to be essentially the most correct. Essentially ECG works via direct pores and skin contact, which permits it to report {the electrical} alerts within the coronary heart, measuring the wearer’s coronary heart price and rhythm. that is in distinction to optical coronary heart price monitoring, the likes of which you will discover on the most effective biking watches, and standalone gadgets just like the Whoop 4.0 and the Wahoo Tickr Fit armband. 

While many different coronary heart price displays use ECG measuring strategies, the H10 has extra options which assist place it as a prime spec HR strap. Compared to the Polar H9, the H10 has twin machine Bluetooth and device-free recording, albeit with reminiscence area for only one coaching session. 

Performance

Wearing and connecting the H10 sensor is easy. Simply moisten the electrode space, slip it on after which hooked up the Polar branded pod. 

The Polar H10 can be utilized with a sports activities watch and is appropriate with many sports activities watches that assist Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity, together with Polar sports activities watches and different manufacturers. 

I used mine with my Garmin Instinct 2S watch and I discovered the strap despatched HR readings to gadgets virtually immediately. I additionally used the H10 with the Wahoo Tickr Move and as soon as paired the switch of HR knowledge was additionally speedy. 

Polar says the published vary is 9000cm, and I had zero issues with any vary points. Indoor coaching is relentlessly sweaty, and with a water resistance of 30m, the H10 hasn’t drowned on me but (not like a telephone I as soon as put in my sports activities bra). This does additionally make it appropriate for triathletes, however Polar does say to not take it diving. 

Battery

The H10 makes use of a CR2025 battery which the model says boasts about 400 hours of use. With that type of run time, it will likely be some time till you want a brand new battery. When that ultimately occurs, a brand new CR2025 coin cell battery will set you again roughly £3.50 for 4 which is not rather a lot. 

The battery is within the Polar branded pod which makes it straightforward to swap with out subsequent points with the strap. But with at £86.50 and being a prime spec HR monitor, would a chargeable battery not be higher? Both for purse and planet.

Without taking place a sustainability rabbit gap, I believe that largely relies upon whether or not you’re within the camp of ‘an excessive amount of stuff to cost already’ or not.  For me, rechargeable is all the time higher.

Comfort

The Polar H10 encompasses a buckle for closure making the monitor straightforward to tackle and off and the strap is comfortable towards the pores and skin, with the silicon dots neatly retaining it in place.   

The H10 is available in two sizes M-XXL (67-95cm) and XS-S (58-71cm). I attempted the M-XXL which fitted properly. I have never all the time been an enormous proponent of sporting a strap as I’ve usually discovered they rub, are uncomfortable, or just simply do not work with my sports activities bra, however within the case of the H10 I used to be pleasantly shocked. 

The strap sticks to pores and skin as promised, would not rub and for essentially the most half I forgot it was there. It is even snug throughout lengthy coaching classes. Of observe is that I have never tried the H10 in sizzling climate circumstances, thus can’t take a look at how the H10 fares in consolation as soon as the sweat ranges go up, however my indoor coaching has been a enough analogy. 

Tech and luxury apart, what’s significantly enjoyable is that the H10 is available in numerous colors and even a camo choice. While coronary heart price displays aren’t precisely glamorous tech, it is good to have a selection of colourways to exude a bit pizzazz. 

Verdict

The H10 is taken into account the gold commonplace for a purpose. It presents constant and correct coronary heart price measurements, a snug and safe match, first rate battery life and seamless connectivity.  

For those that like a chest strap coronary heart price sensor, you will not go far incorrect with the H10.