Polar RS100 Heart Rate Monitor

The Polar RS100 heart rate monitor is an intermediate heart rate monitor with a number of features specifically for running training. It is the entry level model in the Polar's RS series of models.

Note: In the list below BPM stands for Beats per Minute and % of Max HR stands for Percentage of Maximum Heart Rate.

The main features of the Polar RS100 heart rate monitor are:

Continuous heart rate monitoring
Manual setting of heart rate training zones
Two automatic methods of setting heart rate training zone: OwnZone is based on how fit you are on the day of your exercise. The second method is based on your age.
Heart rate can be set and displayed as BPM or % of Max HR
The wrist watch beeps and the heart rate value flashes when you train above or below your target zone
Instant (and post-exercise) display of calories burnt (OwnCal)
Stop watch to start and stop exercise session
Store lap and split time. Lap time is elapsed time for one lap. Split time is total elapsed time from the start. You can store up to 99 laps in total. You can also see your average heart rate in a given lap.
Short post-exercise summary: Duration, average heart rate, heart rate zone limits, time in target zone, calories burnt with fat %
Full post-exercise summary (File): Date and time started, duration, average heart rate, maximum heart rate, target zone limits, time in, above, below target zone, calories burnt, fat percentage of burnt calories, detailed lap information (see next bullet point)
You get to review total number of laps, best lap time and number. For each lap, you see the lap number, split time, lap time, average heart rate, heart rate at end of the lap.
Cumulative stats of sessions since the last reset date: Total duration, total calories burnt, total number of sessions
Two alternating timers. Use them for running intervals.
Basic time keeping: Time, date, alarm
Backlight
Water resistant up to 50m
Polar UpLink to transfer data from a PC to the heart rate monitor
Coded analogue wireless transmission from its chest strap

Note: The Polar UpLink feature requires a Windows PC with a sound card and loudspeakers or headphones.

The Polar RS100 heart rate monitor is quite well equiped with features, given that it is an entry level heart rate monitor in Polar's running series. In fact the Polar RS100 has capabilities roughly comparable to the Polar F6, an intermediate heart rate monitor for fitness training.

Given that their prices are about the same, which one should you go for, if you are thinking about buying one of them? Let's look at their differences first.

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The pros of the Polar RS100 against the Polar F6

If you run multiple laps or run a course with distance markers, you can record your time for each lap or for each marked distance. You can time your run for up to 99 laps. For each lap, you get to recall your lap time, split time, average heart rate and heart rate at the end of the lap. This could be really useful if, for example, you want to do a post-race analysis to see what went right or what went wrong. Were you slowing down or speeding up in the middle of the race? Did you run at the right intensities in those middle stretches?

When doing your training, you can also see whether you were over-exerting or under-exerting by finding out how much time you spent above your target zone and below your target zone.

Finally the alternating timers can help you with your interval repetition. You can set timer 1 for a run of 3 minutes and timer 2 for a 1-minute recovery. You start timer 1 when you start to run. When 3 minutes is up, timer 1 beeps and you start to jog. One minute later, timer 2 beeps and you start running again. And so on.

The cons of the Polar RS100 against the Polar F6

You can only save 1 session's data on your wrist watch on the Polar RS100 heart rate monitor whereas on the Polar F6 you can save 12 sessions' data.

In addition, you don't have the Weekly File feature on RS100. You do on the F6.

Finally, there isn't a WebLink feature on the Polar RS100 heart rate monitor to transfer data from the wrist watch to Polar's web site for analysis.

Summary

The strength of the Polar RS100 heart rate monitor is its runner specific features: lap time, split time, alternating countdown timers. The strength of the Polar F6 is its ability to recall multiple past sessions in order to see how well your training has been going. Both RS100 and F6 are decent heart rate monitors. The Polar RS100 retails at around $119.95.

This takes you to Amazon for some of the best selections for this model. Certain selections come with FREE Super Saver Shipping.