Depending on your preferences, I would choose Polar's ecosystem. It has everything you need for an athlete and a regular activity tracker. Garmin takes this more in the direction of a smartwatch and also has a lot of unnecessary stuff that you hardly need. Garmin's watches are more impressive and have a payment feature and built-in music (spotify app, which is so bad that you can barely use it).
When choosing a watch, think about what you value most in your watch. Weight, appearance, durability, etc. I used to have a watch that weighed about 80g. I didn't like wearing it 24/7. When running, I couldn't get it tight enough on my wrist to be unnoticeable. While I was sleeping, it felt like a kettlebell was tied to my hand.
Nowadays I use Polar Pacer Pro (I hate the amoled screen) for running, cycling, hockey, gym and (rucking). I don't need maps, so this is really good and light. Although I won't show this off at the bar counter.
I have used Polar, Garmin and Suunto. Each time I have returned to Polar after a few months of experimentation.
My apologies for the google translator lol
As an addition: Polar's cardio load status is much more accurate and realistic than Garmin's training readiness. Often, while Garmin claims that I should train hard, I have already lost my night's sleep and when I go to bed my resting heart rate is high. In these situations, Polar has been more accurate and indicated that the load should be lightened.
I have a Polar Pacer and my wife has the Pacer Pro. We've had them for 3 years plus and have been very happy with the performance and reliability. We are regular but not hard-core runners
I have a Polar Pacer and my wife has the Pacer Pro. We've had them for 3 years plus and have been very happy with the performance and reliability. We are regular but not hard-core runners
Long-time Apple Watch user here; got an H10 ~1 year ago and a Pacer Pro recently. (Apple Watch is great, but also quite expensive.)
Main reasons why I chose Polar:
- Accuracy: H10 is the “gold standard” HR wearable
- Science-base: I love that they have published white papers for all their features
- Privacy: including data storage in EU
- Running training support: H10 + Pacer Pro + Flow give me basically everything I need to support my running training
- Price and value for money
I have had my Apple Watch series 3 for over 7 years, and it is approaching end-of-life (battery is dying =( ). I really like it, and HR accuracy is pretty good but it is not H10-level.
I got H10 last Black Friday + Pacer Pro this Black Friday for 239 GBP total.
The Apple Watch series 11 starts at 369 GBP; the Apple Watch SE 3 starts at 219 GBP.
I like the Apple apps (Health / Fitness / Workouts).
If you need additional data capabilities for Apple Watch, you may need additional apps, and may need to pay extra.
Hope this helps
2cats1human
