Comparison between Polar 625x (725x) and Suunto T6

I'm sure you've been to the Polar site, but if not, these links give everything you want to know about available features for both:

http://www.polarusa.com/Products/Consumer/S725x.asp

http://www.polarusa.com/consumer/triathlon/model/S625X.asp?qid=cycl...


I've got the 725x but haven't tried the 625x. I got the 725x because I wanted the option of using the Polar power meter in the future, but I heard enough negatives about their power sensor that I didn't go that route. I ended up getting an ErgomoPro power meter instead.

Edited by Birkierunner 2006-09-03 6:29 AM

I bought the 625x last week, so I'm still getting used to it, but I like it so far. I don't know about the Suunto.

I had a Suunto T6 and a cheap Polar S120. As a HRM, the S120 was a better device and had more features. The advantage of the T6 is in it's FirstBeat algorithm to estimate VO2, Ventilation, etc. I ended up selling mine on Ebay a few months after I bought it. I wasn't too impressed with it.

If you're really anal in your speed/distance during interval training, it is believed that the 625x has a bug in the lap distance. If you want the real geeky discussions, join and read the Yahoo Group WriststopTrainers ( http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/WriststopTrainers/) or visit the Yahoo group owner's web page with info on both:
http://users.telenet.be/wy/sport/

Just be preparied for some serious brain strain.

Edited by camy 2006-09-04 5:20 PM

I bought the 625x about a month ago and it came with the foot pod and bike sensors.  I like the HRM functions so far, haven't used the foot pod yet, and the bike sensors have been hit&miss.  I bought it used on eBay so I'm thinking about changing the batteries on the bike sensors to see if that makes a difference.  Overall though, I like Polar products.  I wanted the Garmin because the GPS function is just too damn cool, but it's size and not being waterproof turned me off.  Haven't investigated the Suunto, but I have 2 Suunto dive computers that are fantastic...if that helps.

I can only speak for the 625X. The best explanation from my experience is this - If I could have done it different, I would not have bought the 625X

1- The bike sensors was never dependable. It was frustrating at best, even after whining to Polar that "boosted" the signal.

2- I do like the HR and foot pod sensor. Just make note that the FP sensor needs to be calibrated. Mine is 10% off so I just work with that and don't bother going to a track to calibrate. I've never had "interference" as some claim to have had, even during this past 1/2 mary I just did, in which it seemed like EVERYONE around me had one on.

3- For the bike, I bought a CatEye astrale8 (wired version), for the bike and wish I would have gone this route from the start. I would have saved a bunch of $$$ this way. The Astrale has a good rep for dependability and you can use it while in a trainer.

In the end, if you wind up going for a polar, I would not go with the 625X. Personally, I would get a basic HR/FP monitor (can't remember the basic model whichi is at least $200 cheaper), and the Astrale mentioned above. You will save (literally), hundreds and be confident you have a dependable system. EDITED TO ADD - Forgot to mention that neither has failed me under torential downpours, both during running and biking. My Astrale and Polar system rules.

That's my 2 cents.

Edited by cobannero 2006-09-04 8:54 PM

I would stick to Polar for a HRM watch.

As a follow-up to my earlier post, I calibrated the foot pod for my 625 and it's dead on. I have a running route that I know is 3.2 miles, and the pod said it was only 2.8, which is a pretty big difference. The watch has a manual calibration option where you just tell it the difference between what it thinks and what you know. When I ran the route this morning it said 3.2. Perfect.

here's a good comparison of the 625 and the 305

I have had no problems with my s625x...make sure the magnet is aligned and close enough to the sensor and it is dead on accurate with my cateye

http://www.pccoach.com/newsletters/May06/ComparisonReviewS625XvFR30...

I would not call that a "good" review. PC Coach definately has an interest in making the Polar look better than the Forerunner. By choosing the environment, either can be made to look better than the other.

PS. I don't think the OP is looking into a 305

Edited by camy 2006-09-05 8:50 AM

You may want to consider the soon to be released Suunto T-series. I hear that the T4 will be considerably lower priced than the T6, but not have the beat-by-beat storage of the T6 for the O2 prediction stuff. They offer alot of flexibility with their "pods". The biggest downfall with these is that there is no cadence available and the HRM signal does not transmit through the water.

Also, Polar will be coming out with a RS800 which will have the stride length and run cadence on the watch. I'm not sure the cost, though.

And why exactly is that? The sell both of them and their software works with both brands....why would they be more interested in the Polar? They also sell and support Suunto and Timex

Edited by sebjamesm 2006-09-05 9:01 AM

As far as I can tell, PC Coach software does not work with Garmins. At least it's not listed in there compatability list:


Also, when they talk about the software comparison, they are comparing the Polar with their software against the Garmin with the Garmin TC software. Seems odd to me.

I really don't want to hijack this thread with Polar vs. Garmin talk, so let's either take this to PM or start another thread if you want to continue this discussion.