So after 12 months, almost to the date, my (expensive) Polar RS800cx is probably toast. The watch's OS appears to be corrupt. Saturday's MTB ride was nowhere to be found in the logs, watch display is covered in squiggles :-/
Changed battery last week, so I think it isn't a battery issue.

Am/was never "really happy" with the thing - importing the data into the PC could be a real hassle at times, big red function button every now and then gets stuck (e.g. will not register a new lap).

SO - if I where to throw more money after bad, what should I buy?
Suunto? Other brand? I'd like to be able to recycle the current chest band and ANT transmitter, if possible....

Cheers from the South and thank you for your input!!

Paul

I had a Suunto and chucked it in the bin. The watch itself was OK ish, but the software was terrible......didn't work well and even with spelling mistakes which just bugs me.

I got a Garmin Forerunner 405 which is great, good online storage of results, good data, the watch is pretty robust (although the bevel controls can take some getting used to and they need to be locked whilst running). It has inbuilt GPS too which my Suunto didn't have (the shoe bourne step counter was freakin useless)

It should have a 2 year warrenty so send it back to Polar.

Polar Electro Oy/Polar Electro Inc. guarantees the original consumer/purchaser of this device that the product will be free from defects in material or workmanship for two (2) years from the date of purchase.

http://www.polar.fi/en/support/produ...F?openDocument

Well, if not to follow magic's suggestion (Polar used to have an international 2 years warranty), and you do not want to stick to current smartphone based solutions (still too early/too expensive), Garmin Edge 800 might be an answer (unless you exclusively looking for wristop): colorful map based display, GPS, ANT+ for devices like power, cadence, HR monitors, and all other 800CX features like altimeter, speed, trainings, logs, etc. Software (both standalone and web) is pretty decent, as well as ability to use many of 3rd party solutions.

I haven't owned a Polar for quite a while but it used to be that changing the battery yourself invalidated your guarantee. But that may have changed now.

I have a Garmin Edge 705 and if as Babenas said you don't need it on your wrist then a newer model like the 500 or 800 might be worth a look.

Thx guys...!
I hadn't thought of working out w/ a GPS unit. Guess I should make a step in that direction....
OK - now to the internetts to find the bestest deal ;-)

Paul

Plus one for garmin. I have one of the lower models +will add one of the gps bike computers to it. This is my second Garmin and so far i have been really pleased.uch easier to use than the Polar i had before.

I'm all for the Garmins. I have a 205 wrist-mounted unit for running, and I love it. It seemed to pick up signal much faster than other units of the time (mind you, I bought it 5.5 years ago) and it's a single piece, rather than requiring a seperate arm-mounted piece in addition.

I expect that their other models are pretty high quality too.

Saw the Garmin 405 on sale on amazon.com this morning for $150. Might only be a cyber-monday deal but might still be available as it is still Monday on the West coast.