Polar, the Finland-based heart rate technology company known for developing the world’s first wireless heart rate monitor, has announced the launch of its two new GPS running (and triathlon) watches: The Vantage V and Vantage M.
The Vantage V and M GPS watches are meant for the serious athletes who strive to achieve top performance with enhanced accuracy.
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The Vantage V is the higher-end of the two watches, retailing for $500, while the Vantage M is the mid-range option with a price tag of $279.
Polar Vantage V
The Polar Vantage V – which is the successor to Polar’s V800 – incorporates the new Precision Prime heart rate technology that uses 9 optical sensors in 2 colors and wavelengths to extract data from different layers of the skin. Skin contact sensors allow Polar to achieve reliable heart rate measurements which are accurate and timely. The buttons and touchscreen interface are of the best of both worlds.
The Vantage V also provides running power, which is based on speed. It displays the information on how fast the speed is changing and altitude gradient as a number representing the runner’s effort in real-time and will help them reach their goals.
“For the first time in any consumer fitness product, Polar is bringing together muscular load, perceived load and cardiovascular load into one, holistic view of training load,” says Polar.
“The new features monitor training load from each session, measure balance between strain and tolerance in the long-term, and help athletes recognize personal limits by informing them when they’re overtraining, undertraining or are right on track.”
The color touchscreen is used for daily wear, but during your training, the touchscreen is automatically deactivated, allowing you to control it with the physical buttons.
The Vantage V will be available for $499.99 with black, white, and orange color options available. For an additional $50 you can add the Polar H10 heart rate strap for over wrist-based measurements.
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Polar Vantage M
The cheaper Vantage M includes some of the same features as the Vantage V, including the Polar Precision Prime heart rate technology. It has Training Load Pro, Polar Flow for Coach, and most of the same metrics (running index, running program, etc.). However, it lacks barometric altimeter, native running power and touch screen. The battery life is 30 hours, according to the company.
The Vantage M will be available in black, white, or red.
