User profile:
- Gender: Male
- Age: 41 years old
- Sport profile: former high-level triathlete, currently “multisport” oriented with swimming, running, CrossFit, for regarding 12 training sessions in total per week
- Polar user for over 20 years!
- Duration of the test: watch worn for 10 days without ever leaving the wrist (except for a single charge)
Lightweight
With only 41 grams on the scale, what surprises from the “grip” is the light weight of the watch! Especially for athletes who are used to “bigger” watches such as the Polar Vantage V2, Grit X.
Beyond the weight, it is the finesse of the watch that pleasantly surprises. The “back” of the watch has been redesigned compared to the rest of the range (and therefore for this reason it has a different charger from the other models) and it is completely flat.
Due to its light weight and its completely flat back, the watch is very pleasant to wear and is immediately forgotten! It will succeed in convincing athletes who are “refractory” to wearing it for long nights (and who therefore miss out on the watch’s essential functionalities in my opinion: sleep monitoring and recovery status), because it must be admitted that it is more comfortable to wear than other models of the Polar brand.
This also makes it a watch that should delight women who generally have thinner wrists.
Everything to progress in running
The Pacer Pro offers a multitude of features that will delight runners, whether they have a leisure practice, competition on the road, track or trail!
If you like data, but more importantly use it to progress, the Polar Flow analysis interface will guide you and allow you to log all your training. Interface the watch with Komoot to create and follow routes in advance. With its integrated barometer and its “Hill Splitter” functions, trail runners will be delighted.
During the sessions, “new” screens (for Polar regulars) appear, in particular the power in the race, with a “race car” style display which is quite exhilarating!
Top also, the music control on the wrist (but you must keep your phone on you, the watch manages the volume and the tracks).
The display has been further improved on this model, the contrast of the LCD screen is very strong and everything is clear, sharp, visible, even when you are fully on the track and take a quick glance at his passing times
Performance tests and training suggestions can guide runners who want to progress but who don’t have a coach.
Training, recovery, and nutrition
Beyond all the running features, what’s great regarding the Pacer Pro are the advanced recovery tracking, activity tracking, and power management features. All these tools will help you and motivate you on a daily basis to improve all these other phases of your life.
I particularly appreciate the sleep monitoring, and when I wake up Pacer Pro gives me an objective recovery indicator. Other tests are available: orthostatic test and leg muscle recovery test, everything to arrive in good shape for your next competitions.
All of these features are very intuitive and easy to follow through the watch screens. For long rides and trails, the FuelWise function helps you manage your diet and the proportions of carbohydrates, proteins and fats.
Conclusion: An alternative to the Vantage V2?
Offered at only €299, the Pacer Pro is a great alternative to the Vantage models of the same brand. It will benefit from an autonomy of 35 hours of training with continuous GPS and heart rate measurement activated (1 single charge in 10 days of use with monitoring of HR during the nights), even if the watch is oriented “Running” it has 130 different sports profiles, and therefore it will adapt to all your other sports practices, whether fitness, indoor or outdoor sports (including swimming).
In terms of look and size, the watch will really appeal to women, because it is very elegant and more discreet than the other models in the Polar range.
The +:
- The technology/price ratio
- Autonomy and display quality
- Aesthetics of the watch and interchangeable bracelets
- A multitude of functions to test your level and better manage your recovery
The – :
- To run in music it is necessary to have your phone on you (music control on the wrist)
- A look almost “too discreet / classy” for some
