English 
Español The Polar M400 is the maximum bet of the Finnish people to succeed in the market. Presented with a base price of 160 ? (without pulse sensor) it arrives to the market as one of the most interesting options in its segment. It is not only a GPS watch that will help us in our races and training, but it also has an activity monitor for when we are not practicing sport.
Before we start the analysis, I would like to clarify that the test watch is a store-bought unit. Therefore, it is not a demonstration unit with special care from Polar or any special software revision. It is simply the watch that you and I can buy in any store, with the same accessories and presentation.
Remember you can buy it on Amazon through this link and that way you will generate a small commission that will help the development of this page, and that you can see more tests and analysis like this one.
Unpacking
The Polar M400 is a unit without a pulse sensor kit. You can find it in stores in both versions, either just the watch or in a pack with a Polar H7 sensor. The M400 has Bluetooth Smart connectivity, so if you have a sensor with this technology you don't need the pack. But if you come from a Garmin, for example, you will need to buy the sensor because the one brought by Garmin and other manufacturers is ANT+. Also, the Polar M400 does not have 5kHz analog band, so if you have an old Polar heart rate monitor its sensor will not be valid either.
As you can see in the picture, the size of the box is very tight, you'll see that the front specifies its operation with Bluetooth devices.
Behind it you can find some information about the watch. We can read that the "M400 is a stylish GPS perfect for urban and mountain runners". Urban yes, but mountain...
Here's what's in the box. Little stuff. The watch, a micro-USB cable for syncing and charging, and a small instruction manual. And when I say small, it's small. But thank God I'm here to do the test so you don't have to read the manual.
But let's go to the watch. The body of the watch is made of plastic, and its size is quite acceptable. Enough to be able to use it day by day without looking like you have a computer on your wrist. For someone who doesn't know much about the subject, you'll be wearing an ordinary watch. On the left side you have two buttons, the illumination button and the button to exit to the previous menu. But if we keep the button pressed, we'll access other different functions.
On the opposite side you have two scroll buttons surrounding the main button, which is highlighted in red. This button serves not only to initiate activities, but also to make selections and to mark laps.
The strap, like the rest of the watch, is made of plastic. The buckle is metallic and has Polar engraving on it.
The internal part is where you have the charging and synchronization port. In addition to the cover, Polar ensures that the connector is waterproof. In fact the Polar M400 resists up to 30 meters under water.
UPDATE - Polar has modified the design by removing the cover to allow moisture to escape and rust the connector. It is recommended that after each use you wash the watch under running water (or in the shower) to remove any traces of sweat, and simply leave it to dry.
Career
If you're interested in the M400, it's probably because running is your main sport, and that's what it's clearly designed for. But before you go running, you have to set up your watch, and for that you'll need to get hold of a computer and Polar Flow. There's no way to make advanced settings from the watch, because to keep it simple you can only change a few things about it.
So after downloading the Polar Sync application and connecting the watch, the first thing you'll do is to set it up with your profile data, as well as tell it whether you'll be wearing it on your left or right wrist (important for the activity monitor, so it will know when you're sleeping or standing). Most likely, it will also tell you that there is a firmware update. Take advantage of this time to update it.
Once the initial configuration is completed, the application will redirect you to the web page. The first thing you have to do is to configure your sport profiles, that is, all the sports you are going to practice. A great detail that the Finns have thought of, because not only will it allow you to identify the synchronized activities quickly, but you can also configure the screens of each one of them in a completely independent way. So, if you are going to run you select some screens with the relevant information, which will probably be quite different from when you are going to, for example, ride a bicycle (rhythm or speed).
Polar Flow includes a number of default profiles, which you can modify or delete, or add new ones, and you can click and drag to sort them.
By clicking on edit, you can access all the available configurations although some of them are only supported in its big brother, the Polar V800 (such as GPS recording in UltraTrac mode or altimeter settings, something we won't find on the Polar M400).
In the basic settings you can have it create the lapses by time or distance, or disable it to create them manually. Also, you can set the sounds, but whatever you set will be quite low, and remember that it has no vibration, so if you are not attentive or running in noisy places you will have to be attentive to the warnings.
After that you can access the training views. It is possible to configure many screens with up to four variables. And if you put only two data (or only one) it will gain presence on the screen so it will be easier to see it. These are some of the options you can select
[table id=14 /]*Cadence data will only be available if you connect the Polar Bluetooth Pedometer, at least until the update that enables the internal clock accelerometer to collect this data.
And this is where you'll make your selection
After these brief "maintenance" and tuning tasks, you can go for a run. To start the activity, just press the red button and wait for the watch to search for satellites and pulse sensor. At the moment, the Polar M400 does not support any other type of sensor, such as a pedometer (although Polar has promised to include it in a future update). As far as searching for satellites is concerned, the M400 does not do a pre-cache, so when searching for satellites it must start from previous information. That is, if you go out an hour after your last training session it will find satellites in a few seconds. If you get on a plane and go 10,000km away, it will take considerably longer.
Both are corrected after upgrading the M400 to the version 1.4This version already supports an external pedometer connected via Bluetooth. It can provide you with cadence data. In addition, AssistNow's search technology has been added. Each time the watch is synchronized with the phone or computer, the satellite position database will be renewed, making searches even faster.
So once you have a GPS signal and the heart rate sensor is connected, you can press the red button again to start the activity.
When it comes to training, the GPS is also essential when it comes to calculating your pace, and the speed at which it takes to update the information is also important, because if you start doing intervals and the clock takes a minute to update the pace information, it will be of little use. You can judge this for yourself, but in my opinion the Polar M400 records the change in pace fairly quickly.
With all the possibilities of customization it's easy to find your ideal setting. It can be with screens full of information like this with total distance, pace, lap time or heart rate.
Another screen you can access is the heart zones you have been training in. These zones can be set in Polar Flow to suit yourself, or left in the default setting.
You can also train exclusively on heart rate. One of the lines you can add will tell you which zone you are working in. Perfect for doing interval training manually without prior setup.
The Polar M400 includes a new feature, which is the end time calculator. Think of this feature as something like a Virtual Partner. Simply select the distance you want to run and it will indicate your end time as you run.
In this case, I have set up a 5km race, so the M400 will tell you how far you are from your goal, the average pace of the race and the estimated time. It is perfect for long distance races where you are wondering what your time will be at the end of the race and if you will drop your best mark. Who hasn't been doing these calculations during a race? You set up the distance you are going to run and you will always know how you are in reference to your goal. It is not that only this screen appears, but it is a screen that is added to the others we have available in the race.
Training objectives
But since it's not all about running wild and without a clear goal, through Polar Flow we can prepare training goals and then synchronize them to the Polar M400. You can access these trainings from the favorites menu.
For example, a fast run of a couple of kilometers.
When we start the activity, the clock will have another screen added to the rest of the profile screens, in this case a circle that will be filled in as we get closer to the objective. We can also set time or calories.
But we can also access a more advanced exercise and prepare an interval training. These intervals will be by heart rate, not by rhythm. I hope that with time Polar will include the rhythm option in Polar Flow, as it is something that the Polar V800 also has an earring.
In addition, version 1.4 includes a new training feature, the "Training" feature.Zone Lockout". You can find all the information in the link above.
When you get the working range, the clock will show you your pulse and whether you are in the desired zone or not. In this case, I am well below what I have marked as the working zone.
Here it would already be in the desired working area, and it would indicate this to you. In case of being out of the area (both above and below) it would warn us through sound tones.
From the clock we have access to an interval timer, so we can make quick sessions from the clock itself.
You simply select a time for the interval and the clock will notify you when this time has passed. I know that those who train for competitions find this function quite useful.
And as with target distance training, a screen is added with a circle that will be completed as the time is passed.
Navigation
The Polar M400 does not incorporate any kind of navigation function, but it is possible to add a "back to home" screen. You may be training in an unfamiliar place and if at some point you get lost, by holding down the illumination button you can activate the location guidance activation function.
The clock adds a new display next to the others with an arrow that simply indicates the direction to the start point and the distance you are from that point.
This indication is in a straight line, as it does not record a track that can be followed along roads/streets. That is, you may be 300 metres from the starting point, but with a 100-metre drop to cross. It is a very basic function, not like jumping into the mountains and hoping to rely on them in case you get lost. Although it is not a very advanced function, it is true that it is unique to watches in this range, in short something to thank Polar for having included it in the M400.
Cycling
Among the sports that we can add are cycling, road and mountain, but you must bear in mind that it has no other purpose than to train as if you were running, but mounted on two wheels (or four if you have not yet removed the wheels). The Polar M400 does not have support for any cadence/speed sensor or of course power sensor. If you can connect to the pulse sensor, of course, but that's all you will be able to match.
What is possible is to configure the training information screens completely separate from any other sport, so we can have speed (instead of pace) and add other metrics more appropriate to cycling than running, or leave one screen with only speed and distance to use as a computer, but with a lot of information on the remaining screens that you can always access to consult.
You should keep in mind that the Polar M400 is a watch clearly designed for running, but it can do the trick if you're not a hardcore cyclist.
Other sports
Although the Polar M400 is a watch designed mainly for running, in addition to running and cycling it has support for many other sports. This is useful not only when synchronizing activities or setting up screens, but also the algorithm used for calculating calories is specific to each of them. The calorie consumption values will be more faithful to reality, as it will not treat a spinning session in the same way as a light bike ride. This is why you cannot go crazy adding any sport that is not predefined, so forget about quantifying your pétanque sessions. We can also set up a swimming profile, but unlike the V800Remember that the Polar M400 cannot display the heart rate under water.
Activity monitor
One of the most important selling points for Polar is the inclusion of a daily activity monitor in the Polar M400. Thanks to this monitor, the watch not only helps you keep track of your training, but will also monitor you during the rest of the day for all those times when you will not be training for elite athletics and are engaged in more mundane activities, such as walking the dog or throwing away the garbage. Like the V800When you are in the Polar Flow application, the Polar M400 counts the daily steps and shows you the approximate distances you have covered on your watch, which is then synchronized with the Polar Flow application.
In the clock, it is possible to control the daily activity directly through the menu. By moving to the first option, we enter this function. It is also possible to select one of the clock screens that includes the activity bar.
If we enter the menu, the Polar M400 gives us a lot of activity data, for example the total time you have been active, the total calories you have consumed and the steps.
And it tells us what we would have to do to complete the activity goal we have set (and which you have set in Polar Flow in the initial setup). In addition to walking, we can also complete the goal while standing...
Or going out for a run...
In addition, if we remain inactive for a long time, the clock will display an inactivity warning on the screen, reminding us to move from time to time. This inactivity will be recorded in the logs and will also be synchronized with the web application.
By synchronizing the Polar M400 with Polar Flow we will get the daily activity data that we can then access and know how our day has been. The watch has the ability to identify activities, not only training as we obviously activate the use of GPS and the specific mode, it can also identify when I have not had the watch on, when I have moved it to make some consultation while writing this article, when I have gone to sleep, when I was sitting and if the sleep has been deep or not. And the truth is that it marks the times very accurately, as well as the hours of activity.
Unlike other activity monitors, no special mode needs to be activated at any time for the M400 to be able to detect whether we are sitting or sleeping, all activity is taken automatically.
It is also possible to access a monthly summary of activity, to see how we have been active throughout the month.
Smart Coach
After every training session, the Polar M400 provides a range of data to help you understand how your training session went and how it helped you improve, going beyond a simple summary of distance travelled or calories consumed. All this information is taken from your heart rate during training.
The Polar M400 will tell you how hard your training was, and also tell you how it will improve your fitness.
And if you press the center button it will give you some more information about that benefit
Also, it rewards you as you improve your records, indicating that you have set a new personal record (these are from my first training with the Polar M400, so here I had all my records summarized). There is a record record for the longest distance traveled
The highest amount of calories consumed
Or the fastest average pace. And all in order to reward you as you train
Of course it also informs you if you have completed your activity level set for the day
One of the most important points that the M400 reports is the Running Index, in which it basically classifies your fitness level with a number, which is also synchronized with each activity and which we can see in Polar Flow. For its calculation, Polar takes into account ascents and descents along with heart rate.
You can also use this data to calculate what your theoretical running times might be.
Another option in smart coaching is to perform a fitness test, which in older meters was called Polar OwnIndex and is basically your aerobic fitness at rest. This value could be comparable to the VO2max of each athlete. It will also be synchronized to Polar Flow so you can keep track as you train. It is very easy to perform, just put on the pulse sensor, lie down and press the button.
Use of the Polar M400 as a diary watch
The Polar M400 covers perfectly the facet of being our daily watch. It is comfortable to wear on your wrist, it is not too big or heavy and it is not excessively sporty. Except for some moments when I have changed the device on my wrist for different tests, I have almost always worn it, either on my left or right wrist. The strap is flexible enough not to be uncomfortable, although this will depend more on the size of your wrist and it is true that the smallest wrists will suffer the most with watches that are not exactly small.
It can be configured with several screens, either including date, with large numbers or showing the activity bar. These screens can be selected from the clock menu itself or if you want to make a quick change you can do so by pressing the scroll up key. These are the screens you can select.
- Date and time with seconds and the owner's name (in case you forget your name and have to check it quickly)
- Analog dial with date at 3
- Big numbers, with hour up and minute down
- Time along with the daily activity bar. This bar is an animated image when we move.
As a watch, the Polar M400 allows you to set an alarm. It doesn't have to be a one-time alarm, you can also set a daily or weekly snooze.
We can activate the lighting at any time. It is of good quality and allows us to see the screen even if we are in total darkness. And it also allows us to leave the lighting permanently active while we train, from the advanced options menu which can be accessed by pressing the light button (doing so while we are in activity). This is really useful for those of us who are used to training at night, as we don't have to look for the light button at any time, including the fastest moment of our series, or to ride the bike and not have to let go of the handlebars when we want to see the record speed we are going down, increasing even more the possibility of ending up riding around on the ground.
Polar Flow
Polar Flow is the synchronization application for the M400 (and also for the Polar V800 Registration is mandatory, as it not only allows you to upload all your training data for analysis, but is also key to setting up your Polar M400.
Once you've created an account and entered your details, which you did in the initial setup, this is the screen you arrive at as soon as you log in to the application. Polar calls it "Explore", and it allows you to view workouts by other Polar users around the world and, if you like, particularly in your own area.
The "Channel" tab will show both your and your friends' activities, if you have one added in Polar Flow. From here you can also access any of the activities by clicking on "Analyze", or access a video created by Polar about the activity you have done.
When you enter the activity, this is how it is presented: The basic information at the top with time, distance, average heart rate and calories (in the case of the picture it does not appear because this particular workout is done with a Garmin Fenix 2 watch, but imported into Polar Flow). Below you can find the map of the activity and below it extended details such as the graph with pace, altitude and heart rate, the training zones or the division into laps. By default the automatic laps are shown, but you can also divide the time information into 0.5km, 1km, 2km and 5km laps.
Polar offers the "Relive" feature, which creates a video including details of a particular workout or race, plus some Google Street View shots to add to the fun.
By entering the calendar you will have quick access to all your activities, as well as the activity monitor bar. At the end of each week it gives you a summary of activities with training time, distance travelled or calories consumed during the week.
It is also possible to enter the calendar not only in monthly mode, but also in daily mode, and under the activities, classified by hours, you will also have information about the activity monitor.
These are the activity summaries you can access from Polar Flow.
And you also have a training summary with number of sessions, distance or the breakdown of sports played (in this case, 100% race).
And if we click on Training Benefit it gives us an overview of how we have been training.
By accessing the progression menu you can check how you have progressed as you train. You can categorize the reports by sports or by specific time periods.
If you click on the name you will have access to your profile, with more information about your exercises.
And you can change the settings you have initially configured in your account.
As well as the objective of your daily activity
Details of your profile settings
You can configure if you want others to see your data.
And configure the general settings of the application and the clock in terms of units and date.
Connectivity
Polar has given the M400 a low power Bluetooth Smart connectivity, but it will only connect to a limited number of devices. And these are the pulse sensor on one hand (the Polar H7 or other Bluetooth sensors, such as the Mio Link) and mobile phones on the other. For now only iPhone, Android devices later, as directed by Polar by the end of 2014.
Therefore, there is no support for connecting external devices such as a pedometer to have pace and distance data when training on a treadmill or indoors, although it is something that is coming in future updates. Added in version 1.4 of the clockWe can't connect speed and cadence sensors for the bike either, and of course since we don't have 5kHz connectivity we won't have pulse information when we swim either.
The Polar iOS application allows not only to synchronize the Polar M400 (it is also the same application used in the Polar V800 and in Polar Loop) but will show us the synchronized training as well as the summary of daily activity.
Android and other platform users can synchronize the clock the traditional way and it's very easy. Simply by connecting the micro USB sync cable and using the Polar FlowSync application we can have all the workouts uploaded to Polar Flow in a few seconds.
Polar also supports third party applications, although not automatically. We can synchronize our training with other platforms such as Strava or Endomondo, but you have to do it manually in each activity by exporting the GPX or TCX file. Although you can always use applications such as SyncMyTracks to do the synchronization automatically.
In addition, as of October 2015, Polar has also included the update for receiving notifications on both iOS and Android phones. It therefore joins the "smartwatch" fever, allowing you to see on the watch screen the new messages you receive on your phone.
Summary
The M400 is a winning horse for Polar. The marketing department has been very clear about where its target audience was and has been able to develop a product that is totally focused on them. With a price range designed for the mid-range it offers features that we only see in products intended for higher ranges. In addition, the inclusion of a daily activity monitor is a very important decision factor.
Of course not everything is perfect, and I have found things that I liked less or features that I directly did not find. For me the most important absence is the lack of vibration, especially because the audible warnings do not meet the minimum requirement. If we look at its direct competitors, the TomTom Runner and the Garmin Forerunner 220, both have vibrating warnings and I really do not understand why Polar has not included it in the M400.
The lack of an Android application (at the moment, expected by the end of 2014) is something that may also bother some people, but I don't consider it a key factor in deciding between one model or another. Application now available from 31 December 2014.
There are other particularities such as not being able to select training targets by pace With the December 30th update of Polar Flow, paced training has also arrived at the Polar M400 or not having external pedometer support which can be a bit of a problem for some, but I think these two points are not something that you can overestimate your target audience, and who knows if we might end up seeing it in some software update later on.
But taking into account again the price at which it is officially sold: 160 ? for the watch without a pulse sensor and 200 ? in a pack with the Polar H7 (which you can find cheaper in the links I leave you now), it can become the watch that I recommend the most within its price range in the short or medium term.
Did you like the test?
I hope you enjoyed this comprehensive review. It took quite a few hours to put it together. If you liked it and want to help, simply comment below on what you thought of the test, or ask your questions, as I may have left something along the way. I won't have any problems and will come by to answer you. Discuss this test with your friends and share it on your social networks. If you are encouraged by the purchase of the device, you can do it through this link This way you save, and I get back a small commission that will help with the purchase of new devices for the following tests.
Buy Polar M400
You can buy the Polar M400 in four colors (white, black, blue or pink) and two variants (with or without pulse sensor). Below I provide you with a link to some very good offers. Buying through them will help you maintain the website and my work.
In addition, these are the prices you can find at Amazon in all its European network. First the versions without pulse sensor. If you click on the links you will see the prices of the different colors that are available.
https://www.amazon.es/dp/B00NPZ7WNU&tag=c1mes-21
Then in kit with the Polar H7 sensor.
https://www.amazon.es/dp/B00OBZKT2E&tag=c1mes-21
And with that... thanks for reading!
I'm surprised no one has commented on this entry yet.
First of all, thanks for the review. Although I already have this watch, it's very interesting to read the opinions of people with more experience.
Personally, I think it perfectly meets the needs of any racing fan. As you hit it, I find it three:
1. The aforementioned vibration. It sounds really low and if you're listening to music...
2. Android synchronization: Although Polar has promised to do it by the end of the year, we'll see how long it takes.
3. Indoor training profiles: Although you can use treadmill or elliptical trainer running as an activity, at the end of the training session you cannot enter the distance you have cycled manually. You can do this from the website, but by the time you get home and synchronize... you have forgotten the distance you have cycled.
But in the end I am totally satisfied with the purchase.
Cesar, thank you very much for your comments.
The points at which it falters are clear, and it is up to each of us to assess their importance (especially the issue of vibration) and see how important they are to your training.
Thank you very much for the very complete review. You have cleared up doubts that they didn't know in the English court or in the polar stand of a fair in the corridor. I always train at night and I need a lighted screen.
I have another question. Can you share the activities on Facebook? Thank you very much
Hello Luis
Thank you for your words, they are appreciated.
I'm also a night trainer, and when the brands think of us, it's a good thing. The truth is that it's very comfortable to have the light always on, especially if it doesn't affect the autonomy too much.
At the moment, Polar Flow does not allow the sharing of activities with social networks, neither manually nor automatically.
Amazing review, the most complete I've ever seen. Great work.
I see you're wearing it with your Mio Link. What can you tell me about the association between these two devices? For this watch, would you prefer the Mio Link or the H7 polar chest band?
Thanks in advance.
Thank you very much, Fran. Words are appreciated.
Whenever I can use the Mio Link, I find it very comfortable (I use the chest strap now with the Fenix 2). The only feature it won't allow you is to calculate the fitness value from the menu. But for everything else it will work without a problem. And it has the advantage that if you switch to ANT+ equipment tomorrow you can still use it.
Hello,
are you using Mio Link with Polar M400 also after firmware update?
ThankYou
Hello Dario
It's been a while since I have used a M400 again, but when I've done it I did it with the Mio Link. Why? Are you having trouble?
I red a review date end of 2014 and shows no problem. I bought one on April 2015 but I was never able to associate m400 and MioLink while polarbeat on iPhone perfectly works with miolink
You should try it again, searching the Mio Link from the Polar. There is no compatibility issues between the two.
Check also that Mio Link can connect with your mobile phone, so you can dial any kind of issue with the Mio.
Great review, the best I've ever read. Between this one and Rc3, which one would you choose?
Hello, Manuel.
There is no doubt about it, the M400 is superior in every way, in fact it is the replacement for the RC3 within the Polar range.
Thanks Eduardo, I have already ordered it for "auto gift" for Reyes. Now it's time to wait until next year 🙁
Your review is the one that just convinced me
Great analysis. By far the best I could find on the Polar M400. Thanks a lot!
Great job for a great and complete analysis I almost decided to 100% to buy it now. A couple of things:
1) although I run (and more and more often), my main sport is cycling (both mountain and road). Having distance, average, and being able to see the route and altimetry made at the end, I have enough. Is there any other wristwatch with GPS more focused for the bike? My other option was Garmin FR 220, but I think this Polar is superior.
2) You said that you can't share your practices on Facebook. Do you know if it will be possible to do so in future updates?
Thank you and congratulations on the job.
Carlos, if you want a bicycle watch I would rule out 220, as it has no specific bike mode, although you can set the speed (instead of pace). But for convenience, it better have the profile.
At the moment there is no support for sharing on external social networks. I think it will come one day, it's not too difficult to implement. But I can't give you a calendar of when it will be active
Hello again, Eduardo,
I decided to buy the M400, which I am using well, both running and cycling, and I am very happy with it. There is only one detail that does not convert me and I do not know if you can help me: when I bike, the data of the accumulated difference in height or meters ascended. I have calibrated / compared the instantaneous height with other devices and it is perfect, of course the distance traveled, average speed, etc. and everything is fine. The difference in height is important. Today, without going further, I went out with the mountain bike, I have traveled about 50 km. The accumulated difference in height on my M400 marked 475 m. when in reality we have done just over 800 m. (I know because as I say I have compared with other 3 GPS's.)
Do you know why this can happen?
Hi Carlos
This is completely normal. The M400 has no barometric altimeter, so it depends on the data extracted from the GPS. It is simply a geometric problem, and everything will depend on the angle at which the satellites that are giving us coverage are located.
You can find complete technical information here.
It's not that your M400 is malfunctioning, it's just that GPS as a technology cannot offer more accurate information, which is why the more mountain-oriented watches are equipped with barometers (which are not accurate either).
hello good, excellent review, congratulations! i'm there almost buying it, rookie mountain runner and the back to start function seems brutal to me. i'm between pinto and valdemoro with the suunto ambit 2r; so my doubt is this: in the m400 to monitor the daily activity you need the gps plugged in? if so the battery bye bye, no? in any case the battery is an element to consider too (i hate to charge) hahaha thanks and a greeting
No, for the activity monitor function it is not necessary to use the GPS, it is through the internal accelerometer.
Thanks for answering so quickly. Then I'm in doubt about the battery. Could you tell me how long you lasted using it as a quantifier bracelet, gps training and so on? Because it's ale ale with the suunto ambit 2s, which I just saw for 150 euros. Thanks again.
The autonomy without using GPS can be around 25 days, with continuous use of GPS, it is about 8 hours.
Yes, I know the figures, but I wanted to know if you had used it and your personal daily use.
Yes, the 7-8 hours are what I've done, and I confirm that it is.
The 25 days without the use of GPS I do not guarantee it because I have not had the clock stopped all that time.
Thanks, and sorry to be such a pain, but what do you recommend me between the new m400 (170 euros) and the suunto ambit 2s (second hand 190) I stop giving you a hard time 🙂
Vara none, I'm happy to answer any questions :).
They are two different watches, as the Ambit 2s is more oriented towards triathlon while the M400 is mainly a watch for runners (Note that you have set 2r at the beginning and 2s now, they are different watches).
Between the two and for a price I'll keep the M400, especially considering that neither of them will be a perfect watch for mountain racing (for which you would have to look at ambit 2, ambit 3 or phoenix 2).
hahaa Yes, yes, I just saw the 2s in a second-hand store. The truth is that I am surprised by the suunto that has more battery for that reduce the time of gps, but if in general are balanced ... (the ambit I escape, so second hand). The truth is that I was itching to have a suunto for quality and such, but well, it will still be the best option right?
The main difference is that the 2s is a triathlon watch and the M400 is mainly a runner's watch, but what I always advise is that if you are not going to swim or ride a bike with accessories (such as a power meter or cadence sensor), you don't need to pay for those specifications.
And on that budget I think it's better to take a new product with an activity monitor than a used one that you don't know how it's treated.
Done! I just got the m400 🙂 170 aurelios, it sure is a pepinaco! thank you very much for the advice! Best regards!
Well, may you get lots of good miles with it 🙂
Hi, everybody,
It measures somehow the 'cadence' of running. I have read that it counts the number of steps in the daily activity track, but I am not clear if running measures that parameter (instead I have seen that the foreruner 220 does)
Thank you very much!
No, at the moment the M400 does not use the internal accelerometer to show the running cadence, as the Garmin 220 does.
Thank you. I don't know if you've tried garmin 220, but in your opinion which one would you take? I'm between the two... Thanks again!
I'm currently involved with the Garmin range. Although the evidence is not published, I'm already writing some of it.
If the money difference is not important and you want to have vibration yes or yes, I would choose the Garmin.
However, I personally keep the Polar, I can forgive the lack of vibration, but in return the screen is better and the price difference is quite high.
Well, I don't think the vibration thing matters to me, nor the price difference (since I hope it's the one that will last me for a few years...) I was pretty determined about the Polar, and the only thing that made me doubt at the last minute was the cadence issue... I don't know, but having an accelerometer they might even get some future updates that will calculate it... Thank you very much for your answers, and cheer up with the next marathon!
Just a brutal review. I was surprised at the level of detail. Congratulations!
I've had this heart rate monitor for three days and I've only done one outing with it. It was recommended to me because of its quality and price. I don't have much experience to share, but it's been surprising how it works and the support of the web is very good. I've never used a heart rate monitor, although I've been training for many years. The thing is that since I have low heart rates (about 44/min.), on medical advice and some comments, I was told to be careful and to look at it. After looking at it well, with a heart study and so on, it's just a consequence of the sport. But well, with my 45 years, I've already thought that it's a question of controlling the engine a little and knowing if I go too far than I should.
The watch, of design, is nice and compact. As for functions, surprising for the price it has. For me more than enough to control the trainings. As I said, only one output, but it has not failed and it is nice to see then on the web the amount of data it offers you. The web is very clean and minimalist, it highlights what is interesting without images or texts that distract. What I like very much, since I train at night, is to be able to leave the light of the watch permanently on and to be able to personalize the screens. For some it will be something minor, but for me, that already I walk a little badly with seeing closely (the age and the presbyopia do not forgive), it is very important, as the topic of the light, to be able to put the information to me in bigger numbers that I see comfortably. I believe that we are going to be good friends this watch/pulsometer and me.
To put a but, although I think it's on its way, it's the issue that there is no mobile application for Android yet.
And by asking, is there a possibility that the screens will rotate, that is, that when consulting during the session they will automatically jump from one screen to another?
A greeting and I reiterate, very good article, very detailed and illustrated.
Hello Jose
Thank you for your comments.
Polar announced that the Android app would be ready last week. They finally had to delay the launch, as it seems that it was not very polished. But it is about to arrive, everything indicates that by the beginning of 2015 you will be able to enjoy it already on your phone.
As for screens with automatic rotation, this is not contemplated at the moment.
Greetings
My question is the following I don't have Internet at home once I download the page to configure my sports data and start the clock I need to be connected to the Internet to enter the training and see them on the pc?
Thank you
Yes, to review workouts and synchronize them all you need to have access to the Internet. There is no possibility of having software installed on the computer where you can make the queries, everything is uploaded to the Polar servers and that is where it is stored.
Eduardo
Thank you very much for the review. It seems to me very complete, I think that no stick is left untouched....
I only have two questions: the first one is if you think the chest strap is necessary (or so useful)... It's an investment to buy this device and if you can save something by not buying the Polar strap for a later one or look for a cheaper one (that is, if for a novice runner with normal aspirations you see it necessary).
And the second one is if you can tell me about the belt, since I have read quite bad reviews of the belts of different products of this brand, and I wouldn't like to buy a device that in a year I can't use just because the belt has broken.
Thank you very much for your work and keep going!
Thank you, Javier.
Personally, I think it is necessary to have a pulse sensor. It is the best way to control yourself and to know if you can (and must) push, especially when running, or if you are already at the limit of where you must go.
The advantage of open standards is just that, you don't need the brand's own sensor (which are usually more expensive). You can use it perfectly with any Bluetooth sensor. For example this one, which costs just over 17 euros.
As far as the strap is concerned, I think it's more than correct. The anchorage is good and in case of breakage it can be replaced, so you wouldn't have to throw the watch away.
What's the bracelet you have on your wrist next to the heart rate monitor?
Thank you
It's the Mio Link. You can find the proof right here: https://www.correrunamaraton.com/mio-link-prueba/
Hello again Eduardo, this time on this forum, as I told you I have self-registered the M400 and after two days of use, a static bike training and 24 hours of wristwatch I can say that I am getting familiar with it little by little.
As you write in your comment, the symbiosis between the Mio heart rate monitor and the M400 is going well except for the fitness test, which I have my doubts if with another treadmill model "Polar" of previous versions will be possible, I have not yet had time to check.
Synchronization via PC is no problem.
The online application via Bluetoth with Polar Flow from Android has not worked, I get error "FAILURE TO CONNECT THE APP" after having synchronized correctly, I enter the settings of Polar Flow, recognizes the M400, all data serial number and model, recognizes the open connection between the two modules (watch and cell phone) the watch gives me a confirmation number Bluetoth to write it on the phone and to mark it and give it to accept the blissful error comes out on the clock Failure to connect, so it may be because I have not yet caught the trick or I'm too potatoes. The android version is 4.4.2 thanks to your help we made the update on the same day 31. Try to see if it gives you correct connection and let me know.
At the moment, I'm happy with the acquisition.
Thank you again for the forum and the technical opinions.
Best regards 😉
I add to my comment that I have tried the Polar Flow APP on an Ipad Mini and IF it works perfectly, it smells of some Android application failure...
Greetings.
No, the previous sensor you had from Polar will be Wearlink, not Bluetooth, which is not the standard they use now.
Right now I don't have any M400s to try to make the connection. Sometimes, even if I tell you there's been a mistake, I may have made the synchronization correctly.
So far I haven't seen any problems with the applications for other users, anyway in case I'm sure Polar will fix it for the next application update.
Hi, great analysis of the watch, I wanted to ask you if you consider that the polar m400 gps is more precious than the garmin 310, as I am undecided between the two models and I attach great importance to the accuracy of the gps, I'm burned of q the runtastic application cuts me route as you want, thank you very much.
The accuracy of the M400 is good, and similar to the 310xt.
Route failures usually occur from running in areas with coverage problems (trees, buildings, etc).
congratulations on the great analysis you have done, I have a question, can you have two or more profiles for poder use the watch more than one person easily? or simply allows you to create and have the polar associated with a user
many thanks
Hello
Thank you for your comments.
No, the use of the watch is "personal and non-transferable". You configure the unit with your age, height, weight, etc (for the calculation of running index, calories, etc). And when it comes to synchronize, it does it on the same account.
There is no possibility of changing this, so it cannot be used by two people indiscriminately.
I'd like to know how it works for cycling
Miguel, you have the specific cycling section in the article. It's all the same as running, but you can change pace for speed. It doesn't support external sensors.
Hello 1st congratulations for the complete analysis.
The m400 polar fleece was given to me by my wife as a gift for kings and I have several doubts.
Can I use it to swim so I know how far I'm going with the GPS?
I see that it lacks a NORMAL stopwatch and an alarm, I for example sometimes when I go running (or in bico) I do it by time, I set the alarm (casio of all life) and so I know when to stop without looking at the clock every time. do you know if eventually include these things?
No, the M400 does not have a swimming support and will not have one in the future. To have one you would have to go to the V800, which if it has a full swimming profile support in a pool, and will soon receive support for open water swimming. You can see the proof here
Take a look at the "Training goals" section. You can program a workout that lasts as long as you want, 40 minutes for example, and it will alert you both graphically and with an alarm when it reaches the time you have set.
It has a swimming function although I don't know how it works
It has the profile of a sport, but it's just a stopwatch. It doesn't provide metrics and it's not capable of receiving pulse data underwater.
The pulse was a given (the chest strap is not submersible), I thought it would count the strokes or the GPS distance. I will try it on Monday and see ... Thank you very much for the answers
The Polar H7 is waterproof, in fact it is the same one used in the Polar V800.
I recommend that you read the test of the Polar V800 so you can see what the differences are between the M400 and the V800's swimming.
Hello and thank you for the analysis,
I have a doubt, with the application I can get the average rhythms per Km? That is, if I have run 10 km I can see the average speed I have taken in each Km?
Thank you
You mean watching it online at Polar Flow?
Yes, if you have the autolap every km, then you can see the average speed of each one you make
Thank you
If I meant watching it online
Very good input. I wish all the tests were like that.
My doubt is the following: I am hesitant about buying the Polar M400 or the TomTom Multisports because I practice running and MTB (in amateur mode) but I also usually swim in the pool and I would like to know the distance I do, I don't care about the pulse but I do care about the distance.
They are very similar but I don't know what is better for multisport.
I'd like to know which one would suit me better.
If you want to make a pool, and have the clock mark the information, you must go to TomTom MultisportsThe Polar M400, although it has a swimming profile, will only serve as a stopwatch.
The TomTom will tell you lengths and distance (indoors, outdoors it won't).
Pool man is maintenance and if I would like to know the distance
But for cycling? Which is better than the other since in running they are very similar.
Thank you
Running the Polar is better. It allows more customization and the web application is much more advanced.
On a bike, if you are not going to use speed or cadence sensors, we are in the same situation as the Polar is better at preparing data pages and placing them in the way that is most comfortable for you. The main difference is that on the TomTom you can connect a speed/cadence sensor via Bluetooth.
Good the option to return to live before the videos put images of the routes and now not what is due I have a polar m430
Hi, first of all I'd like to thank you for this huge review about the M400!
I wanted to ask you a query related to the M400 and the H7 strap that I purchased together. My idea was to use the treadmill to record the HR on both the watch and the Strava app for iOS. But what I have found is that if one of the two devices starts to "read" the HR, then the other is not able to sync with the H7.
I thought that the Polar H7 simply emitted and any receiver around it could record the HR, but from my tests it seems that this is not the case.
Do you have any experience with this, or do you know if there's something you're not doing right?
Thank you 🙂
Hello Eugenio, now your question has arrived :-).
First of all, I'd like to thank you for your comments.
Bluetooth works differently than ANT+. In Bluetooth the relationship between devices is master and slave. So when the slave (in this case H7) connects to a master (in this case M400), the pairing has already been done and the slave cannot connect to another device.
With ANT+ this is not the case, and it allows multiple connections.
I hope I was able to clear it up for you.
Greetings
Aha! I understand...
So if instead of having an iPhone that can only connect to the H7 via bluetooth you had an android with Ant+ you wouldn't have this problem and therefore could use it on the M400 and the mobile at the same time, right?
Thank you!!! 🙂
No, because both the M400 and the H7 only work via Bluetooth! :-).
In the V800 this could be done, because it is capable of receiving the information, in addition to Bluetooth, through the 5kHz analogue band. So the H7 sensor could be connected analogue to the watch and digital to the phone. But this is not the case with the M400.
With an android with ANT+ you could do it if the sensor had dual connectivity, like the Wahoo Fitness or with Mio LinkYou would connect via ANT+ to the phone and via Bluetooth to the watch.
Hello, I am still using and "tinkering" with the M400.
I have seen the "HR visible on other device" option inside Settings -> Sport Profiles -> Heart Rate Settings.
I've activated it but I haven't seen any change in sharing by clock and any other device.
Do you have details of what this option is for?
Thank you!
I copy what I put on the test the Polar V800, where I deal with that issue.
"One of the significant features is the ability for the Polar V800 to re-broadcast pulse data to connect to other devices via Bluetooth. In this way 1TP10We could connect the Polar V800 with our heart rate monitor and at the same time, have pulse information on the gym machine, on our phone or on a computer on the bike. But this is so in theory, although in reality it does not work as it should. At the moment, heart rate can only be sent to Polar Beat, nothing else. This is because the Bluetooth 4.1 standard is really new, but no manufacturer supports this part of the standard.
This operating characteristic is due to the operation of the Bluetooth devices themselves. In the case of ANT+ connectivity, the relationship between devices is peer-to-peer. But in Bluetooth Smart it does not work like that, since the relationship between sensors is master/slave. Therefore, each slave (in this case the frequency sensor) can only have one master (the Polar V800). For this reason in devices that support ANT+ it is possible to have heart rate for example on the watch and on the bike computer coming from only one sensor, but for the moment Bluetooth does not work like that."
So we have the possibility, but for the moment only the Polar Beat app "listens" to what my M400 shares, right?
Let's see if the people at Strava (my favorite app) get this update out soon and make it compatible...
Thanks again!
No, Polar Beat is Polar's quantification bracelet.
In order to take advantage of this feature, the device has to support the Bluetooth 4.1 standard, so it does not depend on the application update, but on the hardware that is able to connect.
Hello.
I have the same problem, because if the M400 takes my keystrokes, the iPhone (5) doesn't. I understand the issue of 1:1 connection, but the fact is that, for example, the iPad (1) connects to the keyboard and the iPhone, both via Bluetooth. Also, there are comments from people who have done it, but it can be through the 5Khz frequency (before I connected my RS400 and the iPhone, both to the H7, but I understand that I would do it this way, since the RS400 does not have Bluetooth...)
Bluetooth works by profiles. Data profile, keyboard profile, accessory profile, audio profile, etc. In your case, you connect your iPad to your iPhone by the data profile and to your keyboard by the keyboard profile, so you don't have any problems.
Thank you very much for this fantastic test!
I was in doubt and it totally convinced me. I just made the purchase through the Amazon link, so I hope they give you a good commission. You certainly deserve it.
Ramon, thank you very much for your comments.
Well, the commission isn't high, but it certainly adds up and helps. Thank you!
Good night!
I loved your analysis, and it helped me make my mind up about this watch.
I'm using it with a Decathlon HR band (Geonaute BLE), which works great except when doing the Fitness Test... when trying to do the test it says "no sensor found"....
is it possible that they have "capped" this functionality and that it works exclusively with polar bands?
Greetings and thanks
Indeed, the fitness test function requires the use of the Polar H7 sensor. Without it, it will not take that information.
Okay, thanks, Eduardo.
A pity... but well, it's not essential either.
Greetings
I can't get it to work, it doesn't detect the FC band
The band must be placed on the chest to be able to search from the clock, if you do not put it on the sensor will not turn on.
I'll try it out this afternoon. I'll let you know.
Thank you very much.
Greetings, Jorge Garcia
Satisfactory test. Besides having the band in place I recommend being out of range of other bluetooth devices.
Thank you all for your help
Morning,
I'm thinking about getting this watch, and I'm not sure if I'll get this one or the Tomtom Multisport. I don't know if you can tell me what your option would be, considering that I'm a beginner runner and that I ride my bike on weekends. Running is something I'm using to train.
I don't need cadence or power sensors or anything like that for the bike, otherwise I don't know which one would be better...
A greeting and a great article by the way.
David
Hi, David.
For me, the Polar M400 is a clear winner. The only reason I could make you decide on the TomTom is if you were going swimming.
Thank you for your comments.
First of all, thank you very much for your answer and for the speed of it.
The final question is, would you take the M400 or try and save a bit and take the V800...
I just don't know how much it's worth spending $400 on a watch...
Being a beginner, and if you don't need additional sensors, the most logical choice is the M400. In the V800 you're going to pay for features you won't take advantage of.
Congratulations on the contribution,
This week I acquired the m400, I have already worked and manipulated,
I have a garmin 310xt.
I've noticed several things:
To be improved
It's hard for him to pick up satellite if your wrist isn't still
The race pace, I don't think it's reliable, I have the rhythms recorded, and it seems to be difficult for him to score accurately, sometimes faster than I'm going and sometimes the other way around.
Problem connecting via bluetooth to iphone 4, or ipad 2, I can't use my devices
The battery is rather short, I wear it like a watch and train with it, all in one.
Excellent:
Size and elegance and weight
Polar flow lets you set it up however you want, that's fine
The interface of polar flow is more accomplished than garmin's and you can see a reconstruction of your itinerary in Volver a vivir, a video curated by the site, is very cool.
Big numbers for visually impaired people like me, I have two boxes on each screen, perfect, 4 I see it too small.
I have managed to import my training from garmin to polar flow with sync tracks, without any glitches from a samsung galaxy express 2 updated to android 4.4., this data is not in the page and people don't know it, there are more people who have managed to install it in their device and it is not in the list.
To synchronize the clock you have to leave it still and the phone too, if it does not give error,
The usb cable inside has given me reading errors, with any other it works.
In short.
I don't know if I should keep it and work with it or change it and get the ambit2 that the battery is better, although it is more robust and the connection is by cable. Anyway, I hope to help you with my experiences, a greeting
Thank you for your comments.
iPad 2 and iPhone 4 do not have Bluetooth Smart, so they are not compatible.
Hi, Txami.
I'm not sure whether to buy the 310xt or the M400. I want it for running, cycling and water (only for timing). I like the look of the M400 and the battery in the 310xt. Which one do you get for the reliability of the GPS and the heart rate monitor? If you didn't have either, which one would you get?
Thank you
How do you import the trainings? Can you import the ones of runtastic?
Great analysis, congratulations, but one question remains: is it possible that you are offered training at Polar Flow to achieve a goal, for example, a half-marathon as it appears on personaltrainer.com?
Greetings and thank you,
Hello Jose Maria
At the moment it is not possible to have specific training plans in Polar Flow.the web application is still in beta status. It will probably end up coming, but it is not available yet.
Congratulations on the review!
The discount code is no longer valid?
A salute!!!
Hello Miquel
No, it's not. They've taken the Polar M400 out of the FITNESS20 promotion, so there's no choice but to buy it normally. However, there's a unit in reconditioned at £134 that simply has the box slightly damaged. It may be a good option...
Right now the only one entering the FITNESS20 promotion is the Polar V800.
Thanks for the contribution, a question you know what the battery life of the equipment, I saw for example that mine alpha 2 has a life of 5 years according to the manufacturer and then you can throw it away because it has no replacement.
Pepo
Polar doesn't advertise battery life, but like all batteries, it has a set life. It's something you have to live with.
Really chapeau, not only because of the analysis (which is very good), but also because I see that you answer ALL the doubts, even if they are repeated.
I know you are preparing the analysis of the garmin 220 (I also read you on foroatletismo) and until you do not publish it, I will not decide for any since I have not seen any analysis of heart rate monitors half as good.
Thank you Sergio, I appreciate the words. At the end I write all this for you, and I understand that all these comments are also part of the articles.
I think the Garmin 220 test will be ready this week, so you won't have to wait long.
While you're waiting, you can sign up for the M400 draw, see if you get lucky.
I've been running around for 10 months and I want to make the best decision to buy, although sometimes I'm afraid I'll underuse so many features or manage it with solvency. Better this one or the garmin 220?
Today Forerunner 220 is more mature. It's been on the market longer and everything it does, it does well.
The Polar M400 still has some things pending, but looking ahead and as updates to both the clock and the platform arrive, saving the lack of vibration and the sound notifications that are quite low, it will be a much more capable clock than the 220.
It's a pretty personal choice. The best thing is that you read both analyses well and decide which one you think will satisfy you the most.
hello good reviews
I'm a weight-loss person, I bike, swim and go to the gym
of the tom tom multisport i like very much that i don't need a chest band. but this watch, the m400 polar, also catches my attention. which would you recommend, because where i buy them the price is very similar
Thank you
If you care about swimming data, the TomTom Multisport offers it, which the M400 does not, so you'll have to go to that or some triathlon multisport watch.
thanks=)
Hello,
You comment that "The values of calories consumed will be more faithful to reality, since it will not treat in the same way a spinning session than a light bike ride", as far as I know, my Polar FT80 counted calories depending on the heart rate, no matter what kind of activity you did....
A salute,
Hello
A heart rate monitor measures the pulse, and cannot go beyond that. The rest of the information (such as calories consumed) is obtained through algorithms that depend on age, weight, height, etc. The more information you give it, the closer it gets to an accurate result (but it will still be an estimate).
A heart rate monitor estimates caloric consumption through the relationship between heart rate and oxygen consumption (VO2). It is precisely oxygen consumption that is the most accepted method of calculating calories consumed.
Therefore, all the figures of calories consumed are mere estimates, which depending on each person and device may be closer to reality.
So the pulses are one more variable in the equation of the algorithm that calculates it, but not an indication by itself.
There are many cases in which the heart rate will be higher, but this does not mean that we are consuming more calories. For example:
- Dehydration
- Heat and humidity
- Stress situation
In these cases, our pulses will be higher, but the caloric consumption (the energy consumed by the muscles), does not vary.
I don't know if I've explained myself correctly...
Hello, very clear your exposition about that the pulses are not the only variable, however, how is the pulsometer able to manage/distinguish other variables besides the FC? that is to say, those that you aim your (hydration, heat...) it cannot manage them, so I do not think that more data uses to calculate the caloric expenditure (apart clear this one of our physical data, but these do not change when changing the sport).
Thank you very much!
The sport practiced is one more variable of the equation, which will affect more or less the final calculation. It will be one more correction factor within the algorithm. What is its formula? No idea, only Polar knows it.
But one of the most important points is the number of muscle groups involved in the activity. 150 heartbeats while cycling, where mainly the legs are working, is not the same as 150 heartbeats while swimming (although the M400 does not count swimming), which will use practically all the muscle groups. Therefore, at the same heart rate, the second activity will consume more energy.
It is like a car and a truck both driving at 120km/h. The speed is the same, but the car will have a lower consumption because it has less weight and front surface.
That makes a lot of sense ;), I also came across this info on the Polar website, about calorie calculation: "At rest, inactivity and low intensities, activity-based calories are used, and at moderate and high intensities, heart rate-based calories are used. At low intensity activities, activity-based calorie consumption is more accurate, and at high intensity activities, heart rate-based calorie consumption is more accurate."
By the way, very good and complete review, thank you very much!
Hi, I found the review very interesting since you explain everything step by step. I would use it both for running and cycling and I was thinking of replacing it with the odometer. What creates a doubt in my mind is whether the speed will be correct and another is the issue of altitude, mark the altitude where you go or accumulate it? I mean, go up the mountain and know how high I go. And finally, any bluetooth smart band serves for heart rate? Thank you very much.
Compared to a kilometer counter, the "refresh" speed will be somewhat slower. But otherwise it is fully functional.
As for the altitude, you can select between current altitude, total ascent and total descent.
In terms of compatibility, you can use any Bluetooth Smart sensor, except for the fitness test option which is only compatible with the H6 and H7 sensors.
Too bad it doesn't also show the slope. I think it's gonna be a great feature with upcoming updates, like syncing with Strava. Merci.
Altitude accuracy is pretty bad. Expected because it doesn't measure barometric altitude.
About speed there are errors up to 15″ per km in rates between 3:45 and 4:10.
Good analysis, Eduardo.
For getting more out of him. On the upside, I agree with you.
The summary of the screen after pressing a lap is not configurable and you cannot see something as basic as the accumulated time. It is very uncomfortable.
Poor height accuracy (not barometric) expected.
The GPS has a deviation of approximately 600m every 10 km. The rates vary up to 15″ per km depending on the speed. Be careful if you are looking for accuracy in training where the target is speed.
You can configure the training by phases but when you go to the web, the phases disappear and you can't see averages or anything of those phases. Why does Polar let you configure phases if it doesn't let you see results?
For 200 Euros more specialization level was expected from medium level riders. Polar forces to pull for the V800. If you train with certain discipline and with varied training you may fall short.
Thank you
Thank you, Roberto.
In my tests I had no big problems with distances or rhythms, always compared to other watches I also wore at the same time. Yes, it is true that the instantaneous rhythm is almost never the same, but in accumulated rhythm per lap and in total distance I have never found big differences, normally in the surroundings of a 2%.
However, when running through complicated areas or in bad weather, things get complicated and it is normal that the margin of error increases.
Flow is still in beta mode, so it will most likely continue to improve over time, but these things happen the same on the M400 as on the V800 (on the software side, GPS is better in terms of sensitivity).
hello i just died with 2 years and two months the garmin 210, no warranty and i have to pay the repair, so i'll buy another one and of course not garmin. i practice running, i do trainings with series etc, from what i see that i can be interested i saw two options, the tomtom runner and the polar m400, which are quite well priced, the pulse meter does not give me more than come without it, which of these you advise me? or another option? thank you very much
Well, it's too bad you've been...
If you do series, the TomTom is not for you, as you cannot schedule training sessions. The Polar is much more complete in that respect, although the training schedule is not as advanced as with Garmin. But in that price range, in my opinion the Polar M400 is the clear winner.
Fantastic analysis. Congratulations. I ordered the M400 without chest strap this afternoon as I am hesitant to purchase a Mio Link wristband and synchronise it with the heart rate monitor. One question arises: are all the functions of the M400 available with the Mio Link wristband (e.g. Fitness Test), or do I need to purchase the H7 chest strap to enjoy all the features? Thank you very much.
Thank you. I hope I was helpful in making your final decision.
Indeed, the Fitness Test feature is only compatible with an H6 or H7 Polar sensor. With Mio Link connected, you would not be able to take the test.
Hi, good afternoon.
I was looking for a watch with this type of gps; looking in different places, opinions, etc, last week I found this page, and finally I decided for this one, the Polar M400. Since you left a link to buy at amazon, I bought it directly from there, saying that everything is perfect, very fast shipping, and of course without any problems.
I must say that, despite having only been with it for a week, I am very happy, I use it for my training sessions and also as a personal watch to quantify the measurement of daily activity, and this is precisely what has surprised me most, because it marks everything you do with great precision. As for the GPS, the first outing I did very well, it took a short time to look for a signal, and then when I synchronized the activity in PolarFlow I could see that the route was very precise, it did not mark any anomaly in the path. However, I have done two other training sessions during this week, and in both the measurement did not work exactly well: in one of them, when I had been running for a while I passed through an area quite closed by buildings, and lost the signal momentarily, which at that moment I did not give it much importance. However, when I got home and observed the route, it marked moments with small curves in straight lines, cuts in some corners.
Even though my watch still has about half of my battery in it, could this be a problem because it's not fully charged? Since the first day I used it it was charged to 100% and there were no problems, that's what I can think of that happened. Did anything similar ever happen to you while you were testing, or anyone else who has done something like this?
Thank you very much in advance. Greetings!
Hi, Christian.
I'm glad you're happy with the purchase. And thank you for buying through the link. You're the ones who make these tests possible.
As for the GPS operation, it is not a failure of your unit or lack of battery. It is normal that if you are running between buildings, trees, very cloudy days, etc. the signal is not correct and therefore "strange" graphs are drawn.
GPS is not a tracking technology, but a positioning technology. This means that the watch positions you every second, and then plots the path. We assume that GPS as a technology has an accuracy, with maximum signal, of 3m. From here it is the watch software and the algorithms used by each manufacturer that determine what your path has been.
What is happening, for example, in those areas with tall buildings? The first thing is that instead of having coverage from 9 or 10 satellites, it is possible to go down to 4 or 5. We are no longer talking about 3m accuracy, but rather we are going down to 30m. In addition, the signals are coming in bouncing off the buildings, making triangulation even more complicated.
For this reason you will see that in closed areas the measurements are not correct, and that when you then draw the plane makes strangers. The unit would be defective if it had that behavior in the open and without obstacles. But putting obstacles, simply the technology today does not give more of if.
Hi! I'm late but I'm here. I took the suunto ambit 2 but I'm going to sell it second hand and I'm going for the polar. I bought it because of your link. Thank you very much for your review! It's total!
Hi Arain
I'm glad I was helpful with the shopping! Thanks to you, you're the ones who make these tests possible.
Good afternoon. I can't get the extra 10% in Amazon. It says the promotion is until April 5th. Have they removed this product yet?
Thank you
Hello Alberto
Yes, unfortunately it seems that they have eliminated the Polar M400 from the SPORTS10 promotion. I just saw it with your notice, because it was supposed to be there until April 5th.
It already happened in the last promotion they did, similar to the current one. Both the M400 and the V800 entered at first, but a day later they stopped being in promotion. Now the same thing has happened.
Damn how they have raised prices, I was already determined to see them .... for now I stay as I am, to see if they go down in the coming months
In Germany it is now cheaper, 159.95 euros with the H7 pulse sensor. You can click here to see it.
Alberto, in case you are still interested, the code DEPORTES10 for the Polar M400 has returned, valid for the moment until April 5th
again consulting you Eduardo, between the polar m400 U$155 or the garmin fr15 U$160, or timex ironman run trainer U$145 the prices without the band, which would you stay? the difference to train with band in the long run is noticeable? the strap of the polar is replaceable? thanks and greetings from Argentina
I don't know the Timex, so I can't give you any information.
But the Polar M400 is clearly superior to FR15.
Good afternoon Eduardo, which is better to buy with the heart band or without? is
uncomfortable running with the band, but where I live is subtropical climate, temp of more than 30 º C? without the band you calculate the
heart rate? Sorry for all the questions, but it would be my first
RDI and much idea on the subject I don't have. Thank you.
To have heart rate data you need the band. If you want to have that information, you must buy it with the pulse sensor.
In the end I got the garmin fr10, because there was no polar m400 and with the garmin fr220 there was different important price. Do you know of a website or app where I can find or create training plans based on pace / distance, as to guide me in each session with the watch? thanks.
The FR10 does not allow the programming of training sessions of any kind.
if i know, i say stop before i go for a run put it that i have to do 6 km in a 4:30 min/km rhythm there that data i can control with the fr10. until now i saw myasics throw you a plan without being based on cardic frequency according to the objective of one. greetings
The truth is I don't know of any specific website that works by rhythm instead of heart rate. I can't tell you.
Hi, first of all, thank you for the detailed analysis.
I have a couple of doubts before I can decide between the RC3 or the M400.
First of all, which you advise me if its use is going to be only for running and assuming the same price for both.
I have read positive things and to improve of both but I do not have very clear by which to decide to me aside from its functions, the one that makes me a little more backwards is the battery 12 h vs. 8 h.
What is the real battery life of the M400 with the GPS activated? I have read that the RC3 is close to Polar's specifications, but I have read people complaining about the M400 lasting 4 or 4 and a half hours at most, far from 8.
Thank you very much. I hope your answers make my head a little clearer.
The M400 is clearly superior to the RC3 in many ways, not least because it is the replacement within the same range as Polar. The only thing the RC3 is superior to is the speed/cadence sensor holder for cycling.
In my use experience, the M400 offered about 7-8 hours of GPS use.
Thank you very much for the speed and response, I'll try to wait and see if it goes back down to yesterday's price and take it from here to help the blog.
Greetings
Thank you
As I indicated to another colleague this morning, in Spain it has gone up, but in Germany it's still good value.
I have had it for a week and the battery lasts 5 hours with GPS and heart rate, without using the light of the clock at any time, I do not know how Polar can say that it lasts 8 hours...
In any case it would be good if they updated the firmware with different modes of GPS accuracy to save battery, as they sell it for cycling... routes of more than 5 hours in this sport are common...
Hi. Congratulations on the analysis. Thanks to you, I decided to buy the M400 polar fleece. I've had it in my hands for only 4 days. I bought it without the HR7 sensor because it had a decathlon bluetooth pulse. It synchronizes quite well and takes good readings. My problem is that when I try to perform the fitness test, the watch doesn't detect it and I can't perform the test. How can I fix this problem?
Hello Edgar
The Fitness Test function is only compatible with Polar sensors (H6 or H7).
You can import the trainings from other apps, for example from runtastic?
It is not possible to import trainings, nor will it be. Each platform creates trainings in a totally different way
Hello, I have to prepare a competition, I have a kilometer test, a 50 meter speed test and I am hesitating between this Polar M400 or the Garmin FR 220. I would like to be able to do series with it, as well as intervals and of course control rhythm, distance and ppm. At the moment I have a Polar FT7 and it is very short. My budget is around 250 euros. Which one do you recommend between these two pulsometers with GPS? It is also a hobby of mine but if I could have a timer (countdown) I would value it very much.
Thank you,
Oscar.
For short series and variable rhythms you will be more comfortable with the Garmin 220, the training schedule is more evolved and will give you better results.
Hi everyone, after the last update to the M400 the USB port has stopped working, it doesn't even connect or charge the battery. Has this happened to you?
Hello José Carlos
The upgrade really has nothing to do with it. I've read and heard of similar problems, but they've always been solved by trying another cable. Have you tried it?
Hi, excellent review... I came to this site looking for information about the Nike Sportwatch and I ended up opting to buy the M400 (I have not received it yet), unfortunately I could not buy it through your links because I am in North America, I want to take this opportunity to ask if this model has the "recovery status" or if it is and will be exclusively for the V800.
I thank you for your attention and again I comment that the quality of your analysis is excellent.
Slds!!!
Hello Rene
I also have an affiliate program through Amazon in the USA. This is the link.
No, the advanced training features are unique to the V800. Although they could be incorporated technically, I don't think Polar does. It's one of the differentiating factors of the V800.
Thank you for your comment!
Hi Eduardo, well we can only hope that someday they will do it and if they incorporate the "recovery status" or any extra function it will be welcome.
Thank you for the response and congratulations on the quality of your analysis, you won another follower and my next purchases will be made through your link.
Slds!!!
Quick question:
I currently use a Polar FT80.
I do muscle building and my cardiovascular exercise is done by controlling the FC areas quite well.
The FT80 has three and I want to renew it with a newer one that has five.
I usually train on a treadmill at the gym... Spinning... And a couple of days a week I go for a long, gentle run in parks or the countryside.
I really like this M400 but even though it's older... There's the Garmen Forerunner 310XT of which I only hear praise.
What do you recommend for my use? I'm open to other possibilities.
Thank you very much and great website 🙂
For the use you have, a 310xt would be too much of a device, not only in terms of size (which is much more cumbersome), but also in terms of features that you won't be using, and others that the M400 has that will suit your type of use better.
The 310xt is a watch for use primarily in triathlon, and it is very focused on that type of use.
Another similar option is the new Garmin Vivoactive (in a couple of weeks I'll have the test ready), although it's a bit more expensive than the Polar and unless you go swimming, it won't give you much more than the M400 offers.
If I get it in amazon germany I understand that I can choose the idima, right?
Yes, the clock is the same worldwide, the initial configuration includes the language selection
Thanks for the test. I've decided to buy the M400 but the white one, the only thing is that I've been told it gets ugly and yellowed because it's made of bad material. Anyone who has the white one and can confirm this?
Besides, I want to congratulate you for the blog, as it is great for those of us who love this sport.
Hi, David.
I've read some comments from people who've had this happen to them, but I think it's because of faulty units, because they got very ugly in a matter of a couple of weeks. After the watch was replaced under warranty, they didn't have any more problems with the colour change, but of course, anything that's dirty and similar will always be seen in the white one rather than the black one.
And thank you, David.
Impressive watch Reviuw, I have read a few of them on the net and of all the best by far yours, I bought the watch through your Amazon link and the next day it was here.
One question, do you know when the next update is going to be?? for the subject of notifications as in the V800,
a greeting
Thanks for the comments and for supporting the website with the purchase, Javier.
There are no deadlines, and if Polar were to give a date, they would lie (because they have never met them). I guess the next update will happen over the summer.
Hello friends. Excellent product description. I bought the M400, very cool, but after setting it up the GPS doesn't recognize me. It's activated. It connects but doesn't go up from 10% so there's no way to run with it.
You know what the problem is. I've tried it in all kinds of outdoor settings. Thank you very much for your help.
Try to have it look for a GPS signal in a totally clear place (no buildings, trees, etc) without moving, for 3 or 4 minutes. If the clock stays at 10% you will have to ask for a replacement.
Good afternoon, I would like to know if it would be possible to calculate the distance covered during a tennis match or a football match with the m400 polar fleece. If so, would it be necessary to wear the chest strap? Thank you very much in advance for the answer. Greetings
Yes, no problem. Probably the distance marked is a little less than the real one, because at each change of direction it will be eating centimeters (the GPS takes reference every second), but the result is quite correct. It does not reach the level of professional solutions, like the CPS Pro Xbut on an amateur level it's more than enough.
I leave you with this activity of a football game, so you can see the example: https://flow.polar.com/training/analysis/32352097
The pulse sensor is not needed for distance measurement, it is only used for heart rate measurement.
Hello, very good review, I'm almost decided to buy this one, but also calls me the 310XT that would give a swimming use, but really is not important to know much in an open water test for me, so this one fits my budget, but I have a doubt, after reading the test is not clear to me, can I use the track that saves with the GPS to export it as GPX to other applications with SyncMyTrack? Thanks and keep it up!
Yes, you can download the track from Polar Flow, or automatically synchronize it with other services with SyncMyTracks
Hi!
Someone can tell me if there is any notable difference in the Spanish vs. German version (considerably cheaper...), apart from the language of the manual. I say this mainly because of the GPS issue.
Thank you!
Absolutely none, it's the same watch, packaging, etc. The only thing that changes is that depending on the market and the date, there are different promotional offers. That's why I list prices from the different Amazon in Europe.
And right now in Germany it has a VERY interesting price.
Hi, my question is about the battery life of the polar M400, as it lasts me a maximum of 4 hours. Is it normal or is it a defect only of my unit? I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks in advance.
PS: it's the best review I've seen on the internet, congratulations!
Hi, Pau.
Thank you for your comments.
Autonomy depends entirely on use. With the battery fully charged and performing an activity directly after disconnecting it, until it runs out, it should last between 7 and 8 hours, depending on conditions (visibility of the sky, temperature, etc).
Combining daily use as a clock and activity monitor with GPS-enhanced activities, it is normal for the battery to last those 4 or 5 hours of GPS-only use.
Good morning, congratulations for the excellent analysis. My question is: can I synchronize directly from the mobile application to the clock, or do I have to synchronize with the website from my computer?
Yes, you can pair your watch directly with your phone (provided it has Bluetooth Smart) without having to go through your computer.
Hi. After reading everything, it's not very clear to me if the clock and the band work to measure heart rate while swimming. Do you know anything about that? Thank you very much. Excellent review!
No Javier, if you want to use it for swimming you must go to the Polar V800
Thanks, Eduardo. Not even with the H7 band?
The M400 does not have stroke and distance counting capability, nor does it have analog connectivity to connect with the H7 underwater
Thank you for your contribution. You've worked hard on it, just like in other reviews you've done. I wanted to ask you a question. I have the treadmill and the cardio sensor, it's the Polar Wearlink Coded model. Would it work for the M400? I currently have this sensor synchronized with the Polar CS100 I use on the bike.
Greetings and thank you very much.
No, that sensor is one of Polar's old ones and has no Bluetooth connectivity
Hi Eduardo, do you know if it would work with a "Chinese" heart rate wristband?
I checked that it has BT 4.0 (it would be the Veepoo-Pulse-Wave-Health-Smart-Wristband)
Thank you!
It all depends on whether you use Bluetooth with your own program or have a heart rate band profile.
But I wouldn't expect much from the optical sensor on that bracelet...
Hi, thanks for your blog, this very successful and is very helpful. A question sb the Polar M400. Yesterday I was doing series of 6×1000 with 1 minute d rest between them that I programmed in phases on the computer, but when I finished, I did not see lls times of each series on the clock, but only the automatic laps of 1 km q I have assigned in the clock. I only saw the real times of each series when I downloaded it to the computer. Is that so or is there any way to see it directly on the watch after finishing?
Greetings and thanks in advance
No, it doesn't show, you have no choice but to wait for the clock to synchronize
Thank you very much Eduardo, I was afraid of that and between that and having to program almost everything on the computer, I wasn't very convinced by the purchase, adding that I come from Garmin. Another defect I see is that the screens don't pass automatically, as it happened with my retired Forerunner 405.
One good thing is the speed with which satellites are picked up.
Nchtsss, I don't know, I don't know, it doesn't quite fill up my Polar world
Congratulations for such extensive information, I've been with the M400 for about two months, before that I had the samsung gear fit, but it has nothing to do with it, a radical abyss.
I've looked up information in the comments but I haven't seen the same thing happen to anyone.
When I look for the "sleep" information in the statistics in the image by sectors I see that it has registered it but not as data, it is always empty, both on pc and on my android smartphone. According to the manual it is automatically activated, but it does not show me any data.
Has anyone passed him?
Hello, Angel.
Thank you for your comments.
You should see it in the activity summary, as in this image: https://www.correrunamaraton.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/Actividad-diaria.jpg
By the way, remember to vote for the Journal Awards!
No, I get the activity summary fine, but where it is supposed to appear in the half moon in "summary", nothing at all and in the polar flow of the mobile, the same, come on, it is not a browser thing because I have also tried it in another one.
On that day, what time were you sleeping? There are two possibilities.
If you work at night the clock will not detect if you sleep during the day, because it cannot be programmed to detect periods of sleep outside of the night time.
On the other hand, check the settings (in Polar Flow) about which wrist you have indicated you are wearing the watch.
Thanks for answering Eduardo, because I don't work at night, the inactive time during the day is because when I work I put the clock on the table, that's why I see that in the sectors image if it collects information at night, but it doesn't indicate it in the summary or anything, both in the pc and in the android 🙁.
Although the measurement is server level, not from the clock, I would try to do a full reset. Don't worry about the settings, as that is in Polar Flow and is recovered on the first sync.
It checks however the wrist that is marked for use in detection.
Well I contacted these polar people and they told me exactly the same thing as you did, so that's what I did this morning and I'll check this weekend if it finally works, as soon as I know I'll communicate it in case someone has the same problem and can solve it. Thanks a lot Eduardo!
Hello!
I was thinking of getting the Polar Flow with this week's Media Markt offer. Thanks a lot for your post, it has solved many doubts, but not all. I would ask you if you can help me
1) I read that you don't have any transition time between sports. I don't understand. Does this mean that if you're going to do several things you can't tell him you're done with one, rest for a couple of minutes and start the other? Does it all go in a row or what?
2) This doubt goes with the first one. When you set up a sport, you have to tell it how much you are going to do? Like, 5km running. Can't you tell it that you are going to run, mark the beginning, do what you can, and then stop?
3) How does it work for indoor sports? If you want to do push-ups, sit-ups, weights, you can do it differently... And the same thing, you can tell him when you are going to do a series and when you are resting between series or he knows or how it goes...
Thank you very much.
Hello Ruben
No, it means he doesn't have a specific mode for a triathlon race.
You can go for a run without setting a goal, and stop the activity whenever you want
No separation for gym sessions, no indication of repetitions, etc.
By the way, remember to submit your vote for the Blog Awards!
I bought an M400 on August 14 of this year, I use it 4 to 5 times a week jogging and I have had to take it to change the USB port because it is damaged by sweat I have used a RC3 GPS for almost two years and I have had no problem. The M 400 does everything very well but the protection mode for the USB is useless. I just changed for the second time the USB is new and I am selling it.
When you finish your training, you must take off your watch and clean it, to remove the remains of sweat. Sweat is oxidized, and that is what damages the charging connector. Doing that procedure will not have any problem.
Good afternoon, tell you that I think it's great the analysis you do of the watch. And also ask you a question, because I am between the polar m400 and the suunto ambit 2 s I would use it for running as well as cycling. Which one would you recommend, thank you.
Thank you, David. Remember to vote for the Blog Awards!
If you don't need it to be multi-sport or swimming, I like the M400 better. It doesn't have as much quality material as the Suunto, but the display and connectivity is better.
thanks... although I just saw your analysis of the suunto ambit 3 sport and I loved it so now I'm a mess and I don't know which one to choose... could you help me?. thanks
If you don't mind spending a little more on the watch, the Ambit3 is superior, especially in quality of finish and perceived feel.
In quality/price the M400 is certainly a better choice, but leaving the price aside with the Ambit3 you will be happier.
Good afternoon!
First of all, congratulations for the review and tell you that you convinced me to buy the M400 at 100%... But I have a couple of doubts that as soon as you solve them I will buy it upside down.
Doubt nº1: In some images you can see that you are wearing another "pulsometer" next to the watch... What is it? Does it come with the watch?
Doubt no. 2: To train in a gym (cardio, weights) what is it like? does it work? I mean, pulse, calories...
Thanks in advance and lots of encouragement!
Hello Jorge
Thank you! Remember, if you like the page, vote for the Blog Awards.
What you see in some images is a Mio Link, an optical pulse sensor. You can read all the details here: https://www.correrunamaraton.com/mio-link-prueba/.
To train in a gym you have no problem. You can create the specific gym activity and track the activity there.
Thank you very much! Count on my vote 😉 Best regards!
Good morning,
i have the m400, i am very happy. but i have a doubt, when i finish the day it marks me that i have consumed a barbarity of calories. for example if i do 50 min of elliptical and i consume 400 calories, in the register of the day it marks me 1500 (to say a figure) although i have spent the rest of the day in a sedentary way. how is it possible?
The activity monitor includes the basal calorie consumption, that is, simply by being alive you consume calories. This depends therefore on your weight, height, daily movement, etc. And it is added to the activities you have done that day.
Remember to submit your vote for the Blog Awards.
and I get to consume 3000 calories in a day? thanks for the answer.
I just think it's so awful!
That depends on the level of activity you have in your day, not just during your workout, but on a daily basis. If you do a workout where you burn 700-900 calories and for the rest of the day you just go about your business, you can perfectly well consume those 3000 calories.
There are days when I can perfectly well consume 5,000 calories, between a 2-3 hour workout and the rest of the day's activity.
Good evening. First of all, congratulations on the article!
I'm a cyclist and now I'm getting into running. My question is if you can schedule heart rate training. I want it for the days I roll.
What I want to do is, for example:
- 10 minutes: 116 - 126 beats
- 10 points: 126 - 136 beats
- 20 minutes: 136 - 146 beats
- 10 minutes: 116 - 126 beats
Thank you very much!
Thank you, David. Don't forget to vote for the Blog Awards!
Yes, you can schedule the training as you need
Thank you very much for the clarification!
You already have my vote!
Thank you!
already measures the distance when running on a treadmill with an internal accelerometer? if it doesn't, do you think it can be done in the future with the updates?
Greetings and very good article!
Thank you, Felipe.
No, the update has not been released yet, but it is in the roadmap and should be here soon.
On Fri, 20 Nov 2015 13:10, Disqus wrote:
I already have a polar bracelet and now they are going to give me the M400 without the band because I already have it. My doubt is that as I do to see the activity in cycling?
Thanks a million and you've cured a great report.
Simply create the sports profile and when you're done, synchronise your watch with your phone or computer
Hi Eduardo, I bought an M400 fleece but I still don't know if I should take my link or h7 band that you recommend? can you put my link on the other wrist? it works just as well? I think it might be more comfortable for the bike because of the doll theme, thanks.
Without the Polar H7 sensor you cannot perform the fitness test, as Polar requires you to do it with its own sensor. For everything else with Mio Link you will work perfectly. You can watch the test here
You can put it on the same wrist as the watch, or on the opposite wrist where it is most comfortable for you.
I do not understand, I want to buy the polar m400 and mine link to take the pulse in my races, I do not work, which is the fitness test, I thank you Eduardo if you can help me.
I don't understand you. What's wrong with you?
You have the explanation of the fitness test in the Smart Coach section
Thanks in advance for all the info Eduardo, I would like to know if you have tried tbm the garmin fr 225 and tomtom multisport cardio, and see which one you like more of the three and why?
You can find Forerunner 225 and TomTom Cardio (Runner, not Multisport) tests on the web, along with reviews of both
Hello good afternoon, impressive your web and the control you have over everything you write. Congratulations!
And now to what I wanted to ask you... I have been given a fitbit surge by surprise, and the one I was looking at is the polar m400. I have read in these two days everything I have podido about both, and what convinces me of one does not have the other. In principle what I like about the fitbit is the heart rate monitor, but I've also read that it doesn't work very well (although I've also read your review and it seems that it doesn't). On the other hand I would like it to be a daily watch so I think it is important the battery issue. Finally I have to say that the week that I go running the most are three or four days and that are usually jogs of 1 hour to 1 hour and a half.
I know it's very subjective, but which one would you take?
Fitbit Surge is more of an activity monitor than a race clock. If you want something for racing that has an optical pulse sensor, I recommend you look at the Garmin Forerunner 235.
hello Eduardo sorry I need to know if having the band connected while running I can have the phone synchronized with the watch and receive calls through RL.
many thanks
Yes, no problem, you can connect both
Hi, Eduardo.
Thank you so much for your work. Really, it's a great job.
I just wanted to tell you that, thanks to your comments, I bought the M400 (using your link).
Now I only have doubts about the wrist pulsometer... do you know if more brands besides Mio will join to present some product of the style?
Thank you, both for your good words and for using the link to buy the M400.
More and more brands are entering into optical pulse measurement, but mostly integrating it into watches. There is also the Scosche Rythm+, but there is not much availability in Spain. These are the two external sensors that are currently on the market.
Hello again.
I just want to ask one thing about the M400, to whoever can answer me: in the Polar M400 unit that came to me, I noticed that the miniusb connector goes "in the air", when in the photos of the analysis there is a kind of plastic cover for the connector. It seems to me that it is a redesign of Polar, because the fits of the rubber are perfect, but... someone could confirm me that pod would have the same as me?
Greetings
Yes, Polar has changed the design of the connector and now it does not have a protective cap.
Incredible product review! Congratulations!
I have some doubts that are not clear to me! For the issue of sleep and activity monitoring, is it necessary to always wear the heart rate monitor? When training and competing I understand it because we are going to demand some results and we want them to be accurate, but during daily activity, such as going to college, walking, hiking, etc ... You also have to wear the tape on the chest or is not necessary?
Pd. It would be perfect if you wore the wrist pulse monitor as the Fitbit Surge (I read the incredible review you did too but I see it as too expensive for what it is)
Thank you 🙂
No, the pulse sensor is only necessary when training. Daily activity and sleep monitoring are done with the watch's accelerometer.
Very good Blog Eduardo!!! I am interested in acquiring a watch with gps, basically for running, although I also swim. My question is whether to buy the garmin fr 10, the polar m 400 or one of this type of range. I would appreciate it if you could give me some light on this and give me a pass to buy it. Thanks and sorry if it is not the right place
The Polar M400 is far superior to the FR10, offers many more features and is a far more modern product
Great and detailed analysis! My question is if this watch apart from using it for running can be used for fitness. It seems to me a pretty complete watch for a moderate price and I'm thinking of buying it.
Yes, of course, for fitness activities it is also a very good option
Thanks a lot Eduardo!! I'm going to buy it, it's a big watch so I hope it's not too big for my wrist.
Another strange thing is the way the % maximum heart rate is calculated. It uses the simplified formula max=FC/FCmax. In all specialized texts they use the formula max=(FC-FCreposo)/(FCmax-FCreposo). Being a very advanced heart rate monitor, they should use the correct formula. In my case, the max calculated by the heart rate monitor is not useful.
hello good I have a polar m400 and it doesn't ring when it reaches 180 pulses
To do that you would have to create a workout indicating heart rate zones.
I love the M400 in general but I think it's a shame it's not yet compatible with Android BQ devices...
In the end I will screw the watch charging protector for having to always synchronize by cable ... and not poder do it via bluetooth.... as I say, delighted with the product but shameful this laziness of POLAR to whom I considered a serious brand and since I am aware that we are already many users who have BQ both cell phones and tablets ...
Anyway, we'll just have to wait and see if it doesn't take too long...
Greetings
I use BQ and it goes without saying. It was a perfect match the first day and to this day...
Greetings, Jorge Garcia
??? ostin... what model of bq do you have jorge? i have the e5hd and the edison 2 3G tablet and nothing, with neither...
According to polar and BQ it is still not possible to synchronize between these marks but if you tell me that you have achieved it... it is very good news!
Well, I have the E5 HD ! I also have a BQ tablet and the truth is that I haven't tried it... I suppose you have the latest update of the m400 polar and the mobile phone, right? The truth is that I didn't have to do anything special...
I have this watch and now I'm going out on the mountain to run. My mates wear Garmin and I always get less miles than they do. I think it leaves a bit to be desired on the mountain. What do you think Cesar? j
Excellent article, my most sincere congratulations for this work. A month ago, the olentzero left me this watch as a gift and your article has served me very well to start knowing this kind of gadgets, thank you very much, keep it up!
How about Caesar?
A question, I just purchased the M400 with SENSOR HR H7 and as a child I started to use it, download updates, link it to my Smartphone I receive notifications from the phone on the M400 , etc great all good until yesterday I went out to train and I did not register my heart rate, as I have some applications on my smartphone I started to test the SENSOR HR H7 to work and it did correctly,
Note that the M400 already had low battery less than half so I put it to charge is the second time I charge it, after 1.30 hrs I tried again to link the SENSOR HR H7 with my m400 and it worked, I've been testing since then and it has worked, you'll know if having low battery not link the m400 with SENSOR HR H7.
Thank you
You must have the sensor on your chest for it to be activated and for the clock to find it. If it is not on, the sensor is turned off to save battery power.
I bought the M400 a month ago and I am delighted, until 3 days ago it stopped showing me my daily activity and is always at 0%. I wanted to ask if I have touched anything that I shouldn't have and if there is any way to get it back to normal. Thank you very much
There's nothing you can touch to disable the activity monitor. Has this happened after any updates? The last one had some problems, but I don't know if the activity monitor was affected. When you run, do you have cadence data?
Hi, this is my second Polar device and I have a very simple and maybe obvious question for you, do I have to bring the band and heart sensor all day to mark the calories more accurately? Can I wear the band only when I am training or is it better to wear it all day?
Thank you very much.
No, the band is used exclusively for the activities. The rest of the activity is simply tracked with the clock.
Hi Eduardo, thank you so much for the Review, it's perfect. I've been wanting to buy a good heart rate monitor for years and I've come to your website which I love.
I had a question to ask you. If I buy the Polar M400 without the pulse sensor, will it measure my pulses while standing and/or running? Or is it necessary to wear the pulse sensor? Because if it is necessary to wear it, why do they sell it loose without the sensor and therefore somewhat cheaper than if you buy it with it?
I'm asking you this because I've seen a pulse monitor at a friend's meeting that measured her heart rate and she wasn't wearing bracelets or sensors at the time, and I don't know if she would measure them at the race track or at the gym without wearing a pulse sensor.
Another question, the GPS works without the pulse sensor, right?
I usually run at night and do gymnastics in the living room.
Greetings and thank you very much for your time,
John
It is sold without a sensor in case you already have one. If you buy it without a sensor you will not have any pulse information at any time.
The GPS has nothing to do with the sensor, so it will work perfectly.
Good afternoon!
At the end after reading the Review, I decided to buy my Polar M400 through this link. Perfect delivery and on time. But when I open the package and see the watch, my Polar M400 comes without a cap for the USB and charging port... is it possible that now they come without a cap or is it a failure?
First of all thank you for supporting the site by buying through the links.
Don't worry, the watch comes now like this. It's a revised connector after some problems some users had with the first versions.
Good morning! I bought the M400 in November, after reading a lot about it, between so much reading your analysis I must say that it was very complete, congratulations! But after an injury, I needed to create different training goals by phases for my recovery and the problem arose.
In creating such training, the first two phases are repeated ten times and the second two are repeated ten times. The problem is that when the repetitions of the first two phases are over, instead of skipping the third, the first two are started again.
I checked to see if I was setting the workout wrong, but thanks to the preview that appears of your workout once it is designed, I could see that it was perfectly set.
Anyone who's ever had anything like this happen to them? Any solutions? Thank you very much!
Right now I don't have an M400 to prove what you're saying. But you're not the first one I've seen it commented on. It's possible there's a problem with the latest firmware version.
Thanks a lot! Apparently that's it, last update failed, according to Polar. So we're waiting for them to fix the problem. Cheers!
Hello Eduardo! I wanted to ask you a question. I am undecided between buying the m400 or the fr220. I have the polar frequency monitor. The idea is to buy one of the two as a definitive watch, for my needs are sufficient. Which one is more complete? And if I break the strap of the m400 does it have a replacement? I had another polar and when the strap broke there was no possibility of changing it as it was integrated with the watch. Thank you very much and congratulations for your review
I think the logical choice in this case is to go for the Polar, save you a new sensor.
As far as spare parts go, I really have no idea. As an accessory it's not sold, but I guess in service they will have.
Are they equal in terms of performance, or is one far superior to the other?
Thank you very much Eduardo
The 220 has vibration and better advanced workout settings, as well as some more autonomy.
The M400 can be configured for more sports, has phone notifications and allows more data on screen.
It already depends on what you prefer.
Good afternoon, I'm starting to run and mountain bike and I would like to buy a gps watch to see my evolution. I'm between the polar m400 and the garmin forerunner 25, which one do you recommend?
Thank you very much.
If you are also going to cycle, the M400 is a better option, because it is a multisport
Hi, Eduardo.
It's been almost a month since I've been able to download
the data from my M40 to the PC there's no way
synchronize it you know what that might be?
Thank you and a greeting
Well, since you don't have a problem with the micro USB connector... I can tell you little more.
Good morning
it is not very clear to me if it is possible to modify the heart rate zones manually, since the values I obtain by age, are not the ones given by the watch...
In runtastic for example if it can be done perfectly, raise those 3-4 pulses of variation between zones freely...
Is this option available with the M400?
greetings and to continue with these interesting reviews!
Yes, from Polar Flow you can manually adjust your HR zones.
Hello, before I select one of the sports activities to perform, usually already a percentage number increasing in seconds, why is it or what function is it performing?
He's looking for a GPS signal
Thanks to reviews like this. They're very useful.
But I have a question if it's not too much trouble;
I just got the watch, I opened it a while ago, and I'm already in the menu for example agenda. And .... I see that I can "manually add" workouts and so on.
If I am a person who will wear it all day, and for example I wake up on Monday, I go running, I activate the GPS and run mode, I deactivate the GPS when I have finished my training and I am so quiet with my watch in daily activity mode ..., when I connect it for example on Friday, having gone three days to run and so on, and having it all day long, the data are automatically passed to the agenda and collected or I have to go adding manually?
Thank you very much.
All the activity will be automatically synchronized when you connect it, either with the computer or synchronizing with the mobile.
Hi, good afternoon. Congratulations on the review, it was very helpful.
This morning I bought my Polar M400 with the heart band. Now it's time to set it up and test it. One question? the watch cover of the mini usb port came to me without the black rubber band. Does that mean I can't get it wet? I'll have to take it back. Thank you and best regards.
Polar redesigned the M400 and removed the connector cap so that no moisture would remain inside the connector itself, as this could cause the connector to rust. You don't have to worry, that's how the M400 is coming along now.
Thank you very much, Eduardo. I'll take it easy.
A salute.
Good Eduardo, I congratulate you for the article so informative and well prepared that you have done, I have a question, this watch is already a couple of years old, I was wondering if you know any rival that has recently come out that has a value for money similar to this?
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this for us!
On the contrary, over time the M400 has become less expensive so the quality/price factor is even more remarkable.
Good morning!
After the good article I had already decided on the M400, as I was looking for some specifications. The only thing that stuck was if they would finally bring out the update for running on a treadmill, as I do both. The indoor theme does not pick up at all? And finally, if with the daily activity distinguishes between walking and running, or only daily steps ...
Thank you very much!
Maria
Ah! and another doubt I have is if all the m400s have the same functions, since in some places of sale, I find that depending on the color they are called in one way or another. Thank you!
Polar still has the upgrade planned to offer it, but it hasn't arrived yet.
All M400s are the same (apart from the color). The only difference is that the HR version includes the pulse sensor. In the Amazon links that I provide is very well explained, and remember that buying through them is the way you can collaborate with the page.
Daily activity is all the steps you have taken, walking or running.
Hello!
I recently asked you about the Garmin Vivosmart HR wristband and you recommended me that for cycling and gym it was not the most suitable. Searching in other comments I found this watch that seems to me to be very complete! It has for running, cycling and notifications from your phone. I have read all your report that as always is great but still I would like you to tell me if it is the most suitable for cycling, ie that counts the same kilometers or heart rate. Does it have any function so that it can be used in the gym? If you had to put a downside ... what would you say? Returning to the bike, some time ago I bought a kilometer counter that also measures speed, is there any other device similar to the bracelets that is the milk for bikes? My idea is to act as a watch, measure heart rate, reach notifications.... if only measure km and speed because it would not serve me ... So I think this watch, which measures several things would be perfect. I hope I'm not being heavy with so many questions...
Thank you and a greeting!
Yes, it works perfectly for the bike. In the gym it will show the same information as any other model. Activity time and heart rate.
There are bike computers, but they are only for bikes. If you want something multipurpose you should look at the clock option.
Thank you for the contribution, it seems very complete and clear to me. I have a question. Is it possible to visualize the notifications and the heart rate while listening to music either by Bluetooth or by a cable headset? All this with IPhone 6.
If I understand what you mean, yes, you can pair your watch with your phone and listen to music via Bluetooth
I would like to know how often you charge it if you train 5 days a week with GPS activated.
It depends on many other variables. But calculate that you will have to charge it every 4-5 days.
Hi, I found your article very interesting and very helpful to help me decide when to buy it. I am preparing a police competition and I base my training mainly on fartleks, slopes and long distances when doing cardio, and spinning and machines inside the gym. Would you mark all the parameters for me in outdoor cardio training? Thank you
Yes, what you're asking is really quite simple, so both the M400 and any other model are fully capable of doing it.
Hi Eduardo, once again excellent work and contribution. I made a couple of questions in your review of the Vivosmart HR but I found the M400 and I was interested. I would like to know which one you recommend between the Vivosmart HR and the Polar M400? which one is better in terms of functionality for indoor training in the gym such as bodybuilding, spinning, elliptical, etc? as for platforms which is more complete and friendly, the Garmin or the Polar? are both compatible with Myfitnesspall? Thank you in advance for your kind attention and response.
Both are compatible with MyFitnessPal. If you're not running and want something simple (and cheaper), the M400 probably has more than enough. The platform is better on Garmin, but both are more race-oriented, so the information you'll have on both for gym use will be similar.
Very good, my doubt is, in other outdoor sports, you can put in a duathlon? I know it's not a watch for that. But once it's done you can edit the saved activity?
Thank you
You can record the race and the bike, but you can't record a multi-sport activity that moves from one activity to another
another question, to dry out the usb port like I do?
After use, rinse with water and leave to dry without further ado
PEDAZO REVIEW...!! Thank you very much.
Hello good morning, has happened to you or do you know why I do not synchronize with the mobile? lets me synchronize with the tablet only ... for nothing, two days.
There was a crash in the Polar Flow service yesterday. It's possible that was your problem.
Good afternoon, Eduardo,
Incredible description!! Congratulations!!
I only have one simple question (I am a beginner). Can I buy the Polar M400HR, and not use the band? is that the Polar M400 (without band) is sold out.
I mean, does it count my heart rate and calories anyway?
Thank you very much in advance.
Greetings
No problem, the pulse sensor can be used whenever you want, and if one day you go out without it, nothing happens.
Hi, Eduardo,
first of all thank you for this magnificent and complete review of the m400 polar, it is the best I have read (and it has not been few).
I'm thinking of buying it, but I've read on several websites not very good comments about the watch's autonomy. Besides, that's exactly the point that weakens your final assessment. Since I haven't seen any comments about the battery life, both in sports and daily use, in your review, could you give me some information?
Thank you in advance.
A salute.
The total autonomy with GPS use is around 8 hours. If it is used with notifications and so on, obviously the total duration will be less.
Hi, I want to buy the M400 but I have a little doubt. When you say it doesn't record the tracks, you mean that you can't visualize the route on the map later from the internet, like the runtastic app does for example.
No, that's in reference to the back to home feature. You do have access to the track after syncing.
Hi Eduardo, thanks for the clarification and congratulations for the hard work you put in to make this post. I was between this and the tomtom but I think I'll go for the m400 polar, which you see better? and another thing, what do you think about the Samsung Gear Fit2? I usually go out for a run between 2 and 3 times a week and some biking on weekends and I'm in doubt whether to buy a gps watch (Polar M400) or a gps activity bracelet (Samsung Gear Fit2)
If you want a watch to train, download the Samsung, it lacks any kind of platform to synchronize training
Good afternoon, I have the m400 and the data is passed to strava. Today I went out with the bike and the data is not passed to me. Then I created another activity and if I recognize it. Do you know what I can do to see it? Because in the polar flow application I can see the activity.
Thank you
Download the Polar Flow activity and upload it to Strava manually
Hello good morning, when I charge my m400 fleece I leave it for example all night or for a few hours and I always find that the charge is cancelled and in half. What can this be due to? My fleece is 4 months old.
Hello, a question I have. To synchronize the activities from the polar m400 to the app is necessary to connect the clock by cable or can be synchronized by bluetooth? The app would be in android not in ios.
It can be done in both ways
Good afternoon, my watch is 4 months old and at the time of loading it does not load completely, it stops and puts cancelled load and it stays by half. Why is that?
You should contact the Polar support
Good morning,
I'm interested in buying a watch with gps and a heart rate monitor, but I don't want to spend too much at the moment and I've seen that in my profile the M400 or the M200 is the ideal choice. Looking at your analysis, I have many doubts about the M200 and yet the M400 I think is quite complete, but the sensor on tape pulls me back, so I would appreciate your advice.
However, a priori my wife and I are going to share it, and I wonder if it is possible, in both models, to create 2 different profiles and if it is easy to change from one to the other from the device.
I appreciate your answers!
Kiko.
There is no clock that allows synchronization with two different accounts, so it is not possible to do so in either model.
As for the M200 or M400, if it's just for running the M200 offers the same and you have the optical sensor, but it's totally personal.
Hi Eduardo! first of all congratulations for your blog ! you have done an impressive review ! i need your advice please, i have seen the M400 for 125 euro this watch with the band included , it seems to me a very good price! ,you who watches up to 150 euro would look for running? this m400 has become very outdated? or is it still a recommended purchase? the new m400 model improves it a lot?
I'm waiting for your answer.
Thank you very much.
Manuel
Yeah, on Amazon it's at 125: https://www.amazon.es/Polar-M400-entrenamiento-integrado-frecuencia/dp/B00OBZKT2E/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1495827911&c1mes-21&sr=8-1&keywords=polar+m400
(Remember that by buying through the links, you will be helping the site)
Within the low range, I think both the M400 and the TomTom Runner 3 are the best options.
There are not many differences with the M430, mainly the optical pulse sensor.
You also have the Polar M200, if you prefer a wrist pulse to a lower screen resolution.
Hello Eduardo, when I put my activity by hand with the flow2strava to strava, as I have not put the watch, I get "the file is empty", that is that the profile is full no? that podría do? Thank you very much
Yesterday the services of Polar were down, surely the activity will end up arriving although with some delay.
Download the activity in tcx file and upload it manually to Strava. The error it is indicating is a corrupt file.
inside the strava how do you upload the file? Thank you.
Sorry, I already saw, but when I uploaded it, it still shows what I told you before.
Well, there's little else I can tell you... I'm sorry.
Hi, what a great review you have done on the M400. I have a question: I have noticed that in some cases the speed that shows me is not correct and I checked it with a watch exactly the same of the person who runs with me: mine shows 6.5 min / km and my partner's watch shows 8, the latter being the correct one, do you know what I can do to correct this?
Thank you
It is normal that sometimes there are GPS jumps and therefore the speed varies slightly, so it is best to have an average lap speed, and thus have a more stable data.
Hi, everybody,
I'm sure, like me, there are more than a few people who have their M400's paid off. In fact, I recently bought another watch (Suunto Ambit3 sport) but I continue to use my M400 from time to time. In the weeks (or months) that I've put the M400 aside, I've noticed that the screen has started to look clearer at first, and the edges are kind of reddish. I have the feeling that it could be due to humidity (although I'm surprised that this happened when I stopped using it daily).
Here my doubts ... Does anyone else this happens with the display? anyone who has taken it to service for something similar? ... Of course, my M400 is no longer under warranty, it has more than 2 years, but I would like at least not to continue estropenadose, since the rest of the clock is perfect and on more than one occasion still gives me very well the fix. I do not even know if it would be feasible to change the display for a small price (even if someone knows of a DIY manual or similar, I consider myself apañaete for these things ... although I have not found where to get a screen).
The technical service is not exactly close to me, which is why I launched the consultation here first.
Thank you all very much!
PS: Eduardo, this post was the one that convinced me to buy the M400 (and also because of your "fault" I bought the Suunto), honestly it's great the work you do on this website. Like you, I'm a big guy over 1,90 who saw almost impossible to run a marathon, and if I have a special affection for my M400 is because with it I've run the 2 I've been 😉
Thank you Luis 🙂
Good afternoon Eduardo, I have a question about the Polar m4oo, which program should I use to race with changes of pace?
Thank you, a greeting
The way to run simply
I bought the M400 used and now learning to use it, what I do most is cycling, accustomed to Endomondo, I want to connect the sensor to see in the ciucuito and altimetrias later, the pulsations in the sections; I recognize it but I can not connect dá fails. Can it be that the bluetooth does not support any other connection apart from the watch?
If the sensor is Bluetooth Smart it is fully compatible with the M400
Hi, Eduardo.
First of all...congratulations for this incredible review, which has made me know more about my M400 after two years of (basic) use in which I didn't know all the possibilities it had until I read you. Congratulations, I found it super complete, great, precise, didactic... A great review!
I agree with you on the two basic issues that you point out as aspects that could be improved. The issue of vibration as the sound is very low even if you put it on the maximum, and autonomy. I did the Camino de Santiago by bike last summer and it did not hold a whole stage, that was frustrating, it ran out of battery and therefore without recording the final part of the day.
I would also love to have the function to know the slope in degrees of a slope in real time, inclinometer, barometric altimeter or similar...but I understand that it will be in high-end devices and not in this one.
Finally tell you that I identify a lot with everything you have written about your biography when you start running, with the different phases of abandonment and retake ... and although I have already run several 10K, my goal is the half marathon in two or three months and in 2021 if I can, and the marathon, but between dragged. The running index gives me a level of 54 that extrapolated in the table that you have put in a marathon would be a mark of 3:40, but I would be super satisfied with finishing it in 4 hahaha.
I will keep reading you, you have been a discovery! A hug and encouragement!
Thank you Francisco, and keep up the good work!