The V800 is the flagship from Polar and combines more classic training functions with activity tracking in everyday life and the playback of messages sent to the paired mobile phone. At first glance, the watch appears almost graceful due to the small display, but the relatively large thickness of 12.7 millimetres is noticeable in profile. Speaking of looks: the customer can choose between a plain black strap and a blue strap with subtle red applications. The watch costs 450 euros with a heart rate strap and 400 euros without.
When you switch on the watch for the first time, the Polar V800 features intuitive menu navigation and a very easy-to-read display. This makes it ideal not only for everyday use, but also for sports. With the help of GPS, the watch records (almost) all the desired data during training. From elapsed time, altitude travelled and distance to heart rate. The GPS works very quickly and precisely. The watch also offers a "back-to-start" function, which navigates you back to the start via the shortest route (as the crow flies). To utilise the full potential of the Polar watch, it is advisable to wear a heart rate monitor during training. This is the only way the watch can assess the intensity of the training and determine the correct values for calorie consumption and the level of exertion. However, these are only approximate values. The training can then be analysed on the Polar "Flow" platform. Goals can be set here or the watch settings can be adjusted.
Polar provides many different sport profiles, which can still be optimised for personal preferences as a biker. The watch is particularly suitable for cycling, running and swimming. When mountain biking, however, the V800 slips quickly due to its relatively high weight of 79 grams and then gets in the way on the wrist. That's why we usually put it on a handlebar mount. However, it performed even better there: the display was easy to read and it was easy to use with gloves.
In everyday use, the V800 impresses with its elegant finish and practical features. For example, you can pair the sports watch with your mobile phone and read messages on the watch. Furthermore, all training sessions can be viewed on the smartphone app. Motion sensors also record all activity and help to monitor daily activity. This is because the watch creates a daily target based on the user's entries, which can be achieved through both everyday exercise and sport. On days without exercise, however, it is difficult to achieve more than half of the daily target. But this also has an advantage: the watch acts as a constant motivator to move (even) more.
Test summary of the Polar V800
Polar has actually managed to combine a watch for everyday use with a speedometer. The V800 is a real all-rounder. You only need a second device to navigate via GPS.
