Polar Grit X2 Pro In-Depth Review: A Flagship Watch?

[@fitgearhunter]

Holy hell man - so damn good! Good lord - caught every nook or nuanced issue. So so appreciate you.

[@rabomarc]

Sad truth. Polar are great in the budget market. Pacer and Pacer Pro offer great value for money. High end Polar watches on the other hand don't offer much more than the base ones and two recent models (this and Vantage V3) have software issues. I'm glad that at least Suunto is back from oblivion and is providing solid high end watches now, Garmin needs competition.

[@AutoRitYLNX]

i have suunto vertical and honestly nothing special .. i have switched to polar

[@ChristianSlagter]

​@@AutoRitYLNX what did you not like about the Sun to. I'm debating between the Suunto Race and the Epix Gen 2 Sapphire.

[@pmcmpc]

Dude I dunno how you can criticize Polar and praise Suunto. Suunto HR is a disaster.

[@SS-kg8qw]

@@ChristianSlagter Epix Gen 2 is ahead by several miles

[@ChristianSlagter]

@@SS-kg8qw could you elaborate on that?

[@_J.F_]

I think it is a very correct point made, that this Grit X2 Pro is mainly going to attract those who are already Polar fans, or maybe even fanatics, as there seems to be no intensive whatsoever for people using other brands like e.g. Garmin to even consider switching over. Sport watches is a tough market and unless you can provide e.g. superior build quality, superior accuracy, or superior price point, then no one is likely going to want it.

[@UncleY4nn]

I would consider myself a Polar fan. I was pretty disappointed with my Garmin Fenix 5 Plus, and would love to go back to Polar. But this video made the decision easy. Definitely not now. 🙄

[@thani7963]

This is a big blow to Polar, with all the expertise behind there products. I hope they listen and produce some great in the future because they’re a great company at least at some point of there life.

[@Windsurfingaddict]

I like the Lovey screen, I still own a polar V800 from new and bought years ago and still works perfectly for windsurfing, watches are getting expensive for the top end versions, enjoyed watching 🥳🥳

[@ActiveIdeas]

Haha I thought my Grit X was broken? Glad to hear you had some compass calibration issues too ;) A shame to see the issues with the 'ClimbPro'. Awesome review 👏🏼

[@v1ce21]

So sad Polar is stuck in 2010 with their poor software. Thank you for bringing this out

[@petercohen7684]

Great review that goes the extra mile.

[@JasonRaneses]

Solid review, props for going to this level of detail. The mapping and calibration issues would drive me absolutely insane compared to the ease of Garmin, at least in comparison. If I were Polar, I’d have held checking off these features until they were fully baked or defendable. This review saved me from buying the watch and ultimately having to return it in short order.

[@listrahtes]

Honestly with Garmin reviewers are ignoring a lot of problems while talking up gimicky features with little use. I don't have a polar but several friends and it exceeds if you want to actually work out, in usability. Flow might look outdated but I much prefer it to connect or the Suunto alternative. There is a strange development with reviewers that it's all about stuffing your watch with the most features even if their mathematical foundation is sketchy at best. I am comparing a Epix/ Fenix 7 pro to the Grit right now and if the titanium version wouldn't be so much more expensive I would buy the Polar.

[@michaellanger5671]

Thanks for the great review. I still prefer my Epix Pro….and not only because it has a dedicated flash light!

[@fabii85]

Fantastic review. Madeira is beautiful 🎉

[@jbhorner]

The calibration process reminds me of that game with the BB instead where it must be rolled into a hole in the middle.

[@Dcrainmaker]

YES!!!

[@SilverPanos]

My current watch is Polar Vantage V, the 1st one, got it since day one. I do a lot of open water swimming and that's what I mainly use it for. Wonder if this would be a good upgrade or should I look for something different.

[@astasuleo]

Great Review once again. Really appreciate your time! I have the watch and i can say that the heart rate is not that good but not bad either. I can trust it in most of the times, but i agree with you that when it looses the heart rate it does more than 20-30 seconds to display the right value. I was expecting from Polar to introduce a watch like this for outdoor activities but not with an Amoled. It is not only me personal preference but i still believe that the MIP is the way to go for a watch that is specifically designed and proposed to the market as the Ultimate outdoor sports watch. I have 2 Amoled Watches and 2 MIP. Trust me everyone's i have shown the watches when we were outside hiking or running, or swimming, they prefered the MIP even the colors were not so vibrant but the clear and visibility on MIP were exceptional.

[@Dcrainmaker]

Out of curiosity, which two AMOLED units?

[@astasuleo]

@@Dcrainmaker Vantage V3, Grit X2 Pro, then for MIP the Garmin Instinct X2 and the Garmin Fenix 7 Pro. I also had the Garmin Epix 2 Pro which i sold it.

[@stefancovic5999]

Thank you for the informative review! Most detailed one I’ve seen to date :)

[@UncleY4nn]

Amazing review! So much work that went into it. I wish you had done the Fenix 5 Plus as much in depth as this one at that time, maybe it would have saved me some headache 🤭

[@caseyjones466]

Looks like when you and your wife were running, you were somewhere in central Florida!! That's where I live.

[@uhuhuhuhuhuh91]

Madeira is beautiful! Been there 2 years ago

[@Dcrainmaker]

Indeed, awesome place!

[@Sinasi08]

What a fantastic review!!

[@Halv_Turken]

im so getting the new one, looks so awsome. how can you seriously not wanna buy that? :)

[@wojtek_kos]

You nailed this one Ray, great review ! Can you say something positive about muscle fatigue score ? Is it accurete/useful ?

[@Rafix-drummer]

Hi, how do I download maps to the POLAR GRIT X2 PRO watch? Or maybe you can download maps only in certain countries in the world. I would love if you to upload a video of the steps on how to download maps step by step. And again thank you very much for this amazing video.

[@stevendeckert6373]

Ugh, as a long-time polar user I really wanted them to nail this one. Garmin and even Suunto with the race are so far ahead at this point. I wish garmin supported classic and skate rollerskiing as activities so I'd have no excuse for sticking with polar.

[@jimbeam4736]

In which way is the Suunto Race ahead - except for the lower price of course?

[@stevendeckert6373]

@@jimbeam4736 battery life is the big one. Navigation with maps and creating courses without needing a computer or separate app, GPS accuracy

[@stevendeckert6373]

Suunto also has a sapphire glass screen coupled with the lower price.

[@stevendeckert6373]

@@jimbeam4736 battery life is the big one, navigation/course routing and gps accuracy, structured workouts

[@sebastiandavid2466]

Thank you for the detailed review. One Point I am Missing ist the ability in pool swimming. Ist this watch counting the lanes correctely?

[@alexanderhamilton6370]

So sad because I find the watch so beautiful, even the non-Titan version! But there just aren't any realistically positive reviews. Thanks for this!

[@MrMorisman]

polar x2 pro doesn't count steps well, it shows more steps and calories, can it be fixed from the app?

[@blackhawk69100]

If your not into Garmin or Coros, this is a hard sell over the Suunto Race. Wether you like Suunto or not, the standard race is at a very aggressive price point that's not far from half the price of the Grit X 2 pro.

[@JyvaslentisM2]

I've waited for this review like a rising moon (a Finnish phrase), since the first look video! I feel like Polar are lacking way behind their competitors, but still most of my friends and people overall use their watches here in Finland. I am familiar with the "support local" thinking, but still.. Buying a Vantage M2 two years ago as a brand new release and it getting little to no software updates and switching to Garmin Forerunner 955, which has much more to it and has been getting all the high-end software features from Epix 2 Pro and Fenix 7 Pro via software updates has been an eye-opener for me. Polar having the same god damn UI look year after year seems really disappointing. That could be a factor that would revitalise their lineup a bit, if nothing else is getting changed. Maps look pretty poor compared to Garmin's ones having all the street names, downhill skiing trails and shadings. When looking at the features of the new Grit X2 Pro, the list had little to nothing more than my Forerunner 955 and I feel like many features that the 955 has are taken to a much higher level. Would be nice to have a comparison between Grit X2 Pro and Forerunner 965, since they both have AMOLED screens. Price-wise I agree with Ray that Grit X2 Pro is way too pricey: Garmin Forerunner 965 -679€ Polar Grit X2 Pro -749€ Anyway, now I'll head to watch this masterpiece of a video!

[@ManojSingh-ww9wm]

I had the Fenix 7 pro sapphire and still use my Polar Grit X Pro and Polar Pacer. The Fenix crashed several times with the newest firmware few weeks ago. The Web Interface from Garmin connect doesn’t reach the good structured overview from Polar flow (Web). Both Polar watches deliver high accuracy considering heart rate and metrics. Maybe the Grit X Pro 2 didn’t deliver that time you tested it, and I agree it shouldn’t be that bad. Tests considering hrv with Garmin watches resulted very bad - no one ever talked about this… However Garmin still has many… at least Software Problems, well known since decades with their gps devices. So in summary I think the better ecosystem is Polar. Watches from m400; m800 up to the latest mip Polar watches are fine I think. However I wish the new Polar Vantage M3 will be as reliable as my other Polar watches and not a disappointment like your Grit X2 Pro…

[@torbjornhb]

Love the honesty. This is actually the first watch I reviewed where I recommended to stay off...🙄

[@Dcrainmaker]

Thanks! I just call it like it is!

[@miramar-103]

does the screen stay on all the time without any dimming? I tried the garmin and it kept dimming after a few seconds

[@markramsey2401]

I was interested in this watch but that compass calibration problem you described is a deal breaker. Thanks for saving me $1000 CAD

[@lukienduro]

How long does it take to fully charge Polar Grit X2 Pro (with usb-c cabel/ computer) ?

[@anthonyrampino7734]

With all that being said, which watch and ecosystem is easier to use, coros or polar?

[@wulloutdoors]

which one you buy Fenix7 Pro or this one ??

[@supo_sk]

Is there any difference in screen brightness between phones and watches? I mean I have iphone with 800 (1200 nits in hdr) but in direct sunlight I have a problem to see it. And I live in Central Europe, so far from summer in Florida. How could be similiar display in terms of nits be good visible at watch?

[@supo_sk]

I can imagine how great are apple watches with 2000 or 3000 nits. But really is 1000 enough? As in Epix or here in Polar?

[@Dcrainmaker]

No problems with 1,000 nits on a watch. The big difference between your phone and these devices, is that your phone actually can't maintain the 1,000 nits very long outside (especially in heat). In most cases, your phone will very quickly (often within seconds) shift back down to about 600 nits. That's a massive difference between 1,000 nits and 600 nits, the difference between 'That's really hard to see' and 'no problems'. You've probably noticed how at one point the phone was fine to see, then all of a sudden it's hard to see. That's the downshift. These watches don't do that though, when your wrist is raised, they stay at high brightness levels. (Said as someone who just got back this weekend, from two weeks in the Daytona area, using the Grit X2 Pro and other AMOLED units).

[@brunopistelli_]

Who the best, Epix Pro 51mm or Polar Grit X2 Pro?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Money no object (though honestly, depending on sales, it's the same price), Epix Pro 51mm. Obviously a bigger watch though.

[@brunopistelli_]

@@Dcrainmaker But because the Epix Pro is 51mm, don't you think it's too big on the WRIST? I find the Polar App and POLAR Connectivity a little prehistoric in relation to use with a Smartphone. The Garmin has a connection closer to an Apple watch and also has several other functions.

[@NickW90]

This watch looks so much nicer than my epix pro gen 2 but with no music function makes it a deal breaker.. does anyone know who sells a nice leather band like this but for a garmin epix pro?

[@David2on]

They recently had a sale too. Dodged a bullet. Ty

[@paulkline3011]

You are the best!!!

[@OeijRonny]

i bought polar grit x2 pro a week ago... the screen on the right edge is brighter, is that still normal?

[@jimbeam4736]

no

[@OeijRonny]

@@jimbeam4736 what do I have to do? is it still under warranty?

[@Lasombra08]

​@@OeijRonny Yes. Contact Polar support.

[@chil5150]

Great review, definitely won't be purchasing a Polar given all the issues; shouldn't have to wait till they eventually get fixed, needs to work straight out of the box. Thanks again.

[@rasherdk]

I will never understand why Strava's routes do not include navigation cues. Classic Strava situation of half-assing it.

[@briancross4415]

Sticking with Garmin.

[@pedrovorpholiveira9154]

Epix Gen 2 is still the best option. But Polar like Suunto are better nowadays...

[@caderik1386]

It's a great review but I don't understand your accuracy comments on the polar vs the garmin ones. The garmin watch GPS and HR charts are far from perfect, I wish the "accuracy" between watches was measured a bit more scientifically instead of comparing points on a chart. (I have a garmin and see consistently issues with GPS and wrist HR)

[@Dcrainmaker]

Can you describe "more scientific"? HR is compared to known good chest strap, seconary arm sensors, and multiple other units, which is cross referenced with what actually happened (e.g. knowing the difference between a chest strap error or not). On GPS, that's also compard to upwards of 7 units concurrently, again, with knowing where I actually was.

[@caderik1386]

@@Dcrainmaker Thinking something like an accuracy score that crunches the whole graph into a single number and calculates error between proven chest strap and watch. There are several factors and calculations that could be included. This could give more nuance to comparison of watches that do have errors.

[@harrymacintyre]

..like a simple tide watch, high & low in large writing for a GPS location

[@erva1976]

Great video and a great watch. Polar Flow platform is unbeatable. The watch will improve with time. Only issue is that price - I’m sure it’s going to be discounted in a few months.

[@timbob.]

Eight O clock update caused me to spit laugh a mouthful of water I was trying to drink!

[@Cohiba100]

I honestly see no point in paying $200-300 more for this than the Vantage V3 considering they are identical inside.

[@UncleY4nn]

21:43 Shouldn’t you compare it to the Garmin Fenix 6/7? Or why did you chose other Garmin watches?

[@Dcrainmaker]

The Epix is simply the AMOLED Fenix (same exact features otherwise), just a different name. This is an AMOLED watch, thus, compared against the Epix series instead of the Fenix series. Either way, Epix/Fenix are the same price.

[@UncleY4nn]

@@Dcrainmaker The Fenix 7 Sapphire Solar is listed for 849.99 EUR in the Garmin webshop. Epix 2 sapphire for 829.99 EUR. 🤔

[@EileenTheCr0w]

I think the Fenix 7x seems like a better value here. But this is still a really good watch

[@BenJamin-rt7ui]

Nice hike.

[@jorge-mendes]

Welcome to Madeira Island 🎉🎉🎉🎉 did you like it ?

[@Dcrainmaker]

Loved it!

[@jorge-mendes]

@@Dcrainmaker great !!! Hope to see you soon 🙏🏻 I work in real estate, if you need I'll be very glad to help you 😉

[@izefreeze]

It's eye-opening how an outdated UI can make a good product feel old/cheap out the gate.

[@jaroslawiwanski3063]

Polar starts to produce sport watches as Garmin has from long ago.

[@smitm108]

Admitted life long Garmin fanboy but Polar’s philosophy, algorithm, etc., with tracking steps is a nonstarter - for my use anyway …

[@Foyzur32]

Polar are honestly so dumb. Like Microsoft, they could have been market leaders of watch and mobile tech respectively. Several years ago, polar introduced an android watch with polar training ecosystem, they were well ahead of Garmin, and they had to discontinued it. Grit X would be a hit if they based it on android, and offline maps would really put Garmin on the fence It means they could partner with the LL ikes of Samsung watches too

[@KC-UT4rmAZ]

I have always loved Polar and their watches but one thing I haven’t liked is their pricing. Vantage V3 should be 499$ Grit X2 Pro should be 600-700$

[@Dcrainmaker]

I would generaly agree with those prices. V3 for $449 to compete with Suunto Race, and Grit X2 Pro at $599 (base), and $699 for Titan. Done.

[@rsgt2023]

THE only amoled sports watch (also aw ultra) to have a true always on display during activity, it wont dim or anything, so great e.g. for a bike computer use. That does justify the price for me. Only other option would be a mip display watch...

[@flitschflatsch1096]

Shit just order this watch. Will test it. Thanks

[@Pustul]

Polar is so far behind its competitors… The interface from this watch is the same as my 200$ Polar Ignite from 2019 and it was already ugly and dated back then. I switched to Garmin and their watch interface is so much prettier, cleaner, they have many more functionalities and the connection between the watch and phone is 10 times better.

[@livingwithfshd]

polar has slowly been loosing this fan, it’s safe to say my next watch will not be a polar

[@WhisperII]

Polar don’t worth the price. My v3 is dead after two weeks. Start rebooting after running session, after that won’t start. So if you decide to buy their products always check if there is a warranty in your country.

[@jesusgjchuza6491]

Vool

[@Ariozo111]

For the price it’s 100% not worth it. Way better get an Epic Gen2 Pro and be happy.😊

[@tommybahamax]

Sorry, but this is a ABSOLUTE POS watch, a ZERO compared to Garmin Marq Gen 2, or even a Epix gen 2, the menu system is clunky, the app is extremely limited, customer service is a huge ZERO, sent it back, kept my Garmin... what a waste... Metric don't even compare remotely.... Cool looking watch though, and oh yeah, if you want to change and customize a watch face you can, but if you change it it wont save it so you have to remake any faces you custom make, just JUNK, i bought the Pro Grit X2 in titanium, over 1K...

[@korethoe262]

But the Polar CEO loves money!!!!! Zero percent chance I'll buy Polar again. These over-priced, unfinished wannabe Garmins need to be $299

[@DonGib888]

Not worth the money is it !!

[@DonGib888]

Have Polar given any feedback on the HR issue ?

[@goldfinga786able]

Free Palestine 🇵🇸

[@pedrovorpholiveira9154]

😅😅.🇮🇱