Polar Ignite GPS Fitness Smartwatch Review - Big on features, Small on Price! (Runners Perspective)

Polar Ignite
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[@tatyanagutnikova6576]

Using it for about 4 months now, for running and tracking my fitness levels. Easy to use and helpful. Polar Flow app is marvelous! Built a running program for myself to be more organized - works very good for me. Yes, waking the watch up is often a problem, I figured out a gesture for myself, that helped some. Sometimes the screen is slow to respond to touch, but not often. It is indeed OK for many people.

[@MOONMOON122]

Is it easy to wake up the display while running?

[@DonDudley]

I did some time with this watch for the Techy Agent channel. The wrist gesture not really working is not just your unit. That was the number 1 complaint we had with it. I also had some GPS issues with the watch. Thanks for giving an honest review, there seems to be very few of you guys out there.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Hey Don! I think I actually watched that review! Yeah, my biggest gripe was easily the gesture which I think they could address in a firmware update. I kept raising my wrist, nothing would happen, so I'd click the button and accidentally pause or end my workout. Overall though, decent watch at a solid price point. But the market is so saturated right now I think its going to be hard to compete with something like the Coros Pace which is similarly prices.

[@wranian]

I have an. Ignite 2. I agree with the review. I have had the watch over a year and do not want to change it

[@JuliexSteadman]

I bought this as a fitness tracker to encourange myself to be more active. I prefer it over the 'Fitbit' because it rewards heart rate rather than steps. If you are someone who does forms of excercise other than walking or running you dont get brownie points from Fitbit. I love the software on the Polar devices. I have also had the Polar M600 which is a full blown smart watch but i wanted something that looked nicer on the wrist. I also found the smart watch functionaility irritating in that it alerts you for all sorts of messages, not just text or whatsapp and I was struggling to find where you switch it on. I wasnt really using the smart watch aspect of it and so I prefere the simpler Polar Ignite even though the M600 had an always on display.

[@JuliexSteadman]

SCREEN CAN BE 'ALWAYS ON' DURING TRAINING. Pull down from the top in a training mode screen and there is an option to turn the light on so its constant. It automatically goes off when you come out of training mode. It has to be set for each training session. But I find that in normal mode the screen is slow to come on. I have to really flick my wrist to make it respond, sometimes more than once. I find the screen easy to read in bright light though when its on.

[@sarahb.6475]

I bought a Polar Ignite on Sunday. And I was having a very hard time finding the Start button on the watch. I was scrolling up and down and sideways through all of those screens (lock, heartbeat, how far you walked today, etc) but nowhere could i actually find the Start or where you chose the activity that you want to do!! It was very frustrating! I was stuck using the app only but then it doesnt record any heart rate data as the watch doesnt seem to know you are actually training. And your video showed me how to get to that screen! Which is more than the Polar video did. Thanks!!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Oh man! That's frustrating. I'm glad you found what you needed. Thanks for watching!

[@mfunf]

Nice trick for enhanced GPS accuracy - "GPS Soaking" ie when you want to do an activity and your watch gets a GPS signal just stay there for a couple more minutes to enable it to better lock into signal . This works very nicely - I also have a Garmin Fenix 5x and when I go for a hike and use this trick I get almost the same GPS results with Ignite as with the Fenix .

[@ChaseTheSummit]

For sure! Thanks for sharing.

[@magnushultqvist]

Bought it yesterday as my first fitness watch. I do MTB and kayaking. Now I will start running to. It also looks good

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@Prof856]

This was the best review for me on this watch. Thanks bro! I am sold as an average runner.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Glad I could help

[@tatyana.kurnisheva]

Took one Polar Ignite today! :) It looks soo good! I hope this works perfectly as well!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Hope you like it!

[@tatyana.kurnisheva]

@@ChaseTheSummit It works amazing. 😍🙏 Battery runs around 2-3 days. But it's worthy! 🤗

[@rosalindspringer]

Yes, it was very helpful. I bought a Polar Ignite yesterday (Friday).

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Nice!

[@Jez2008UK]

I've ordered myself one of these for christmas - and I reckon you're on the money with regards to exactly who is this for. I'm new to these devices and whilst I'm not a runner, I like going for the odd trek, I walk to work, I do some body-weight exercises etc etc. I'm not overweight or anything, probably say I'm in not bad shape at all. But I'm not a die-hard marathon runner, who I think this would NOT suit (because those / you guys are serious and need accurate, non-frustrating gear). So for people like myself, who don't even wear a watch, and are just looking to take better care of themselves, I think this is a good device to have that'll help. Great review. And yes, I also DO hope that they can update some of that software with a firmware update :)

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I hope you enjoy it! Thanks for watching!

[@romansteinbrenner]

Jez I AM i would say the best watch for that kind of users is the Apple Watch

[@ganesang5537]

Dave, you're the Peter McKinnon of smartwatchology! Subscribed! 👍

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Haha! Thanks man that means a lot. I love Peters work! Though, watching these older videos makes me cringe a little 😂 . Thanks for watching.

[@kevinscott4938]

Cheers for the review! I have a Garmin 735xt and trying to decide on this vs 245/645!

[@BallOfSteel]

Thanks for the review and information. Seems like it is more than enough for my needs and downsides are not biggie for me so I bought it now with price of 119€ (=$145).

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Glad you found it useful!

[@Punz4]

You can swipe down from the top of display while you training. Then you will see the icon that you can press for always-on display. 😁 By the way , Nice review.👍

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks for the tip! I noticed that but I assumed it would cripple the battery life in GPS mode? Thanks for watching!

[@MiniProppen]

Picking one up AT ONCE after that review... THANKS ;)

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@polohaodha]

Nice honest review. Appreciate it.

[@davidosolo]

Really great review. Thanks a lot!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks for watching!

[@carlosmobellan9443]

Thanks for the great video!

[@marksardar4557]

Bought a spare usb lead. Hopeful I will be able to connect to a small battery when using always on on the MTB.

[@TonyObilana]

Thanks for a detailed review, just picked one up and as a beginner type runner, I am sort of glad I did and looking forward to using it on my fitness journey.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sbepari]

Hi. Nice review. You said the Polar Ignite does give VO2 max, but like a Garmin gives the fitness age does this as well show the fitness age?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I didn't see a "fitness age" in the app or website but I could have possibly missed it. I think this just may be a Garmin thing.

[@klaravladarova4114]

Thanks for a great review. That's definitely worthy the time to me :)!

[@Joanniep06]

Thanks! I just got it as a bday gift and will use it for the first time in a workout today.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Happy birthday!

[@d-a-r-e-k]

A very nice review. Thanks.

[@hardmtnbiker]

For $200 what do you think compared to the Garmin Vivo active 3 or the Fitbit Ionic or others at similar price points? It seems like the Polar gives you more for the money for those that don’t wanna spend $400 plus on high end HRM/GPS watches. Personally I would rather have a Garmin Edge for my bikes and just a inexpensive watch for runs/gym and activity monitoring. Let’s face the facts, digital tech watches are going to just have more and get cheaper every year.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

They're pretty similar. The Vivoactive does have the option to have onboard music though and better battery due to the transflective display versus Oled. At this point I'd say buy based on software/ecosystem. Garmin Connect is fantastic and continues to get better. And if you upgrade you'll keep all of your historical data in the same platform. From that perspective I'd lean towards Garmin. Although I also really like the Coros Pace which is a similar price point and has better features if endurance sports is your cup of tea. Hope that helps! Thanks for watching!

[@hardmtnbiker]

Chase the Summit thank you very much. This helps a lot.. I have been using Polar HRM but the $200 M600 has been giving me a headache with it’s disconnecting to my iPhone X and the new iOS . I actually have Polar Personal Training and now Polar Flow records for over a decade. I’ve heard the Garmin Connect work great with iOS and either I switch to Android or change HRM watches. At this point I might as well look at Cronos too.

[@colinrodenburg2754]

The fitness test is based off of resting heart rate and heart rate variability, and compares it to other people of your age and gender. Still not super accurate but hope this clears it up a little bit.

[@clarkebrogger2556]

Hey man. Love your channel!!! I am a rock and mountain climber and trail runner and I’m considering getting an Apple Watch. Basically because I need some smart watch features (music, texts,etc) when I’m running. Having my phone with me is driving me crazy. How reliable will it be in the mountains and on trail? Would you trust it to accommodate this kind of lifestyle? Or what would be your best suggestion for what I need in a budget watch ($400 or less)?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Just responded to your Instagram message. Thanks for watching!

[@jenns.4187]

Great review! Question; I noticed that the Polar HR monitor had green and red lights. Does Garmin use both or just green? My husband has been doing some research so that caught my eye :) thank you!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Garmin only has green lights for the HR sensor but does have additional red lights for the SPO2 sensor. Not sure that the colors play a roll in how well they work? Hope this helps. Thanks for watching!

[@theodorelife6883]

Thanks for the review of the Grit X, I am an ultramarathon cyclist but it seems no one really talks about cyclists when it comes to the Polar watches. I own an original Accurex II and want to get something newer. Which Polar would be best for me? do you recommend the Grit X or the Vantage?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

For triathlon type folks I would suggest checking out the Polar Vantage V2 that just came out a couple of weeks ago. I have a review on my channel. It's a super powerful watch! Thanks for watching.

[@Andrew.Chalov]

Thanks a lot for the video.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

You are welcome

[@deehbw9710]

Hi, thanks for your review. I'm looking to get my first fitness watch. The only feature I need is for it to tell me my estimated pace as I go so I know what speed I'm running at during the run, not just when I finish a mile. I also need GPS so I don't need my smartphone with me as I run. Would this be a good watch for accurately showing my pace or is there something else you recommend? Other features are nice, but less important, I don't need anything fancy. Thanks so much!

[@ChaseTheSummit]

The Ignite does display pace but the screen can be a little hard to read in direct sunlight. It's still a pretty great option for under $200. If you had a bigger budget I could suggest looking at the Polar Grit X, or Coros Apex. Hope that helps!

[@deehbw9710]

@@ChaseTheSummit thanks!

[@marksardar4557]

Biggest negative for me is when you look at battery replacement it says dispose of it after 500 charges. I fine connection to a PC can recharge

[@pieteradlporte]

Bought it and returned it. Says it all.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

What didn't you like about it? Thanks for watching!

[@romansteinbrenner]

pieter andre de la porte what Happend?

[@phoebet101]

Thank you for this. Would you say the calorie tracking is accurate? I have been sat down so far all day today, apart from a few walks to the kitchen etc. but says I have already burnt 1000 calories... not sure if correct?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

This is your total caloric burn including your basal metabolic rate. Your body burns calories just staying being alive and awake during the day. Active calories are only what you've burned during an activity (running, swimming, etc...) hope that helps!

[@sharonlinde1]

Good honest comments thank you

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks for watching!

[@szilvasipeter4030]

Just an easy question: How do I hit a lap during running? Not automatic just a lap when I want..

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Oddly there is no manual lap function on the ignite only automatic laps. Weird oversight on Polars part.

[@MOONMOON122]

Thanks! I have two questions: 1) Is the real time running pace accurate? 2) Does the display turn on when you raise your wrist while running? I have a Huawei GT2, I find the pace always lags a few seconds. And I am thinking of switching to something else.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Real time pace seemed pretty accurate and didn't jump around too much. The screen does turn on with gestures but as I stated in the video it wasn't perfect. Occasionally the screen wouldn't come on when I wanted it to but generally speaking it worked OK! Thanks for watching!

[@CHarlotte-ro4yi]

@@ChaseTheSummit You can turn the screen on for the whole workout time by swiping downwards when in training mode and turning on the background light permanently

[@JuliexSteadman]

Yes that is right. You can have 'Screen On' all the time during training as the user above says. Thats something I think he genunuinely didnt realise when doing the above video.

[@RyanLambertMusic]

Hey great video - what Garmin model do you use as a daily watch?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Currently I'm using the Fenix 6 Sapphire but I tend to swap out frequently. Thanks for watching!

[@Running-j5v]

hallo my friend one question please want to buy a sports watch simply because I am among two I want to know a pony is better and more correct in measuring Polar Ignite or Sunnto 3 Moss Gray

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I don't have experience with the Suunto 3 so I can't comment. Sorry!

[@Running-j5v]

@@ChaseTheSummit polar Ignite or Garmin forerunner 55 or 245 please

[@tomwatso]

I have one on order. We will see how it goes.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I hope it meets your needs!

[@rammstevie]

Nice review thanks man

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks for watching!

[@dcutl]

Great review. It looks like a nice running watch, but I think the Vantage is what I want.

[@marksardar4557]

Interesting and v useful. Great presentation.

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks for watching!

[@Deevro9]

Great Review ! Pls do a review on Amazfit GTS / GTR, its a cheap GPS smartwatch with great battery life

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks for watching. I have reached out to Amazfit about the GTS /GTR stat tuned!

[@Deevro9]

@@ChaseTheSummit thank you ! You are the best !👍👍👍

[@ItsMarysTime]

Great review! Question: I’m doubting between this one and the Garmin forerunner 735xt which one would you recommend me?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

That depends. The 735XT is much more of a "Sports Watch" with better battery life in activities and standby time. The Polar Ignite has a more vibrant touch enabled display which can be nice for "smart watch" type stuff like scrolling text messages. The display on the 735XT will be easier to read in direct sunlight during activities because it stays on. The Ignite uses Polar Flow for software, and of course the 735XT uses Garmin Connect... Both are fantastic. The 735XT has some primitive navigation tools if you wanted to follow a course. The Ignite does not. I'd say if you want something for "casual wear and some running" go with the Ignite. If you want more of a "hardcore sports and outdoor" watch go with the 735XT. Also, consider looking at refurbished Forerunner 935's as they're not much more expensive. Hope that helps!

[@ItsMarysTime]

Chase the Summit thank you!! You helped a lot!☺️

[@markmclean4908]

can I set it so that the watch will tell me to slow down/ speed yp if trying to run a 1 hour 30 half marathon

[@ChaseTheSummit]

You can set alerts for distance or duration but I don't believe the ignite has pace alerts. Hope that helps.

[@2010LEONELLO]

Excelent presentation 👌

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@MrGustavodepinho]

I’m not finding the manual lap in the ignite. Did you find it?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Unfortunately manual laps are not supported on the Ignite. They save this for the higher end models in the Vantage line. I would have liked to see it here though. Maybe down the road in firmware update? Thanks for watching!

[@gabrielavargasmartinez8376]

Gracias por la información!

[@amberingram3746]

Can you tell me where I can switch off the metric alert setting while running?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Hey Amber. It was in the app under device settings. The selection was "metric" "imperial" or "off"

[@SaahilKarande]

Ignite 229$ and Vantage M 167$ which ones the better choice?

[@JuliexSteadman]

I have the Ignite. The Vantage M doesnt have a touch screen and relies on buttons but does have an always on display. On the Ignnite you can have 'Always on' in training mode. The Vantage M has the same functionaility as the more expensive V but Vantage V has a touch screen. I believe there is more specialist athlete functionality in the M and the V. I bought my Ignite just as a general fitness tracker as it rewards heart rate rather than steps like the Fitbit does. Fitbits are only good if you just walk or run.

[@konradpietruszka1069]

If I would wear polar h10 HR belt during exercise and start tracking activity on the watch will watch recognise it and overwrite wrist HR readings with the ones from the HR belt? Or after sync I will have 2 separate activities or double count of calories in one activity?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

If you pair your Bluetooth Smart HR sensor with the Polar Ignite in the settings it will use the HR strap instead of the wrist based heart rate sensor. Hope that helps!

[@konradpietruszka1069]

@@ChaseTheSummit cheers

[@daphnekila9177]

I am doubting Between Polar Ignite and Samsung active 2. Which one doe you ting is the best?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

It depends. The samsung is a much "smarter" watch while the polar is more of a GPS fitness watch. You'll get better battery life out of the Polar but there are more features/apps in the Android / Samsung ecosystem. If you're just looking for something for running I'd say polar. If you want a smartwatch Id say Samsung. Hope that helps!

[@daphnekila9177]

I am looking for a sport/health watch. Heart rate, stress, sleep and calorie burning are the most important and my coach must be able to watch. I also red something about the Garmin 245. What do you recommend?

[@daphnekila9177]

To be honest I am still a little al over the place. I am new to this so outside from what is important for my coach to know, I am not sure what it has to offer more. (I like my analog watch and I don't really want to replace it so I guess I'm going to live my life with both)

[@juanmigueldegleue2992]

Great video. I got one

[@rushtonian]

Can you upload your own running map/route to follow?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Unfortunately navigation isn't supported on the Ignite. You'd need something like the Polar Grit X.

[@valeriagalmarini920]

Great review, thank you! I'm really struggling to understand weather I should get this one or a Garmin vivoactive 4.. I'm into HIIT training, some hiking (1 a week) and sometimes I run.. What would you suggest?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

The Vivoactive has a few more features and also substantially longer battery life due to it's transflective screen rather than the LED screen of the Polar Ignite. You also have the option of having music on board. Fore pure metrics the Ignite is a great choice, but if you want something a little smarter the Vivoactive 4 is a good choice. The Garmin Venu is also very similar to the Vivoactive 4. The only difference is that it has an LED screen like the ignite. Hope that helps!

[@hey94053]

I'm going between those 2 as well. Which one did you go with?

[@asd13eqe13]

Should i get the ignite or vantage m?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Tough call, if your heart is set on Polar I'd say step up the the Vantage M if you can afford it. It's not much more expensive at their current prices and offers much better battery life, more sport profiles, and a few other bells and whistles. Hope that helps!

[@mf3616]

How's the GPS on the Ignite compared to a Garmin?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Depends on which Garmin but I'd say it's pretty similar to something like a Forerunner 245. Hope that helps!

[@pumpchaser5385]

Would you mind trying out timex ironman r300

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I'd love to, do you have one to send me?!

[@zeljkoruzicic9491]

bluetooth connection does not work on polar devices ...don't by Polar

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I'm not sure I understand.

[@eivindnr.215]

Takk for informasjonen.

[@dyvel]

If you ran a marathon yesterday, the sleep is probably not what's stopping you from running a 10k, is it? :D

[@ChaseTheSummit]

I suppose that depends on who you are 😉

[@dyvel]

@@ChaseTheSummit good point ;)

[@j.seffden1222]

nice video bro

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Thanks!

[@kurtdecin7494]

Thx for the info!

[@robertopuppo3035]

Grande .....top.....

[@grandpremierexpress7941]

We thought that the Forerunner 945 is your daily driver...what happened?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Haha, a few others have called me out on that! I decided to stick with the Fenix 6 because its a bit more durable and I liked the power mode options. Plus, I like shiny new things. The 945 is still an awesome device and does almost everything the Fenix 6 does... I find myself recommending it all the time. But for me the Fenix 6 is on my wrist day-to-day for now... Until the 955 comes out 🙃

[@grandpremierexpress7941]

@@ChaseTheSummit is not to heavy? especially sleeping with it?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

@@grandpremierexpress7941 it's big and heavy but I've gotten used to it. I sleep with it every night. Thanks for watching!

[@grandpremierexpress7941]

@@ChaseTheSummit sorry...last question: do you prefer the sapphire version or NON sapphire ? Because I heard the sapphire version is a little bit dim indoor and has a glare as well...

[@ChaseTheSummit]

@@grandpremierexpress7941 I ended up going with the sapphire version. Durabilitu trumps visibility for me. The slight difference in visibility is only noticable if you have them side by side. In normal use it's never been an issue. Also, once you put a screen protector on the non-sapphire it becomes just as dim as the sapphire.

[@mbolandi1]

Is the calorie accuracy good in this device?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

About as good as most of the Garmin and Coros devices I've tested. They're all a little off but the Polar Ignite wasn't drastically different from the others. Thanks for watching!

[@RambinoYT]

It's a shame you can't play music or connect Bluetooth to the watch and listen to music...i still have to run with my phone in my hand

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Kind of a bummer!

[@rajjyotideka1376]

Nice

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@rajjyotideka1376]

@@ChaseTheSummit yaa

[@misterjones30044]

Am I the only one who doesn’t know how heavy a gram is?

[@ChaseTheSummit]

For reference one paperclip is approximately one gram. 👌

[@marksardar4557]

When the usb charger wont near the end of battery life.

[@noexcusejenn8960]

why do you know so much about watches

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Because I'm a nerd 🤓

[@zeljkoruzicic9491]

Don't by Polar

[@ChaseTheSummit]

Why?

[@zeljkoruzicic9491]

@@ChaseTheSummit the connection of the watch with the phone lasts a few minutes and is lost, the screen is very dark and nothing can be seen in low light, bigger deviations of Hrm and Gps than Garmin, it takes a long time to find Gps ..