Polar Vantage V2 GPS Sportswatch // In-Depth Review

[@mlegrand]

Fantastic review Des! All of those FTP tests and running ramp tests must have made for a hard week! 👌

[@DesFit]

Polar owes me like 10 pizzas. 😂 Thanks Matt!

[@krystalp113]

You’re the best ever! So glad I found your channel!

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@krystalp113]

One other question though, would you say the BIGGEST difference in the vantage m2 and v2 is having touchscreen or not? Did you find using the watch without a touchscreen was a bit cumbersome or was the experience still good?

[@DesFit]

The altimeter and running power from the wrist are the other big differences. The touchscreen isn’t a huge difference for me personally since I prefer physical buttons but I can see how some people may like it.

[@krystalp113]

Okay! Well in that case, I’m looking forward to trying buttons. You are the guru and I look up to what you say lol

[@alperucar5496]

coros apex pro or polar vantage V2 ? CHOSE ONE. i beleive and trust you

[@theodorelife6883]

Thanks for the review of the Vantage V2, I sent a previous email because I am also looking at the Grid 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?

[@rayn-studio]

Hi Des, Will there also be an update for the vantage m this year?

[@patsmythe1880]

Great stuff Des. Is it just me or does Polar's software still seem to lag behind the competition (screen resolution, colour, responsiveness)? This coming from someone with a 6 year old M400 and not really seeing any reason to upgrade.

[@DesFit]

Ya, I sort of feel the same way. I see them putting a lot of work under the covers in regards to the science and the data, but would love to see more updates on the surface...like maybe even a timeout setting for the backlight? 🤷‍♂️ Thanks!

[@jokaman03]

I also have a M400 and I noticed the same thing. The bezel is also a tad big and how they decrease it in the future. I want to stay with Polar, but looking at the competition im still on the fence

[@migo33]

Thanks for the well articulated review. Is it far better than the vantage M? I've been using the VM for a few years and it's not that great. It takes forever to sense my heart rate, is quite useless for swimming and GPS is 'meh'.

[@philipoien7299]

I wonder if polar is ever going to include SpO2 on any of their devices.

[@ericsisk1]

Great video Des! Also, the lecture joke 🤣 Thanks dude!

[@DesFit]

Thanks Eric! Hope all is well!

[@ericsisk1]

DesFit It is. Same to you man

[@tau007]

Thank you for your excellent review, Why Polar doesn't include SPO2? Why test if most brands calculate these factor automatically.

[@DesFit]

Polar isn’t prioritizing SPO2 at the moment but you’re right, other devices just calculate such things without tests.

[@KoalaOalaJones]

Hello 👋🏼 how well does this watch and the grit x do with recording two activities right after each other? For example, when you go from biking to running do you have to stop the first activity and record a new one or is there a way to go from one to another through a certain setting and do you find it easy/hard to do on the watch?

[@trailzrock2]

You dont. It has a triathlon mode

[@neuschf]

It has a multisport mode where you can pause the workout and then continue either with the same or with a different sport. So not only triathlon but pretty much every combination of sports is possible. It records "transition time" while the pause menu is open.

[@johnmanley4528]

Hi Des. I wonder who predicted this. Lol! The last Vantage got criticized for having a dim screen. Does it look brighter to you? Can you invert the background from dark to white? And, no M2? I think last time Polar releases the V and M at the same time.

[@DesFit]

Well, the leaks were everywhere on this so you definitely had a bit of help 😂 The screen is the same and it does not have a white background option.

[@johnmanley4528]

@@DesFit I can't take sole credit for that prediction. Lol! That is disappointing that it's still the same basic dull screen. And, you can't invert colors to a white background? My Garmin Vivoactive 3 does that fine.

[@DesFit]

Customization isn’t necessarily on Polar’s list of priorities. I do wish there was more even with something as basic as a backlight timeout setting.

[@johnmanley4528]

@@DesFit Exactly. They need more programmers or something. They do some things well and it's a nice looking watch, but at $500, I'm not sure. As one of your commenter said this would appeal to a pro but not a regular athletic type

[@DesFit]

Nope, they aren’t aiming for that audience, at least with the V2, but I think that’s OK. That’s what the Ignite is for. But the Ignite could also use a lot of that interface love.

[@mwawd]

I love your channel ! You always blow these reviews away. Could you please do an in depth review of the Suunto 7 watch ?

[@josephthesecond3005]

when are you planning on posting the full detailed review/analysis of the Apple Watch SE? I'm waiting to see it before I make a purchase. Thanks!

[@DesFit]

Within a week or so. Thanks for the patience!

[@ivanarsovski6243]

Hi there...great review...polar V2 or coros apex pro?

[@saulabram3633]

Hello, I hope all is well with you. I was just wondering, how accurate do you think the Garmin fenix 6 sapphire is in terms of step counting, heart rate etc... I was wondering which watch I should get. I am mostly decided on the garmin fenix 6, but it is a lot of money and I want to be sure that the fenix 7 is not coming out really soon. What would you recommend buying. Should i go for sapphire or solar? Also I am a bit of a runner and do not want to burn too much cash unless I am getting a really good and useful product. Is the fenix 6x sapphire that product? I also really need something with great battery life. The vertix looks okay but I don't like the look of that roll crown..... also the suunto 9 baro has been around for a while and is due for an update. I have also heard their software isn't good on their watches. the polar v2 seems lacking in durability and I am looking for high build quality and durability. Please let me know.

[@archiotek]

Hi, your reviews are amazing. I currently use a Huawei band, that has done a pretty decent job to track my activities and workouts. I had a garmin forerunner years ago and I loved it. I've been thinking about upgrading my gear since I'm taking my workouts more seriously. I've always liked Garmin more than Polar and was almost convinced I would get the vivoactive 3, but now I'm not so sure, probably the Vantage V2 is too much for me but maybe the Vantage M could be a better fit. I do indoor and outdoor biking, strength workout mostly and I'm about to start indoor swimming regularly. Which would be a better fit?

[@DesFit]

I’d probably go for the Vantage V2 vs the VA3, with one of the main reasons being more physical buttons to interact with the device vs only one button and a touchscreen. Plus, lots more in terms of cycling specific functions like power meter support.

[@mukundj]

Great stuff des. I am a football enthusiast..want to know what does the football mode has to offer

[@pruteanu6]

Good review Des

[@DesFit]

Thanks Dragos!

[@francobellomo9979]

Hello, I really like your reviews, always well detailed. I would like you to help me choose a sports watch for clean lifting, gym and martial arts, which one do you recommend? I had a Garmin F245 and I didn't like it, the body battery is very impressive.

[@vadymzolotarov6903]

Hello! Please tell me if it is possible to use "nightly recharge" and "recovery pro + orthostatic test" in this watch at the same time or you need to choose one of these functions, as it was in the previous Polar vantage V? Thanks.

[@DesFit]

You have to use either Recovery Pro or Nightly Recharge as an option in Recovery Tracking. You have to pick one or the other.

[@flippodud]

@@DesFit Actually you can use it simultaneously by using Nightly Recharge as the default recovery. You can then still do orthostatic tests and you will get recovery feedback on the watch (on the app it will be determined by Nightly Recharge).

[@crgtylr]

Ok, so here is the question at hand for me. I was just about to buy the Grit-X, so, do I wait for this or get the Grit-X now? Waited 6 months to be able to get the Grit-X and now what?

[@DesFit]

If you want the latest and greatest it’s probably best to purchase right as a device comes out. This is currently Polar’s flagship model but there are also reasons to still consider the Grit X such as durability, which is not to say the Vantage V2 isn’t durable, just that the Grit X is built to take some abuse.

[@crgtylr]

@@DesFit Thank you!!

[@DesFit]

Sure thing!

[@jakubbrzoska1525]

1. Is there drill mode in pool swim? 2. Can you input wheel size less than 1000mm in indoor bike?

[@bobby4500]

how is battery life without gps usage?

[@theodorelife6883]

You mentioned that a power meter is needed to take full advantage of the V2's feature, any suggestions as to which power meter you prefer?

[@DesFit]

I like the Favero Assioma or Garmin Vector 3s for pedals, Qwark for cranks.

[@hardmtnbiker]

I use the polar H9 HRM sensor. It links with my Vantage M and Garmin Edge 530 simultaneously. Does the V2 support this?

[@ACaseyPodcast]

Ah yea defo.

[@DesFit]

The H9 has one Bluetooth connection and unlimited ANT+ connections. The V2 will use the BT connection and the Edge will connect via ANT+.

[@JuniorDoug1982]

I’ve got a 945 that I love but it’s too big for my wrist. I can get the V2 for an incredible price (around £350) or the 745 for just over £400. Which would you say is the better watxh? The 745 or the Polar V2?

[@DesFit]

In terms of size, I’d go for the 745. The Vantage V2 is a good watch but it’s closer to the 945 in size.

[@ProjectSOG]

hey Des, I'm trying to decide which wearable to get and I'm thinking either the vantage m2 or vantage v2. I primarily do CrossFit workouts but would like to incorporate heart rate training. What are your thoughts on the better device?

[@mariozamora9684]

For CrossFit, you will need an external heartrate sensor such as the H10 from Polar or any other brand.

[@ProjectSOG]

@@mariozamora9684 yes sir, that's the way to go

[@peterandhounds]

Great review, thanks Des! I wonder how the location of where the Running Power is collected from & the terrain affect the results. F.ex. I find my Stryd pod being spot on when running on flat roads, but can get pretty imprecise when on trails. Power-hiking up a steep, muddy trail, although very tough in real life, produces very low power numbers. Have you got any experience with this? Have you noticed a difference based on where you're collecting the data from?

[@DesFit]

There is less velocity when you are trail running, especially on steep sections and most definitely with muddy terrain. That's really why it's not ideal to completely rely on running power as a baseline for effort. Stryd pods work very well for the most part but there can be scenarios like yours where it may not be as beneficial. In those cases, maybe revert to heart rate. Thanks!

[@GrahamKinsella]

Deal on this watch now €300. This v apple 7 or 8 what would you do? Want multifunctional watch. Big polar fan use h10 strap for sport and have a series 1 Apple Watch yep series 1. Budget not a concern tried on ultra thought it was way too big and is €999 here! Advice welcome very useful videos. Returning to fitness and active but also professional life so want 1 watch for all. Really only use Apple Watch for rings.

[@ZarakiKempachi91]

Hey! Des i'm looking for a sportwatch... i want to be more active usually i don't do much activity but if i have a plan i follow it quite strictly... soo, basically i'm looking for a personal trainer on my wrist that set me a calendar plan to follow... do you think that this polar with fitspark (or the old Vantage V which is a lot cheaper this days) can be the solution...? i kinda like more the garmins though...

[@gabrieltimar3028]

Can you do another update review on the watch since last year polar has put out at least 4 new updates.

[@ketanmamtora4693]

Hi! When are you planning to post the full review of Apple Watch Series 6? I love your detailed reviews. If you can also do a comparison video among the recently launched smart watches with pros/cons, that will be great. Thanks so much.

[@DesFit]

I’m hoping to have it done next week. Thanks for your patience!

[@ketanmamtora4693]

@@DesFit look forward!

[@menezesadv]

This Polar allows mp3 files in its internal storage? Audio streaming apps included?

[@DesFit]

Just music controls for the audio playing on your phone, but it works with pretty much any app that's running on your phone.

[@menezesadv]

@@DesFit thanks man. For this feature, my M600 stills the best Polar ever...

[@janmckinnon5546]

Hi Des, thanks so much for a great informative video, so glad to have found you! I have a h10 polar chest strap. Would you say the chest strap would be more accurate for heart rate than this watch wrist sensor and is the chest strap easy to pair with the watch. I'm a mountain biker transitioning into road riding and time trials. Thanks so much for any advice. 🙂

[@DesFit]

Hi Jan, a chest HR strap will generally be the most accurate way to collect HR rate, second in line would be an optical arm HR sensor, then a wrist based. It's due to the location where the reading is taken as well as the technology with each kind of sensor. An H10 will work perfectly with this watch and it would deliver much more accurate results than the wrist for your types of activities. Thanks!

[@janmckinnon5546]

@@DesFit thank you so much! 🙂

[@DesFit]

Sure thing 👍

[@rishabhs14]

Awesome review as always. Will you be testing the Amazfit GTS2?

[@choc3732]

Des did you not talk about the jump test for leg readiness?

[@ericmendoza9305]

Great review my man!! Was wondering if you could do an in depth review of the amazfit stratos 3!!

[@DesFit]

I usually only cover devices when they first come out so maybe the next Stratos. Thanks!

[@ericmendoza9305]

What device do you recommend that gives accurate readings? Like calories burned, steps and hr? I mostly just do strength train and maybe outside runs.

[@maciejcmiel777]

Hello, do the vantage V2 straps match the first version? greetings 🙂

[@DesFit]

They are new straps that are easier to change.

[@maciejcmiel777]

@@DesFit thank you

[@DesFit]

Sure thing

[@linuskleveback]

@@DesFit Is it possible for the new straps to fit on the original Vantage V?

[@Dutchkurdo]

Please make an in depth review of the ticwatch pro 3

[@Soundbox212]

Do you think some new Vantage v2 updates will be on the Grit X? Perhaps in the form of a software update for the Grit X?

[@DesFit]

Unfortunately not 😕

[@Soundbox212]

@@DesFit That's a pity 😔 Especially because I recently bought the Grit X

[@minervali631]

@@Soundbox212 I've seen ppl online complaining about battery drain and hr drift offs. Polar is such a weird company. Their selection of what features is available to which watch has always been very confusing and they just released this new fitness watch with no support for ant+. It literally doesn't make any sense.

[@Soundbox212]

@@minervali631 Well, I do like my Polar watch, I find the HR accuracy very good and like the training load function a lot. The only thing that I don't like is that I bought the newest 'high end' Polar watch (definitely from price point perspective) one month ago with all the new features and one month later it feels kind of outdated with all the updates that come on the Vantage V2. Believe me, I do understand that there should be new functions if you release a new watch. But the Vantage V and Grit X come in almost the same price range so I would expect that some new functions would have been released for the Grit X also in a relatively simple firmware update..

[@drivetimemusic7320]

Hi Des does the V2 have an indoor rowing sport profile?

[@DesFit]

Sure does!

[@drivetimemusic7320]

Thanks much appreciated!

[@DesFit]

Sure thing!

[@drivetimemusic7320]

Last question. Hope it's not too much. Am trying to decide on the best watch to track indoor rowing, indoor cycling and stair climbing. Thinking of a Polar V2 or Garmin 245, 745 or fenix 6s plus. Leaning towards a smaller sized watch. Which one would you go for?

[@DesFit]

The 245 doesn’t have an altimeter so it won’t track floors climbed, so I’d lean towards the 745. 👍

[@faderautomation]

Please review a Xiaomi MI color watch

[@kubasamanda3305]

Best review 👍

[@DesFit]

Thanks!

[@MABBAS22]

wish this came before I bought Coros Apex

[@stefanx360]

Suunto9 vagy polar v2?

[@Marius.1926]

SpO2?

[@yakiweiss546]

It's so frustrating the differences between watch(vantage v) results and the Strava app. I usually run and swim, In open water it is the worst. makes me think about my next watch ..

[@darklegionnaire1]

hi des, you could get a simple weighing scale/machine to show actual weight, instead of 'advertised weight' I think it'll add value to your videos, based on strap change etc, you can show your viewers, accurate weight.

[@zahirig]

Cool device. Wish it had fall detection.

[@chh8478]

Please try to make review of ticwatch pro 3 and the vs with samsung galaxy watch 3

[@thanows]

what watch is on your right wrist?

[@DesFit]

Fitbit Sense

[@xenshin]

89 SLEEP SCORE! How? I cant seem to get enough sleep continuity

[@johnapple5697]

Instinct solar review?

[@gorantoljamo204]

thx!

[@DesFit]

Sure thing.

[@crzy030]

When is Fitbit Versa 3 and Sense coming?

[@DesFit]

Soon

[@mrmrcronos1]

V2 or 745?

[@fabioswallow1140]

But don't power off option?

[@DesFit]

Nope

[@marthalampropoulou]

Is it good for weight lifting and cross training?

[@DesFit]

It would be good while paired to an external heart rate strap for those types of activities.

[@marthalampropoulou]

@@DesFit thank you very much

[@marthalampropoulou]

@@DesFit also what about fenix 6 will I need a chest strap there too?

[@DesFit]

The only watch that gets reasonably good HR accuracy for weight training and cross training is an Apple Watch. Another alternative is an arm heart rate strap if you don’t like a chest strap. An arm heart rate strap isn’t perfectly accurate but much better than a watch.

[@marthalampropoulou]

@@DesFit eventually I decided to buy the polar and the strap I am upgrading from versa 2

[@TheKauaiboyz51]

That thick black bezel is a huge turnoff. Come on polar, it’s 2020!

[@wandatowellable]

I swear Im activily hunting a new watch but that bezel is awful. Completely off putting for me.

[@rayconboy3538]

What watch do you use - Fenix 6?

[@DesFit]

At least a dozen different watches throughout the year!

[@rayconboy3538]

@@DesFit Cool- appreciate the reply 🙏I’m looking to get something new. Moving away from Fitbit as their devices keep dying after 18mths. At the moment leaning towards 945 / Fenix 6 just waiting to see if a 955 is imminent. Cheers from Ireland 🤘

[@andrew_nayes]

no onboard music? such a shame having to bring your phone, because the watch looks very functional otherwise.

[@Anupkulkarni23]

Getting this error message" this video is unavailable on this device". Anyone else seen that?

[@jaewonlee6822]

Yeah same here

[@Anupkulkarni23]

That is wierd

[@DesFit]

Looks to be an error with KZbin processing. It should go away in a few hours from what I’ve read on the internets.

[@DesFit]

The video is back up now! 🤙

[@Anupkulkarni23]

@@DesFit thanks you Des

[@andreadama3366]

Nice review, i just wonder why you are talking so fasr, slower pace would be' much better. Congrats for the expertise you have

[@DesFit]

Sorry, that's just my natural pace. Plus, if I spoke any slower my videos would be twice as long! 😂 You can always use the.75 speed button to slow things down. Thanks!

[@robertkolberg3829]

5000 no Brasil!!!!!!!!

[@mohsendoraghi8164]

I don't think this watch is suitable for somebody who his goal is general fitness, it's definitely for people who are athletic or professional runners and cyclists, for 99% of the population I would say the kinds of watch that monitors heart rate 24/7 and gives a score like PAI or some firstbeat analysis is enough, there are some cheap options out there like, amazfit stratos, amazfit ares, mi watch color, huawei gt2, cheap watches start from 70$ goes to 150$,

[@DesFit]

Yup, that's definitely a correct assessment - this watch is aimed at athletes more than general fitness enthusiasts.

[@postcodeox278]

Hmmm its $699.00AU

[@travassosvaldez]

This bezel is ridiculous.

[@hellbloodyhammer]

Чтооо)?

[@freebirdp3887]

i don’t know why Polar makes its watches so huge.

[@DesFit]

This one is actually on the smaller side, plus it’s quite light at 52 grams.

[@trailzrock2]

Man, the Garmin 945 is way better. I really wanna love this Polar Vanrage V2, but its lacking some awesome features the 945 has. Like maps for when you do trail runs, Music, NFC payments and ofcourse ANT+ when you're biking on Zwift and your powermeter is paired with the ipad via Bluetooth basically making the Polar V2 useless because it doesn't have ANT+ . Damn you Polar. I want your watch, but you're just not checking all the important boxes.

[@RunnerRemRem]

ANT is a division of Garmin Canada Inc. Now you understand why Polar does not support ANT.

[@DesFit]

ANT is an open platform and lots of companies use it including direct competitors like COROS. Also, by the way, Polar heart rate monitors use ANT+.

[@RunnerRemRem]

DesFit yep, but it is not because Coros uses it that it changes the fact that Polar onviously wants to push Bluetooth and not ANT. ANT being part of Garmin might shed some light on why Polar has been so reticent in using ANT. Regarding the heart rate sensors, they are made to be paired with anything, so the more versatile they are the more they sell. Very different from a watch.

[@DesFit]

Wouldn’t the same argument apply to a watch though? The more versatile it is the more they would sell?